Osaka may name a district after mascot Myaku-Myaku

The Japan Innovation Party, the ruling political party in Osaka Prefecture, is aiming to transform the city into a metropolis similar to Tokyo. This would involve dividing Osaka City into four special wards, reducing government redundancy and streamlining services. However, previous attempts to implement this plan failed in referendums over the past decade.

Despite this, the party remains committed to the metropolis vision and is seeking public support through an online survey that asks citizens to vote on the names for the proposed special wards.

One suggested name, "Myakumya Ward", has gained attention due to its similarity to the mascot of the Osaka Expo, Myaku-Myaku. The name is formed by combining "Myaku," the Japanese word for "ward," and "Myaku-Myaku," the popular mascot's name. While some find the name amusing and believe it could generate interest in the project, others feel it would be embarrassing and disrespectful to the people who would live in the ward.

The survey's full list of proposed ward names includes various geographic locations and major train stations, with opinions divided on which names are most sensible. Ultimately, the party hopes that those living in the proposed Myakumya Ward will consider the name and come to appreciate its potential.