When Prime Minister Yoshihide Suga said he would not run in the Liberal Democratic Party leadership race on Sept. 3, some in the party — those worried about fighting the upcoming general election under an unpopular leader — were relieved at the news.
But one political group was very sad to see him go — Nippon Ishin no Kai and its affiliate Osaka Ishin no Kai.
The parties have long enjoyed a warm relationship with Suga, especially Nippon Ishin co-leader and Osaka Mayor Ichiro Matsui. Following the news that Suga was resigning, Matsui praised his good friend, whom he met regularly and often spoke to by phone.