Former Osaka Vice Gov. Tadakazu Konishi agreed Monday to be the Liberal Democratic Party candidate for governor in next month's election, ending a frantic search to find a candidate.
But local political and business leaders remain concerned about who will support him and what Osaka's chaotic political situation now means not only for local politics but also the economy, as well as local preparations for major international events like June's Group of 20 Leaders' Summit.
"I am entering the race because I'm not convinced of (the wisdom of) the public offices of governor and mayor being used to carry out an election," Konishi said at a news conference Friday evening to announce his candidacy.
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