Originally called Naniwazu, the area that is now Osaka has been a gateway for land and sea trade in Japan since the 5th century. In 593, Prince Shotoku constructed the Shitennoji Temple and by 645, the Emperor Kotoku made Osaka his capital. Although the capital was moved to Kyoto in 794, growth and prosperity continued in Osaka until the late 12th century. A series of wars brought hard times to the area and much of Osaka was destroyed. Then, in 1496 a high-ranking Buddhist sect constructed a heavily fortified temple (later called Ishiyama Honganji Temple) and the area of present day Osaka was born. Continual sieges eventually resulted in the Buddhists surrendering warlord Oda Nobunaga. Later his successor, Hideyoshi Toyotomi, unified Japan and constructed a grand castle on the site of the temple.

As the area grew rapidly, canals were excavated and new districts increased the urban area. Osaka continued to lead the way for other cities in Japan with modern infrastructure, cultural arts and social welfare programs from the 1600s until the 20th century. In 1889, Osaka was officially incorporated as a city and by 1925 it was the largest city in Japan and the sixth largest city in the world. World War II brought significant damage to Osaka and life was difficult in the chaos of post-war occupation. However, by the 1960s the city was rebuilt and economic prosperity returned. Osaka drew international acclaim when it was selected the first world exposition held in Asia, Expo ’70. Today, Osaka is the third largest city in Japan and is second only to Tokyo in importance in Japan.