On March 20th, the Osaka chapter of the Liberal Democratic Party (LDP) announced the initiation of a new system aimed at nurturing candidates for the forthcoming unified local elections scheduled for April. This 'Local Political Advisor System' will be officially launched on April 1, allowing for public recruitment, interviews, and the selection of dozens of individuals to be groomed for public candidacy. Following preliminary activities using party logos, formal endorsements will be issued in October based on candidates' performances and contributions.

The LDP faces increasing pressure from the Japan Innovation Party (Ishin no Kai) and has suffered several electoral defeats in national contests. During the 2024 House of Representatives elections, the LDP experienced a sweep of losses in districts within Osaka, with only one member regaining a seat through proportional representation. However, with a spike in support termed the 'Takaichi Boom' during the February elections, seven candidates from the LDP were successfully elected via single-member districts and proportional representation combined.

The party's new initiative is designed to capitalize on the previous electoral momentum in order to increase the number of local assembly members in the upcoming elections, aiming for a turnaround in their fortunes. Rui Matsukawa, the head of the Osaka chapter, emphasized in a press conference that the system lowers participation barriers for those interested in political engagement and seeks to cultivate a robust base of local politicians who can support Osaka's growth as a significant political force.