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

The Osaka Prefectural Housing Corporation (Headquarters: Chuo-ku, Osaka; Board Chairman: Yuzuru Yamamoto; hereinafter "the Corporation"), which provides SMALIO public rental housing within Osaka Prefecture, has updated the content of its special website, "Stories Spun by Housing: The Past, Present, and Future of the Osaka Prefectural Housing Corporation." This site shares information on the high-quality housing and urban development the Corporation has undertaken, as well as the residential culture cultivated alongside these efforts. 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

"Young Town" was established in 1972 in the Miharadai area of Senboku New Town. It served as housing for young workers who had flocked to Osaka during the period of rapid economic growth.

At a time when housing shortages were severe, this town was developed through the cooperation of the Osaka Prefectural Government, the national government, and the private sector as a comprehensive measure for working youth. It started not merely as housing for single people, but as a "living community" that supported the independence and growth of young people.

"Young Town" was located in a convenient area with good transportation access, about a 30-minute commute to central Osaka from the Senboku Rapid Railway (currently the Nankai Electric Railway Senboku Line) "Izumigaoka" station, which was about a 10-minute walk away. The planned number of residents was approximately 10,000.

As part of this project, the Corporation constructed 2,000 rental housing units known as the "Miharadai Single Person Housing."

With compact rooms of about 4.5 tatami mats, shared washing machines, and coin-operated gas, the living environment was by no means convenient. However, the rent, which was less than 10,000 yen per month, was a significant support for young people who had just entered the workforce.

On the other hand, communal facilities such as large public baths, cafeterias, gymnasiums, and tennis courts were well-equipped, serving as places for young people to socialize after work and on their days off.

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 staff members were truly like surrogate parents to the young people who had left their families to come to Osaka. Whether it was making porridge when someone fell ill, checking in on their meals, or staying up late to listen to their stories, these daily interactions provided residents with a sense of security and a place to belong.

They participated in various events together and sometimes even took on the role of disciplinarians, watching over the growth of the young residents.

Exchanges with Friends Fostered Through Club Activities and Events

Club activities in Young Town were so active that it is said there were nearly 60 clubs at its peak, with residents themselves planning and managing them.

In addition, various events were held based on an annual schedule, such as sports days, softball tournaments, and Bon Odori dance festivals.

Some people met their partners there and built new families, while others continue to maintain friendships with people they met there across the country to this day.

Young Town was not just a "place to live"; it was a place where life-changing encounters and connections with friends were nurtured through club activities and events.

▼ The residential culture information site, "Stories Spun by Housing: The Past, Present, and Future of the Osaka Prefectural Housing Corporation," provides a detailed introduction to the approximately 30-year history of Young Town, incorporating records and photos from that time, as well as interviews with former residents and those involved.

"Stories Spun by Housing: The Past, Present, and Future of the Osaka Prefectural Housing Corporation" https://www.osaka-kousha.or.jp/jyubunka/

◆ Overview of the Osaka Prefectural Housing Corporation Representative: Board Chairman Yuzuru Yamamoto Address: 2-3-21 Imabashi, Chuo-ku, Osaka Business Description: Management and operation of SMALIO public rental housing, etc. Corporation Website: https://www.osaka-kousha.or.jp/