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.
Table of Contents
Osaka-Based China Consulate in War of Words with New Prime Minister
When arch-conservative candidate Sanae Takaichi emerged from a bruising LDP leadership battle as Japan’s new prime minister recently, pundits predicted diplomatic upset with China.
However, very few of them thought it come this soon into her premiership, or contain such venomous vitriol.
The Consul General of China, Xue Jian, who is based in Osaka, drew fierce criticism for his pointed response to an earlier speech in parliament by Prime Minister Takaichi. He stands accused of directly threatening the Prime Minister’s life.
Takaichi addressed the issue of whether a theoretical Chinese invasion of Taiwan, would constitute a “survival threatening situation” for Japan.
Under Japan’s current constitution, only an act of aggression that “threatens Japan’s survival and poses a clear danger of fundamentally overturning people’s right to life, liberty and pursuit of happiness.”
Most experts argue that only if a Chinese invasion of Taiwan also crossed over into Japanese territory could such a case be argued.
However, somewhat naively, Takaichi said in parliament that “If it involves the use of warships and armed force, it would be a survival-threatening situation no matter how you look at it.”
She later retracted the statement, at least partially. She said at a press conference later on Wednesday: “I will refrain from specifying particular cases in future”.
China Consul General Faces Backlash for Callous Response
In the event of such political gaffes, efforts are usually made by both parties to “smooth things over”. However, rather than put out this particular fire, The China Consul General went on social media for a rant. His comment succeeded only in throwing a few gallons of petrol on this proverbial political bonfire.
Speaking from his Osaka office via his social media accounts, the Consul General said China would “cut off a dirty neck without a moment of hesitation.”
Despite the Japanese government lodging official protests, the consul general has not withdrawn his statement. He also hasn’t offered any further explanation as to whose “dirty neck” he was referring to.
Suffice to say, it seems unlikely he and Prime Minister Takaichi will be exchanging any Christmas cards this year!
Local press and political commentators criticized both Takaichi and China’s Consul General for their “inappropriate and needlessly inflammatory remarks”.
This whole controversy comes just after Takaichi held her first meeting with Chinese Premier Xi Jingping. Many had hoped the meeting, which seemed to go reasonably well, would lead to a thaw in relations between the two historical rivals.
Unfortunately, that now seems highly unlikely.
Osaka Police Make Arrests in “Blackout Gang” Investigation
Osaka police announced this week the arrest of 34 individuals linked to the infamous “Blackout” crime syndicate. The organization was said to consist of loosely connected Yakuza members, as well as international criminals from the likes of China, Vietnam and elsewhere in Asia.
However, as it stands all of the arrested individuals this week are believed to be Japanese nationals. Many of them with links to Nagoya-based Yakuza organizations.
Once a powerhouse of Japan’s organized crime, the power of the Yakuza’s power has faded in recent years. A number of high-profile leaders have died or been arrested, and many of the larger groups have broken up.
However, the emergence of the “Blackout” syndicate as a seeming successor to previous Yakuza gangs across central Japan has many concerned.
So, this week’s arrests were welcomed by residents in Osaka. However, many remain cautious. Residents hope this is just the beginning in a wave of wider crackdowns against organized crime in the wider Osaka area.
And Finally…
One of the first signs of a positive legacy for the Osaka 2025 International Expo became public this week.
Osaka Metro Co. the company that runs Osaka’s subway network, recorded a 41.3% rise in net profits compared to the same period last year. This represents the largest case of individual growth over a six month period since the company went private in 2018.
Yumeshima Station, on the Osaka Metro Chuo Line was the only train station servicing the Expo site directly. Passenger numbers jumped 13.3% compared to the same six months last year.
Despite the closure of the Expo, plans are underway for some kind of permanent exhibit on the Expo site. There is also the Osaka Bay Casino Resort set to open towards the end of this decade. Osaka Metro hopes these twin factors will ensure continued growth despite the “one-off” nature of the 2025 International Expo.
That’s all for now but be sure to check back again same time next week for another round of this week in Osaka!
