Osaka's Senboku New Town 'Young Town' History Revealed!

The Osaka Prefectural Housing Supply Corporation (Headquarters: Chuo-ku, Osaka; Chairperson: Yuzuru Yamamoto; hereinafter referred to as "the Corporation"), which provides SMALIO (Sumario) public rental housing within Osaka Prefecture, has updated the content of its special feature website "Stories Woven by Homes ~ Osaka Prefectural Housing Supply Corporation: Past, Present, and Future." This website disseminates information about the supply of high-quality housing, town development, and the residential culture cultivated alongside them. The latest update reveals 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 Together ~

Born in 1972 in Mihara-dai, Senboku New Town, 'Young Town' was housing for young workers who gathered in Osaka during the period of high economic growth.

At a time when housing shortages were severe, this town was developed as a comprehensive measure for working youth, with cooperation between Osaka Prefecture, the national government, and private companies. It started not just as housing for single individuals, but as a 'living community' to support the independence and growth of young people.

'Young Town' was conveniently located, about a 30-minute train ride to Osaka's city center from 'Izumigaoka' Station on the Senboku Rapid Railway (now Nankai Electric Railway Senboku Line), which was about a 10-minute walk away. The planned occupancy was approximately 10,000 people.

As part of this initiative, the Corporation constructed 2,000 rental housing units called 'Mihara-dai Single-person Housing.'

▲ Move-in guide pamphlet from 1972

The compact living spaces, about 4.5 tatami mats, with shared washing machines and coin-operated gas, were not exactly convenient. However, the rent, less than 10,000 yen per month, was a significant support for young people just starting their careers.

On the other hand, shared facilities such as a large public bath, cafeteria, gymnasium, and tennis courts were well-equipped, serving as places for young people to enjoy themselves after work or on holidays, fostering interaction.

Parent System ~ Another Family ~

One of the significant features of 'Young Town' was the presence of 'Parents' assigned to each building. These live-in 'Parents' were like surrogate parents for the young people who had moved to Osaka away from their families. They provided comfort and a sense of belonging through daily interactions, such as making congee when residents were unwell, checking in on them about meals, and staying up late to listen to their stories.

Various events