Osaka History, Japan

Osaka is a large city of Japan, located in the Kansai region of the Honshu Island. It stands at the tip of the Yodo River on the Osaka Bay. It has in the past served as the country’s commercial capital and today is ranked as the food capital for all food lovers. It has a long history that is also interesting.

 Early Years

The earliest evidence of human inhabitation in the Osaka region dates back to 5-6th century BC. Proof of this has been found in the Morinomiya ruins. Rice farming during the Yayoi period let to the area getting permanent residents.The Kofun era saw Osaka emerge as a port of significance as it served as a connector to the western part of the country. It became center of political power as well. At this time Chinese culture entered the country via Korea.It became a capital under Emperor Kotuko in 645 AD with his building his palace in Osaka. The area at that time was called Naniwa, which was a significant point connecting Yamato to China and Korea by land and sea. It lost its capital status in 655 only to regain it in 744 under Emperor Shomu, but only for a year. Nation’s Kitchen

Osaka was ranked as the most important center for economic activity with a huge merchant population and a busy port for trade during the Edo period from 1603-1867. The country’s distribution network operated out of Osaka and therefore it won the title of “nation’s kitchen”. It also saw liberalization and a breaking away from governmental control, with its first private schools, and other modern enterprises, which became the foundation for a metropolis. A catastrophe in the form of a peasant rebellion led to the destruction of one quarter of the city. This had been instigated by a low rank samurai, Oshio Heihachiro, in 1837, who wanted Osaka to give support and aid to the poor families of the area. The rebellion was eventually quashed by Shogunal officials.

The modern Osaka got its designation by a governmental ordinance in 1889 with an area of only 15 square meters. That aspect of Osaka is now a part of history. The city got its first street cars, its harbour was refurbished, proper water supply and an electrification network were set up along western lines. The next setback came with the onset of the Second World War, when air raids led to massive losses of life and property. But the city bounced back yet again to become a commercial center like before. It has since, seen three expansions in the subsequent years which have transformed it into a modern city spread over 222 square meters.

The name Osaka literally means large hill or slope. With its 24 wards it is a hub for industry, tourism, shopping, education and culture, a favorite with tourists who prefer its cool, casual ambience to other cities of Japan.. 

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• Ipuddo Restaurant in Osaka
  review by dclarington posted more then 30 days ago
  One of the best tasting Ramen ever! Apparently they have locations in Tokyo and throughout Japan. So if you're in Japan go check it out! It's not like Instant noodles ok, I was a skeptic once saying how good can Ramen be seriously. Well I can't explain it to you just like no one who had tasted it...

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