Osaka Ishin Party proposes new special ward names for Osaka Metropolis Plan

The Osaka Ishin no Kai party has finalized a proposal for the names of four special wards to be established under the “Osaka Metropolis Plan,” which aims to abolish Osaka City and reorganize it into a system similar to Tokyo’s 23 wards. The goal of the plan is to integrate the authorities and financial resources of Osaka Prefecture and Osaka City to eliminate dual administration.

Following surveys and public opinion polls, the party’s proposed names for the wards are Yodogawa-ku, Kita-ku, Chuo-ku, and Tennoji-ku. While “Naniwa-ku” received the most votes in a general survey, the party decided to proceed with “Chuo-ku” for the third ward after residents in that specific area expressed a stronger preference for the existing name.

Party members emphasized that this third attempt at the Metropolis Plan differs from previous versions by incorporating direct resident feedback through surveys and street research. The proposal is expected to be submitted to the statutory council in November.