Osaka - Something for Everyone

The Osaka area is the second largest urban center in Japan, and is often referred to as the nation's commercial capital. Thanks to its long history as a center of trade and cultural exchange, Osaka is also renowned for shopping, dining and entertainment. If you love t eat, drink or shop, you'll love Osaka. And Osaka people, famous for their hospitality and sense of fun, will make you feel at home.

Running on Garbage

Disposing of the vast amount of kitchen garbage our cities produce is a major environmental challenge. A new method processes garbage into fuel for the trucks that collect it. Yokosuka City has plant that converts raw garbage into methane gas to power its garbage trucks. Replacing polluting diesel, the gas recycled form one 2-ton load of garbage can power a truck for a whole day.

Children in Charge

A primary school program gives children the chance to experience the grown-up world of work and financial responsibility. In facilities set up by the education authorities, an NPO and nine corporations, schoolchildren spend a whole day acting roles essential to society, from town mayor to security guard, while as workers and consumers they learn how to manage their income and shop sensibly.

Respecting Time

The Japanese are renowned for their punctuality: people meet you exactly at the agreed time, and train arrives to the second. This national respect for time dates back to Japan's introduction of western precision timekeeping 130 years ago, but despite a fascination with technology like super-accurate radio-controlled watches, nightfall is still marked by the evening temple bell.