At a time of political transition, Nippon Ishin ponders its next leader

Despite doubling its number of seats in last month’s Upper House election, Nippon Ishin no Kai faces an uncertain future as it heads into its first-ever leadership election later this month.

The Osaka-based and largely Kansai-focused party will elect one of three candidates on Aug. 27 to replace its leader and co-founder, Osaka Mayor Ichiro Matsui.