A free booklet distribution of the newly written short story “Namba Walk, One Lap Around” is currently underway, and we had the special opportunity to visit!
“Namba Walk, One Lap Around” tells the story of a woman working as a manager in Tokyo who visits Osaka due to her husband’s transfer, and through her experiences at the Expo and Namba Walk, she reconsiders her family relationships.
According to the explanation, the author actually visited Namba Walk and wrote the story based on experiences at the shops and research conducted there!
Additionally, information boards with QR codes to read the digital version have been installed in all stores within Namba Walk.
We had the opportunity to visit inside Namba Walk.
Why not take this opportunity to collect “Namba Walk, One Lap Around” and discover new charms of Namba Walk?
<
Namba Walk
Namba Walk is an underground shopping mall located in Osaka, Japan, connecting the Namba railway station to the surrounding commercial districts. It was developed as part of a major urban renewal project and opened in 1997, providing a convenient, weather-protected route for the millions of commuters and tourists who pass through the area. The mall is lined with a variety of shops, cafes, and restaurants, reflecting the vibrant and commercial spirit of downtown Osaka.
Chuo Ward
Chuo Ward is one of Tokyo’s 23 special wards, historically known as the commercial and financial heart of the city. It encompasses famous districts like Ginza, a luxury shopping area, and Tsukiji, the former site of the world’s largest fish market. The ward’s history is deeply tied to its location on the water, as it was originally a marshy area that was developed during the Edo Period (1603-1868) and later became the center of Japan’s modernization after the Meiji Restoration.
Osaka
Osaka is a major port city and commercial hub in Japan, historically known as the nation’s “kitchen” for its crucial role in the rice trade during the Edo period. Its rich history is exemplified by the iconic Osaka Castle, originally built in the 16th century by the unifier Toyotomi Hideyoshi. Today, the city is celebrated for its modern architecture, vibrant street food culture, and districts like Dotonbori.
Expo
Expo refers to a World’s Fair, a large international exhibition designed to showcase achievements and foster cultural exchange among nations. These events have been held since the mid-19th century, with famous examples including the 1889 Paris Expo, which gave us the Eiffel Tower. Modern Expos, regulated by the Bureau International des Expositions, continue to be global platforms for addressing pressing issues and promoting innovation.
News Park
Based on available information, “News Park” is a modern, interactive museum in Tokyo, Japan, dedicated to media and journalism. It was established by The Yomiuri Shimbun, one of Japan’s major newspapers, to help the public understand the news-making process. The facility features exhibits on the history of news reporting and allows visitors to experience roles like a news anchor or reporter.
Forest Park
Forest Park is a massive public urban park located in St. Louis, Missouri, which opened to the public in 1876. It is most famous for hosting the 1904 World’s Fair, the Louisiana Purchase Exposition, a pivotal event that brought international attention to the city. Today, the park is a major cultural hub, housing the St. Louis Art Museum, the St. Louis Zoo, and numerous other attractions within its 1,300-acre grounds.
Whale Park
Whale Park is a public park located in the historic port town of Hull, England. It is named for the Arctic Corset Factory building, whose façade resembles a whale’s jawbone, a nod to the city’s past as a major whaling center in the 18th and 19th centuries. Today, it serves as a recreational green space and a reminder of the city’s maritime heritage.
Art Park
Art Park, also known as Socrates Sculpture Park, is a renowned outdoor museum and public park located in Long Island City, New York. It was founded in 1986 by artist Mark di Suvero on a former landfill and riverside dump, transforming it into a vibrant space dedicated to large-scale sculpture and multimedia installations. Today, it serves as a vital community resource that provides artists with opportunities to create and exhibit their work in an accessible, open-air environment.
