Unveiling the History of 'Young Town' in Senboku New Town, Osaka!
Osaka Prefectural Housing Corporation has updated its website to feature the history of 'Young Town,' a 1972 housing community for young workers in Senboku New Town.
📋 Article Processing Timeline
- 📰 Published: March 30, 2026 at 23:00
- 🔍 Collected: March 30, 2026 at 22:56
- 🤖 AI Analyzed: April 22, 2026 at 05:23 (534h 27m after Collected)
The Osaka Prefectural Housing Corporation (Headquarters: Chuo-ku, Osaka City; President: Yuzuru Yamamoto; hereinafter 'the Corporation'), which provides the public rental housing SMALIO within Osaka Prefecture, has updated the content of its special feature site, 'Stories Woven by Housing: The Past, Present, and Future of the Osaka Prefectural Housing Corporation.' This site highlights the Corporation's efforts in providing quality housing and urban development, as well as the housing culture cultivated alongside them. With this update, they have published the history of 'Young Town,' which once existed in Senboku New Town (Minami-ku, Sakai City).
■ Young Town: Memories of a Town Where Young People Grew Up Together
Born in 1972 in Miharadai, Senboku New Town, 'Young Town' was housing intended for young workers who flocked to Osaka during the period of rapid economic growth.
At a time when the housing shortage was severe, this town was developed as a comprehensive measure for young working people through a collaboration between the Osaka Prefectural Government, the national government, and the private sector. It started not just as housing for singles, but as a 'living community' supporting the independence and growth of young people.
'Young Town' was conveniently located approximately a 10-minute walk from 'Izumigaoka' Station on the Semboku Rapid Railway (currently Nankai Electric Railway Semboku Line), offering access to central Osaka in about 30 minutes. The planned occupancy was about 10,000 people.
Taking on a portion of this, the Corporation constructed 'Miharadai Single Persons Housing,' a 2,000-room rental property.
Compact rooms of about 4.5 tatami mats, shared washing machines, and coin-operated gas. It was by no means a convenient living environment, but the rent, which was less than 10,000 yen a month, was a huge support for young people who had just entered society.
On the other hand, shared facilities such as large public baths, a dining hall, a gymnasium, and tennis courts were well-equipped, serving as enjoyable places of interaction for the young residents after work or on holidays.
■ The Parent System: Another Family
One of the major features of Young Town was the presence of 'Parents' assigned to each building. These live-in Parents served truly as surrogate parents for the young people who had left their hometowns and come to Osaka. Making rice porridge for them when they fell ill, expressing concern over their meals, or staying close to listen to them talk late into the night—such daily interactions provided the residents with a sense of security and a place to belong.
In various events
■ Young Town: Memories of a Town Where Young People Grew Up Together
Born in 1972 in Miharadai, Senboku New Town, 'Young Town' was housing intended for young workers who flocked to Osaka during the period of rapid economic growth.
At a time when the housing shortage was severe, this town was developed as a comprehensive measure for young working people through a collaboration between the Osaka Prefectural Government, the national government, and the private sector. It started not just as housing for singles, but as a 'living community' supporting the independence and growth of young people.
'Young Town' was conveniently located approximately a 10-minute walk from 'Izumigaoka' Station on the Semboku Rapid Railway (currently Nankai Electric Railway Semboku Line), offering access to central Osaka in about 30 minutes. The planned occupancy was about 10,000 people.
Taking on a portion of this, the Corporation constructed 'Miharadai Single Persons Housing,' a 2,000-room rental property.
Compact rooms of about 4.5 tatami mats, shared washing machines, and coin-operated gas. It was by no means a convenient living environment, but the rent, which was less than 10,000 yen a month, was a huge support for young people who had just entered society.
On the other hand, shared facilities such as large public baths, a dining hall, a gymnasium, and tennis courts were well-equipped, serving as enjoyable places of interaction for the young residents after work or on holidays.
■ The Parent System: Another Family
One of the major features of Young Town was the presence of 'Parents' assigned to each building. These live-in Parents served truly as surrogate parents for the young people who had left their hometowns and come to Osaka. Making rice porridge for them when they fell ill, expressing concern over their meals, or staying close to listen to them talk late into the night—such daily interactions provided the residents with a sense of security and a place to belong.
In various events
FAQ
What is 'Youngtown'?
It was a large-scale single-person housing community built in 1972 in Minamihara, Izumisano New Town, for young workers.
What were its features?
It featured low rent of less than 10,000 yen per month, well-equipped communal facilities such as a large bath, and a support system with resident 'parents' who acted as guardians.
Where can this record be read?
It can be found on the special website 'Stories Woven by Housing - Osaka Prefectural Public Housing Corporation: Past, Present, and Future'.