Osaka

Osaka is Japan’s third-largest city, with a population of approximately 2,752,024 inhabitants. Located in the Kansai region on the island of Honshu, Osaka has long been a major commercial and economic center. Historically known as Naniwa, it served as an early imperial capital in the 7th century and later flourished during the Edo period as the nation’s kitchen (tenka no daidokoro), a hub for rice trade and merchant culture.

Among its most prominent landmarks is Osaka Castle, originally built in the late 16th century by Toyotomi Hideyoshi and reconstructed after wartime destruction. The vibrant district of Dotonbori is famous for its neon lights, street food, and entertainment culture. Osaka is also known for its culinary specialties such as takoyaki and okonomiyaki. Notable individuals born in Osaka include tennis champion Naomi Osaka and supercentenarian Tomiko Itooka.