⏰ 4:30 pm – Meeting point in Namba
Stop 1 (4:45 pm) – Namba
Exploration of its vibrant streets. Context: tourism, nightlife, and Namba's role as the “heart” of southern Osaka.
Stop 2 (5:10 pm) – Den-Den Town (Nippombashi)
The electronics and anime district. Conversation about leisure, consumerism, urban loneliness, and how American influence changed youth culture.
Stop 3 (5:40 pm) – Ebisuhigashi
Entrance to the working-class area surrounding Shinsekai. Talk about the local economy, ageing population, and life in a more authentic Osaka.
Stop 4 (6:00 pm) – Tsutenkaku Tower and Shinsekai
History of Osaka's “New World”: lights, pachinko, and entertainment. Reflection on social stigmas and the mix of modernity and decadence.
Stop 5 (6:40 p.m.) – Nishinari
Explanation of the working-class district: cheap housing, informal work, and social support associations. Stories of resilience without sensationalism.
Stop 6 (7:10 p.m.) – Tobita Shinchi (outside)
Cultural information about Osaka's most famous red-light district. The tour guide explains its origins and current situation, but does not enter out of respect for local customs. Clear advice is offered for those who wish to explore it safely afterwards.