Key Facts
• July 30, 2025: Hirofumi Yoshimura addressed Osaka Ishin no Kai meeting in Osaka.
• Yoshimura emphasized the “Osaka Metropolis Plan” and “Sub-Capital Plan” as key policies.
• The Metropolis Plan involves abolishing Osaka City and reorganizing it into special wards.
• Yoshimura called the plans “a mission” and urged members to “commit together.”
• Previous referendums on the Metropolis Plan were narrowly rejected twice.
• Yoshimura linked the Sub-Capital Plan’s success to the Metropolis Plan’s implementation.
• Osaka Ishin is drafting a new Metropolis Plan proposal, targeting post-Expo 2025.
• Yoshimura clarified this is not a formal “third challenge” announcement.
• A party member noted Yoshimura’s strong intent to revisit the Metropolis Plan.
Summary
Hirofumi Yoshimura, leader of Osaka Ishin no Kai and Governor of Osaka, reaffirmed his commitment to the “Osaka Metropolis Plan” during a party meeting on July 30, 2025. The plan, which aims to abolish Osaka City and reorganize it into special wards, has been a cornerstone policy for the party but was previously rejected in two referendums. Yoshimura also highlighted the “Sub-Capital Plan” as a key initiative, emphasizing its dependence on the Metropolis Plan’s success. While Osaka Ishin is preparing a new proposal for the plan, Yoshimura clarified that this is not an official declaration of a third referendum attempt. His remarks, however, signaled a renewed determination to pursue the policy, with party members noting his strong intent to revisit the issue after Expo 2025.
