Osaka’s Business History and Culture

By flexibly absorbing cultural influences from around the world over its history, Osaka has continuously given birth to new and original forms of culture.

Trade with Asia from the 5th century

In the 5th century a port named Naniwazu was made and trade between Osaka, China and Korea began. In the 7th century in order to promote increase in trade, the emperor’s palace was moved from Asuka (Nara) and Naniwa-no-miya was built in 744. This palace functioned as the country’s governmental seat before formal capitals were established later in Kyoto and Nara.

Birthplace of Futures Exchange

The first modern organized futures exchange began in 1710 at the Dojima Rice Exchange in Osaka. Chicago in the United States followed in the 1800s and later established Chicago Board of Trade in 1848.

A bustling Castle Town

In 1583, Toyotomi Hideyoshi, who accomplished the great task of unifying the country, chose Osaka as his base and constructed the magnificent Osaka Castle, once again making Osaka the political and economic center of Japan. During the Edo period in the 17th century although the political center shifted to present day Tokyo, Osaka continued to play a vital role in managing the nation's economy, in distributing goods and grew to be called Tenka no Daidokoro, "the Nation's Kitchen".

A City of Merchants

During this Edo period, Osaka culture as a city of merchants matured and flourished. Unique private schools that operate independently from the national government standards, such as Kaitokudo and Tekijyuku (Yukichi Fukuzawa) also took root in Osaka and encouraged open-mindedness and vigorous enterprising spirit for which Osaka is known today.

Osaka people today are known for being humorous, direct, reliable, creative and picky about what they eat.

Reliable: Having developed as a city of merchants, Osaka is a place where trust and good faith are valued above all else. Give ones word is to keep it.

Enterprising: Known for their initiative and innovation, Osaka creators have given the world a large number of new products and business ideas. Please see below for examples.

Friendly: Warm, outgoing and humorous, Osaka citizens pride themselves on being the easiest people in Japan to get along with.

Bon Vivants: Always ready to have a good time, people of Osaka are especially well known for their fondness for good food.

Osaka Innovations

Did you know? All of these started out in Osaka!

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