Jun 19, 2012

Scrutinize 'special ward' plans

The ruling and opposition parties have respectively submitted bills designed to allow prefectures and other local governments to set up “special wards” — similar to those that exist in Tokyo — to the Diet. Behind this is a move by Osaka Mayor Toru Hashimoto, ...

Mar 16, 2012

Vague plan for Osaka metro

Osaka Mayor Toru Hashimoto in mid-February explained his pet idea of creating an Osaka metropolitan government to the local government system panel of the internal affairs ministry. His explanation was still rather vague. He should present a concrete idea as soon as possible so ...