Tokyo and Osaka governors vie for national attention
As Yuriko Koike gears up for re-election in the Tokyo gubernatorial race, comparisons are being drawn between her and Osaka Gov. Hirofumi Yoshimura.
Osaka's second merger push faces pitfalls from pandemic, Abe's poll woes
Osaka voters will once again face a referendum on merging the city’s 24 wards following a decision on a plan that would create four large, semiautonomous wards.
Osaka panel OKs second and 'final' plan for citywide reorganization
"The approval of the final plan is just a passing point. It's the public who makes the decision," Osaka Gov. Hirofumi Yoshimura told reporters.
Expert urges Japan to keep up virus guard as most lack antibodies
Call for periodic tests follows findings in capital and Osaka and Miyagi prefectures.
Can Osaka's governor inspire change before he gets 'hammered down'?
There are several reasons, some unique to Osaka and the Kansai region, that account for the governor's newfound popularity.
The rise of Japan’s governors: Central-local relations during the pandemic
The actions of the nation's regional leaders during this crisis have been nothing short of extraordinary.
Osaka Gov. Hirofumi Yoshimura: From man of the hour to future prime minister?
Over the past few weeks, the governor has gone from being a locally liked politician to a national media darling.
Osaka governor draws rebuke from Tokyo for hinting at lack of guidance
Gov. Yoshimura’s choice of words has been criticized by minister Yasutoshi Nishimura, who is also in charge of overseeing virus containment measures.
The number of new infections, tests conducted and carriers with unknown infection routes could be included.
Governor moves to get Osaka back in business by mid-May despite pandemic
Despite the state of emergency, the governor appears eager to get businesses reopened before the government's expected extension ends.
Japan's governors under the spotlight as coronavirus pandemic rages
The coronavirus pandemic has prompted the national government to declare an emergency in seven prefectures. This, in turn, has put the spotlight on the powers and responsibilities of prefectural governors. Though often compared to state governors elsewhere, there are key differences. What is the current ...
Osaka to decide Monday whether to issue business suspension request
Osaka Prefecture will make a final decision Monday on whether to issue a business suspension request under a state of emergency over the new coronavirus, according to Gov. Hirofumi Yoshimura. While making the remark on Friday, the governor also said it is "difficult" for Osaka ...
