Former vice-governor Tadakazu Konishi has been named as a candidate for governor in Osaka’s “double election” to be held on 7 April.
His candidacy comes after the Liberal Democratic Party previously approached actor Takuro Tatsumi, who ultimately declined.
Konishi has ample experience in government and is well-versed in the political issues of Osaka Ishin (Initiatives from Osaka). He has been selected as a candidate with the ability to join forces with opposition to Osaka Ishin, including Komeito (Clean Government Party) and the Constitutional Democratic Party.
He first started working for Osaka prefecture in 1980. After holding positions such as chief of the general affairs department, he was appointed as vice-governor under Governor Matsui in 2012 and served as his right-hand man. However there was friction between the two regarding policy and administration. He retired, term unfinished, in 2015.
Candidates for Osaka’s gubernatorial election will officially be announced on 21 March and the city mayoral election on 24 March. The LDP is also working on securing a candidate for the city mayoral election.