OSAKA -- Opposition here to Osaka's bid to host the 2008 Olympics is gaining ground.

Representatives from the local government and activist organizations will hold a public symposium next month to discuss the potential financial, environmental and social problems involved, and to hear the concerns of local citizens. The symposium will be held Sept. 27 and is being organized under the direction of the Osaka branch of the Japan Scientists Association.

Those attending will include several academics, local government officials, members of the Osaka Prefecture New Japan Sports Federation, and environmental activists opposed to the development of Osaka Bay. While not all of the participating groups are officially opposed to an Osaka Olympics, their representatives were unanimous in saying that a number of major issues need to be discussed publicly before Osaka City Hall proceeds with its plans.

"The people of Osaka have yet to be heard. What do they really think about the Olympics and what are their concerns? We will address these questions at the symposium and the public will be invited to give their views," said Tomoyuki Yoshinaga, director of the Japan Scientists Association.

In addition, Osaka officials are scheduled to give a presentation on the city's plans for hosting the Games. Several academics will also discuss the commercialization of the Olympics.

The issue of sports facilities, particularly the planned 100,000-seat stadium, is especially controversial. Most representatives present at the meeting said they doubt that such projects are necessary.

"All we hear from City Hall are claims that we have to have sports facilities. No one is asking why," said Nobuyo Fujinaga, director of the Citizens' Network in Osaka. "The mayor and the city claim that the facilities are being built for a people's Olympics. But the facilities are being built for the profits of the construction companies," said Kazuo Furumi, a member of the National Tennis Association.