11/11/28 18:44:57.96 q8xcIKG50
With a population of 8.8 million, Osaka is Japan's third largest prefecture.
It is a city of merchants, known for its salty dialect which many Osakans proudly verbalise even if they leave their hometown.
But for Mr Hashimoto, it is a sin city.
"There is no other city as vulgar and obscene as Osaka," says Mr Hashimoto.
"We should celebrate the image and welcome the development of casinos and red-light districts to attract people."