[ Asahi Shinbun : 25th July : morning edition ]
In a conference with Yokohama mayor Takada in Tokyo, Osaka governor Hashimoto reported that around 20 local governors have agreed to form a group pressing for regional decentralization from Tokyo in the next election and are ready to announce which party they will back.
According to information received by the Asahi Shinbun from governor Hashimoto, also present at today’s meeting with Nakada were Matsuyama city mayor Nakamura and Shinagawa prefecture Kaisei town mayor Roki. These four men are the driving force behind the decentralization campaign and are intending to win more support for their arguments. They are also appealing to Miyazaki governor Higashikokubaru to take part in their campaign. Hashimoto commented, “We want to make this a political movement that is not limited to only governors, or only mayors, or only town representatives – we want an inclusive campaign. Today was the kick-off.”
