Chronological Chart of Osaka

Ancient times

The late 4th century
Through its international port Naniwazu, Osaka serves as Japan's gateway to Asia and is a center of domestic distribution

645: The national capital moves from Asuka in Yamato (present-day Nara) to Naniwa

Construction of Naniwa-nagara-toyosaki-no-miya Palace

Medieval and early modern periods

10th to the late 19th centuries (Heian to Edo periods)
Construction of Osaka Castle and development of the castle town under the leadership of Toyotomi Hideyoshi
»Osaka begins to prosper as a creative economic city and earns the nickname "the Nation's Kitchen"

1583: Osaka Castle construction begins

Construction of Osaka Castle by Toyotomi Hideyoshi and the development of the castle city

During the reign of Toyotomi Hideyoshi, who ordered the construction of Osaka Castle, Osaka became the nation's center of politics, physical distribution, and economy, as Hideyoshi took strong measures to protect and promote commercial activities including foreign trade, and capitalized on the well-developed water transportation network.
In the Edo period that followed, Edo (Tokyo) prospered as a political and consumer center, while Osaka assumed a central role in the nation's production, physical distribution and finances. Osaka created new business systems such as the wholesale system, money changing business, and futures trade, and continued to grow as a creative, economic city. Osaka also earned the nickname, "the Nation's Kitchen."
During the Edo period, the people of Osaka, both as creators and patrons, contributed to the development of a colorful variety of cultures. Osaka produced many outstanding scholars and literary figures from townspeople, while bunraku puppet plays (left) and kabuki enjoyed great popularity.

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• (Photo courtesy of National Bunraku Theater)/Bunraku puppet being manipulated to music

Modern era

The late 19th and early 20th centuries (the Meiji period to World War II)
Osaka continued to grow as a modern industrial and commercial center of Japan even after the national capital moved to Tokyo in the wake of the Meiji Restoration and economic reform

1897: Port of Osaka construction begins

Prosperity of the "Manchester of the Orient"

After World War I, the economy of Osaka developed rapidly based on the textile, paint, pharmaceutical, and shipbuilding industries, which still play an important role in the Japanese economy. Osaka was so prosperous that it was called the "Manchester of the Orient." A rapid increase in exports to Asian countries kept the Port of Osaka even busier than the ports of Kobe and Yokohama.

Cultural and academic development led by residents

In the modern age, Osaka gave rise to new cultures, such as the Semba Culture and the popular culture of performing arts and theatrical performances found primarily in the Minami and Tennoji areas. In the academic and educational field, cooperation between the local government and residents led to the opening of Japan's first municipal university, Osaka City University of Commerce, and contributed to the establishment of Osaka Imperial University.

Eyecatching textile company building is a reminder of past prosperity

Present day

Post-war to present day
Osaka becomes one of the world's most advanced cities with strong economic leadership and a large population

Although bombing during World War II devastated the city, Osaka rebounded quickly, accompanied by development primarily in heavy and chemical industries and commerce. Osaka became one of the world's most advanced cities with strong economic leadership, a large population, and a sophisticated urban infrastructure.

The port of Osaka: international trade center with over 100 years of history

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Historical Attractions

In Osaka, traces of the city's history can be found everywhere. There are many historical spots such as Naniwa-no-miya, an imperial palace mentioned in ancient documents, but whose exact location long remained a mystery, and Osaka Castle ("Taiko-san"), formerly inhabited by the famous warlord Hideyoshi and still a popular site.

A reminder of ancient Osaka:Naniwa-no-miya Palace Park

In the middle of the 7th century, the Naniwa-no-miya Palace stood on the Uemachi Plateau that ran from Osaka Castle to Tennoji. In the spring of 1961 Daigokuden (a central palace structure) was discovered. This proved, for the first time, that there really was a Naniwa-no-miya. It was designated a national historical site, and made into a park where visitors can learn about ancient Osaka.

Constructed by Toyotomi Hideyoshi:Osaka Castle

The grand Osaka Castle, believed to be impregnable, was built by Toyotomi Hideyoshi as the political center of the unified nation, and as a symbol of authority and power. The castle tower, rebuilt in later years, underwent the "Major Restoration of Heisei" starting in 1997 and reopened to the public together with the redone historical exhibition inside the castle building.

Extensive Collection of Osaka's History:Osaka Museum of History

The Osaka Museum of History focuses on the history and culture of Osaka. The exhibition includes full-scale replicas, miniature models, visual graphics, and a rich collection of original artifacts that provide visitors with an easy-to-grasp introduction to the historical and cultural heritage of Osaka.

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Cultural Attractions

Before the Meiji Restoration, the Imperial Palace was situated in Kyoto. Kyoto, Osaka and the surrounding area were called Kamigata, and formed the nucleus of Japan. The regional and popular performing arts originating here are called the Kamigata performing arts, and include rakugo (comic storytelling) and manzai (comic dialog). These arts are still popular today in Japan.

Successor of the Traditional Performing Arts:National Bunraku Theater

Bunraku (puppet theater) was born in Osaka and has enjoyed the strong support of the city's populace for more than 300 years. Bunraku, performed by a shamisen player and puppeteers, is a sophisticated and unique theatrical art. The National Bunraku Theater stages bunraku and other traditional performing arts. Bunraku was designated an intangible World Heritage by UNESCO in 2003.

The Experience of Comic Culture:Museum of Kamigata Comedy and Performing Arts (Wahha Kamigata)

Sophisticated narrative arts such as rakugo and manzai, as well as comic performances; to Osaka's inhabitants, these hilarious performances are the most familiar forms of entertainment. The Museum of Kamigata Comedy and Peforming Arts boasts a rich collection of materials on the history of Osaka's comic arts and its extremely popular performers.

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World Heritage Sites in the Vicinity of Osaka

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Food culture of Osaka

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