Finally ending a long-running and ugly battle over political funds, Osaka-based members of Ishin no To (Japan Innovation Party) and those outside of the prefecture signed a statement of reconciliation Tuesday, agreeing to split the party*s ?1.5 billion in government subsidies and return money left unused to the government by the end of the month.

The Osaka-based members created a new party called Osaka Ishin no Kai on Oct. 31, which challenged the legitimacy of Ishin no To, led by President Yorihisa Matsuno.

The Osaka members, who held the party*s bankbook and inkan seal, refused to hand them over to the Ishin no To executives outside of the prefecture.