OSAKA -- Does Osaka really want lots of foreign visitors to come for the World Cup?
With less than two weeks to the start of the event, that's the question on the minds of many resident foreigners here who fear that city officials, police and the media have created a state of panic by focusing on potential hooliganism and -- in the name of safety precautions -- are ignoring some practical hospitality issues.
Since earlier this year, when Osaka police showed local merchants a video of British hooligans on a rampage, there has been a steady stream of media reports warning of the dangers of unruly fans. This, a growing number of people feel, has created an atmosphere inhospitable to foreign fans.