Outline of Osaka: Introduction
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Osaka, an International City with a Spirit of Innovation and Freedom
Osaka is an international city and one of the oldest in Japan. In the early modern era, Osaka created innovative economic systems such as the wholesale system, money changing business and futures trade, and became a prosperous city referred to as the "Nation's Kitchen." After World War II, Osaka saw the start-up of many new businesses and took the lead in the industrial and economic development of Japan. Osaka owes its prosperity to its predecessors' forward-looking approach in urban development. Osaka is still growing in the 21st century as an international city with an enterprising spirit and respect for freedom.
Kansai and Its Nucleus, Osaka
Kansai lies in western Japan and encompasses Kyoto and Nara, ancient capitals renowned for their numerous internationally recognized historic sites; the cosmopolitan port of Kobe; and Osaka. Though the region occupies only 10% of Japan's total land, it accounts for about 20% of the nation's population and GDP, and is a driving force of the Japanese economy. The city of Osaka near the center of Kansai is the nucleus of the region. Its GDP, about US$213.4 billion, exceeds that of Hong Kong and matches those of Poland and Norway.
Basic Data
| Population estimate (as of January 1, 2007) |
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|---|---|---|---|
| Area | 222.11 km2 | ||
| Population density | 11,847/km2 | ||
| Daytime population | Approx. 3.66 million | ||
| No. of households | 1,245,068 | ||
| GDP | Approx. US$213.4 billion (2003) |
Location
