Ikuno-ku is one of 24 wards of Osaka, Japan. The Tsuruhashi area of Ikuno-ku is well known for the large number of Koreans, particularly Korean-Japanese citizens living there, as well as for its large number of yakiniku restaurants. Many families from Korea have lived in the Tsuruhashi district for three generations or more. Ikuno-ku is located in the southeastern part of Osaka City, and is adjacent to Higashiosaka City in the east, Higashinari-ku of Osaka City in the north, Tennoji-ku in the west, and Abeno-ku, Higashisumiyoshi-ku and Hirano-ku in the south.
Population
The population and density of Ikuno-ku are the sixth largest in Osaka City, but are declining. The number of foreigner registrations is the largest in the city, and one out of four residents here is of foreign nationality. The proportion of senior citizens is also higher than the overall Osaka City average. As aging of the population progresses in Ikuno-ku, diverse services and assistances are being provided for senior citizens. The municipal home nursing service center, Okachiyama, is among them. Ikuno-ku is thus evolving into a comfortable town for all its residents including senior citizens and handicapped residents, who will all be satisfied with their life here.
Living
Ikuno-ku is a typical town of small businesses from the pre-World War II period. Although the dense concentration of houses, factories and shops along narrow streets is a fire hazard, traditionally close human relationships contribute to an active local community. The narrow streets require substantial redevelopment. The completion of the Expressway Namba-Katae Line is eagerly awaited, as there are few east-west avenues. Inside Ikuno-ku run JR Loop Line, Kintetsu Nara and Osaka Lines, as well as Subway Sennichimae Line, but none of them go through central Ikuno. The extension of Subway No.8 Line is strongly desired to provide the district citizens with railway transportation for everyday life. Many projects are currently underway to develop the district into a comfortable residential area well balanced with its commercial and industrial functions. In southern Ikuno new apartment houses are being built for original residents, as well as many town squares. Construction of urban roads and parks is also planned. Residents of the Tsuruhashi area organized the New Town Development Committee, which was followed by the establishment of the New Tsuruhashi Redevelopment Association, both serving as a stimulus for residents-oriented town development.
