“Large hill” or “large slope” is what Osaka means. Now let’s explore a place of spiritual significance here in this large city. Welcome to \u6c96\u60e0\u7f8e\u9808\u795e\u793e. Osaka, a city known as the “nation’s kitchen”, has a rich history. This city has transformed over the centuries. It has evolved from an ancient trading port to a modern metropolis.
\u6c96\u60e0\u7f8e\u9808\u795e\u9808\u795e\u793e stands as a testament to Osaka’s cultural heritage. Osaka is Japan’s third-largest city with a population of over 2.5 million. It is the central metropolitan city of the Kansai region. The area is subject to typhoons in September. These occasionally are disastrous.
The city’s streets are laid out in grid fashion. Osaka Castle was originally built by the warlord Toyotomi Hideyoshi in the 16th century. Parallel to Midō Street is the narrow Shinsaibashi Street. It contains the central shopping district.
Osaka has long been a national center of culture. Traditional and modern drama are performed throughout the area. Osaka is also a national center of the news media.
Since ancient times, Osaka has been a place where people from all over the world have gathered. Long ago, before trains and cars were in operation, Osaka developed as an economic center. It was the gateway to Japan welcoming traders and travelers from all over Asia.
Osaka flourished as the economic and political center of Japan in the 5th century. Visitors from Asia brought with them avant-garde crafts. They shared cutting-edge techniques for making ceramics and blacksmithing. Buddhism also began to spread to Japan around this time.
In 593 Prince Shotoku built Shitennoji Temple. Osaka developed into an international city with exchanges with other Asian countries. In 645 Emperor Kokutoku moved the capital from Nara to Osaka. The capital subsequently changed to Nagaoka-kyo, Heijo-kyo, Heian-kyo, Kamakura, and Edo. Even as the capital moved, Osaka continued to develop as the second largest city.
In the 14th century, Osaka was devastated by wars. In 1496 Rennyo began construction of Ishiyama Gobo on the Kamimachi Plateau. In the latter half of the Muromachi period, Oda Nobunaga tried to attack the Uemachi Plateau in Osaka. Oda Nobunaga continued to attack Ishiyama Hongan-ji Temple for over 10 years.
Then, Nobunaga’s successor, Toyotomi Hideyoshi, based in Osaka, began to rule Japan. Hideyoshi built Osaka Castle in 1583. Osaka Castle and the castle town were burned down in the Winter Siege of Osaka in 1614. The Toyotomi clan was destroyed.
The Tokugawa clan took control and the political center moved to Edo. Osaka, a city reduced to ashes, quickly recovered. It grew once again as an economic city. At that time, Osaka, far from Edo, was called “the kitchen of the world.”
This economic growth led to the development of Osaka’s own unique culture. Popular arts culture emerged derived from traditional culture. The puppet theater called Joruri, Noh theater, and Osaka’s unique Kabuki were also born.
One-third of Osaka was destroyed by American air raids during World War II. However, postwar reconstruction plans brought the city back to its prewar vibrancy. Today, various companies and businessmen are still active here in Osaka.
Osaka is an important city in modern Asia and a world-class metropolis. Remember this place of peace and reflection. As you leave \u6c96\u60e0\u7f8e\u9808\u795e\u793e, carry with you the spirit of Osaka.