Each week, here at Osaka.com, we bring you a selection of some of the top stories about Osaka making the local and national news here in Japan. Sometimes it’s serious, sometimes it’s funny, but it’s always direct to you, from Osaka.
Campaign Heats Up, but Voter Apathy Remains Prevalent
They say God loves a trier, and the Japan Innovation Party certainly are trying their very best to drum up enthusiasm for the upcoming Mayoral and Gubernatorial Elections.
However, Osaka residents aren’t buying it. Local and national polling points to widespread apathy at a national election that few have an appetite for. Somehow, the impending Osaka regional elections, also due on February 8th seem even less popular. Some projections suggest the turnout for the Osaka regional elections may be around 30%.
Both incumbents are likely to win their re-election bids. However, one has to ask, what’s the point if the only people bothering to turn out to vote are their own hard core of supporters.
As we said last week, the dual elections are seen as a means for the JIP to seek public endorsement. They want a fresh mandate for their Osaka Metropolis Plan.
However, the problem we outlined last week remains: Osaka’s governor and Mayor do not have the authority to fully implement a plan with national political implications.
The national election is far less predictable, with many of Osaka’s voters still unsure who to vote for.
Campaign Focuses on Foreign Policy, but Osaka Residents’ Main Concern is the Economy
Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi, has only been in post for a matter of months. She called the election earlier this month. Takaichi seeks to cash in on her personal popularity.
However, even the more conservative elements of Japan’s media are cooling on their enthusiasm for her firebrand approach.
National opinion polls which had Takaichi and her cabinet at close to a 75% approval rating just ten days ago, now hover in the lower 60s.
Takaichi’s hardline approach to China, has had a mixed impact in Osaka. Those working outside the tourism and hospitality sectors, tired of waiting in long queues and the poor manners of tourists, welcomed the CCP mandated boycott from Chinese tourists.
However, there is no denying that Osaka’s many hotels, restaurants, shops and other services catering to tourists have suffered. Takaichi’s main challengers in the election have called for a more pragmatic approach to international relations. They also hope for a lessening of dependence on an increasingly volatile American government.
Local polling this week shows that almost 40% of Osaka’s remain undecided, with just over a week until the election. Many are put off by Takaichi’s opportunism, and seeming desire to consolidate political power, instead of focusing on fixing the economy. However, they also admire her strength in the face of intense pressure from an irate Chinese government.
The reality is, Osaka isn’t especially fond of the current LDP-led coalition government. The majority view Takaichi’s election call as a cynical political maneuver. Conversely though, they don’t see any radically different, transformative alternative.
Apathy may well win the day in this election. If that’s the case, Osaka may find itself no further forward after February 8th, and another election could well come around before the end of the year.
Viral Pizza Stunt Highlights Restaurants Discriminatory Pricing Policy
A popular Osaka Ramen Shop, Gadouya, was at the center of a social media storm this week, following a viral stunt that left the owner and staff red faced.
Gadouya has a duel-pricing policy, which many have branded racist. The store’s Japanese language ordering machine charges 1,000 yen for a standard meal, but the price is doubled to 2,000 yen for those who opt to order using the English or Chinese menus.
In protest at this perceived injustice, a YouTube “influencer” ordered 31,000 yen worth of pizza from a local Pizza-La takeout restaurant and charged it to the Gadouya’s owner.
Whilst many on social media saw the funny side of the Ramen shop having the price-gouging tables turned on them, the owner wasn’t amused. He called the police claiming that it’s part of a “deliberate and concerted campaign of harassment”.
We’ll leave you to decide who is in the right here. We contacted Gadouya for comment. We asked if foreign residents in Osaka or tourists able to do so, had the option to order from the Japanese menu and pay the lower price. Gadouya opted not to acknowledge our request for information.
And Finally
Osaka has long been a hub for video game innovation. The likes of Street Fighter, Resident Evil and Onimusha all hail from this great city. However, Osaka has never had its own high-profile E-Sports event. Until now.
Osaka GEN-Scramble takes place this coming Saturday and Sunday. Among the games on show will be Street Fighter 6, Fortnight, and Japanese Puzzle favorite Puyo-Puyo.
The event takes place at HAL Osaka, at Grand Front Osaka, about 2 minutes’ walk from Osaka Station.
That’s all for now but be sure to check back again same time next week for another round of this week in Osaka!
