With Tokyo Gov. Yoichi Masuzoe having resigned, who will replace him is a matter of interest not only in Tokyo, but a question likely to impact the ruling Liberal Democratic Party and Komeito's fortunes in next month's Upper House election.
Various names have been bandied about as possible candidates, including former Osaka Gov. and Mayor Toru Hashimoto, who also co-founded Osaka Ishin no Kai national party that is quite close to the LDP on many issues.
Late last week, Hashimoto appeared to have ended speculation in the mainstream and tabloid media that he would bring his brash, confrontational and often crude brand of politics to the nation's capital when he flatly denied he would run for governor. Whatever other criticisms one can level at Hashimoto, he is not naive. He understands better than most, and certainly better than some Tokyo commentators, that what works (sort of) in Osaka is apt to fail miserably in Tokyo.