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.
New Research Offers Possible Answers for Beni Koji Deaths
Two years on from the health scandal involving the infamous “Beni Koji” health supplement, scientists announced a new breakthrough this week.
For the first time since Osaka’s Kobayashi Pharmaceuticals admitted that the red rice extract caused kidney damage in some consumers back in March 2024, we now have some new information on the mechanism involved.
Scientists previously concluded that a substance known as Puberulic Acid was the cause of renal failure in victims. However, they didn’t know exactly why this was the case.
Puberulic Acid comes from the blue mold, which emanates from the Beni Koji red rice extract when it is not properly stored.
In a paper published this week, scientists showed new research directly linking this acid with cell necrosis in human kidneys.
Investigations by local government health officials back in 2024 suggested that cracks in Kobayashi Pharma’s storage tanks may have led to the proliferation of the blue mold.
New Fuel Crisis Impacts Osaka Plastics Industry
One of Osaka’s largest chemicals and plastics producers is the latest victim of the economic fallout from the US and Israel’s war with Iran.
Mitsubishi Chemical, one of the largest petrochemical companies in Japan, maintains huge factories in both Osaka and Chiba Prefectures.
This which, the industry giant announced a cut to its expected output of ethylene. This substance primarily goes into the production of various plastics. However, it also has a number of other, crucial applications across several different industries.
Mitsubishi said that a reduction in output now was necessary to prevent a complete cessation of production in the near future. They directly cited a shortage of raw materials from the Middle East as a cause of this unexpected cut in production. Though the war is thousands of miles away, its ramifications continue to impact Osaka at both the local and national level.
New announcements of increased gasoline prices have hit consumers hard. Analysts expect that energy prices will soon follow.
There was some good news for travelers at least. Both Emirates Airlines and Qatar Airways resumed limited services in and out of Dubai and Doha respectively for those travelling from Kansai International Airport. However, these are only emergency relief flights, designed to clear some of the huge backlog currently plaguing Arab airlines in the wake of the war. Dubai remains on high alert, and Qatar has yet to fully reopen its airspace.
Despite claims by the US administration midweek that the war is “more or less over”, it seems the conflict may drag on for quite some time yet. The precise objectives of the US and Israeli forces remain unclear as both the narrative and the nature of this conflict evolve by the hour.
Onosato Withdrawal Leaves Path Open for New Yokozuna
Previously we reported on the high hopes of emerging Ukrainian Sumo star Aonishiki. His back-to-back tournament wins in recent months propelled him to the rank of Ozeki, Sumo’s second highest rank, in record time.
As we enter day 5 of the Osaka tournament, which will run for 2 weeks, Aonishiki sits in the middle of the pack, with a win/loss ratio of 2:2. However, the shock announcement on Wednesday of the withdrawal of current Yokozuna Onosato means Aonishiki may have a clearer run at this 3rd straight title and an automatic promotion to Yokozuna.
Under Sumo rules, a wrestler who wins to tournaments in a row at the rank of Ozeki is eligible to become Yokozuna. Aonishiki won the last two tournaments, however, his first win came while he was still a Maegashira, the 3rd tier of Sumo’s ranks. So, at the moment he has one win as an Ozeki. Winning the Osaka tournament would give him the second consecutive Ozeki tournament win he needs to ascend to the top rank.
His form has been middling thus far, but it would be foolish to count the big Ukrainian out just yet.
And Finally
Get your picnic baskets and your cases of beer ready, because Hanami season is almost upon us!
Forecasts released this week predict that Osaka’s Sakura trees (known in English as Cherry Blossoms) will start blooming on March 24th.
Analysts expect that the trees will reach full bloom approximately one week later on March 31st. The usual spots like Osaka Castle Park are expected to be packed out in the weeks ahead as people get ready enjoy the blossoms in the company of friends and family.
That’s all for now but be sure to check back again same time next week for another round of this week in Osaka!
