Osaka Prefecture is located in the Kinki (Kansai) region of Japan and forms a major metropolitan area centered around Osaka City. Despite being the 46th smallest prefecture in terms of land area, it boasts the third-largest population in the country (approximately 8.83 million) and the second-highest population density. Its economic strength and urban functionality rank among the top in Japan. From ancient times to the present, Osaka has developed as one of the key centers of Japanese politics, economy, and culture.
A Legacy of History and Culture
Historically known as Naniwa, Osaka holds a crucial place in Japanese history. The first capital of Japan was established on the Uemachi Plateau, making it a significant location from ancient times. It was in Naniwa-Nagara-Toyosaki-no-Miya where the era name (gengō) system began, and where the name “Japan” (Nihon) came into use.
The construction of Osaka Castle by Toyotomi Hideyoshi and the city's prosperity as the "nation’s kitchen" (tenka no daidokoro) during the Edo period further cemented its role as a political, economic, and cultural hub. Today, remnants of this rich history are reflected in the Naniwa culture, and Osaka is renowned throughout Japan for its unique sense of humor and culinary heritage, earning it nicknames like "the city of human warmth" and "the city of epicurean indulgence."
Economy and Urban Structure
Modern Osaka Prefecture consists of 33 cities, 9 towns, and 1 village, centered around its two designated cities, Osaka and Sakai. With a nominal gross prefectural product of approximately 43 trillion yen, it ranks second in the nation after Tokyo. The region thrives not only in commerce and service industries but also in manufacturing sectors such as machinery, chemicals, and electronics. It is also well-known for its concentration of small and medium-sized enterprises.
The transportation network is extremely well-developed, with Kansai International Airport, Osaka International Airport (Itami), the Shinkansen (bullet train), expressways, subways, and private railway lines all intricately connected. Notably, Osaka has the highest percentage of habitable land area in the country, with virtually the entire prefecture forming part of the urban zone.
Urban Area and Regional Structure
Osaka Prefecture serves as the core of the Kansai region’s economy and transportation, forming the Keihanshin Metropolitan Area together with neighboring Kyoto and Hyogo Prefectures. The Hanshin and Sakai metropolitan zones surround Osaka City, making the entire prefecture urbanized.
Historically, the region corresponds to the eastern part of the old Settsu Province, as well as the Kawachi and Izumi Provinces, and is often referred to as Settsu-Kawachi-Izumi (Sekkasen). Each area has its own characteristics: the northern and central regions centered around Osaka City are hubs for business and commerce, while the southern area beyond Sakai City includes residential neighborhoods and industrial zones.
Climate and Natural Environment
The prefecture has a Seto Inland Sea climate, characterized by mild temperatures and relatively low rainfall throughout the year. Summers are extremely humid, and the urban heat island effect is particularly noticeable in central areas, leading to frequent tropical nights.
Winters are dry with many sunny days and very little snowfall. In central Osaka, snow accumulation is rare, making weather-related disruptions minimal—a factor that contributes to the area's overall livability.
A Globally Recognized Quality of Life
Osaka has consistently ranked among the top cities in the world for livability. In the Economist Intelligence Unit’s “Global Liveability Ranking,” it was ranked Asia’s number one and the world’s fourth most livable city in 2019, and has remained high on the list ever since. This is due to its rational urban planning, stable cost of living, strong educational and healthcare systems, and high safety levels.
Conclusion
Osaka Prefecture is an urban region with a long history and rich culture, earning high recognition both domestically and internationally. It strikes a balance across various dimensions—economy, transportation, culture, and climate—making it a region that embodies both livability and vitality. As a dynamic area where tradition and modern energy converge, Osaka continues to represent one of Japan’s most iconic and influential prefectures.
