Osaka (?? Osaka) is a designated city in the Kansai region of Japan. It is the capital city of Osaka Prefecture and the largest component of the Keihanshin Metropolitan Area; the second largest metropolitan area in Japan and among the largest in the world with nearly 19 million inhabitants.

Situated at the mouth of the Yodo River on Osaka Bay; Osaka is Japan's third largest city by population after the Tokyo 23 wards and Yokohama; and serves as a major economic hub.

Historically a merchant city; Osaka has also been known as the 'nation's kitchen' (????? tenka no daidokoro) and served as a centre for the rice trade during the Edo period. Pictures From History