Osaka City University
Isomura initially began his career as an economics professor at Osaka City University. He became vice mayor of Osaka in April 1990 at the request of former Osaka Mayor Masaya Nishio. Isomura succeeded Nishio when he was elected mayor in December 1995. One of Isomura's main goals during his time in office was to make Osaka the host city for the 2008 Summer Olympic Games. However, Osaka lost its bid to Beijing at the meeting of the International Olympic Committee in July 2001.