Dotonbori: Where the Japanese Have Disappeared

　It is frequently reported in the media that the Japanese have disappeared from the so-called ‘Minami’ district—comprising Shinsaibashi, Dotonbori, Kuromon Market and Namba—the very places that epitomise Osaka.

　Even Dotonbori, the very symbol of ‘kuidaore’ (eating until you drop), is now lined with Chinese, Korean and Vietnamese shops and food stalls—apart from the flashy neon signs—and one hardly ever sees any locals walking around. Some of these are illegal street stalls operating on public roads, which has become a cause for concern.

　Guided tours in Osaka used to typically cover Kita, Minami and Shinsekai, but since the COVID-19 pandemic, I have been avoiding Minami area on my tours and replacing it with visits to Minoh or the Sakai Knife Museum. That said, visitors naturally still want to enjoy the classic tourist spots featured in guidebooks. There is a disconnect between my desire as a guide to ensure visitors experience the ‘real’ Japan whilst they are in Japan, and the image of Japan they hold in their minds, which is a constant source of concern for me.