Shin-Imamiya

Shin-Imamiya Station in Osaka - where the Nankai Line, the JR Loop Line, and the Hankai Line intersect - is relatively busy, yet surprisingly few people actually exit the station. Recently, however, I often see many foreign tourists and backpackers in the area.
 

 


 Long ago, during Japan’s period of rapid economic growth, this district - known as Kamagasaki - was the country’s largest slum, home to many day laborers. In the early mornings, buses would arrive one after another, competing to pick up workers. When I was young, I worked here as a day laborer for a few days, though not out of necessity.

In fact, labor riots occurred twenty-four times between 1961 and 2008. Because of its old reputation, some people still avoid the area even today.



 Times have changed. The era of high economic growth ended, and most of the laborers disappeared. The cheap doya hotels that once served day laborers now cater to foreign tourists and backpackers looking for inexpensive accommodations in Osaka.



 There is a stand-up noodle shop inside the station. The prices are low, but the food is quite good. I once saw two foreign tourists with large suitcases walk in without hesitation.



 I also spoke to two Korean girls in English who were looking for their hotel, and I helped them find it.


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