News On Japan

Osaka Police Clash With Protesters During Forced Eviction

OSAKA, Dec 03 (News On Japan) - Authorities in Osaka's Nishinari Ward carried out a contentious forced eviction at the Airin General Center, a facility once central to the city’s day-laborer community, sparking protests from residents and supporters who condemned the move as a violation of human rights and dignity, while officials cited safety concerns and legal rulings as justification for the operation.

The facility had been closed for five years due to seismic safety concerns. Residents who had been living within the premises were ordered to vacate, while belongings surrounding the area were removed.

The Airin General Center, established in 1970, played a crucial role in aiding Osaka’s day-laborer community, offering job placements to as many as 30,000 workers at its peak. Over time, some individuals began living on-site, leading to clashes with authorities and sporadic riots. Earlier this year, a court ruling finalized in May declared the occupation illegal and mandated the eviction.

Protests erupted as the operation unfolded, with residents and supporters voicing anger at the authorities. Shouts of “Police, go away!” and “Call an ambulance!” punctuated the tense atmosphere. Supporters criticized the eviction as a violation of human dignity and demanded the removal of barricades erected by the authorities.

The following day, tall fences were installed around the facility, barring access to the site. Osaka Governor Hirofumi Yoshimura defended the move, stating that welfare facilities are available to those in need and reaffirming a commitment to bottom-up urban development in Nishinari.

The site will soon be demolished, according to Osaka Prefecture and City officials. Plans are underway to transform the area into a multi-functional facility, including spaces for worker support and community engagement.

Source: YOMIURI

News On Japan
POPULAR NEWS

From April 1st, a new regulation took effect across Osaka Prefecture requiring all restaurants with a customer seating area larger than 30 square meters to become entirely smoke-free indoors—unless they install a designated smoking room. Establishments violating the rule face fines of up to 50,000 yen, while customers may be fined up to 30,000 yen.

The Imperial Household Agency launched an official YouTube channel on April 1st to introduce the activities of Emperor Naruhito and Empress Masako.

Japan's new fiscal year began on April 1st, with companies across the country holding entrance ceremonies to welcome new employees.

The Japanese government has released an updated damage forecast for a potential Nankai Trough megaquake, estimating that up to 298,000 people could die in the worst-case scenario. This projection reflects a slight reduction from the previous estimate of 332,000 deaths made 13 years ago.

The Japan Meteorological Agency announced on March 30th that cherry blossoms (Somei-Yoshino) in central Tokyo have reached full bloom, one day earlier than the historical average and five days earlier than last year.

MEDIA CHANNELS
         

MORE Society NEWS

A special unit dedicated to investigating "lone offenders"—individuals who commit acts of terrorism without belonging to any specific organization—has been established for the first time in Japan within the Public Security Bureau of the Tokyo Metropolitan Police Department.

Downtown, the popular comedy duo, has stepped down as official ambassadors for the Osaka-Kansai Expo, according to an announcement by the Japan Association for the 2025 World Exposition.

A tour bus carrying over 20 foreign tourists collided with a van inside the Tokiwa Tunnel on the Dōō Expressway on March 31st, sending several people to the hospital.

In August 1990, two men hiking in the Scottish Highlands captured a striking photo of a silent, diamond-shaped object hovering in the sky—later dubbed "the greatest UFO photo ever taken." A Harrier jet was seen circling the object before it suddenly shot straight up and vanished. (Abroad in Japan)

The Fukuoka Prefectural Police will introduce a new recruitment track for working adults starting next fiscal year, easing both age and physical fitness requirements as part of broader efforts to combat a worsening manpower shortage.

Children on spring break took part in a zazen meditation session at Toshoji Temple in Kiho, Mie Prefecture, on March 28th to help reset their daily routines.

A growing number of women in Japan are choosing men’s-style suits for both comfort and practicality, reflecting a broader shift toward genderless fashion. From school uniforms to police attire, traditional dress codes are evolving as functionality and diversity take center stage in work and daily life.

A temporary barrier has been installed under the iconic Glico sign in Osaka's bustling Minami district, commonly referred to as "Guri-shita," to prevent people from sitting and loitering in the area.