Osaka Metropolis Plan development

The Osaka Ishin no Kai party has progressed its proposal to reorganize Osaka City into a system of special wards under the “Osaka Metropolis Plan.” The initiative aims to abolish Osaka City and integrate the authorities and financial resources of Osaka Prefecture and Osaka City to eliminate dual administration.

Initially, the party proposed names for two wards, “Yodogawa-ku” and “Tennoji-ku,” while indicating that further surveys would be conducted to choose between “Kita-ku” or “Umeda-ku,” and “Naniwa-ku” or “Chuo-ku.” During this stage, critics raised concerns regarding the transparency of the proposal and the potential administrative burden of dismantling the current city structure.

Following public opinion polls and street research, the party finalized its selection of four ward names: Yodogawa-ku, Kita-ku, Chuo-ku, and Tennoji-ku. Although “Naniwa-ku” received the most votes in a general survey, the party opted for “Chuo-ku” due to stronger local preference in that specific area. The proposal is scheduled for submission to the statutory council in November.