Tokyo Gov. Shintaro Ishihara's attempt to appoint his right-hand man vice governor was blocked Monday by the Tokyo Metropolitan Assembly, casting a shadow over his relations with the Liberal Democratic Party and New Komeito-controlled body.

While the assembly approved the appointment of two metropolitan government bureaucrats to vice-governor posts, it effectively nixed Ishihara's choice for a third vice governor -- Takeo Hamauzu, 51, his former secretary -- by voting overwhelmingly to postpone its decision.

It was the first time in 32 years that the assembly has failed to approve a newly elected governor's nominee for vice governor.