Osaka’s election results show positive sign for IR development in Yumeshima Island

Candidates from Osaka Ishin (Initiatives from Osaka) have won the positions of Osaka prefectural governor and Osaka city mayor in the first half of Japan’s unified local government elections.

The guvernatorial election was won by Osaka city mayor, Hirofumi Yoshimura and the city mayoral election was won by former Osaka prefectural governor, Ichiro Matsui.

Victory by Osaka Ishin means the party will likely now accelerate plans to develop and open an integrated resort on Osaka’s Yumeshima Island before the 2025 World Expo.

The primary point of debate in the city’s elections was the Osaka Metropolis plan, which has been at the top of the list of Ishin policy since the party’s founding.

They also emphasised their success in winning the bid for the 2025 Kansai Expo, making education free and privatising the subway system.