Tobita Shinchi Safety

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Tobita Shinchi is often portrayed by the media as a "dangerous, yakuza-dominated" area. However, this perception stems from misunderstandings about the Nishinari Ward, where it is located:

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• Nishinari is Osaka's largest slum.

• It is known as a gathering place for the homeless.

• Many sleep rough near Triangle Park.

Although Tobita Shinchi is part of Nishinari, it is physically distanced from the areas associated with these issues (see map):

• The problematic areas are primarily west of Daikokucho Station.

• Visitors to Tobita rarely pass through these zones unless staying near Hanazonocho.

Tobita Shinchi Safety Measures
Since 1999 (Heisei 11), Tobita Shinchi has established agreements with the local police:

• Yakuza were ordered to withdraw from the area.

• Leadership of the Tobita Shinchi Culinary Association was handed to experienced corporate managers.

• The current leader, Tokuyama-san, enforces three core management principles:

  • Preserving history.

  • Promoting social harmony.

  • Ensuring safety and hygiene.

A worker with nine years of experience noted that:

• Tobita consistently employs security guards.

• Police officers patrol the area frequently, distributing safety guidelines to the establishments and reducing crime rates.

As a result, frequent patrons jokingly remark:
"The biggest danger in Tobita isn’t crime—it’s falling head over heels."