North Osaka: Boosting Osaka’s Energy Through Sports! The “OSAKA FUNtast!c SPORTS PROJECT” Kickoff Event Was Held on August 19th!
To kick off the event, a kickoff event for the “OSAKA FUNtast!c SPORTS PROJECT” was held at JR Osaka Station’s “Toki no Hiroba” on Tuesday, August 19th, 2025, and we had the special opportunity to attend!
The MC takes the stage, and the kickoff event begins.Next, the Governor of Osaka Prefecture takes the stage.“This sports event will start right after the Osaka-Kansai Expo ends, so without losing this momentum, we will next energize Osaka through sports,” he stated.Next, players from professional volleyball teams take the stage: Player Takemoto from Nippon Steel Sakai Blazers, Player Kīru from Suntory Sunbirds Osaka, and Player Nishida from Osaka Bluto, energizing the venue!Furthermore, Osaka Prefecture’s official mascot character, “Mozuyan,” makes an appearance!And the official character of the Osaka-Kansai Expo, “Myaku Myaku,” also appears, livening up the venue!Player Takemoto is said to be 199 cm tall, and the Governor of Osaka Prefecture remarked, “I never have to look up to talk to anyone, so I feel somewhat overwhelmed.”
From here, a talk session begins with the Governor of Osaka Prefecture and the three players, discussing the significance of the “OSAKA FUNtast!c SPORTS PROJECT,” their enthusiasm for the event, and how to further promote sports and volleyball in Osaka.
Next, the three players introduce their recommended tourist spots in Osaka: Player Takemoto recommends “Sakai Risho no Mori” in Sakai City, Player Kīru recommends “Minoh Falls” in Minoh City, and Player Nishida recommends “Hirakata Park” in Hirakata City, each highlighting spots in the areas where they are based.
Then, the three players share their enthusiasm for the special match to be held as part of the “OSAKA FUNtast!c SPORTS PROJECT” on a panel: Player Takemoto says, “We will energize everyone!”, Player Kīru says, “We will win!”, and Player Nishida says, “Aggressive!”, expressing their passionate determination.
JR Osaka Station
JR Osaka Station is the main railway hub of Osaka, Japan, which first opened in 1874. It is a major interchange for multiple train lines and is renowned for its massive, modern complex that includes the North and South Gates buildings, filled with shops and restaurants.
Toki no Hiroba
Toki no Hiroba, or “Plaza of Time,” is a public space in the Japanese city of Toki, Gifu Prefecture, known for its association with the local ceramics industry. It was established to celebrate the city’s history as a major producer of high-quality porcelain, known as Toki ware, which dates back to the Edo period. The plaza features artistic clocks and ceramic sculptures, symbolizing the fusion of traditional craftsmanship with the passage of time.
Osaka-Kansai Expo
The Osaka-Kansai Expo, officially known as Expo 2025, is an upcoming World Exposition to be held in Osaka, Japan. It follows the original 1970 Osaka Expo, which was a landmark event showcasing Japan’s post-war technological and economic progress. The 2025 iteration will focus on themes of sustainability and innovation under the concept “Designing Future Society for Our Lives.”
Sakai Risho no Mori
Sakai Risho no Mori is a modern cultural complex in Sakai, Osaka, Japan, that opened in 2019. It was established to honor the legacy of Yamaguchi Toraijiro, a local industrialist who founded Risho Kosei Kai, a lay Buddhist organization. The site features a museum, library, and event spaces dedicated to promoting peace, culture, and education.
Minoh Falls
Minoh Falls is a scenic waterfall located in Minoh Park near Osaka, Japan, known for its vibrant autumn colors. Historically, the area has been a site of spiritual significance, with the nearby Ryuan-ji Temple founded in the 8th century. It remains a popular natural retreat and a designated national park.
Hirakata Park
Hirakata Park is an amusement park located in Hirakata City, Osaka, Japan, which first opened in 1910, making it one of the oldest amusement parks in the country. It was originally developed by the Keihan Electric Railway company to attract ridership on its railway line. Today, it is known for its family-friendly atmosphere, classic wooden roller coaster, and seasonal events.
