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.
No Damage After Tsunami Alert
There was widespread disruption, but thankfully no reports of serious damage or injury this past Wednesday as tsunami warning triggered emergency actions across Osaka.
An 8.8 magnitude Earthquake in the vicinity of Russia’s Kamchatka Peninsula triggered Tsunami warnings from Hokkaido all the way down Japan’s Pacific Coastline, including Osaka and even Kyushu.
Similar warnings also emerged for parts of the US, and even as far south as Ecuador.
Thankfully, the highest reporting waves as of Thursday morning were only about 1 meter high. The biggest disruption overall was the temporary closure of some 500 or so convenience stores across the Osaka Bay area.
Authorities advise citizens to remain alert for the time being, as aftershocks from this quake could continue for up to month.
Tsunami Alert Highlights Safety Concerns At Osaka Expo
The Tsunami alert has, however, led to criticism aimed at the organizers of Osaka’s 2025 World Expo.
Warning systems at the site, according to reports, did not relay the information to visitors at the Expo until about 30 minutes after the initial national alert.
Additionally, the cancellation of shuttle bus services and the closure of Yumeshima Pier led to long queues for train services. For an extended period, trains via Yumeshima Station were the only means of transport to leave the Expo site.
Organizers emphasized that the Expo site sits 8 meters above sea level. The highest anticipated Tsunami wave was only 1 meter. So, there was no immediate danger to the public, despite the cautionary suspension of some transport services.
Some disgruntled visitors however said “that’s not the point”.
One Osaka resident, who also visited the event earlier this year spoke to Osaka.com about their experience. They said: “I knew something like this would happen. Whose bright idea was it to build a large structure, mostly made of wood, in an earthquake-prone country, right next to a sea coast that is known for occasional tsunamis?
The disgruntled Osakan probably has a point. However with less than 3 months now until the end of the Expo, any major overhaul of transport links or safety protocols seems unlikely at this point.
Police Investigate Assault at JR Osaka Station
Osaka’s busiest train station was the scene or a rather bizarre incident this past weekend.
Two commuters got into some kind of argument on a train bound for JR Osaka Station. However, as they left the platform and headed through the ticket gate, one of the men, believed to be in his 30s sprayed an unknown gaseous substance in the face of the other.
The incident took place around 6.15pm on the evening of July 25th, right at the peak of rush hour. Station staff called emergency services, and some of the ticket gates around the Sakurabashi exit were temporarily closed.
The suspect disappeared into the crowd amidst the chaos that followed. He remains at large. His victim was not seriously injured, requiring minor treatment at the scene.
Osaka Police continue to investigate.
Osaka Station has seen a number of similar incidents in recent years. Citizens groups have expressed concerns and called for more frequent, visible police patrols. However, effectively policing such a crowded area, at rush hour especially, is no easy task for an already overworked police force.
And Finally…
Osaka drivers feeling the financial heat this summer received a timely boost this week. After a humbling loss in last month’s Upper House Election, the government has reached a deal with opposition lawmakers to scrap an unpopular gasoline tax.
Consultations continue, but it seems likely the gasoline tax will disappear by November of this year. This will save drivers in Osaka an average of 25 yen per liter on fuel.
Given its central location many truck drivers and freight companies base themselves in Osaka. This tax cut will have a major impact on their profitability. There are also hopes it may lead to wage rises in the medium to long term.
With Japan’s politics pivoting to a more fiscally conservative, right-wing outlook post-election, this early tax cut is, maybe, a sign of similar things to come.
The next big bone of contention will be the consumption tax. The government has so far resisted calls to lower it from its current 10%. However, with the LDP no longer having a majority in either house of parliament, nothing is off the table now in terms of policy,
That’s all for now but be sure to check back again same time next week for another round of this week in Osaka!
