Osaka 大阪 Kansai 関西 - Kobe 神戸 | Kyoto 京都 | Nara 奈良 [Archive] - Page 2

coldstar

April 3rd, 2007, 01:59 PM

Osaka is the Top Real Estate Investment Market in the World

WASHINGTON (March 21, 2007) – The global gateway metropolitan areas of Osaka, New York and Washington rank as the top three markets worldwide for real estate investment prospects this year, according to an analysis by the Urban Land Institute (ULI) and PricewaterhouseCoopers (PwC).

ULI and PwC are conducting an analysis of global markets that show the most promise for real estate investment, and those most promising for development, based on recent Emerging Trends in Real Estate® reports co-published by the two organizations. The three reports used for the analysis cover the United States, Europe and the Asia-Pacific region, and are based on surveys of top industry professionals regarding their expectations for market conditions in 2007. The analysis shows a few overlaps, but also substantial differences in those markets considered best for investment versus those considered best for development.

The top ten investment markets worldwide include five from the Asia Pacific region, three from the United States and two from Europe. In addition to Osaka, New York and Washington, rounding out the top ten are Shanghai, Tokyo, Paris, Los Angeles, Singapore, Taipei and London. On a scale of one to nine, Osaka received the highest rating—6.75—for real estate investment prospects. London, ranked tenth, received a 6.48 rating. In each city, some types of properties were considered better investments than others.

Each of the top investment markets include at least some of several distinguishing characteristics, including: locations along global pathways with major international airports and harbor ports; 24/7 living and working environments; attractive settings in reasonably comfortable climates; geographic barriers limiting sprawl; and brainpower jobs attracting an affluent, highly educated workforce. “The global economy is determining where companies and people need and want to be,” said ULI President Richard Rosan. “Clearly, location is becoming ever more important in real estate investing.”

In terms of development prospects, the top ten markets worldwide include six from the Asia-Pacific, two from the United States and two from Europe: Ho Chi Minh City ranked first, followed by Bangalore, Shanghai, Istanbul, Mumbai, Tokyo, Guangzhou, Washington, Moscow and New York City. On a scale of one to nine, Ho Chi Minh City rated 7.00; in comparison, New York rated 6.44. The development markets not also in the investment ranking tend to be growth-oriented emerging markets, Rosan noted. “Many of the emerging markets are experiencing explosive population growth, rapid urbanization, a rise in capitalism, and rising worker incomes,” he said. “These factors are fueling strong demand for housing, retail and office space.”

Emerging Trends is one of the most widely respected and anticipated forecasts for the real estate and land use industry. Each version—for the United States, Europe and Asia Pacific—reflects interviews with and surveys of hundreds of the industry’s elite, including investors, developers, property company representatives, lenders, brokers and consultants. “The reports are an invaluable resource, because they provide unbiased, comprehensive views of investor interest and sentiment on a global basis,” said William E. Croteau, PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP Global Real Estate Assurance and US Real Estate Sector Leader.

Some highlights from the Emerging Trends reports on each of the top investment markets:

Osaka: Japan’s economic recovery has facilitated increasing office and retail demand in Osaka…Osaka’s industrial/distribution buy percentage is the highest among the Asia Pacific markets. Percentage of “buy” recommendations by property type: industrial/distribution, 70 percent; retail, 65 percent; office, 63 percent; hotel/resort, 48 percent; apartment residential, 46 percent.

New York: Midtown prices and rents soar…the office market is tight…few site and off-the-charts land prices make development difficult…Absent a stock market debacle, the Big Apple should hold its own. Percentage of “buy” recommendations: warehouse, 50 percent; office, 42 percent; retail, 42 percent; apartment residential, 53 percent.

Washington: The federal government keeps growing and more businesses want to feed from the taxpayer trough, a traditionally potent combination for limiting downside risk. Percentage of “buy” recommendations: apartment residential, 46 percent; retail, 42 percent; warehouse, 38 percent; office, 33 percent.

Shanghai: Retail is the number-one buy sector (in China) and growing affluence in Shanghai should continue to propel this sector. Percentage of “buy” recommendations: retail, 70 percent; hotel/resort, 64 percent; industrial/distribution, 62 percent; office, 59 percent; apartment residential, 32 percent.

Tokyo: Tokyo is on a confirmed recovery path…survey respondents give the city significant buy percentages for industrial/distribution, retail and office property sectors. Percentage of “buy” recommendations: retail, 72 percent; industrial/distribution, 67 percent; office, 64 percent; hotel/resort, 52 percent; apartment residential, 42 percent.

Paris: Paris maintains the number-one ranking (in Europe) with risk-adjusted total return prospects higher than the previous two years. Economic stability and sustainability are two major reasons. Percentage of “buy” recommendations: retail, 57 percent; office, 54 percent; industrial/distribution, 42 percent.

Los Angeles: This market has rock-solid fundamentals and good job growth. Even the ‘surprisingly more vibrant’ downtown performs ‘fairly well’ and ‘light years ahead of the recent past.’ Percentage of “buy” recommendations: apartment residential, 53 percent; warehouse, 49 percent; office, 41 percent; and retail, 41 percent.

Singapore: The market maturity of Singapore is evident; in fact, Singapore property firms are now exporting their management expertise and financial resources to other Asia Pacific markets. Percentage of “buy” recommendations: office, 71 percent; hotel/resort, 55 percent; apartment residential, 50 percent; retail, 48 percent; industrial/distribution, 35 percent.

Taipei: Rental-producing properties will be the mainstream for the next two years, such as office and retail. Percentage of “buy” recommendations: hotel/resort, 64 percent; office, 57 percent; retail, 50 percent; industrial/distribution, 36 percent; apartment residential, 36 percent.

London: Respondents ranked London first (lowest) in city risk and first for rent growth prospects, reflecting once again optimism for property value trends supported by income growth. Percentage of “buy” recommendations: office, 40 percent; industrial/distribution, 29 percent; retail, 27 percent.

Some highlights from the Emerging Trends reports on each of the top development markets (excluding those already listed as top investment markets):

Ho Chi Minh City: The entire spectrum of foreign demand, from foreign direct investments, multinational enterprises, and international retailers, is flooding into one of Vietnam’s major cities. Percentage of “buy” recommendations: hotel, 73 percent; industrial/distribution, 64 percent; retail, 64 percent; office, 64 percent; apartment residential, 53 percent.

Bangalore: Several interviewees mention Bangalore as a ‘best location’ for most commercial property types. Office vacancy rates are in the low single digits…and retail looks to stabilize. Percentage of “buy” recommendations: retail, 70 percent; apartment residential, 67 percent; hotel/resort, 64 percent; office, 54 percent; industrial/distribution, 50 percent.

Istanbul: Istanbul’s stock is rising with survey respondents as the market continues to move up an evolutionary path towards global integration and maturity. Percentage of “buy” recommendations: industrial/distribution, 69 percent; retail, 63 percent; office, 56 percent.

Mumbai: Compared with other Asia Pacific cities, Mumbai ranks among the top “buy” cities for each property sector. Percentage of “buy” recommendations: retail, 79 percent; hotel/resort, 75 percent; apartment residential, 67 percent; office, 64 percent; industrial/distribution, 57 percent.

Guangzhou: Guangzhou is…attracting interest now as prices there are relatively cheap for a first-tier city. Percentage of “buy” recommendations: apartment residential, 50 percent; industrial/distribution, 46 percent; retail, 45 percent; hotel/resort, 44 percent; office, 43 percent.

Moscow: Headline news of continued and significant growth in prime office rents, constrained supply and increased demand for most property types have caught the attention of more foreign and domestic investors and developers. Percentage of “buy” recommendations: retail, 72 percent; industrial/distribution, 65 percent; office, 53 percent.

(Emerging Trends: www.uli.org)
About the Urban Land Institute
The Urban Land Institute is a nonprofit education and research institute supported by its members. Its mission is to provide leadership in the responsible use of land and in creating and building sustainable and thriving communities worldwide. Established in 1936, the Institute has more than 35,000 members representing all aspects of land use and development disciplines.

About PricewaterhouseCoopers
PricewaterhouseCoopers provides industry-focused assurance, tax and advisory services to build public trust and enhance value for its clients and their stakeholders. More than 140,000 people in 149 countries across our network share their thinking, experience and solutions to develop fresh perspectives and practical advice.

coldstar

April 11th, 2007, 02:39 PM

Spec of a tower now under construction in Kitaha of Osaka city is unveiled.
Name: Kitahama Tower & Plaza
height: 209m (54 floors)
architect: Hisato Tanabe
sketch:
http://www.haseko-hub.co.jp/kansai/sinki/kitahama209/concept/image/03/ill_01.jpg

Vapour

April 11th, 2007, 04:21 PM

^Didn't know a word about that one. Thanks.

coldstar

April 12th, 2007, 04:22 AM

Reconstruction project of Kintetsu Department Store Abeno HQ in Osaka City revealed.
New Kintetsu Department Store is 260m high (40 floors).

coldstar

April 12th, 2007, 04:31 AM

Shin Hankyu Bldg in Osaka Umeda is to be rebuilt.
According to the news two days ago, the height of the new building is 187m. Thus, this building is to be one of the triple towers yet-to-be-built in Umeda.

Nobunaga73

April 12th, 2007, 05:46 AM

coldstar, do you have a link to any articles (Japanese is fine) about the Kintetsu project that lists the height as 260m? The articles I've seen haven't included any information on a tower, just the expansion of Kintetsu Department store.

ETA: I found an article listing the height as 280m. That seems far too tall for 40 floors, don't you think? Even considering higher ceiling heights for the department store portion. That would also make it the tallest building in Osaka.

Also, the Shin Hankyu Building project you mention -- is that IN ADDITION to the tower that is scheduled to complete in 2009, or the same project? I've done Google searches to try and find mention of an additional project, but that is the only one I can find.

Cheers.

Vapour

April 12th, 2007, 05:00 PM

近鉄百貨店　広さ日本一
阿倍野本店　８万８０００平方メートル構想

　近鉄百貨店は１１日、阿倍野本店（大阪市阿倍野区）の一部を建て替え、売り場面積を現在の６万８０００平方メートルから８万８０００平方メートル以上に増床する構想を発表した。完成すれば松坂屋名古屋本店（８万６７５８平方メートル）を抜き日本一の広さとなる。

　建て替え対象は西側の旧館部分（売り場面積約３万平方メートル）。ビルの貸主である近畿日本鉄道が高さ２８０メートル、４０階建て超高層ビルに建て替えを検討している。近鉄百の構想は、この下層階を百貨店とし、売り場面積を少なくとも２万平方メートル以上拡張するものだ。８月までに増床計画をまとめ、来年の着工を希望している。この構想に伴い、０８年度までに約１３０億円をかけて阿倍野本店を全面改装する計画は中止する。

　大阪市内では阪急百貨店梅田本店建て替えや大丸梅田店の増床、三越大阪店の再出店などの計画が相次いでいる。１１日に大阪市内で記者会見した近鉄百の中川文雄社長は「商業集積を高め、大阪のキタやミナミに対抗したい」と述べた。

（2007年4月12日読売新聞）

280 metres for a Department store? Holy smokes!

Blackraven

April 17th, 2007, 04:32 PM

280 metres for a Department store? Holy smokes!

Maybe it's only the lower floors that house the department store......while the middle and upper floors cater to offices/businesses (like what coldstar said for Hankyu and Hanshin department stores)

Maybe....

Nobunaga73

April 20th, 2007, 05:39 AM

I would be very surprised if the upper portion is used for office/commercial facilities -- there is simply no demand for that type of building in this area. Much more likely is another "tower mansion". And it is almost certain that the department store will comprise only the lower floors.

However, any way you look at it, 280 meters for 40 floors is hard to calculate -- the lower floors (department store portion) must have very high ceilings indeed!

Brunynha

April 23rd, 2007, 10:46 PM

Great pictures ! I love!

ROYU

May 1st, 2007, 07:23 PM

Osaka is really impressive. I has a lot of nice projects. The Station redevelopment is amazing.

japanese001

May 4th, 2007, 04:53 PM

Nintoku Burial Mound

The the fifth century time
486m in length, 305m in width, 33m high

I am considered to be the Imperial property
and forbid registering itself with a world heritage.

http://img156.imageshack.us/img156/5184/t1uy7.jpg

coldstar

May 6th, 2007, 05:00 AM

Blackraven

May 6th, 2007, 06:43 PM

Osaka's new shopping tower, Nanba Hips
(u/c. designed by Shin Takamatsu)

http://kenplatz.nikkeibp.co.jp/article/building/news/20070215/504717/np53.jpg
The tower is equipped with Free fall amusement facility!

HOLY FUCKING SHIT!!!!!

That is one mind-blowingly radicalist building. I've never seen anything before that goes beyond such convention. From the looks of it, it's like it's two centuries AHEAD OF ITS TIME.

Unbelievable. :nuts:

Kauã

May 7th, 2007, 01:51 PM

Eddy C

May 7th, 2007, 08:43 PM

Blackraven

May 8th, 2007, 09:34 AM

You are right Blackraven. Often you see renders like this on SSC but they are never build in the near future. As it is u/c I believe it and look forward to see it myself in October on my next trip. Is it opened yet then?

From the link Kaua posted:
http://www.arrowgroup.co.jp/nanba/blog/220074/

http://www.arrowgroup.co.jp/nanba/blog/images/DSC_0090.jpg
http://www.arrowgroup.co.jp/nanba/blog/images/DSC_0086.jpg

Judging by the pace of its construction, it's definitely going to be opened this year.

:)

Blackraven

May 8th, 2007, 06:37 PM

Thread bump update:

It looks like Kobe is also having a mini construction boom of its own. Out of which, five upcoming projects have caught my eye and these are the ff:

1) Suma Coast Tower
http://www.eonet.ne.jp/~building-pc/kobe/kobe-115suma.JPG

2) City Tower Gran - Suma Takatori
http://www.eonet.ne.jp/~building-pc/kobe/kobe-96takatori.JPG
http://www.ctg30.com/landplan/img/01.jpg
http://www.ctg30.com/landplan/img/04.jpg
http://www.ctg30.com/landplan/img/05.jpg
http://www.ctg30.com/landplan/img/06.jpg

3) Kobe Art Center building
http://www.eonet.ne.jp/~building-pc/kobe/kobe-132shinkobe.JPG
http://www.art-center.jp/bukken/image/gaiyou.jpg

4) TYT: Tor Yamate Tower ~The Kobe Tower~
http://www.eonet.ne.jp/~building-pc/kobe/kobe-123yamate.JPG
http://www.kobe35.jp/img/sky_p1.jpg
http://www.kobe35.jp/img/renovation_map.jpg

5) G-CLEF Shin Kobe Tower
http://www.eonet.ne.jp/~building-pc/kobe/kobe-125shinkoube.JPG
http://www.eonet.ne.jp/~building-pc/kobe/kobe-125shinkoube3.JPG
http://www.shinkobe.com/concept/img/concept_img09.jpg
http://www.shinkobe.com/showroom/img/img5.jpg

These are just five of the new "EARTHQUAKE-RESISTANT" residential buildings that will be put up in Kobe that comply with the newest earthquake-resistant technologies that Japan has to offer.

Also, since these are new buildings, then these are what you can expect from the interior and from the rooms mainly. World-class living will now be available to the people of Kobe.

http://www.shinkobe.com/view/img/view_img01.jpg
http://www.shinkobe.com/view/img/view_img02.jpg
http://www.shinkobe.com/view/img/view_img03.jpg
http://www.shinkobe.com/showroom/img/model2.jpg
http://www.kobe35.jp/img/model2_p1.jpg
http://www.kobe35.jp/img/model2_p2.jpg
http://www.kobe35.jp/img/model_p1.jpg
http://www.kobe35.jp/img/model_p2.jpg
http://www.kobe35.jp/img/model_p2b.jpg
http://www.kobe35.jp/img/model_p4.jpg
http://www.art-center.jp/bukken/image/h2living.jpg
http://www.art-center.jp/bukken/image/N%20type.jpg
http://www.art-center.jp/bukken/image/Xtype.jpg
http://www.art-center.jp/bukken/image/Ptype.jpg
http://www.ctg30.com/gallery/img/b_07.jpg
http://www.ctg30.com/gallery/img/b_05.jpg
http://www.ctg30.com/gallery/img/a_07.jpg
http://www.ctg30.com/gallery/img/a_04.jpg
http://www.ctg30.com/gallery/img/a_02.jpg
http://www.ctg30.com/gallery/img/a_01.jpg

Yup, it can be said that with these towers, the opportunity for the people of Kobe (and also residing foreigners) to live in world-class residential buildings is now becoming a reality.

And it will all happen before the decade ends (well before year 2010)

:cheers1:

Nobunaga73

May 11th, 2007, 10:05 AM

From the link Kaua posted:
http://www.arrowgroup.co.jp/nanba/blog/220074/

http://www.arrowgroup.co.jp/nanba/blog/images/DSC_0090.jpg
http://www.arrowgroup.co.jp/nanba/blog/images/DSC_0086.jpg

Judging by the pace of its construction, it's definitely going to be opened this year.

:)

I don't like it -- I think it's a gimmicky building that will soon look terrible. In 10 years it will be quite the eysore.

Blackraven

May 11th, 2007, 05:04 PM

I don't like it -- I think it's a gimmicky building that will soon look terrible. In 10 years it will be quite the eysore.

I guess it's just an acquired taste then. Different strokes for different folks.

For me, I actually hail its construction as it is a structure that goes away from the convention of Japanese building design (which tend to be too boring once in a while).

I'm quite anticipated for the opening of this place as a symbol of construction going beyond convention (like those gakuen towers there building in various areas of Japan)

Justme

May 12th, 2007, 09:56 PM

I quite like that building as well.

coldstar

May 13th, 2007, 04:31 PM

renders and models of Osaka Station reconstrcution

http://photoimg.enjoyjapan.naver.com/view/enjoybbs/viewphoto/pplace/4000/20070512117897732203145700.jpg
http://photoimg.enjoyjapan.naver.com/view/enjoybbs/viewphoto/pplace/4000/20070512117897726121257800.jpg
http://photoimg.enjoyjapan.naver.com/view/enjoybbs/viewphoto/pplace/4000/20070512117897729966510000.jpg
http://photoimg.enjoyjapan.naver.com/view/enjoybbs/viewphoto/pplace/4000/20070512117897727478629200.jpg

mrgazpacho

May 13th, 2007, 04:39 PM

renders and models of Osaka Station reconstrcution

Huge!

It's already so easy to get lost in there... :nuts:

LordMarshall

May 14th, 2007, 02:31 AM

wow it looks amazing...

andorea

May 17th, 2007, 06:47 PM

良いなぁ！

ALKUN

May 18th, 2007, 09:36 PM

AWESOME :)

http://photoimg.enjoyjapan.naver.com/view/enjoybbs/viewphoto/pplace/4000/20070512117897729966510000.jpg

33457

May 23rd, 2007, 02:26 PM

Osaka is a slum. A South East Asian taste slum with South East Asian faced Yakuzas. The most horrible city in Japan.

Blackraven

May 23rd, 2007, 02:57 PM

Osaka is a slum. A South East Asian taste slum with South East Asian faced Yakuzas. The most horrible city in Japan.

I wouldn't say that just yet.

Of course there are bad people there (majority of bad/indecent people are from there). BUT....

It doesn't mean that it is a major slum nor is it something like a "hell in Japan".
Heck, if you've been paying attention to this thread, then you will have seen the improvements that Osaka has made since the start of the new millenium.

On a serious note though, your post clearly indicates flamebait. You should be aware that posts like the one you wrote above aren't allowed here.:ohno:

If you can't do something as simple as that, then I suggest that you stop posting on SSC and leave ASAP.

Draff

May 23rd, 2007, 03:56 PM

I would just ignore him. Reading his posts in the other threads, it's pretty clear what his motive is. :bash:

Vapour

May 23rd, 2007, 05:51 PM

This guy is a pain in the ass.

wolf18

May 24th, 2007, 05:27 PM

so cool,he

Hanshin-Tigress

June 22nd, 2007, 04:42 AM

Namba My city!!
http://img487.imageshack.us/img487/942/japan015qi0.jpg
Tooken by me :)

giovani kun

June 24th, 2007, 12:55 AM

the picture is nice :)

LegEnd

June 28th, 2007, 12:25 AM

Namba My city!!
...
Tooken by me :)

I wouldn't like to be driving there, I just wouldn't be able to keep my eyes on the road, so much going on!!!

On the station reconstruction plan, I'm loving the whole is it inside/is it outside thing going on there.

Chop

June 28th, 2007, 05:17 AM

amazing buildings. i love the inside. really luxurious.
They've got an amazing view.

Blackraven

June 28th, 2007, 05:17 PM

Here's a few construction updates on that new shopping center/department store:

http://www.arrowgroup.co.jp/nanba/blog/images/DSC_0073.jpg
http://www.arrowgroup.co.jp/nanba/blog/images/DSC_0075.jpg

coldstar

June 30th, 2007, 07:12 PM

unfamiliar architectures in Osaka

Maishima Garbage/Sewage Plant
designed by Friedensreich Hundertwasser

http://osakanight.xrea.jp/night_view/photo/maishima13.jpg

Osaka Maritime Museum
designed by Paul Andreu

http://osakanight.xrea.jp/night_view/photo/maritime02.jpg

Osaka Museum of History
designed by Cesar Pelli

http://www2.dokidoki.ne.jp/tomura/image2/osaka95.jpg

The National Museum of Art Osaka
designed by Cesar Pelli

http://www.geocities.co.jp/SilkRoad/4318/osakakokusaibijyutsukan.jpg

Blackraven

July 1st, 2007, 03:30 PM

EduGL

July 6th, 2007, 03:08 AM

beautiful pics of Osaka.

하얀OOgom

July 16th, 2007, 05:23 AM

All Japanese buildings and urban environment look so clean. I can only hope Korea could like as clean as Japan, though Korea is not that far behind.

Kauã

July 20th, 2007, 03:17 AM

The Cebuano Exultor

July 23rd, 2007, 04:30 PM

^^ That's some weird looking building! :D

Blackraven

July 23rd, 2007, 04:59 PM

^^ That's some weird looking building! :D

I actually like it....because it is unique.

It goes away from the the boring Japanese structure design of boxy looking buildings.

This one is at least more lively in design and aesthetic.

This will shopping center will be finished before Christmas of this year. :)

Ryuhei

July 31st, 2007, 04:23 PM

What is this project? Any relation with that Namba Hips?
I found it here: http://building-pc.cocolog-nifty.com/helicopter/2007/07/post_f49a.html
Could you translate? :)

http://img122.imageshack.us/img122/7331/zzzosakaprojectxap6.jpg

The Namba Hips is on the right side of this image:
http://img113.imageshack.us/img113/6029/zzznambaes8.jpg

Leo18

August 2nd, 2007, 09:45 AM

Q linda ciudad!
me encantaria conocer Japon!
conozcan BUENOS AIRES! es una ciudad hermosa!
www.bsas.gov.ar

Ryuhei

August 6th, 2007, 03:32 PM

What is this project? Any relation with that Namba Hips?

I found it here: http://building-pc.cocolog-nifty.com/helicopter/2007/07/post_f49a.html
Could you translate? :)

http://img122.imageshack.us/img122/7331/zzzosakaprojectxap6.jpg

The Namba Hips is on the right side of this image:
http://img113.imageshack.us/img113/6029/zzznambaes8.jpg

I posted that almost a week ago.
Nobody can help with the translation?

Grams

August 6th, 2007, 05:02 PM

I posted that almost a week ago.
Nobody can help with the translation?

Runessa　Nanba

This project is remodeling the Minatomachi station area, 17.5ｈａ of fuge ground to the new Nanba station.

The first plan was a big project building a number of a bussiness skyscrapers such as a entrance area for
Kansai Air Port, but there was the bursting of the bubble economy and suddenly stopped gaining economy
around there. By the time, most companies had gone except OCAT, centeral spot of the Minatomachi station.

The time passed. Since Japanease economy include Kansai area has been gaining again, the new project has
called more economy demands. From now on, there're only two skycrapper mansions,
Runessa Nanba tower and Rorel tower Nanba, over 100m hight. Soon the Maruito Nanba buillding,
over 144m will be showed up. In addition, there's a new plan to build another mansion
at north are of Runessa Nanba tower. The first picture is an old plan.

Ryuhei

August 7th, 2007, 02:09 AM

Thank you, Grams :)
So the render was from the late 80´s...

The Cebuano Exultor

August 7th, 2007, 05:30 AM

Why is Osaka/Kansai growing slower than Greater Tokyo? Isn't it supposed to be the other way around.

Nobunaga73

August 7th, 2007, 07:00 AM

Why is Osaka/Kansai growing slower than Greater Tokyo? Isn't it supposed to be the other way around.

1) There is a lot more money and demand for office space in Tokyo.
2)Tokyo's main industries are very white collar. Osaka's largest companies (Matsushita, Sanyo, Sharp) all have heavy industrial requirements that don't spur office growth. Sharp just announced they will locate an enormous flat panel display factory in Southern Osaka that will invest more than 1 trillion yen into the local economy.
2) Osaka/Kansai is experiencing tremendous growth in construction of central residential towers and office buildings. The most by far since the collapse of the Bubble Economy. Remember, Osaka's office market is 1/10th the size of Tokyo.

The Cebuano Exultor

August 7th, 2007, 08:21 AM

Nobunaga73

August 7th, 2007, 08:42 AM

I've only been to Tokyo-Yokohama so I'm a lot less knowlageable about Osaka/Kansai but, based from what I know, isn't Osaka/Kansai suppose to have 18 million residents. With such a huge population, is its office space market merely 1/10th of Tokyo's?! I doubt that. [What's your proof? Do you have a link or whatever of your info's source?]

If that's true then Japan then is truly a centralized country polarized by the unquestioned supremity of Tokyo and, slightly by Osaka/Kansai as well as Nagoya.

It depends on which standard you use to measure it. If we look at just large rental office space, then the figure is about 1/5 of Tokyo (Tokyo=35 million m2, Osaka=7 million m2) However, once you include smaller buildings and owner-occupied buildings, the figures show that Osaka is approximately 1/10th of Tokyo.

There are unfortunatley no links online that I am aware of. I do work in the commercial real estate industry (have worked in both Tokyo and Osaka), however, and I guarantee you that these figures are accurate.

Hanshin-Tigress

August 7th, 2007, 09:16 AM

The Namba Hips is on the right side of this image:
http://img113.imageshack.us/img113/6029/zzznambaes8.jpg

まあ、きれいな眺めねえ｡

The Cebuano Exultor

August 7th, 2007, 09:27 AM

It depends on which standard you use to measure it. If we look at just large rental office space, then the figure is about 1/5 of Tokyo (Tokyo=35 million m2, Osaka=7 million m2) However, once you include smaller buildings and owner-occupied buildings, the figures show that Osaka is approximately 1/10th of Tokyo.

There are unfortunatley no links online that I am aware of. I do work in the commercial real estate industry (have worked in both Tokyo and Osaka), however, and I guarantee you that these figures are accurate.

OMG! Tokyo has 35 million square meters of grade A office space?! That's a lot. That's like 3 New Yorks. :master: :bow:

Nobunaga73

August 7th, 2007, 09:52 AM

OMG! Tokyo has 35 million square meters of grade A office space?! That's a lot. That's like 3 New Yorks. :master: :bow:

That's not ALL Grade A... certainly a lot of that is Grade B/B+.

coldstar

August 8th, 2007, 04:40 PM

Kintetsu to build a 300m station tower at Abenobashi Stn in Osaka

Kintetsu Corporation officially announces the redevelopment plan of Abenobashi Station. in Osaka.
New station building is to be 300m high (59 floors above ground), and it contains department store, hotel and art museum as well as offices.

http://www.sankei.co.jp/keizai/sangyo/070808/sng070808007-1.jpg
architect: Ceser Pelli.

source: (PDF)
https://www.release.tdnet.info/inbs/28080d90_20070808.pdf

Vapour

August 8th, 2007, 07:35 PM

onmyoji

August 9th, 2007, 02:49 AM

Great news! I like the design, simple/classic but beautiful. Is the 300m figure definitive? Can we say the countdown for Japan new tallest bulding has begun?

I would say yes!! but remeber the Shinjuku 3 cho me redev. 338 meter Should be completed by 2011...

Blackraven

August 9th, 2007, 09:55 AM

architect: Ceser Pelli.

The guy who designed the Japanese airport (as well as three buildings in Osaka) IS BACK!!!

Cesar Pelli returns to Japan!!! Wahoo!!!:cheers:

:)

dom

August 12th, 2007, 12:38 PM

This will tower over its surrounding environment in Tennoji. It is interesting that Kansai's tallest building will be here and not in Umeda, where you would expect it to be.

If only Osaka City council hadn't wasted its money on planting Kansai Airport in the wrong place (the present Kobe Airport is a far better location) and building all these man made islands where the WTC Cosmotower is located.

The money invested in those islands could have gone into the Umeda Rail yards, the aquarium and exhibition centres could have been plonked there as well. Then Umeda would already have a world class train station like with Kyoto and Kansai would be in a far better position to challenge Nagoya and Tokyo for both domestic and international investment.

Umeda would also have a world class skyline if the Cosmotower was in that cluster.

Ryuhei

August 12th, 2007, 06:44 PM

Cool! The roof is open!
Why?

http://img512.imageshack.us/img512/396/zzzosaka1kb7.jpg

http://img505.imageshack.us/img505/80/zzzosaka2qx6.jpg

http://img443.imageshack.us/img443/839/zzzosaka3lh6.jpg
Source (http://www.flickr.com/photos/gorimon/page3/)

Grams

August 12th, 2007, 07:06 PM

Cool! The roof is open!
Why?

Source (http://www.flickr.com/photos/gorimon/page3/)

That's a heli port floating up from the under floor. Seems like a secret base
for heros.:lol:
http://gorimon.com/blog/log/eid567.html

Ryuhei

August 13th, 2007, 09:37 PM

Thank you, Grams! Nice heli-port! :)

By the way, do you know other blogs, like Gorimon, but focused on the Tokyo area (or all of Japan)??

coldstar

August 13th, 2007, 11:44 PM

Thank you, Grams! Nice heli-port! :)

By the way, do you know other blogs, like Gorimon, but focused on the Tokyo area (or all of Japan)??

fixed point observation of some construction in Tokyo (Cocoon Tower, Grand Tokyo Towers, etc)

http://blogs.yahoo.co.jp/kousoubuil/

tonyboy

August 14th, 2007, 07:14 PM

three things i remember about osaka: the visit to nagasaki atomic bomb museum, the great port where i first tasted the real mccoy kobe beef and walking around this temple:

http://photoimg.enjoyjapan.naver.com/view/enjoybbs/viewphoto/ptravel/29000/20070128116991545007311200.jpg

domo arrigato for sharing the pictures! :)

SEED

August 15th, 2007, 01:29 PM

^^ wats the name of that castle? it looks like the one in Himeji.. that pics looks great! :cool:

tonyboy

August 15th, 2007, 06:32 PM

yes....it's himeji castle.

http://www.japaneselifestyle.com.au/travel/himeji_castle.html

http://www.japaneselifestyle.com.au/travel/images/Osaka_Castle_Nishinomaru_Garden_April_2005.jpg

http://www.japaneselifestyle.com.au/travel/images/osaka_castle_cherry_blossom.jpg

http://www.japaneselifestyle.com.au/travel/images/osaka_castle_park_wall.jpg

it's best to visit in spring or fall..july was too hot for comfort.

M.Schwerdtner

August 15th, 2007, 10:31 PM

osaka has also a castle .. named simple "osaka castle" ^^ ... oh and by the way, its not a temple ...

nishioka

August 16th, 2007, 06:02 AM

by the way, that's osaka castle above

SEED

August 16th, 2007, 02:40 PM

uh? Himeji castle in Osaka? i think nishioka is rite.. thats Osaka castle..

Grams

August 17th, 2007, 04:07 PM

In Japanese, we called it like Oku syon、おくしょん or 億ション means a gorgeous mansion with over one million dollars of the cost for one home.

Nick

August 20th, 2007, 02:55 PM

yes....it's himeji castle.

????

Nick

August 20th, 2007, 03:01 PM

http://img168.imageshack.us/img168/2403/dsc0132brj3.jpg (http://imageshack.us)

http://img168.imageshack.us/img168/2281/dsc0135eg3.jpg (http://imageshack.us)

http://img514.imageshack.us/img514/3750/dsc0139fq9.jpg (http://imageshack.us)

Wo wo wo wo

Ive been back home in Australia for 7 months now.When I left Osaka in Jan,there was no sign of this massive structure on the skyline or anywhere.Where is it?

Nick

August 20th, 2007, 03:02 PM

HirakataShi

August 22nd, 2007, 04:07 PM

Wo wo wo wo

Ive been back home in Australia for 7 months now.When I left Osaka in Jan,there was no sign of this massive structure on the skyline or anywhere.Where is it?

On Midosuji, in Namba. I have yet to figure out what it is.

Sad to hear you are no longer in Kyobashi. Will you return?

HirakataShi

August 22nd, 2007, 04:23 PM

世界のトップアスリートたちが集まる２００７年夏の大阪。
２０４か国・地域が参加の意向を表明している！！

http://www.sankei.co.jp/shakai/wadai/070808/wdi070808002.htm

世界陸上チケット売れ行き不振　大阪市が販売一覧表

チケットの売れ行きが伸び悩んでいたＩＡＡＦ世界陸上２００７大阪（世界陸上大阪大会、２５日～９月２日）をめぐり、大阪市が各行政区ごとに販売枚数の一覧表を作成していたことが８日、分かった。市では「各区にハッパをかける意図はまったくなかった。ノルマもない」と話しているが、実際に一覧表を見せられ、“善処”を求められた区長もいるという。

　チケットは、開幕まで１カ月を切った７月末時点で、総販売数の４割程度の約２０万枚を販売。一覧表が作られたのは３割弱しか売れていなかった６月末で、売り上げの低い区が、自治会などの地域団体に“大号令”をかけた結果、底上げされた可能性もある。

　関係者によると、一覧表は、市ゆとりとみどり振興局に設けられた大会市民応援団事務局が作成。大阪市全２４区の名称の横に、それぞれのチケット販売枚数の実数が書かれていた。

　“ワースト３”だったある区では、区長らが地域振興会や女性団体など区の地域団体の代表らに積極的に協力を求め、役員会などが開かれるたびに、「うちは後ろのほう。このままじゃ顔がたたない」とチケット申し込みの取りまとめを依頼して回った。そのかいあってか、この区では６月末時点で３０枚程度しか売れていなかったが、先月だけで約１５倍の４００枚以上の売り上げを記録したという。

　この区の幹部は「うちはマラソンコースにも入っており、あまりに少ないと格好がつかない。先月でトップクラスの販売実績になったのでは」と胸を張るが、市民からは不満の声も。

　同区の会社役員（６６）は「（所属する会の）会長から頼まれたので１万円のチケットを２枚買ったが、暑い中観戦するのは体力的に厳しい。行政がチケット購入を半強制するのはおかしいと思う」。

　区が地域団体などに依頼しても、個人で直接申し込むケースや企業団体などを通して購入する場合は、区の実績としてカウントされず、ある市幹部は「区によって人口も異なり、チケットの価格もさまざまで、一覧表はあまり意味がないのでは」と話す。

　大会組織委員会などによると、入場チケットは前売りで大人が２０００～１万６０００円。前回のフィンランド・ヘルシンキ大会では、総販売数の５割程度が事前に売れており、残りは当日販売用のチケットだった。

　大会市民応援団事務局は一覧表について、「チケット購入をお願いするチラシが行き届いているかを確認するため便宜的に作ったもので、各区にハッパをかける意図やノルマを課したつもりはまったくなかった」。

　大会組織委員会も「どこの区が多く売っているかは関係ない。７月に入って日本選手団の発表などがあり、全体的な売り上げ増につながったのでは」と話している。

Nick

August 23rd, 2007, 02:26 PM

On Midosuji, in Namba. I have yet to figure out what it is.

Sad to hear you are no longer in Kyobashi. Will you return?

I do miss it over there,but am pretty happy enjoying the lifestyle of Sydney.Its so good down here in OZ,and there is alot happing in Sydney to keep me busy.

Ryuhei

September 2nd, 2007, 03:49 PM

Is this project in Osaka?
3x 40 Floors -1x 23 Floors - 3x 15 Floors

http://www.dainiti.jp/Rgaikan/index.htm

http://img98.imageshack.us/img98/3084/zzzsunmarks4ag7.jpg http://img71.imageshack.us/img71/3276/zzzsunmarks4zk6.jpg

http://img170.imageshack.us/img170/9379/zzzsunmarks3uc8.jpg______http://img170.imageshack.us/img170/5715/zzzsunmarks1xk7.jpg Source (http://building-pc.cocolog-nifty.com/map/2007/08/post_8f58.html)

Vapour

September 3rd, 2007, 07:11 AM

^Yes.

http://www.dainiti.jp/Bdaichizu/images/position_map01.gif

Blackraven

September 3rd, 2007, 05:33 PM

The Cebuano Exultor

September 4th, 2007, 06:58 PM

^^ IMHO, although they do look a bit bland and boxy, at least these towers have good taste in terms of color-schemes. I mean, red/maroon/orange tiled exteriors look better than white ones. And, honestly this building looks classy in its own right. It virtually has no kitsch designs whatsoever unlike those newer Korean and Chinese apartment blocks.

I guess, the Japanese architects are just prefer boxy understated exterior designs than those audacious but kitsch Chinese apartment blocks and tacky-looking Korean condominiums.

BTW, they're far from shitty.

Ryuhei

September 4th, 2007, 10:26 PM

Northsider

September 5th, 2007, 05:09 AM

I don't think they look bad. They look pretty cool in fact.

hkskyline

September 5th, 2007, 11:24 AM

OSAKA 2007 / Sightseeing 101: Stepping out in Osaka
22 August 2007
Daily Yomiuri

With all eyes focused on the excitement of the IAAF world championships, it would be a shame to overlook the charms of the event's host city. With that in mind, here are 10 recommendations to help visitors enjoy some of the best that Osaka has to offer:

1. Tsutenkaku Tower: Rebuilt in 1956 after the original was damaged by fire and dismantled in 1943, the 103-meter-tall Tsutenkaku Tower is arguably the city's foremost symbol. Modeled after the Eiffel Tower and decked out in multicolored neon, Tsutenkaku is perhaps more tacky than beautiful, but is irresistible nevertheless. In addition to city views from the tower's observation deck, the tower also features a 60-meter-high statue of the pointy-headed Billiken god. Located near Dobutsuen-mae subway station.

2. Osaka Suijo Bus: With its many ports, rivers and canals, Osaka has been known as the City of Water since the Edo period. So it should come as no surprise that one of the best ways to tour the city is by boat. Osaka Suijo Bus conducts 60-minute round-trip river cruises from Osakajo Pier and other locations around the city, offering views of Osaka Castle and Nakanoshima, the city's economic and cultural center, among other sites. See http://suijo-bus.jp for information in Japanese, English, Chinese and Korean.

3. Osaka Museum of History: Start from the 10th floor and work your way down from the ancient period exhibit to the early modern age of Greater Osaka several floors below. Among the highlights is a life-size replica of the Daikokuden (the great hall of state) of ancient Naniwa Palace. Located at Tanimachi-yonchome subway station. See www.mus-his.city.osaka.jp/ for more information.

4. Okonomiyaki and takoyaki: Well-known for its many culinary delights, no trip to Osaka would be complete without sampling its signature dishes: Okonomiyaki (pancakes made with cabbage and a variety of other meats and vegetables of your choice) and takoyaki (balls of batter containing chunks of octopus). Some of the best takoyaki comes from street vendors, and there are scores of okonomiyaki restaurants across the city. However, Naniwa Kuishinbo Yokocho, located in Tenposan Marketplace at Osakako subway station, features 20 restaurants specializing in Osaka and Kansai cuisine, including these specialities.

5. Tsuruhashi Korean Town: Food is also the best reason to go to Tsuruhashi, which is believed to be the largest Korean town in the nation. Yakiniku (Korean-style barbecue) and of course kimchi are the star attractions here, but the area is also enjoyable for its shopping streets. Easily accessible from Tsuruhashi station on the JR Loop Line.

6. Hanshin Tigers game at Koshien Stadium: While there are sure to be plenty of highlights at the world championships, few things rival the atmosphere of a Hanshin Tigers game at their home Koshien Stadium in nearby Nishinomiya. Koshien, Japan's oldest extant pro baseball stadium, was built in 1924, and rivals such great American ballparks as Yankee Stadium and Boston's Fenway Park in both its atmosphere and the fanaticism of its supporters. The Tigers are in town against the Hiroshima Carp Aug. 28-30 and the Yakult Swallows Aug. 31-Sept. 2. The stadium is located at Koshien station, about 20 minutes by Hanshin Line from Umeda.

7. Dotonbori: Whether you are interested in shopping, dining or going out for a drink, the Dotonbori area in the Namba district of Osaka provides seemingly endless options. Covering an area roughly from Dotonboribashi bridge to Nipponbashi bridge along the Dotonbori canal, the popular tourist area includes a number of beloved landmarks, including the giant neon signs above Ebisubashi bridge and Kuidaore Taro, a mechanical clown who stands in front of the eight-story Kuidaore restaurant. Located near Namba subway station.

8. Osaka Aquarium Kaiyukan: One of the world's largest aquariums with 30,000 specimens representing 580 species, a trip here is also a great way to beat the heat. Among the popular attractions are a whale shark, ocean sunfish, sea otters, penguins and dolphins. The aquarium's current featured exhibit is "Kaiyukan Water Safari," offering a look at the fish of Africa. Located near Osakako subway station. See www.kaiyukan.com/index.html for information in over 10 languages.

9. Osaka Castle: Construction on this most famous of Osaka landmarks was begun in 1583 by daimyo Toyotomi Hideyoshi, a unifier of Japan. Destroyed in the mid-1600s, the Osaka Castle was not rebuilt until the 1930s. Inside the castle is a museum about Toyotomi, but one of the best reasons to visit this landmark is to enjoy the castle moat and gardens and the spacious green of Osakajo Park. Located at Osakajo-koen subway station.

10. Kyoto and Kobe: One of Osaka's great charms is its proximity to both Kobe and Kyoto, both of which can be reached by train in about 30 minutes. While Kyoto is the more popular tourist destination with its ancient temples and shrines, as well as the teahouses and geisha of the Gion district, Kobe should not be overlooked. The city, nestled between the mountains and the sea, offers trendy shopping and excellent dining options, such as its world famous Kobe beef.

Bill Wellham

September 6th, 2007, 06:38 PM

http://farm2.static.flickr.com/1359/660967172_758ad073d2.jpg?v=0

Bill Wellham

September 6th, 2007, 06:51 PM

Hello everyone...

I got quite a few snaps to post here... Hope this works.

http://farm2.static.flickr.com/1299/660617991_a2a50d2e4d.jpg?v=0

http://farm2.static.flickr.com/1392/661145346_20c9cc2548.jpg?v=0

http://farm2.static.flickr.com/1193/661145250_dc7c292566.jpg?v=0

http://farm2.static.flickr.com/1276/661145206_0e4db6f04a.jpg?v=0

http://farm2.static.flickr.com/1370/661144994_159ce5c404.jpg?v=0

http://farm2.static.flickr.com/1183/661144828_57ad783156.jpg?v=0

http://farm2.static.flickr.com/1167/661144780_4d255c225b.jpg?v=0

http://farm2.static.flickr.com/1208/660967356_18d3af2ba4.jpg?v=0

http://farm2.static.flickr.com/1415/660967276_755cf7ca11.jpg?v=0

Northsider

September 6th, 2007, 11:45 PM

http://farm2.static.flickr.com/1392/661145346_20c9cc2548.jpg?v=0
What a nifty-looking building. Reminds me of Grande Arche de la Fraternité in Paris:
http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/3/31/Grande_arche_de_la_defense.jpg/300px-Grande_arche_de_la_defense.jpg
...but not really, similar though...ish.

ALKUN

September 7th, 2007, 06:29 AM

Osaka is great .
Can't wait to go back.

Bill Wellham

September 7th, 2007, 09:28 AM

http://farm2.static.flickr.com/1359/660967172_758ad073d2.jpg?v=0

http://farm2.static.flickr.com/1145/660967080_7124b58e01.jpg?v=0

http://farm2.static.flickr.com/1027/660966942_9c82a3428c.jpg?v=0

http://farm2.static.flickr.com/1325/660900344_1cf7282bf2.jpg?v=0

http://farm2.static.flickr.com/1080/660900082_85475db428.jpg?v=0

http://farm2.static.flickr.com/1132/660900048_d53d69febf.jpg?v=0

http://farm2.static.flickr.com/1322/660846758_390e53304e.jpg?v=0

http://farm2.static.flickr.com/1407/660846684_4bfe76c981.jpg?v=0

http://farm2.static.flickr.com/1280/660846442_04c9ac2048.jpg?v=0

Bill Wellham

September 7th, 2007, 10:33 AM

http://farm2.static.flickr.com/1046/660900302_1f25c92161_b.jpg

http://farm2.static.flickr.com/1279/660699134_1cda64cf80_b.jpg

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http://farm2.static.flickr.com/1318/658261485_b5c87e2fb5_b.jpg

http://farm2.static.flickr.com/1305/658261521_39a048ed3c_b.jpg

http://farm2.static.flickr.com/1182/657125939_0fda90abdd_b.jpg

http://farm2.static.flickr.com/1361/658122938_a9f73fb7a1_b.jpg

http://farm2.static.flickr.com/1324/658122976_4aea533f68_b.jpg

http://farm2.static.flickr.com/1296/648233541_95386bb180_b.jpg

Bill Wellham

September 7th, 2007, 11:36 AM

http://farm2.static.flickr.com/1254/649525064_52992db250_b.jpg

http://farm2.static.flickr.com/1019/658123084_921f19e2fb_b.jpg

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http://farm1.static.flickr.com/187/483912514_0a3884be08_b.jpg

http://farm2.static.flickr.com/1097/657182599_c6976b750e_b.jpg

http://farm2.static.flickr.com/1318/657182581_79b435a28e_b.jpg

http://farm2.static.flickr.com/1017/649525000_0b2c782922_b.jpg

http://farm2.static.flickr.com/1043/649524958_fe5ded58e3_b.jpg

Bill Wellham

September 7th, 2007, 01:14 PM

Are my photos too big, by the way?

Eddy C

September 7th, 2007, 02:26 PM

just good, thank you

SEED

September 7th, 2007, 03:41 PM

thank you soo much for the pics of Sony Tower in Osaka! its one of my fav building or maybe my fav in Osaka! :cool:

Bill Wellham

September 7th, 2007, 04:16 PM

Heres another bunch for ya

http://farm2.static.flickr.com/1034/649436558_59d2fe432c_b.jpg

http://farm2.static.flickr.com/1336/649436534_d24c988f00_b.jpg

http://farm2.static.flickr.com/1190/649436478_80ec9b6e6a_b.jpg

http://farm2.static.flickr.com/1037/657322043_24a32b78fa_b.jpg

http://farm2.static.flickr.com/1201/648466729_abd0888a0d_b.jpg

http://farm2.static.flickr.com/1377/648316915_73e5cf119f_b.jpg

http://farm2.static.flickr.com/1406/648316879_66a612ac47_b.jpg

http://farm2.static.flickr.com/1235/648316817_fa68bc5ecb_b.jpg

http://farm2.static.flickr.com/1055/648233697_dba9eed703_b.jpg

http://farm2.static.flickr.com/1074/648233683_ecb3e482e5_b.jpg

http://farm1.static.flickr.com/189/493642760_661fd82a71_b.jpg

SEED

September 7th, 2007, 04:30 PM

:cool: nice pics dude! that seafood restaurent looks funny! :lol: anyway i like this pics!

http://farm2.static.flickr.com/1074/648233683_ecb3e482e5_b.jpg

Bill Wellham

September 7th, 2007, 04:34 PM

Thanks SEED... Ive been a member for ages, but never got around to posting my pictures. I spend so much time looking at everyone elses.

Blackraven

September 7th, 2007, 04:51 PM

Waaah, superb pics!!!

Lots of new places in Osaka that I've never even seen before (like he Osaka Dome and the avenue with 10 vehicular lanes or 5 automobile lanes for each direction).

Lots of neat changes and improvements and I think that it attributed to the fact that at the moment, Osaka is the WORLD'S NUMBER 1 MARKET (for construction, infrastructure, real estate and urban development).

Keep it up Osaka :)

Bill Wellham

September 7th, 2007, 05:02 PM

I believe Osaka will advance and improve in many ways too... One of the real deep reasons also is the fact that Osaka has a real heart and soul. It thrives on the people who live and work there. It has a long history of trade. It has maybe stalled for a few years while Japan lost its way, but over the next 2 decades I think it will flourish beyond belief.

Great cities are not just about the height of their skyscrapers. Dubai will have amazing sky buildings, but at the street level, there is nothing. Osaka is built on people, trade, industry, and of course the sea!

Long live Osaka !

(more pictures to follow)

Bill Wellham

September 7th, 2007, 05:47 PM

How about these apples?

http://farm1.static.flickr.com/213/493642744_96545e5acc_b.jpg

http://farm1.static.flickr.com/189/493642740_1447df5c7c_b.jpg

http://farm1.static.flickr.com/231/493642736_7e375aafb3_b.jpg

http://farm1.static.flickr.com/220/483929820_d1c84eeab5_b.jpg

http://farm1.static.flickr.com/226/468113388_b906d97b80_b.jpg

http://farm1.static.flickr.com/145/415642669_899cc85616_b.jpg

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http://farm2.static.flickr.com/1396/715010907_d4c35eaa6a_b.jpg

http://farm2.static.flickr.com/1162/715885938_0adee2392c_b.jpg

SEED

September 8th, 2007, 12:55 PM

wow! :eek: wats that wing structure building?

Bill Wellham

September 8th, 2007, 03:09 PM

wow! :eek: wats that wing structure building?

Its the Osaka National Art Museum.. Heres some daytime shots, you may recognise the buildings around it !

http://farm2.static.flickr.com/1064/1060556305_3cb2be81ec_b.jpg

http://farm2.static.flickr.com/1019/1060549035_5ae33aa2a6_b.jpg

http://farm2.static.flickr.com/1232/1061404094_cc782b914d_b.jpg

http://farm2.static.flickr.com/1221/1061395892_21d3dd56f5_b.jpg

Borble

September 10th, 2007, 11:15 AM

Awesome pictures Bill Wellham

Northsider

September 12th, 2007, 05:57 AM

What a funky looking building

dom

September 14th, 2007, 02:58 AM

Wonderful photos.

I lived in Osaka for 2 years from 2003-2005 and absolutely loved the city. Osaka has real soul, is grounded and a rough and ready, yet welcoming feel to it.

It really is a bustling place and a huge city, one of the world's biggest. In terms of size it compares to London, New York or Paris when you add Kobe and Kyoto into the mix.

Kansai is really a great place to live and I enjoyed living in Namba, right in the centre.

I recommend anyone who is reading this thread to go to Osaka as it has arguably the best street food in Asia. After all, making money and spending it on food is what Osaka is famous for!

Hanshin-Tigress

September 15th, 2007, 04:57 PM

^^Osaka is known as 天下の台所 "the nations kitchen"

Unionstation13

September 17th, 2007, 12:39 AM

those pictures wow! Osaka is so modern and clean!

Hanshin-Tigress

September 17th, 2007, 06:05 AM

^^ helena!!!

:cheer: :banana:

Yes Osaka is modern and clean!! It also has a metro population of 19 million!! I am live in this metro area (wakayama).

Thank you for visiting japanese forum, you can comment in my picture threads too ^_^ :) (tokyo etc).

Unionstation13

September 21st, 2007, 01:23 AM

^^ It is! Wow 19 million! I come from a metro of only 2 million.
That is quiet a few people.
I must visit Osaka someday, it is quiet unique and very fresh looking!

ALKUN

September 22nd, 2007, 10:44 PM

Osaka is awesome !!!
I will be back in november.
I can't wait.

Renato Leao

September 25th, 2007, 11:26 PM

so nobody tallk about one building with 209m

Renato Leao

September 25th, 2007, 11:28 PM

how is the tower in Mikague???

Nikkodemo

September 27th, 2007, 07:34 AM

Oh my god!

Japanese people are working hardly to develop their cities..!!!

Greetings from Mexico!

Arigato!

shinjimomo

September 27th, 2007, 07:03 PM

alvi

September 27th, 2007, 08:06 PM

I love how Kobe is, just between the sea and the mountains, and its very dense.
I'm thinking about go to Kobe and stay for 2 days, could somebody tell me some interesting places to go? I also would like to have a view of the whole region, from a tall place...maybe a mountain? If anybody knows any place, help me please :)

You are spoilt for choice really; in the morning, take the Portliner round Port Island;

http://www.feel-kobe.jp/english/sightseeing/island.html

for an afternoon and evening you could go to Sannomiya station, walk down the Motomachi shotengai, go round Chinatown and end up at Harborland Mosaic for an evening meal.

http://www.feel-kobe.jp/english/sightseeing/harbor.html

Tall places? Port Tower is a venerable viewpoint to see the harbour. Both Rokko-san and Maya-san have ropeway access; my favourite is not so high; Nunobiki herb garden.

http://www.feel-kobe.jp/english/sightseeing/kitano25.html

go in the afternoon, walk down thru the garden from the top station; after you walk thru the glasshouses there is a lovely tea shop with a balcony where you can sit and drink herbal teas and watch the lights come up over Osaka Bay

There are better websites that those mentioned; it's just what I found in a hurry; google the terms. Or ask Maki-chan, she's in that area.

Enjoy it; try the cakes, Kobe specialise in European cakes....

shinjimomo

September 27th, 2007, 08:23 PM

Thank you alvi! I really apreciate your advices :)
Hope i can go as soon as possible(as soon as i have money)

Audiomuse

September 28th, 2007, 01:13 AM

I never knew Osaka was as massive as it is!

Bill Wellham

September 28th, 2007, 12:02 PM

Thanks for you comments on my photos...
Here's some more for you lovely people.

http://farm2.static.flickr.com/1101/763821678_76fbb036b4_b.jpg

http://farm2.static.flickr.com/1185/763771180_8253bef50c_b.jpg

http://farm2.static.flickr.com/1334/828276737_e912a81821_b.jpg

http://farm2.static.flickr.com/1105/828271525_a59d7c0f29_b.jpg

http://farm2.static.flickr.com/1169/829132130_c6f12f643b_b.jpg

http://farm2.static.flickr.com/1435/829122424_465e5f6dec_b.jpg

http://farm2.static.flickr.com/1378/828246645_21b543fcd3_b.jpg

http://farm2.static.flickr.com/1037/829106682_988db8132d_b.jpg

http://farm2.static.flickr.com/1261/829097978_0ef8e1b55c_b.jpg

http://farm2.static.flickr.com/1313/828220361_bff0bc486d_b.jpg

http://farm2.static.flickr.com/1033/829079642_287b195c6e_b.jpg

http://farm2.static.flickr.com/1371/828207959_551a712792_b.jpg

http://farm2.static.flickr.com/1188/829067432_2997d15d0d_b.jpg

http://farm2.static.flickr.com/1037/829061862_80177981ac_b.jpg

http://farm2.static.flickr.com/1431/829056750_97392ce009_b.jpg

Hanshin-Tigress

September 29th, 2007, 06:54 AM

:bow: :master: :master: :bow:

<3
大阪は日本で一番やで

cyborg81

September 29th, 2007, 09:09 AM

incredible pics,i plan to visit japan next after the olympics in beijing.me really lookin forward 2 dat trip :)

zeroyon

October 3rd, 2007, 10:51 AM

I was in Japan all last year, and I spent a lot of my time in Kobe. It really is a great city.

I don't think many people realize though how far the city has come since that fateful day in 1995. Take a look at this video, it shows parts of kobe during late january 1995, and compares them to today. It is almost unbelievable how much kobe has recovered, and how fast it recovered.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rgyiP6Umwo4

I was especially suprised when I visited the house of a friend of mine, who lives in Nagata ward of Kobe. Back in 1995, the scope of destruction in nagata was so bad that it looked like someone dropped an atomic bomb on it. Now, you can't even tell something happened there at all.

Here is Nagata ward from January, 1995:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=835roLztun0

Completely crazy to believe that was only 12 years ago.

Ryuhei

October 16th, 2007, 09:21 PM

Impressive photos! :master::master:

Ryuhei

October 16th, 2007, 09:36 PM

Good use of space :):

Nakanoshima (Osaka):
From: http://building-pc.cocolog-nifty.com/helicopter/2007/10/post_c30d.html

http://img80.imageshack.us/img80/1673/zosakanakanoshima1qo8.jpg

http://img144.imageshack.us/img144/8830/zosakanakanoshima2qk4.jpg

SEED

October 17th, 2007, 02:26 PM

wow! nice! :cool: this is no central park! its central island!

tonyboy

October 26th, 2007, 01:25 AM

oooh...i love everything about osaka except driving..because they drive in the wrong side of the road. ;)

ALKUN

October 28th, 2007, 11:37 AM

oooh...i love everything about osaka except driving..because they drive in the wrong side of the road. ;)

everywhere in japan they drive on the opposite side of the road. not only Osaka.:lol:

Northsider

October 31st, 2007, 06:19 AM

http://img80.imageshack.us/img80/1673/zosakanakanoshima1qo8.jpg
WOW! Spectacular view! Looks like a magnificent city.

Blackraven

November 6th, 2007, 04:36 PM

Defying the conventional Japanese boxy architecture

http://www.arrowgroup.co.jp/nanba/blog/images/IMG_0195.JPG
http://www.arrowgroup.co.jp/nanba/blog/images/IMG_0202.JPG
http://www.arrowgroup.co.jp/nanba/blog/images/IMG_0193.JPG

Just in time for the Christmas Holiday Shopping season. :)

Eddy C

November 6th, 2007, 09:11 PM

I will definitely go there in December. Is it open around New Year?

SEED

November 7th, 2007, 01:06 PM

looks hips too! :cool:

Blackraven

November 7th, 2007, 05:46 PM

It looks like it has a free fall ride as well. This should look neat and fun :)

SEED

November 8th, 2007, 01:20 PM

^^ i tot thats a elevator! :lol:

well-done

November 8th, 2007, 05:49 PM

Osaka looks modernly beautiful, very impressive. I like the artificial park in middle of the river.

ROYU

November 11th, 2007, 10:51 PM

Wow Osaka is one of the most impressive cities in the world. I must go to visit Osaka.

Hanshin-Tigress

November 14th, 2007, 05:53 AM

^^ osaka is #1

:banana:

The Cebuano Exultor

November 14th, 2007, 12:03 PM

No, Osaka isn't even number one in Japan much less the world. Greater Tokyo is still, hands down, the best metropolitan area in all of Japan.

Hanshin-Tigress

November 14th, 2007, 08:34 PM

no sorry, osaka is #1 in japan.

and what was the point of you rersponding to my comment? It is a matter of opinion. Go post in the tokyo thread please.

Songoten2554

November 14th, 2007, 09:56 PM

this is funny one person thinks Osaka is better and another person thinks Tokyo is better

Tokyo and Osaka are two different cities in the same country its like if i was comparing New York City and Chicago and both NYC and Chicago is in the same country

both New York City and Chicago has its charms the same can be said about Tokyo and Osaka

both Tokyo and Osaka has its charms and they both have different ways of viewing things and such

Giedrius_LT

November 17th, 2007, 09:54 AM

Osaka is impressive. Very nice architecture :)

joburg

November 21st, 2007, 05:39 PM

I am going to Kansai in early January. I can't wait after seeing these photos! Was not planning to make a trip to Kobe, but will definitely be taking the shinkansen down there for a bit.

We will be staying in Nara. Are there any photos of Nara? Nara looks like a lovely city too!

jeff Chang

November 25th, 2007, 03:37 PM

Beautiful

dom

December 8th, 2007, 12:01 PM

Osaka is where trade began in Japan.... Tokyo is a mere young upstart! Many of Japan's most famous companies were either founded or are based out of Osaka/Kyoto such as Sumitomo, Matsushita (Panasonic), Sanyo, Sharp, Nintendo, Suntory, Capcom, Daiwa Bank and Nomura.

People seem to forget that Tokyo is only 400 years old and that Osaka was very much the commercial and financial centre of Japan until 1930.....

Osaka was Japan's first truly industrialised city lending it the nickname, 'Manchester of the East.'

Of course Osaka has been well and truly eclipsed by Tokyo but is still a colossus of a city with one of the largest urban economies in the world.

Ryuhei

December 9th, 2007, 01:34 AM

OSAKA:

2003:
http://img223.imageshack.us/img223/1809/zzzzumeda02wsym2.jpg

2007:
http://img225.imageshack.us/img225/5219/zzzzumeda07wsrn2.jpg

SEED

December 9th, 2007, 02:39 PM

^^ soo nice! :cool:

alvi

December 9th, 2007, 07:52 PM

Ryuhei,

is that the view from Umeda Sky Garden? have you got the whole panorama??

alvi.

Eddy C

December 9th, 2007, 09:03 PM

That is indeed from the Sky Garden. I like the little church/chapel in the yellow hotel and the building with the highway through it.

Ryuhei

December 9th, 2007, 09:50 PM

Ryuhei,

is that the view from Umeda Sky Garden? have you got the whole panorama??

alvi.

Yes, taken (not by me, of course XD) from top of Umeda Sky Building.

But no, they are not panoramic.
At Flickr I only found these ones. Surely other forumers could post better ones :)

Same (http://www.flickr.com/photos/fabulous_redhead/1397732030/) position (http://www.flickr.com/photos/90612222@N00/2089188496/)
http://img511.imageshack.us/img511/4810/zzpanosaka1za4.jpg

http://img221.imageshack.us/img221/376/zzpanosaka3gs4.jpg

From Osaka castle (I think): (http://www.flickr.com/photos/zhzheka/344863774/)
http://img511.imageshack.us/img511/5041/zzpanosaka2dp2.jpg

David Chapelvick

December 10th, 2007, 02:41 PM

Wow, you got even more skyscrapers than USA.

Northsider

December 10th, 2007, 11:49 PM

Wow, you got even more skyscrapers than USA.
Yes, of course. Other than Chicago and NYC, US cities really don't have many skyscrapers compared to Asian cities. Too bad you got banned.:ohno:

sumisu

December 11th, 2007, 02:25 AM

two posts and banned?? he must have said something really bad!

I love Osaka, way more style and funk than Tokyo.

Hanshin-Tigress

December 12th, 2007, 07:01 PM

Ryuhei

December 19th, 2007, 11:36 PM

Namba Hips opened Thursday (12-13) (gorimon (http://gorimon.com/blog/log/eid832.html))

Is that a (light) free-fall ride or not?

http://img513.imageshack.us/img513/2509/zzznambahips1jx0.jpg

http://img125.imageshack.us/img125/2102/zzznambahips5qi5.jpg

http://img125.imageshack.us/img125/5704/zzznambahips4fe4.jpg

http://img513.imageshack.us/img513/8835/zzznambahips2gl4.jpg

Fall in Love :lol:
http://img513.imageshack.us/img513/3295/zzznambahips3kn1.jpg

maxxam80

December 20th, 2007, 02:34 PM

what is inside the building? - a shopping mall?

Osaka looks like its got more character than Tokyo

all so I hear it has more than its fair share of the best restaurants in Japan

Hanshin-Tigress

December 21st, 2007, 12:40 AM

^^ yup

shinjimomo

December 31st, 2007, 06:40 PM

Kobe on December 30

http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2067/2152233776_ce60cefeff_b.jpg

http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2318/2152233934_c42cd54633_b.jpg

http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2196/2151441511_86591dee7c_b.jpg

http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2420/2151441377_67a8e93cdd_b.jpg

http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2211/2152234198_be2acacbf6_b.jpg

http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2068/2152234546_89cd9b6361_b.jpg

http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2380/2152234728_ff1f54557a_b.jpg

http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2174/2152234898_d10e4a8c40_b.jpg

http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2325/2151442835_ea4410dd9d_b.jpg

http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2009/2152235152_08906f3d74_b.jpg

http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2320/2151443289_dffb5f75cf_b.jpg

http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2286/2151443431_25f663c737_b.jpg

http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2232/2151443729_2f811558c3_b.jpg

http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2264/2152236270_23bff11172_b.jpg

http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2138/2151444495_18053444e3_b.jpg

http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2258/2152236566_a8f4bc0f42_b.jpg

http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2044/2152234364_d6fd61705a_b.jpg

http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2139/2152234076_8073bd0d62_b.jpg

http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2296/2151506871_66be67c7eb_b.jpg

http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2044/2151441223_677e589006_b.jpg

Vapour

December 31st, 2007, 07:13 PM

shinjimomoさん, thanks a lot for the pics. We haven't seen many of those angles, that's a great collection indeed :)

shotgun x

January 10th, 2008, 05:07 PM

Kobe Harborland by Moonlight (11/05/2007)
http://img293.imageshack.us/img293/710/kobegp3.jpg (http://imageshack.us)

shotgun x

January 10th, 2008, 05:10 PM

Kobe (Dec 02, 2007)
http://img521.imageshack.us/img521/2528/harborlandwebal4.jpg (http://imageshack.us)
http://img521.imageshack.us/img521/2528/harborlandwebal4.08ed54aa61.jpg (http://g.imageshack.us/g.php?h=521&i=harborlandwebal4.jpg)

ikari

January 12th, 2008, 09:08 PM

Photos of Osaka from Osaka-jou (Summer 2006)
I hope you'll like them! [all photos by me]

http://farm2.static.flickr.com/1188/1488855537_3c580c077a_b.jpg

http://farm2.static.flickr.com/1144/1488866183_c5169edfaf_b.jpg

http://farm2.static.flickr.com/1126/1489604260_e068e6a221_b.jpg

http://farm2.static.flickr.com/1390/1488847621_aea836ee6e_b.jpg

http://farm2.static.flickr.com/1157/1489653004_e3d1d2a5db_b.jpg

Audiomuse

January 12th, 2008, 10:08 PM

^^ Nice photos. I like those skyscrapers in the second to last pic!

Fat Blue

January 13th, 2008, 12:26 AM

Cool pics

Fat Blue

January 13th, 2008, 12:27 AM

Yeah, really cool photos

ikari

January 13th, 2008, 12:33 AM

^^ Thanks you so much guys! ^_^
Tomorrow maybe I will put night photos of Osaka from Umeda Building.

Cya ;)

sumisu

January 13th, 2008, 02:04 AM

Has anyone taken the boat cruises from Osaka Jo? you get a great view of the city from a unique perspective.

ikari

January 13th, 2008, 09:02 PM

Shotgun, beautiful shots!!
I love Kobe tower *_*

Vapour

January 27th, 2008, 04:34 PM

Dominique Perrault is to build a 132-meter building for Fukoku Life Insurance in Osaka.

http://www.perraultarchitecte.com/img/proj/imgGal/jap/Fukoku_04.jpg

Location: http://maps.google.co.jp/maps?f=q&hl=ja&geocode=&time=&date=&ttype=&q=%E5%A4%A7%E9%98%AA%E5%B8%82%E5%8C%97%E5%8C%BA%E5%B0%8F%E6%9D%BE%E5%8E%9F%EF%BC%92-%EF%BC%94&ie=UTF8&t=h&z=16&om=0

hkskyline

February 7th, 2008, 06:25 PM

By yeasonth from a Hong Kong photography forum :

http://www.1adh.com/2007/20070404/pic/001/1-0001.JPG

http://www.1adh.com/2007/20070404/pic/001/1-0002.JPG

http://www.1adh.com/2007/20070404/pic/001/1-0004.JPG

http://www.1adh.com/2007/20070404/pic/001/1-0003.JPG

http://www.1adh.com/2007/20070404/pic/001/1-0005.JPG

http://www.1adh.com/2007/20070404/pic/001/1-0006.JPG

http://www.1adh.com/2007/20070404/pic/001/1-0007.JPG

http://www.1adh.com/2007/20070404/pic/001/1-0008.JPG

http://www.1adh.com/2007/20070404/pic/001/1-0009.JPG

http://www.1adh.com/2007/20070404/pic/001/1-0010.JPG

Sr.Horn

February 8th, 2008, 12:01 AM

photos from 2007?

Cherry Blossoms season in Japan it's fantastic. Here in Spain, in some areas the almonds just are florished :P

Ryuhei

February 10th, 2008, 10:23 PM

Saturday snowfall in Osaka (from http://gorimon.com/blog/ (http://translate.google.com/translate?u=http%3A%2F%2Fgorimon.com%2Fblog%2F&langpair=ja%7Cen&hl=es&ie=UTF-8))

http://i29.tinypic.com/5dpaf7.jpg____ http://i25.tinypic.com/35ddjpd.jpg

Hanshin-Tigress

February 11th, 2008, 10:01 PM

ALKUN

February 12th, 2008, 11:26 AM

wow, snow in Osaka.
It's not so common for this city.
I like the pictures.

Cosmin

February 13th, 2008, 02:53 PM

OSAKA:

2003:
http://img223.imageshack.us/img223/1809/zzzzumeda02wsym2.jpg

2007:
http://img225.imageshack.us/img225/5219/zzzzumeda07wsrn2.jpg
I'll be damned! It's almost like seeing a comparison on NY Midtown in the '50s and in 2007. I'm amazed. Waiting for the 2007/2010 comparison.:lol:

Osaka looks like a great city... somewhat on par with Tokyo, but that's just from what I see in these photos, so don't take my word for it.:cheers:

Nick

February 14th, 2008, 09:14 AM

Im some parts its on par with Tokyo.Umeda is roughly the size of Ikebukuro,while Namba/Shinsaibashi weighs in as the main heavy weight of the city.Its larger than Shibuya and about 60 percent the size of Shinjuku.Huuuuge compared with Sakae(Nagoya),Tenjin/Natsu(Fukuoka) and the night area in Sapporo.Namba would be perhaps the second or third largest entertainment district in Japan.

Vapour

February 17th, 2008, 03:26 PM

Hanshin-Tigress

February 17th, 2008, 07:37 PM

Nobunaga73

February 19th, 2008, 11:42 AM

Hmmm. I disagree with a lot of these. Here is my opinion (having lived in both cities).
^Hey Nick, good to see you around. I found out the following comparative between Osaka and Tokyo districts:

新宿　＝梅田 Umeda is more a hybrid of Marunouchi/Shinjuku
秋葉原＝日本橋 Was once, but now is changing.
池袋　＝天王寺 OK
渋谷　＝心斎橋 Maybe
銀座　＝北新地 Yes
丸の内＝本町 No way. Honmachi is more like Tokyo's Nihonbashi
東京　＝新大阪 This doesn't make sense... Shin Osaka is like Shinagawa
上野　＝鶴橋 OK
品川　＝京橋 No. Kyobashi is more like Gotanda
浦安　＝此花 Hmm. Perhaps.
お台場＝南港 OK.
水道橋＝大正 Can't really say
台東区＝西成区 Is Taito-ku that bad!!?
山谷　＝釜ヶ崎 Maybe.
皇居　＝大阪城公園 Sure.

What do you think?

I'd add one:

原宿 = 堀江

Hanshin-Tigress

February 19th, 2008, 09:51 PM

" Is Taito-ku that bad!!?"

:lol:

HirakataShi

February 20th, 2008, 03:04 AM

原宿＝堀江・アメ村

新宿＝梅田
渋谷＝心斎橋

渋谷＝梅田
新宿＝心斎橋

Vapour

February 20th, 2008, 06:28 AM

Thanks for your insight, Nobunaga73 :okay:

Nick

February 21st, 2008, 09:24 AM

^Hey Nick, good to see you around. I found out the following comparative between Osaka and Tokyo districts:

新宿　＝梅田
秋葉原＝日本橋
池袋　＝天王寺
渋谷　＝心斎橋
銀座　＝北新地
丸の内＝本町
東京　＝新大阪
上野　＝鶴橋
品川　＝京橋
浦安　＝此花
お台場＝南港
水道橋＝大正
台東区＝西成区
山谷　＝釜ヶ崎
皇居　＝大阪城公園

What do you think?

My Kanji is pertty shite.Its been 13 months since I left Japan.I've barely spoken a world of Japanese since.

In English,what do you think are the real comparisons.I reckon the ones I posted are pretty close.I lived in Osaka for 8 years and visited Tokyo about 6 times with a 3 week stint up Chiba city teaching.So those estimates are based only on my observations

Vapour

April 5th, 2008, 04:35 PM

I'm going to Kobe for a couple of days during the golden week, any suggestions off the beaten path?

Hanshin-Tigress

April 5th, 2008, 11:08 PM

wakayama castle :)
http://www.city.wakayama.wakayama.jp/english/images/wakayamajo.jpg
https://www.jalpak.com/e_news/e_news_vol9/wakayama_spring.jpg

coldstar

April 6th, 2008, 05:52 PM

I'm going to Kobe for a couple of days during the golden week, any suggestions off the beaten path?
I'm going to Nagano at the beginning of the golden week, to give a hearty welcome to the Olympic torch, like LONDON.:lol::lol:

http://newsimg.bbc.co.uk/media/images/44543000/jpg/_44543959_wembley_ap416.jpghttp://newsimg.bbc.co.uk/media/images/44544000/jpg/_44544377_whitehall_getty416.jpg

castermaild55

April 7th, 2008, 06:11 AM

coldstar, Do you know who designed that flag?

Hanshin-Tigress, I really want to go to Mt.koya

Hanshin-Tigress

April 7th, 2008, 06:31 AM

I'm going to Nagano at the beginning of the golden week, to give a hearty welcome to the Olympic torch, like LONDON.:lol::lol:

http://newsimg.bbc.co.uk/media/images/44543000/jpg/_44543959_wembley_ap416.jpghttp://newsimg.bbc.co.uk/media/images/44544000/jpg/_44544377_whitehall_getty416.jpg

:lol:
中国への抗議　大阪編

http://youtube.com/watch?v=GOMjh8xGuKE

Hanshin-Tigress

April 7th, 2008, 06:36 AM

coldstar, Do you know who designed that flag?

Hanshin-Tigress, I really want to go to Mt.koya

高野山?

Moun koya temple wakayama kansai (kinki) region :)
http://travellingboard.net/wp-content/uploads/2007/10/mount-koya-temple.jpg

http://www.hoffmann.caltech.edu/PlacesVisited/html0001/images/Rock%20Garden%20Koyasan%20Japan%202001.jpg

http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/0/09/Okunoin_Cemetery%2C_Koyasan%2C_Japan.JPG/800px-Okunoin_Cemetery%2C_Koyasan%2C_Japan.JPG

http://bemused.typepad.com/bemused/images/2007/10/11/koyasan_view_2.jpg

http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/en/thumb/3/30/A_statue_in_Okunoin_cemetery.jpg/800px-A_statue_in_Okunoin_cemetery.jpg

http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/2/2c/Tokugawa_Mausoleums%2C_Koyasan%2C_Japan.JPG/800px-Tokugawa_Mausoleums%2C_Koyasan%2C_Japan.JPG

http://www.hikejapan.com/graphics/tours%202008/27.%20Sunset%20from%20Amakashi%20no%20Oka%20in%20Asuka%20.JPG

http://travellingboard.net/wp-content/uploads/2007/10/mossy-statuesjapan.jpg

http://www.japan-guide.com/g4/4900_01.jpg

http://www.thevisualrecord.com/photos/travel/japan/japan0030.jpg

http://images.jupiterimages.com/common/detail/47/08/23460847.jpg

http://www.jaywye.com/wp-images/japan2006/dsc_4445_koyasan_statue_500.jpg

Some Autumn color
http://www.geocities.com/gabigreve2000/koyasan01.jpg
Winter
http://www.pref.wakayama.lg.jp/english/img_top/koyasan.jpg

:okay:

coldstar

April 7th, 2008, 01:17 PM

http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/3/3c/Flag_of_Tibet.svg/800px-Flag_of_Tibet.svg.png

coldstar, Do you know who designed that flag?

Of COURSE I KNOW!!

Tibetan national flag was designed by a Japanese !

Bunkyo Aoki (青木文教) was a Buddhist monk and scholor of Ryukoku University in Kyoto. He was dispatched to Tibet and stayed at Lhasa in 1910s for studying the Tibetan Buddhism.
He deeply felt compassion towards the Tibetan people and admired its great religion as most Japanese do.
Finally, he made friends with His Holiness the 13th Dalai Lama there, and was asked for the design of Tibetan national flag by His Holiness the 13th Dalai Lama. Then, the national flag of Tibet was introduced in 1912 by the 13th Dalai Lama officially.
The flag is called '雪山獅子旗 (snow mountain and lions) and one of the most beautiful flags on earth without any doubt.

BTW, I myself have been to Tibet several years ago. Since then, I've always been for the Tibetan people. Really great people!!!

coldstar

April 7th, 2008, 01:24 PM

:lol:
中国への抗議　大阪編

http://youtube.com/watch?v=GOMjh8xGuKE

not such a big deal. We're really looking forward to Nagano!!

BTW, the 14th Dalai Lama is coming to Japan this WEEK again. (on the way to the United States from India).

coldstar

April 7th, 2008, 02:20 PM

Today's Yahoo (Japan) News:
More than 78 % of Japanese say we should definitely boycott this Olympic.

coldstar

April 7th, 2008, 05:07 PM

高野山?

Moun koya temple wakayama kansai (kinki) region :)
http://travellingboard.net/wp-content/uploads/2007/10/mount-koya-temple.jpg

Mt.Koya (World Heritage) is the headquarters of the Shingon sect of Japanese Buddhism. It is heavily influenced by Tibetan Esoteric Buddhism.
http://www.geocities.jp/noharakamemushi/Koshaji/Sonota2/Zaoudou_3tai.jpg
http://www.reihokan.or.jp/syuzohin/hotoke/mandara/images/besson_butsugan.jpghttp://www.reihokan.or.jp/syuzohin/hotoke/mandara/images/besson_sonsyo.jpghttp://www.reihokan.or.jp/syuzohin/hotoke/mandara/images/besson_itiji.jpg

Ascetic monks of authentic Buddhism (not fake Buddhism ) are also protesting against tragedy in current Tibet.

Vapour

April 8th, 2008, 09:05 AM

Please Coldstar, let's try to leave politics aside the forum ;)

lumpia

April 10th, 2008, 04:21 AM

A few photos I took during my study year abroad in Japan. These go back to 2006-7.

Kiyomizu-dera, Kyoto
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v241/anak_1/Kyoumizudera2.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v241/anak_1/P1010096.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v241/anak_1/P1010091.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v241/anak_1/P1010098.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v241/anak_1/P1010109.jpg

View over Kyoto
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v241/anak_1/P1010106.jpg

Kawaramachi-dori, Kyoto
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v241/anak_1/P1010126.jpg

Kinkaku-ji, Kyoto
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v241/anak_1/P1010427.jpg

Shoseien Garden, near Kyoto Station
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v241/anak_1/P1010332.jpg

At the Eisaa Matsuri in Taisho, Osaka
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v241/anak_1/P1010302.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v241/anak_1/P1010303.jpg

Autumn hills in Taishi-cho, minamikawachi district, Osaka Pref.
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v241/anak_1/P1010513.jpg

Hirakata; where I was staying :)
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v241/anak_1/P1010137.jpg

lumpia

April 10th, 2008, 04:34 AM

A few pics from Osaka during my year abroad in Japan 2006-7. I so wanna go back! :cry:

Around Namba
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v241/anak_1/P1010197.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v241/anak_1/P1010211.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v241/anak_1/P1010200.jpg

Tenmabashi
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v241/anak_1/P1010449.jpg

Doutombori
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v241/anak_1/P1010225.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v241/anak_1/P1010216.jpg

Kyobashi JR Platform
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v241/anak_1/P1010193.jpg

Hanshin-Tigress

April 10th, 2008, 06:12 AM

近畿地方は一番やで!!

ikari

April 10th, 2008, 11:25 AM

^^僕もそう思ってる!
近畿地方最高!

Sr.Horn

April 10th, 2008, 04:36 PM

Well! Kyoto is a fantastic city! probably, my favourite of Japan, it's the perfect mix of big city and ancient town with some county landscape near de center.

Thanks!

lumpia

April 10th, 2008, 07:50 PM

近畿地方は一番やで!!True dat! All in all, I had too much fun in the Kansai area to even think of visiting other places. so weirdly enough, I must've been the only foreign student to visit Japan who had never been to Tokyo or Kyushu, and I spent close to a year there! :lol:

Vapour

May 4th, 2008, 09:53 AM

:wave: from Kobe! This morning I explored the area around the Akashi-kaikyo brigde, woaaah that's what I call steel poetry :drool:

Sr.Horn

May 4th, 2008, 11:56 AM

:wave: from Kobe! This morning I explored the area around the Akashi-kaikyo brigde, woaaah that's what I call steel poetry :drool:

Buen viaje!

いってらっしゃい! :lol:

Hanshin-Tigress

May 4th, 2008, 08:32 PM

:wave: from Kobe! This morning I explored the area around the Akashi-kaikyo brigde, woaaah that's what I call steel poetry :drool:
(^-^*)/ｺﾝﾁｬ!
yea dont waste your time in kanto anymore :yes:

dom

May 10th, 2008, 11:26 AM

Okay here's a few updates/highlights of what has been built/being built in Osaka recently.

There has been an immense amount of construction of residential towers in this city in past years. In comparison, new build office is scarce, with only the Sankei Breeze Tower, Sumitomo Insurance Headquarters and Daiburu Building either built or u/c.

NAMBA:

A large focus of construction has been around the JR Namba Station.

Here is a recent photo, May 2008, of the JR Namba area. You can see the towers that have been built around the postmodern OCAT Building (1993):

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v489/dominiccherry1/OsakaNamba-May2008.jpg

The Kintetsu Shin-Namba building, the 20F glass tower to the right was until recently Nova Corporation's headquarters and this was probably the area with the densest concentration of gaijin in Japan. About 400-500 foreign staff used to work from this building.

The last parcel of land near the station now has a 144m tower being built on what was a car park. It is, imaginatively called, the OCAT Tower. Sadly, the design is as uninspiring as pretty much every other residential tower in Japan. Get some variety people!

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v489/dominiccherry1/OCATTower144m2009.jpg

One of Namba's better developments in recent years has certainly been Namba Parks and the associated developments around it. Namba Parks Tower and the Swiss Hotel now have a residential tower to accompany them in this area. Here is the latest, photo, it is nearly complete now.

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v489/dominiccherry1/NankaiParksTower155m2007.jpg

Around Honmachi:

Apple Tower,

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v489/dominiccherry1/AppleTower152m2007-1.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v489/dominiccherry1/AppleTower152m2007.jpg

UMEDA

Here is a photo of Umeda from December 2007, you can clearly see the completed Sumitomo Tower and the u/c Sankei Breeze Tower.

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v489/dominiccherry1/UmedaSkyline2008.jpg

Umeda Tower, 148m, Umeda (2005)

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v489/dominiccherry1/TheUmedaTower148m2005.jpg

Orix Tower, 200m, Bentencho (2006)

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v489/dominiccherry1/OrixTower200375m2006.jpg

Sankei Project, 170m, Umeda (2008)

renders:

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v489/dominiccherry1/UemdaAreaSankeiBreezerender.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v489/dominiccherry1/SankeiTowerrender.jpg

And a recent under construction photo:
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v489/dominiccherry1/SankeiBuilding2008170M.jpg

The Kitahama Tower, Umeda, 209m (2009). This will be the tallest residential tower in Osaka, beating the Orix tower by a few metres.

render:
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v489/dominiccherry1/TheKitahama2009209m.jpg

Here is a good example of a recent residential tower in Osaka:

Fukushima Tower, Umeda, 177m (2007)

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v489/dominiccherry1/FukushimaTower2.jpg

Daibiru Building, Umeda, 140m (2009)

This office building is nestled next to the Toray Building on Nakanoshima, just south of Umeda.

render:
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v489/dominiccherry1/DaibiruBuilding2009140m.jpg

u/c photo:

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v489/dominiccherry1/DaibiruBuildingu-cMar2008.jpg

Sumitomo Nakanoshima Tower, 141m (2005)

Just around completion:

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v489/dominiccherry1/Sumitomo141m2005.jpg

A recent photo:

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v489/dominiccherry1/Sumitomo.jpg

Hankyu department store redevelopment:

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v489/dominiccherry1/Hankyurender2.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v489/dominiccherry1/HankyuRender1.jpg

u/c photo (March 2008):
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v489/dominiccherry1/HankyuTower187mu-cshotmarch2008.jpg

Other updates:

A 300m tower is proposed for Tennoji by the Kintetsu Department store. Details still thin on the ground.

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v489/dominiccherry1/AbenoTower300m.jpg

Here is a link to a pdf outlining the redevelopment of the Umeda Rail Yards. In my opinion this is Osaka's last great chance to really show the world that it is a city that can be one of the leaders in Asia and a true global city. It is imperative that the Osaka gets this right.

http://www.kitaumeda-osaka.jp/doc/masterplan.pdf

Another major development is that the Hanshin Line from Kobe is to be extended to Sakuragawa and Kintetsu Namba Station. This will be completed in 2009 and will be of great benefit to Namba as you will be able to get on a train which takes you straight to Kobe without having to change in Umeda.

Hanshin also says it will operate through trains between Sannomiya Station in Kobe and Kintetsu Nara Station in Nara via the Namba Line. Also Kintetsu Namba station will be renamed Osaka Namba Station.

CybaSumo

May 12th, 2008, 01:31 PM

amazing! i really can't wait to see it for real!

Nobunaga73

May 14th, 2008, 12:40 PM

dom,

Good pics and overview. A couple of things you posted were incorrect, however, and I've corrected them below. BTW, Osaka is currently entering a period of significant oversupply of new office space and residential "tower mansions". We all like skyscrapers but this type of speculative building is going to put a lot of pressure on landlords.

Here is a recent photo, May 2008, of the JR Namba area. You can see the towers that have been built around the postmodern OCAT Building (1993):

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v489/dominiccherry1/OsakaNamba-May2008.jpg

The Kintetsu Shin-Namba building, the 20F glass tower to the right was until recently Nova Corporation's headquarters and this was probably the area with the densest concentration of gaijin in Japan. About 400-500 foreign staff used to work from this building.

The last parcel of land near the station now has a 144m tower being built on what was a car park. It is, imaginatively called, the OCAT Tower. Sadly, the design is as uninspiring as pretty much every other residential tower in Japan. Get some variety people!

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v489/dominiccherry1/OCATTower144m2009.jpg

That is actually a picture of Maruito Namba Building which will be office and hotel. Maruito operates the Monterey chain of hotels.

UMEDA

Here is a photo of Umeda from December 2007, you can clearly see the completed Sumitomo Tower and the u/c Sankei Breeze Tower.

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v489/dominiccherry1/UmedaSkyline2008.jpg

I'm being pedantic but it's actually the Sumitomo Seimei Nakanoshima Central Tower. Sumitomo Fudosan don't have much of a presence in the Osaka office market.
Here is a good example of a recent residential tower in Osaka:

Fukushima Tower, Umeda, 177m (2007)

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v489/dominiccherry1/FukushimaTower2.jpg

That's actually City Tower Nishi Umeda. Sumitomo Fudosan are now building a residential tower in Fukushima, though.

Other updates:

A 300m tower is proposed for Tennoji by the Kintetsu Department store. Details still thin on the ground.

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v489/dominiccherry1/AbenoTower300m.jpg

I met with Kintetsu people recently and received details of this project. The building will have direct access to the subway and kintetsu stations. Floors 1-14 will be Department Store. The 16F will be a museum. Floor 17 is the office lobby, with office floors from 21~36F. Floor 19 will be the hotel lobby, which will take up floors 38~56. The top floor will be some kind of observation platform/restaurant/etc. The hotel operator is not yet determined. The building is designed by Cesar Pelli. If I have time I'll upload a picture of the building design -- which is significantly different from what you've posted. Scheduled completion is 2014.

Ryuhei

May 14th, 2008, 08:22 PM

Thanks for all the updates

I met with Kintetsu people recently and received details of this project. The building will have direct access to the subway and kintetsu stations. Floors 1-14 will be Department Store. The 16F will be a museum. Floor 17 is the office lobby, with office floors from 21~36F. Floor 19 will be the hotel lobby, which will take up floors 38~56. The top floor will be some kind of observation platform/restaurant/etc. The hotel operator is not yet determined. The building is designed by Cesar Pelli. If I have time I'll upload a picture of the building design -- which is significantly different from what you've posted. Scheduled completion is 2014.

I hope the new design is better than the first one XD

NAMBA HIPS

http://i26.tinypic.com/33ym640.jpg_________http://i31.tinypic.com/2nqsdc3.jpg

XvWa0kxAZrc________YsQiSog0rp0
:nuts::nuts:

http://gorimon.com/blog/log/eid902.html

CybaSumo

May 15th, 2008, 03:20 PM

またレーザー光線写真コンサートを見ることができる日本ワイドスクリーンの屋外プロジェクターのそのようなことのこの場所は何である!か。

christos-greece

May 15th, 2008, 08:48 PM

Kyoto skyline is nice :cheers:

De Snor

May 16th, 2008, 04:30 PM

2 pano's found on Flickr:

http://farm1.static.flickr.com/155/344863783_0916394fa0_o.jpg

http://farm1.static.flickr.com/138/344863774_32662e4f41_o.jpg

NegaSado

May 16th, 2008, 09:45 PM

:wave: from Kobe! This morning I explored the area around the Akashi-kaikyo brigde, woaaah that's what I call steel poetry :drool:

I missed this on my last trip. :(
The local train from Himeji to Osaka went by, so I could catch just a glimpse. It looked so massive!

ikari

May 17th, 2008, 01:03 PM

^^ Nice panos from Osaka-jou!!
Maybe a lil' bit saturated but nice ;)
Thx for sharing! ^_^

Hanshin-Tigress

May 18th, 2008, 07:37 AM

osaka.... -すぐ帰って来るよ。:D

Vapour

May 18th, 2008, 12:13 PM

http://img204.imageshack.us/img204/992/p1200946hc6.jpg (http://imageshack.us)

http://img528.imageshack.us/img528/4083/p1200945eo5.jpg (http://imageshack.us)

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v153/sashimigadaisuki/Hilos%20SSC/Kobe/P1200951.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v153/sashimigadaisuki/Hilos%20SSC/Kobe/P1200950.jpg

http://img527.imageshack.us/img527/2024/p1200947nn6.jpg (http://imageshack.us)

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v153/sashimigadaisuki/Hilos%20SSC/Kobe/P1200949.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v153/sashimigadaisuki/Hilos%20SSC/Kobe/P1200948.jpg

http://img149.imageshack.us/img149/2622/p1200955sf1.jpg (http://imageshack.us)

http://img140.imageshack.us/img140/2111/p1200956ak5.jpg (http://imageshack.us)

http://img527.imageshack.us/img527/492/p1200960gx0.jpg (http://imageshack.us)

http://img140.imageshack.us/img140/8468/p1200961xx2.jpg (http://imageshack.us)

http://img168.imageshack.us/img168/5412/p1200962cb2.jpg (http://imageshack.us)

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v153/sashimigadaisuki/Hilos%20SSC/Kobe/P1200959.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v153/sashimigadaisuki/Hilos%20SSC/Kobe/P1200964.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v153/sashimigadaisuki/Hilos%20SSC/Kobe/P1200965.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v153/sashimigadaisuki/Hilos%20SSC/Kobe/P1200966.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v153/sashimigadaisuki/Hilos%20SSC/Kobe/P1200967.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v153/sashimigadaisuki/Hilos%20SSC/Kobe/P1200975.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v153/sashimigadaisuki/Hilos%20SSC/Kobe/P1200976.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v153/sashimigadaisuki/Hilos%20SSC/Kobe/P1200977.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v153/sashimigadaisuki/Hilos%20SSC/Kobe/P1200974.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v153/sashimigadaisuki/Hilos%20SSC/Kobe/P1200981.jpg

http://img149.imageshack.us/img149/8426/p1200986to4.jpg (http://imageshack.us)

http://img98.imageshack.us/img98/2100/p1200980qi8.jpg (http://imageshack.us)

http://img140.imageshack.us/img140/1699/p1200968ig7.jpg (http://imageshack.us)