Actor and TV personality Takuro Tatsumi has declined a request by Japan’s ruling Liberal Democratic Party (LDP) to run for Osaka prefectural governor in the gubernatorial election to be held on 7 April.
According to reports by NHK and other news sources, the 60-year-old declined the request over the weekend, stating he “couldn’t get consent from his family.”
The LDP approached Tatsumi on 8 March, hoping he was the powerful candidate they needed to go up against the Osaka Ishin (Initiatives from Osaka) party and that he could gain the support of the minority parties.
Tatsumi was also considered to run for the LDP in the gubernatorial election held in the autumn of 2015, but declined. The notification deadline for the gubernatorial election is the 21 March and the LDP is in a hurry to secure a candidate.
Governor Matsui, leader of Osaka Ishin running in the Osaka city mayoral election, stated, “No matter who the candidate is, all we can do is continue to emphasize the necessity of the Osaka Metropolis plan.”
There is certainly a possibility that an opposing candidate will affect Osaka’s IR, scheduled for opening in 2024, as well.
Tatsumi is originally from Osaka. After graduating from Kyoto University, he made his acting debut on NHK’s morning serial drama and has also appeared on a number of variety shows.
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