Your Thursday Morning Brief

FRIDAY, OCTOBER 24, 2025

Top Osaka / Kansai News

Japan names first female prime minister; Kansai’s influence rises — Sanae Takaichi was elected by parliament on October 21 as Japan’s first female prime minister. Her coalition with the Osaka-based Japan Innovation Party (Ishin) grants the Kansai region rare leverage in national decision-making, from infrastructure and Expo Yumeshima redevelopment to inbound-tourism and foreign-resident policy. Early cabinet statements suggest renewed coordination between Tokyo and Osaka on tourism promotion and administrative digitalization. [Source: Japan Times / Reuters / NHK News]

Fire-ant infestation discovered at Osaka Port — The Ministry of the Environment confirmed the discovery of more than 400 venomous red fire ants (ヒアリ) and one pupa at Osaka Port this week, prompting emergency disinfection and inspection of surrounding container areas. Officials stress there is no current threat to the public but have raised import-inspection levels. [Source: Kansai Television / FNN News, Oct 24]

Osaka business community calls for stable yen as tourism rebounds — With visitor numbers exceeding 2019 levels at major Kansai attractions, local chambers of commerce have urged the government to stabilize currency volatility that affects inbound retail and hotel pricing. [Source: Mainichi Shimbun, Oct 24]

What Can I Do TODAY in Osaka

The autumn rhythm continues across Osaka with a mix of outdoor color and evening spectacle. The River Fantasy returns along Nakanoshima tonight, bathing the riverfront bridges in light reflections perfect for photography.

At the Osaka Museum of Natural History, the Black Jack Exhibition remains a must-see for manga fans, displaying Tezuka Osamu’s medical sketches and original storyboards. Meanwhile, Peace Osaka’s Atomic Bob & Peace exhibition offers a vibrant pop-art exploration of post-war creativity.

Families and night-owls alike can head to Universal Studios Japan, where Halloween Horror Nights stretch through late October with new scare zones and themed snacks.

If you’re looking for a daytime stroll, Osaka Castle Park is drawing early-evening crowds for its soft-lit paths and food stalls, and Expo ’70 Commemorative Park in Suita is already showing early color in the tree groves.

Osaka Scene: Upcoming Events

Plan ahead for the Shitennoji Flea Market (every month on the 21st–22nd, 08:30–16:30), one of Osaka’s longest-running markets with antiques, crafts, and festival snacks across the temple grounds; next scheduled dates: November 21–22 (weather permitting).

Also on the horizon: the My Hero Academia Exhibition at ATC Gallery and the Lohas Festa Autumn Edition at Tsurumi-Ryokuchi Park (from Oct 25), plus expanded Halloween nights citywide through Oct 31. For late additions and times, see OSAKA SCENE’s homepage.

Sports Update

Kansai gears up for a blockbuster sports weekend as the Japan Series begins Saturday, October 25, with the Hanshin Tigers facing off against the Fukuoka SoftBank Hawks. Hanshin’s power hitting and electric Koshien home crowd will collide with the Hawks’ experienced roster in what promises to be a classic Central-vs-Pacific showdown. Expect full trains and busy izakaya screens across the region.

In football, Cerezo Osaka host Kawasaki Frontale at Yodoko Sakura Stadium this Saturday evening, aiming to reclaim consistency after a patchy run of autumn form. Fans can expect a fierce contest as both clubs vie for crucial J1 League points.

Rugby supporters will see the Panasonic Wild Knights and Kobe Steel Kobelco Rugby teams continue their pre-season friendlies ahead of the Japan Rugby League One kickoff in December.

Volleyball heats up tonight as Osaka Bluteon host the defending champion Suntory Sunbirds at GLION Arena Kobe (19:10 JST) in a high-energy V.League Men’s matchup drawing fans from across Kansai.

Looking ahead, figure-skating fans can mark their calendars for the NHK Trophy, returning to Osaka’s Towa Pharmaceutical RACTAB Dome from November 7–9, 2025. The international event brings Olympic-level performances and is expected to draw large domestic and overseas crowds.

Osaka Entertainment Report

Major arena nights are on the horizon—Mrs. GREEN APPLE play Kyocera Dome Osaka on Saturday, November 15 (doors 16:00 / start 18:00) as part of their DOME TOUR 2025 “BABEL no TOH”.  Around the corner, Ado appears at the same venue on Saturday Nov 22 & Sunday Nov 23, marking her first dome-scale tour stop in Osaka.  

On the film and theatre side, cinemas in Umeda and Namba continue English-subtitled showings of major releases, while local theatres in Shinsaibashi offer one-night live performances in intimate settings. For tonight, jazz sets and indie bands perform at venues in Shinsaibashi and Namba, offering an accessible alternative to the big-arena experience.

Immigration & Travel Updates

Japan’s new cabinet has established a dedicated portfolio for Foreign Nationals & Immigration, led by Kimi Onoda, appointed October 21 2025 as part of Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi’s new administration. The move underscores Tokyo’s commitment to faster visa processing, stronger regional support for foreign residents, and coordination with Kansai’s inbound-tourism sectors.

Meanwhile, revised Business Manager Visa guidelines officially took effect October 16 2025, tightening requirements on capitalization, staffing, and proof of active business operations. The new standards, outlined under MOJ Notice No. 220 of 2025, raise the investment threshold and documentation burden for entrepreneurs launching or renewing companies in Japan.

For travelers, Kansai International Airport’s Sky Day Festival 2025 takes place Saturday, October 25 (10:00 – 16:00) at the Sky View Observation Hall. The family-friendly event includes airfield bus tours, airline exhibits, and live performances celebrating Japan’s aviation heritage.

Enjoy your day in Osaka!

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Photos: Official Event Websites, Osaka Scene Staff