Finally ending a long-running and ugly battle over political funds, Osaka-based members of Ishin no To (Japan Innovation Party) and those outside of the prefecture signed a statement of reconciliation Tuesday, agreeing to split the party's ¥1.5 billion in government subsidies and return money left unused to the government by the end of the month.
The Osaka-based members created a new party called Osaka Ishin no Kai on Oct. 31, which challenged the legitimacy of Ishin no To, led by President Yorihisa Matsuno.
The Osaka members, who held the party's bankbook and inkan seal, refused to hand them over to the Ishin no To executives outside of the prefecture.