As a person who loves to travel, every time I travel, I will try my best to integrate into the local life and feel the different customs. And in this fascinating process, I often find some unexpected things that make me think more about the world.
Last year's spring break, I chose a destination that wasn't very popular – Osaka, Japan. I wanted to see a different side of the city than the bustling shopping streets and bustling attractions, so I came to Nishinari Ward, Osaka, a little-known place. Here, I saw a completely different scene from traditional Japan, and I also gained a more intuitive understanding of some of the problems in Japanese society.
The existence of Nishinari Ward reflects the problems of labor and poverty in the middle and lower levels of Japanese society
When you think of Japan, you often think of bustling cities, peaceful gardens, and orderly streets, which give you a very good impression. However, there is much more to Japan than that, the country also has the problems of underclass labor and poverty, and the existence of Nishinari Ward is a realistic portrayal of this.
Among the information I have learned, Nishinari Ward is a neighborhood within the city of Osaka and one of the few places in Japan that has been identified as a slum. Most of the residents here are low-income workers, and their living conditions are often difficult, and the lack of social resources makes it difficult for them to integrate into the mainstream society.
In my actual visit, I have a more intuitive understanding of the current situation of Xicheng District. The streets here are much more dilapidated than in other places, and the houses are not too sturdy, giving it a somewhat chaotic feel. Some of the residents on the street are dressed and spoken and behaved, and the image of ordinary Japanese people is very different, and people can't help but feel sorry for what happened to them.
Through this personal experience, I am deeply aware that no matter which country, there will be different classes of people in society, and those at the bottom of the society are often the most vulnerable link, we should pay more attention to and help them, and this is precisely the meaning of the existence of Xicheng District.
The contrast between the West and the New World is a stark contrast, showing the demarcation of two different destinies
Interestingly, right next to the Nishinari district, there is also a place called "New World", which is in stark contrast to the Seishari district, as if it were the epitome of two different destinies.
Shinsekai is located in Naniwa Ward, Osaka, which was originally a relatively poor place, but in the process of urban renovation and development, it has gradually rejuvenated itself and become a tourist destination full of joyful atmosphere. In contrast, the changes in Xicheng District are very limited and are still ignored by the outside world, and this stark contrast also makes people think about some problems in social development.
Perhaps because of historical reasons, or because of the inclination of external resources, different places often have different development opportunities, which determines the different living conditions of residents. For us, seeing such a contrast, we may be more deeply aware of some practical problems in social development, and how we should balance the interests of all parties in the future development, so that every corner can get due attention and help.
The existence of Xicheng District reminds people to pay attention to the living conditions of the underprivileged groups
It is precisely because of the special existence of Xicheng District that more people have the opportunity to understand and pay attention to the situation here, and also have more thinking about the living conditions of the bottom groups in society.
In the information I have learned, in fact, Xicheng District is not a safe place, there are often some security problems here, and some tourists are so-called avoided, becoming a "tourist blacklist" in their hearts. On top of that, it's also home to Japan's largest red-light district, Hitenshinji, which has a unique rules and atmosphere that is an eye-opener.
It can be said that there are indeed various problems in Xicheng District, but it is precisely because of the existence of these problems that we need our attention and help more. Whether from a social perspective or a humanitarian point of view, we should not ignore the existence of these problems, but should think about how to fundamentally solve these problems, so that the residents here can truly feel the warmth and care of the society.
epilogue
Through this trip, I have gained a more comprehensive understanding of Japan as a country, and I have also become more aware of some issues in society. The existence of Xicheng District is like a mirror that allows people to see the other side of the country, to see those forgotten corners and neglected people.
For each of us, we may be able to start from ourselves, pay attention to everything around us, try to understand and help those in need, so that love and warmth can be spread in every corner of the world, so that the development of society can truly achieve the happiness of all people.
I hope that in the near future, whether it is Xicheng District or similar places, we will be able to get more attention and help, and I hope that everyone can create a better tomorrow with a kind heart.