What is Osaka Research Foundation for Regional Development?
The Osaka Regional Promotion Research Foundation is a research institution that studies urban issues and regional promotion policies around the world, and makes recommendations to various sectors. It disseminates information on events and seminars related to history, culture, arts, science and technology, as well as architecture and urban development.
A project to study the future of universities and university cities in the AI/AGI era, and to propose the “Kansai East–West Innovation Axis” with Osaka Metropolitan University Morinomiya as its hub.
This project aims to realize “Osaka as a City of Arts” by promoting arts and cultural activities in Uemachi Plateau—the birthplace of Osaka—making use of historic sites such as Shitennoji Temple and Osaka Castle Park.
New note Article
We have launched the Ancient
Ruins Series Ⅱ Iraq edition.
New note Article
We have launched the Ancient Ruins Series Türkiye edition.
The 203rd Meeting: Reflections on the Osaka–Kansai Expo
Monday, December 12, 2025
Lecturer:
Shigemitsu Tsutsumi
Senior Councillor, Public Relations and Promotion Bureau,
Japan Association for the 2025 World Exposition
(Secretary of the Study Group)
Participants:
Chair: Takemasa Ishihara
Chairman, Osaka Regional Revitalization Research Council
Secretary: Rike Fujioka
The University of Tokyo
The 202rd Meeting: Exploring Approaches to Central City Terminal Development
— A Case Study of the Grand Green Osaka Site —
Thuesday, September 9, 2025
Lecturer:
Kohei Kanabe, Assistant Manager, Umeda Vision Promotion Group, New Industry Creation and Content Development Group, Urban Management Division, Development Business Headquarters, Hankyu Hanshin Properties Co., Ltd.
Participants:
Chair: Takemasa Ishihara (Chairman, Osaka Regional Promotion Research Council)
Secretary: Narimitsu Tsutsumi (Public Interest Incorporated Association 2025 Japan International Exposition Association)
Secretary: Rikei Fujioka (The University of Tokyo)
Shu Sawada (Hankyu Hanshin Building Management) and others
Observers:
Ikuno Goto (Director, Industrial Policy Division, Yao City)
Yohei Mukumoto (Industrial Policy Division, Yao City)
Details for the day are available here.
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This is an introduction to the Association's business activities.
Each issue of the journal has a “special theme” and consists of interviews with and contributions from key persons in various fields, as well as articles by the foundation's directors.