OSAKA -- Facing central government cutbacks in financial aid to the homeless, Osaka officials are teaming up with the local business community to create a new program that will put some of Osaka Prefecture's estimated 7,700 homeless to work.
However, some homeless people and volunteer groups who assist them warn this is only a partial solution and urge more attention be given to the immediate welfare needs of street people.
Earlier this month, Mayor Junichi Seki chaired a meeting between officials from Osaka Municipal Government, the prefectural government, the Kansai Economic Federation, the Osaka Chamber of Commerce and Industry, and local labor officials.