Nishinari-ku, Osaka
Ward of Osaka, Japan
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
Nishinari-ku (西成区) is one of the 24 wards of Osaka, and among the poorest territories in Japan. It lies directly south of the Namba transport hub and extends further south toward Sumiyoshi Park. It is served by the Nankai Railway lines as well as the Yotsubashi and Sakaisuji subway lines. Nishinari-ku is also home to a number of shitamachi ("lower-town") shopping streets, named "shōtengai". Kamagasaki in Nishinari-ku is home to many day-laborers and most of the homeless people in Osaka.[1]
Social conditions
Nishinari is close to Shinsekai, and west of one of the wealthiest districts of Osaka, Abeno. The district has a historical reputation for being "sketchy and dangerous".[2] At least two designated yakuza groups, the Sakaume-gumi and the Azuma-gumi, are based in Nishinari.[3] The area is currently undergoing gentrification, which has accelerated in 2025 as part of slum clearance efforts. In preparation for Expo 2025,[4] the government ordered the closure of the Airin Labor and Welfare Center, a symbol of Kamagasaki since its opening in 1970.[5]
Transport
West Japan Railway Company
Osaka Metro
Nankai Railway
Hankai Railway
- Hankai Line: Minamikasumicho Station, Imaike Station, Imafune Station, Matsudacho Station, Kitatengachaya Station, Shotenzaka Station, Tenjinnomori Station, Higashitamade Station, Tsukanishi Station
Education
Public elementary and junior high schools are operated by the Osaka City Board of Education. The public high schools are operated by the Osaka Prefectural Board of Education.
Elementary schools
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Junior high schools
High schools
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Notable people
- Yoshie Kashiwabara, singer
- Yashiki Takajin, singer and television personality
- Kiichi Kunimoto, mixed martial artist
See also
- Kamagasaki, day laborers' district
- Tobita Shinchi, brothel district
