A call by an influential Kansai business group for the Osaka prefectural and municipal governments to increase their budgets for art and culture has sparked debate between the governor and business circles over how to best do that.
Earlier this month, the Kansai Association of Corporate Executives issued a formal appeal for both local governments to put more money into artistic and cultural events and activities, saying that, compared with what other governments are spending, the current amount is quite low.
"The private sector will do what it can. But we want Osaka Prefecture and the city of Osaka to increase their budgets," said Tomohisa Sakai, head of the association's art and culture committee, at a news conference announcing the appeal.