Osaka: A Brief History

  

Osaka lies approximately 200 miles southwest of Tokyo, in the heart of the Kansai region in western Japan.  Situated at the mouth of the Yodo River on Osaka Bay, it is known as Japan's "water city."  With a population of 2.6 million people, Osaka is the country's third largest city, after Tokyo and Yokohama. 

Osaka was the capital of Japan during the reign of Emperor Kotoku in the seventh century, and has remained an important commercial center ever since.  The people of Osaka are often considered Japan's friendliest and most outgoing residents, and are known for their fierce independence and love of food.