Popular TV personality Junichi Ishida on Friday expressed his intention to run for Tokyo governor — provided he receives the backing of opposition parties.
In the latest in a string of names being floated as possible candidates to be jointly put forward by an opposition bloc, including the Democratic Party and the Japanese Communist Party, Ishida told a packed a news conference that he wouldn't go out of his way to seek endorsement from the opposition and would happily drop his candidacy if anyone else is deemed better suited.
"What I'm saying is that there has to be a unified candidate backed by the opposition. If anyone else is chosen, I'll be happy to support that person," Ishida said, adding he has not yet been approached by any political party.