(10) Osaka – Economic, Cultural, and Historical Hub of Western Japan

🌸 Osaka is the heartland of the Kansai economy and culture, blending tradition with modernity, and business with tourism.

Table of Contents

Population: The population of the greater Keihanshin metropolitan area is approximately 18.92 million in 2025. The administrative area of Osaka City has a population of approximately 2.6 million.
Area: The city area is 221 km². Osaka Prefecture as a whole covers 1,905 km² with a population density of about 4,639 people/km².
Language: The official language is Japanese (standard), with the local dialect being Kansai dialect. Other languages used include English, Korean, and Chinese.
Religion: Buddhism and Shinto are the mainstream religions, with Christianity and a minority of Islam also present.

Ancient Times (~15th Century): Osaka was historically known as Naniwa (難波) and was a vital hub for transportation and trade at the mouth of the Yodogawa River. It began to form as a city through exchanges with China and Baekje in the 6th-7th centuries.
Toyotomi to Edo Periods (1583–1868): In 1583, Toyotomi Hideyoshi built Osaka Castle, which revived its political importance. It continued to prosper as a commercial center during the Edo period, with structures like Tenmangu Shrine and Myojosa Temple being built.
Modernization and Post-War Reconstruction (1868–Present): Following the Meiji Restoration, industrialization progressed, and Osaka Port and its railway network expanded. The mid to late 20th century saw the birth of major corporations and the advancement of international finance and IT development.

Location: Osaka is located in western Honshu, within the Kansai Plain, at the lower reaches of the Yodogawa River, bordering Osaka Bay.
City Structure: The city comprises central areas (Umeda, Namba) and residential areas (suburbs and adjacent cities). Nakanoshima is a central district densely populated with public institutions and museums.
Climate: It has a humid subtropical climate with distinct four seasons. Summers can reach 35°C, while winters often have above-freezing temperatures.

Commercial and “Gourmet City”: Dōtonbori is a prime example, with Osaka being known as Japan’s kitchen and a hub for food tourism.
Traditional Culture: Kabuki and Bunraku puppet theater are traditional art forms recognized for their value as UNESCO-designated cultural heritage.
Festivals: Traditional festivals like Tenjin Matsuri and various modern cultural events are actively held.

Green Spaces: The city boasts urban parks such as Osaka Castle Park, Nakanoshima Park, and Suminoe Park.
Environmental Challenges: Key environmental issues include traffic congestion, fine dust, summer heatwaves, and flood risks.
Response Policies: Policies include river improvements, expansion of urban landscaping, and the introduction of eco-friendly city projects.

Industrial Center: Osaka is a center for traditional manufacturing industries such as electronics, machinery, steel, and chemicals. It is also a financial hub, home to the Osaka Securities Exchange, and a research and development center with major universities like Osaka University.
Economic Scale: Osaka Prefecture’s GDP is approximately 38 trillion yen, accounting for roughly one-fifth of Japan’s economy. Recently, the service, IT, and tourism industries have expanded.

Historical Landmarks:
- Osaka Castle: Built by Toyotomi Hideyoshi, it now includes a museum and observation deck.
- Ancient temples like Shitennoji Temple (四天王寺) and Sumiyoshi Taisha Shrine also exist.
Modern Landmarks:
- Umeda Sky Building: A 170m-high building with a Sky Bridge observation deck.
- Tsutenkaku: An iconic tower in the Shinsekai area.
- Abeno Harukas: One of Japan’s tallest buildings.
Commercial & Cultural Centers:
- Dōtonbori: Known for its gourmet food and neon-lit streets, offering historical canal tours.
- Family-friendly tourist attractions include Universal Studios Japan and Kaiyukan Aquarium.

Expo 2025 is scheduled to be held from April to October in the Yumeshima area, with an estimated 28 million visitors. This event is expected to drive infrastructure expansion and urban regeneration.

Osaka is recognized as Japan’s second-largest city and the economic and cultural heart of Kansai.

Strengths: It is a global manufacturing and financial hub, possesses rich historical and culinary culture, and has infrastructure for international events.
Challenges: These include high-density environmental management (fine dust, congestion) and preparedness for climate risks.
Future Strategy:
- Expansion of river improvements and green networks.
- Re-strengthening its global status through Expo 2025.
- Building smart transportation and environmental infrastructure.