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.
Weather in Focus as Snow Comes Early
Authorities in Osaka advised residents to proceed with care this week, and to wrap up warm. With the first snowfall of the year recorded in the city, a full week earlier than average, experts predict a harsh winter ahead. Typically Osaka’s weather is milder than its north-eastern neighbor Tokyo. However, Osaka weather can certainly get a bit wild in the winter months.
The period from mid-January towards early February is usually when Osaka feels its coldest weather of the season. However, snowy weather earlier this week already saw the thermometer drop as low as 3 degrees Celsius. Sub-zero temperatures may well follow with a further cold snap expected this coming weekend.
Residents are advised to ensure their rooms are well-heated. The are also advised to wear warm clothes outside, even if, in daytime it doesn’t seem so cold.
One expert added: “With the wintry weather. We also see a drastic shift from day to night temperatures. You may go out in the afternoon feeling that only a light jacket is needed, yet just a couple of hours later you could be facing severe cold.
Government Help Comes as Consumers Weather the Financial Storm
With the holiday season now just days away, the under-fire central government is seeking to reassure consumers worried about their finances for the new year.
With the aim of seeing off incoming economic headwinds, the central government unveiled a new 13.9 trillion yen surplus budget. Though intended to benefit all of the country, the impact will probably be felt more in Osaka than many other areas. Although business has picked up post pandemic, consumer spending remains sluggish in the city, though increased tourist trade has lightened the burden somewhat. The government has extended the current diet session to Christmas Eve to ensure the package goes through before the New Year holiday period.
Traditionally, New Year is a time when many Japanese loosen the purse strings and spend a little. Many travel to visit family and friends, others decide to reward themselves with consumer goods purchases after another tough year of the daily grind of work.
However, despite salary increases for many, job stability remains a concern. With the looming specter of financial strife, many are opting to save their money until the weather improves, in an economic sense.
Nishida Weathers Early Storm to Retain Boxing Crown
IBF World Bantamweight Champion Ryosuke Nishida didn’t get it all his own way during a bruising first defence of his title this past weekend.
However, he showed nifty footwork in evading his opponent, Thailand’s Anuchai Donsua for the first few rounds of their fight in Osaka’s Sumiyoshi Sports Arena. Nishida felled Anuchai with a cutting counter in the fifth round, but the Thai fought on.
However, there was little sign of the weather turning again, as Nishida asserted his dominance.
He finally finished the fight in the seventh round. It was a brutal body shot that finally put his opponent down for the count.
The win takes Nishida’s professional record to 10 and 0 with 2 knockouts.
For Anuchai, it was his first defeat in his 17 fight career.
Neither boxer ruled out a possible rematch in the future. For now however, Nishida will turn his attention to other, higher ranked contenders.
And Finally…
Not even Glasgow’s notoriously dour winter weather could dampen the enthusiasm of Osaka’s Daizen Maeda this week. In a man of the match performance, he led Scottish champions Celtic to a thrilling Cup final win over long term rivals Rangers.
Maeda pounced brilliantly on slack defensive play from Rangers early in the second half to put Celtic 2-1 up. However, as conditions deteriorated at Hampden Park, both teams were pulled into a slugfest. After 120 minutes, and with the scored tied at 3-3, there came the dreaded penalty shootout.
After Celtic goalkeeper Kasper Schmeichel brilliantly saved Ridvan Yilmaz’s spot kick, it fell to Maeda to take Celtic’s crucial fifth penalty.
Despite apparently slicing his shot, the ball still found the back of the net, sending the Celtic fans into delirium and ensuring the fastest exodus of Rangers from Scotland’s National Stadium you are ever likely to see.
Speaking after the match, Maeda showed typical humility and humor.
“I actually mishit that penalty kick,” he told BBC Scotland. “However, it still went in and that’s all that counts.
“I’m glad I could help the team, because I feel Ranger’s equalizer earlier in the game was kind of my fault. I didn’t track back as well as I should have.”
Maeda’s sluggishness at Rangers’ third goal was soon forgotten. His penalty kick however, will go down in history.
That’s all for now, but be sure to check back again same time next week for another round of This Week in Osaka!
