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.
Here’s a look at some of the stories hitting the headlines in Osaka this week.
Osaka City to Ban Smoking in Public
In the latest step to improve Osaka’s image ahead of next year’s World Expo, Osaka City announced a smoking ban this week. From January 2025, smoking will be banned in all public spaces in Osaka City. The only exception will be designated smoking stations, insulated spaces near and in some cases inside public places.
To help keep the rest of the city smoke-free, the Osaka City Assembly proposes a “carrot and stick” approach. On one hand, those who must smoke will have more designated smoking stations where they can do so. The Osaka government plans to expand the number of smoking stations across the city to more than 300 by next spring. This is more than double the current number of 140.
However, those who do not follow guidelines will face a fine. At the moment, this is only 1,000 yen, however moves are afoot to increase penalties, particularly for repeat offenders.
Most of Osaka’s busiest areas have already been smoke-free for quite some time. The city government passed legislation as far back as 2007, banning smoking in and around JR Osaka Station and other urban centers. Over time, these “no-smoking zones” expanded. This latest legislation finally completes the process, encompassing the entire city.
City Governor Eyes National Role
Osaka Governor Hirofumi Yoshimura this week began his bid to enter national politics. He announced he will stand as a candidate to become the new leader of one of Japan’s emerging national political forces.
Despite losing some ground in last month’s national elections, the Osaka-based Japan Innovation Party remains the 2nd largest opposition bloc in Japan’s lower house. However, they have struggled to expand their sphere of influence beyond the Kansai region over the last couple of years. Yoshimura hopes to change that.
JIP’s number of seats slipped from 43 to 38 after the October 27th vote. Current leader Noboyuki Baba announced he will not seek re-election, taking responsibility for the JIP’s disappointing campaign.
Yoshimura’s profile goes far beyond just Osaka City. As a former mayor, he carved a niche for himself in national political circles, especially during the Covid-19 pandemic.
Urged to run by many of the party’s high profile members, Yoshimura is the favorite at the moment. However, he will face competition from at least two other candidates. Campaigning will begin this weekend, with numerous events planned across Osaka City.
City Police Under Spotlight After Another Death in Custody
Internal investigations were underway this week after a man died shortly after being detained by Osaka City police.
The 57 year old was arrested around 5pm on November 5th. He was taken to Fukushima Ward Police Station, where restraints were placed on his hands and feet after he allegedly became aggressive.
The restraints were removed 3 minutes later after complaining of breathing difficulties. However, medical checks showed no abnormal symptoms. The hospital soon sent him back to police custody. The man was then placed in restraints again around 8pm after once again, allegedly attacking police. Six minutes later he was found unresponsive. Doctors pronounced the man dead shortly thereafter.
Police say they will conduct a thorough investigation but have no further comment at this time. We will, of course, continue to monitor this story as it develops.
And Finally…
A wannabe drug smuggler came unstuck at Kansai Airport this week, thanks to his smelly luggage. Giraldo Ramirez Alexander, a Spanish citizen, was arrested with 8900 tablets of MDMA in his possession. The haul is one of the largest amounts of MDMA seized at Kansai Airport in recent years. The 23 year old suspect used a wooden board and some stitching to conceal the tablets in his luggage. Unfortnately, he used a rather pungent glue to fix the coverings in place.
Despite his best efforts to mask the smell with perfume, customs staff soon became suspicious. The coverings were soon removed and the drugs discovered. The suspect has yet to enter a formal plea. The drugs had a street value of around 360,000 US dollars.
More commonly known as Ecstasy, MDMA is a hallucinogenic recreational drug, linked to thousands of deaths worldwide due to its several, adverse side effects.
Japan takes a very grim view of any form of illicit drug use. Even using “soft” drugs such as cannabis can carry prison sentences and massive reputational damage.
That’s all for now, but be sure to check back again same time next week for another round of This Week in Osaka!
