Yoshimura Hirofumi, who is the representative of the Japan Innovation Party and the governor of Osaka Prefecture, revealed his intention to enter national politics during a party executive meeting held in Osaka. This decision is contingent upon the successful majority approval of the upcoming residents' referendum concerning the 'Osaka Metropolis Plan,' which he aims to implement by April next year. Yoshimura indicated that if the plan passes, he could focus on establishing a secondary capital function in Osaka to serve as a backup during disasters, which would be pivotal in shaping the future governance of the city and its role on a national level.

The Osaka Metropolis Plan involves restructuring Osaka City into multiple special districts, a proposal that has been previously rejected in two referendums. During the latest officers' meeting held on the 15th, multiple attendees confirmed that Yoshimura shared his thoughts on his political future if the plan garners sufficient public support. He emphasized the importance of his vision for Osaka to become a secondary capital in disaster response efforts, signifying a transformative approach to regional governance as well as a commitment to enhancing the city's political significance in Japan.

Yoshimura also mentioned that with the approval of the Osaka Metropolis Plan, they can move forward not only with local governance but also establish a stronger presence in national politics. This comes after he successfully won re-election in a recent double election held on the 8th of this month alongside Yokoyama Hideyuki, the mayor of Osaka City and vice representative of the Japan Innovation Party. The upcoming referendum and its implications for the party could play a crucial role in reshaping political dynamics in Osaka and potentially the wider national political landscape in Japan.