Ikuno-ku, Osaka

Ward of Japan

Ikuno ku (生野区) is one of 24 wards of Osaka, Japan. It is well known for the Ikuno Korea Town in the Tsuruhashi (鶴橋) area. The area has historically had a large number of Koreans, particularly Korean Japanese citizens (Zainichi Korean) living there, as well as for its large number of yakiniku (Korean style barbecue) restaurants. Many families from Korea have lived in the Tsuruhashi district for three generations or more. Ikuno ku is located in the southeastern part of Osaka City and is adjacent to Higashiosaka City in the east, Higashinari ku of Osaka City in the north, Tennoji ku in the west, and Abeno ku, Higashisumiyoshi ku and Hirano ku in the south.

Ikuno ku is a typical town of small businesses from the pre World War II period. Although the dense concentration of houses, factories and shops along narrow streets is a fire hazard, traditionally close human relationships contribute to an active local community. The narrow streets require substantial redevelopment. The completion of the Expressway Namba Katae Line is eagerly awaited, as there are few east west avenues. Inside Ikuno ku run JR Loop Line, Kintetsu Nara and Osaka Lines, as well as Subway Sennichimae Line, but none of them go through central Ikuno. The extension of Subway No.8 Line is strongly desired to provide the district citizens with railway transportation for everyday life. Many projects are currently underway to develop the district into a comfortable residential area well balanced with its commercial and industrial functions. In southern Ikuno new apartment houses are being built for original residents, as well as many town squares. Construction of urban roads and parks is also planned. Residents of the Tsuruhashi area organized the New Town Development Committee, which was followed by the establishment of the New Tsuruhashi Redevelopment Association, both serving as a stimulus for residents oriented town development.