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.
Arrest Made by Police in Knife Incident
Osaka Police announced this week the arrest of a 22 year old man in connection with a knife incident in the city last weekend.
The suspect brandished the weapon and approached his victim, a woman in her 50s, from behind, before threatening her. Thankfully, the woman screamed and fled the scene quickly, ensuring she was unharmed.
However, about 90 minutes later, within 500 meters of the initial incident, a tourist wasn’t so fortunate. A Chinese tourist was stabbed in a similar incident in the same area of Konohana Ward. Fortunately their injuries were not life-threatening. Police have, thus far, only charged the suspect in connection with the initial attempted attack on the woman. However, sources within the Osaka Police also confirmed that they are examining CCTV footage of the attack on the Chinese tourist. Whilst police are not yet ready to confirm a definitive link between the two incidents, they did say that the attacker depicted in the second incident does closely match the appearance of the arrested suspect.
One would suspect that further charges will follow in due course. At the time of writing, the suspect has denied all involvement with both incidents. He said simply “I don’t remember anything.” Police would not comment at this time as to the mental state of the suspect, however psychological evaluation will almost certain form part of the ongoing investigation.
Knife Incident a “Timely Reminder for Tourists”
Whilst Osaka remains, statistically speaking, one of the safest places in Asia for tourists, this knife attack serves as an important reminder for tourists to exercise caution. One travel industry insider said this week: “Obviously, Japan is a very safe country compared to many other places. And indeed, Osaka is not particularly less safe than any other large urban area in the country.
“However, criminals don’t care about geography or reputational damage to the places where they commit their crimes. So, I advise all visitors, foreign or otherwise to use common sense. Avoid areas that are secluded, particularly late at night. Do not carry any more money or valuables on you than you need to. Also, if you see anyone acting suspiciously, don’t hesitate to go to the nearest police box and report it. This knife attack was, thankfully, a very rare kind of incident, and no-one was seriously hurt. However, it is a reminder that we all need to be careful.”
Osaka “Like a Sauna” as Temperatures Near 40 Degrees
Summer is well and truly upon us, after a somewhat protracted annual rainy season. On three separate occasions in the past week, temperatures in Osaka edged past the 35 degrees Celsius mark. Forecasters predict that the next ten days or so will get even hotter still. Temperatures will exceed 40 degrees in some parts of Japan, such as Fukuoka and Okinawa. However, Osaka won’t be too far behind this. The highest recorded temperature last week was 36 degrees. However, this could go as high as 38 or possibly even 40 degrees as we move into August.
With the upcoming Koshien Baseball Tournament, an entirely outdoor event, and the usual surge in people travelling to their home towns for the Obon holiday period, authorities are asking Osaka residents to be vigilant. They advise avoiding long periods outside, especially during the hours of 12 midday until 4pm. They also advise anyone working outdoors or attending outdoor events such as the Koshien Tournament or the upcoming Summer Sonic Osaka music festival, to ensure they have plenty of water and sunscreen with them at all times.
And Finally…
One of Osaka’s most beloved annual events lit up the city skies once again this week.
On July 25th, the Tenjin Matsuri, closed out this year’s two day festival with a spectacular fireworks show. The Okawa river was aglow as more than 3,000 fireworks launched from about 100 boats along the river in Miyakojima Ward. Crowds numbered in 6 figures, most likely surpassing last year’s record of 500,000 attendees.
One resident said: “This really is the highlight of the year for me. The fireworks, the party atmosphere, and all those young people in their gorgeous yukata. It reminds me of everything that I love about living in a city like Osaka!”
That’s all for now but be sure to check back again same time next week for another round of this week in Osaka!
