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Outline of Osaka

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.

Osaka City at a Glance

Area 222.30k㎡(2008)
Residing Population 2,661,700人(2009)
Daytime Population 3,581,675人(2005)
Population Density 11,973 persons/k㎡(2009)
Number of Households 1,273,718(2009)
Gross City Product (Nominal) 21,746,093 million yen(2006)
Number of Private Business Establishments 199,853(2006)
Number of Private Sector Employees 2,121,613(2006)
Export/Import Value National (million yen) Port of Osaka (million yen)
Export 2008 81,018,088 3,489,529
First Half of 2009 24,006,215 1,168,940
Import 2008 78,954,750 4,131,405
First Half of 2009 24,001,528 1,532,619

Sources: The Outline of Osaka Economy 2010 Foreign Trade Statistics by Osaka Customs, and the Ministry of Finance


Osaka Business Park

Shitennoji Temple

Location

Map: Location

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