March 21, 2026: On a bright and sunny Saturday, I had lunch at a Starbucks in a nearby park. The area was lively with numerous vendor stalls and a large crowd, filled with the cheerful sounds of children playing. The warm sunshine made the day feel like spring had finally arrived. By Sunday evening, the once lively stalls were gone, and the children were heading home, leaving the park suddenly wrapped in a quiet stillness. My daughters also used to play in this park when they were little. This is Hattori Ryokuchi Park, a major sports and recreation hub in northern Osaka. It features a wide range of facilities, including an urban greening botanical garden, an outdoor music hall, a Japanese folk house museum, a horseback riding center, and a swimming pool. < May 6, 2000: Hattori Ryokuchi Park > < December 2, 2000: Hattori Ryokuchi Park >