National Democratic Party demands amendments to bill for Osaka's sub-capital status

The National Democratic Party has demanded amendments to a bill that would grant Osaka the status of a sub-capital. Critics argue that this designation is merely a tool to achieve the "Osaka Metropolis Plan," a long-standing political initiative aimed at reorganizing the city's administrative structure. The party's stance suggests a potential hurdle for the bill's passage, as they seek specific modifications before lending their support. The Osaka Metropolis Plan itself has been a subject of significant debate, proposing to dissolve the existing 24 wards of Osaka City and re-establish them as special wards under the prefecture's direct control. Proponents believe this reform would streamline governance and enhance Osaka's competitiveness. However, opponents have consistently raised concerns about the potential loss of local autonomy and the concentration of power. The National Democratic Party's call for amendments indicates that these concerns are still relevant and that consensus has not yet been reached on the proposed legislation. The specific nature of the requested amendments has not been detailed, but it is likely related to addressing the aforementioned criticisms regarding the sub-capital status and its connection to the broader metropolis plan. The outcome of these negotiations will be crucial for the future of Osaka's governance and its regional influence.