A grandfather's legacy towers over Osaka's iconic Tsutenkaku landmark
OSAKA -- "Every day, I look up at the tower and marvel at what an extraordinary thing my father-in-law built," said Fusako Zatsuno, 93, who runs a gen
Osaka's iconic Tsutenkaku tower, a symbol of postwar recovery, stands as a testament to the legacy of Teiji Zatsuno, who led the campaign for its reconstruction. Teiji's daughter-in-law, Fusako Zatsuno, vividly recalls her time working at the newly rebuilt tower as an elevator attendant, describing her pride in her role and the joy of announcing "Going up!" to visitors.
Her eldest son, Hirofumi, grew up hearing stories of his grandfather's extraordinary achievement, and he remains proud of his family's connection to the landmark. The tower's reconstruction, completed in 1956, marked a pivotal moment for the bustling Shinsekai district, which had once been a lively entertainment area and later became a hub for migrant workers.
Today, Tsutenkaku remains a major tourist attraction, drawing international visitors to the vibrant neighborhood. The Zatsuno family's shop has adapted to the changing landscape, now specializing in small bags and carry cases. Hirofumi believes that Tsutenkaku played a crucial role in keeping the area thriving, and he would be motivated to help build a third tower if the current one were ever to disappear.
Written by urgent.news from The Mainichi's reporting — not their text. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.
