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.
Expo Site Demolition Begins
After years of preparation, and a 6th month long run as one of the biggest events in Osaka’s recent history, bulldozers moved into the Expo site this past week.
The land on which the Expo took place, the Island of Yumeshima, will return to the ownership of Osaka City in February 2028. Expo organizers have requested that participant countries remove their pavilions in full by April 2026. They hope to have the entire site cleared and ready for redevelopment well ahead of the 2028 deadline.
So far, France and The United States appear to be the early pacesetters. The two nations are the first to commence demolition work, sending crews in on November 17th.
Expo officials confirmed that a 200-meter segment of the “Great Ring” the wooden lattice structure that encircled the Expo, will remain as a permanent monument. The rest of the wood used in its world-record setting construction will be repurposed for a variety of uses across Japan.
Expo Site Future Remains Unclear
A number of ideas of what to do next with the Expo site remain under consideration. A water park seems to be the current favorite. However, whatever form the site takes in the future, it is likely to run in tandem with the adjacent integrated Casino resort. The casino resort, the first of its kind to be approved in Japan, is set to open in a limited capacity some time in 2029.
Local reaction was mixed this week as the demolition crews moved in. Some lamented that there won’t be an Expo memorial Park like that which still stands in Suita City in honor of Expo’70, the first time the World Expo Event visited Osaka.
“It seems like such a waste to build all these beautifully designed buildings just to rip it all down after only 6 months” lamented one Osaka resident.
Others however wish the event had never happened in the first place. Another resident added: “The whole damn thing was one big expensive eyesore, that never should have made it past the planning stages.
“I’m glad to see it gone, but I’m still angry it ever came to be in the first place.”
The Expo may be over, but it seems the debate over its legacy will run for quite some time yet.
Government Set to Give Osaka’s Residents a Winter Warmer
“Winter is coming” as Ned Stark famously once said on the TV show Game of Thrones. Luckily the Japanese government seem to be ahead of the curve on this one. Osaka residents, concerned about the cost of heating their homes this winter will be glad to know that the winter fuel subsidy, current set at 1,000 yen per month will double to 2,000 yen soon.
The new subsidy, which will run until March of next year, is part of a series of economic plans unveiled by Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi’s cabinet this week to offset the ongoing issues of inflation and stagnant wages amid a depressed economy.
Critics say it’s merely placing the proverbial band aid over a gaping wound in the finances of Japan’s middle and low-income households. However, every little helps, and I’m sure who are struggling to stay warm this winter will appreciate a little help.
And Finally…
Osaka’s streets were noticeably quieter than usual this week as a tourist boycott from China continues. The whole episode triggered by a series of poorly worded statements by both the Japanese government and their Chinese counterparts, led to Chinese officials formally advising citizens not to travel to the area. They also applied pressure to Airlines and other travel agencies in China to extend their refund policies to help facilitate the boycott.
However, it seems this targeted campaign to economically harm Japanese businesses may have, at least partially backfired.
We spoke to a number of residents in Osaka this week who seemed quite happy with the whole situation. “It’s great to be able to go shopping without all the big crowds,” said one resident of Chuo Ward.
Another added: “I hope the two governments can work it out, because ultimately we do need tourism to maintain Osaka’s economy. But in the meantime, I won’t lie. I am enjoying a bit of peace and quiet, as well as the less crowded trains.”
Both sides appears to be digging their heels in, with each demanding the other apologize. It seems this period of peace and quiet in Osaka might last a little longer.
That’s all for now but be sure to check back again same time next week for another round of this week in Osaka!
