Osaka Mayor Toru Hashimoto may run against only a Japanese Communist Party candidate in the snap election he forced by announcing his resignation Monday, while tensions between his Osaka Ishin no Kai (One Osaka) group and its coalition partner, New Komeito, escalate over the future of his Osaka integration plan.
Neither the local chapters of the Liberal Democratic Party nor the Democratic Party of Japan, which are part of the opposition camp in the municipal assembly, plan to field candidates in the snap election now likely to take place in late March. The JCP was in final discussions Tuesday evening, and was leaning towards fielding a candidate.
In any case, the election carries political risks for Hashimoto and his group. The cost of holding the election could reach ¥600 million, which has many in Osaka Ishin worried about a voter backlash against the party for wasting money. They're also concerned that if turnout is lower than expected, it will end up strengthening the hand of integration opponents, including the JCP.