From the Bookshelf of Around the World in 80 Books…

Imanishi arrived at Osaka Station at eight-thirty the next morning. At the police box he asked for directions to Ebisu-cho in Naniwa Ward. The policeman turned around to look at a large map on the wall.

“That’s west of Tennoji Park, mister,” he said in a thick Osaka accent.

“Is the ward office near there as well?”

“It’s about five hundred yards to the north.”

Imanishi hailed a taxi that drove south through Osaka’s morning air.

“Driver, where is the Naniwa Ward Office?” Imanishi asked as they started up Tennoji hill.

“The Naniwa Ward Office is that building you can see over there.” The taxi driver had a thick Osaka accent as well.

Imanishi looked at his watch. It was ten minutes before nine. The ward office would not be open.

“Mister, do you want to stop at the ward office?”

“No, I’ll do that later.”