National / Politics | View from Osaka Sep 10, 2021
Who you gonna call?: Parties with Osaka roots sad to see Suga go
by Eric Johnston
With the upcoming change in LDP leadership, Nippon Ishin no Kai may lose its direct line to the Prime Minister's Office at a crucial time in Kansai politics.
Business Aug 21, 2021
Hilton to open luxurious Waldorf Astoria hotel in Osaka ahead of 2025 World Expo
In addition to the Waldorf Astoria hotel — Hilton's highest level of hotel — Hilton is considering building a Canopy hotel in an area formerly used for a freight station in Osaka.
National May 13, 2021
As Olympics near, Tokyo flagged as among most disaster-vulnerable cities
by Alex K.T. Martin
When looking solely at natural disasters and the impact of earthquakes and typhoons on economies, populations and infrastructure, Tokyo and Osaka were listed as high-risk.
National | View from Osaka Feb 20, 2021
Mori's downfall poetic justice for an Osaka ready to showcase its modernity
by Eric Johnston
From describing the city as "phlegm" to lackluster support for its Olympic bid, the former prime minister and Tokyo Games chief finally reaped the harvest of his disdain for Osaka.
National | EXPLAINER Jan 12, 2021
Osaka expo plans quietly move forward despite cost and virus worries
by Eric Johnston
There are concerns expo-related costs could greatly increase, like those for the Tokyo Olympics, and also over whether there will be adequate time to prepare.
Business | View from Osaka Dec 19, 2020
From Expo 2025 to tourists, Kansai’s hopes for the coming year
by Eric Johnston
Economic recovery and making plans for a post-coronavirus world are set to be on the minds of residents and businesses in the region going into 2021.
National Dec 3, 2020
Osaka's 2025 World Expo plans formally approved by global organization
The main theme of the expo is "Designing Future Society for Our Lives," with the three subthemes of "Saving Lives," "Empowering Lives" and "Connecting Lives."
National / Politics Sep 5, 2020
Nippon Ishin no Kai sees an ally in Suga in LDP leadership race
by Eric Johnston
Close ties are likely to bode well for Osaka’s efforts to ensure central government financing in next year’s fiscal budget for the 2025 Expo.
National Jul 13, 2020
Cannes winner Naomi Kawase named producer and senior advisor for Osaka Expo 2025
Roboticist Hiroshi Ishiguro, animation director Shoji Kawamori and media artist Yoichi Ochiai were also among those selected to help produce the high-profile exhibition.
National | View from Osaka Apr 18, 2020
Pandemic forces organizers to mull options for 2025 Osaka Expo
by Eric Johnston
Organizers of the quinquennial event are confident it will go ahead as planned, but what are their options if the pandemic forces a change?
National / History Mar 14, 2020
The 1970 Osaka Expo: Looking back at the past to gauge where Japan sits in the present
by Eric Johnston
The 1970 Osaka Expo laid down a bold statement about Japan's future. Fifty years later, has the country been able to live up to its promises?