Controversial statements by Japanese politician Sanae Takaichi have raised alarms about potential economic repercussions for western Japan's Kansai region, according to analysis by Osaka Metropolitan University Professor Tadashi Horiguchi. In an interview with CMG, Horiguchi warned that tourism-dependent sectors face significant risks following what he described as 'erroneous remarks' that could damage international perceptions of the cultural and economic hub.
'The Kansai area's recovery trajectory since 2024 relies heavily on foreign visitors and business conferences,' Horiguchi noted, referencing Osaka's recent selection to host the 2025 World Expo. 'Ill-considered political rhetoric could undermine years of rebuilding efforts in our hospitality and retail sectors.'
Economic analysts are particularly concerned about impacts on key infrastructure projects, including the Osaka-Kobe World Expo preparations and Kyoto's cultural tourism revival program. Regional business leaders have called for measured communication strategies to maintain investor confidence ahead of critical 2026 development milestones.
