Meiji Restoration: Wave of the Modern Period Begins from the Ports
Eventually, power shifted from the Edo shogunate to the Meiji government. Osaka port officially opened in 1868, allowing modern industry and culture from foreign countries to enter Japan. In 1889, Osaka was designated as a city, and just nine years later, in 1898, the sewage system was completed. In 1903, the 5th National Industrial Exposition was held in Tennoji, gathering the technological and cultural elite in Osaka while displaying the best of Japan’s industry and arts. In that same year, the long awaited bridge, Osaka Chikko Daisambashi, was constructed. Osaka’s municipal tram also went into service connecting Chikko and Hanazonobashi, and Osaka dramatically developed as construction and industry moved inland and away from the port. Later, around 1910, the site of the Exposition was transformed into two parks, Tennoji Park and Shinsekai Luna Park. The original Tsutenkaku Tower was also constructed in the same area.
“Dai-Osaka” (Great Osaka)
The economic boom invited an active trade in stock. In response to the demand, Kitahama’s stockbroker, Einosuke Iwamoto donated funds for the construction of the Central Public Hall. Urban planning was implemented in an organized way in the city and by 1925, the city was the largest in Japan in terms of population and area, and the sixth largest in the world. The city thus earned the name Dai-Osaka, Great Osaka. The seventh mayor of the city, Hajime Seki, further developed urban planning, started the construction of Midosuji Boulevard in 1926, and began the construction of the subway in 1933. He built the foundation of today’s Osaka. The main tower of Osaka Castle, a symbol of the city, was also reconstructed with the donation from the citizens in 1931.
Restoration and Rapid Growth of Post-World War II
Although much of the city center was burnt to the ground during World War II, the public and private sectors came together to reconstruct the city and its industries, resulting in the high economic growth of the post – World War II era. Osaka originally had large corporations and a number of small/medium-sized enterprises. After the war, light industry and the field of home appliances and electronic products supported rapid economic growth via new and remarkable technologies, becoming a pillar of Osaka’s economy while also gaining international recognition for Osaka.
Urban Growth and Development
By 1962, Senri New Town, a residential area with a comfortable living environment, was developed in the north of Osaka. When Osaka hosted the Japan World Exposition in 1970 (Expo’70), the city came to life and the name Osaka once again gained worldwide fame. Osaka showcased its success in overcoming the challenges facing urbanization with a tree planting campaign and by formulating forward-looking environmental policies at the International Garden and Greenery Exposition (Expo’90) in 1990 at Tsurumi Ryokuchi Park. The park, a place of recreation and relaxation in an energetic urban context, is the centerpiece of Osaka as an international city. In 1994, Kansai International Airport opened and in 1995, Osaka hosted the APEC (Asia and Pacific Economic Cooperation) Meetings. Osaka is now taking its place on the world stage, gaining a prominent position as an attractive destination for visitors.
Fun-Filled City Attracting People from All Over the World
Development progressed on the artificial islands around the Osaka Bay Area, laying the groundwork for three unique waterfront areas, Sakishima, Maishima, and Yumeshima. Universal Studios Japan, a theme park featuring movies, opened in 2001 and is enjoyed not only by Osaka’s citizens but also by a great number of visitors from around the world.
In 2000, the Osaka International Convention Center, with a main hall seating 2,754 people, was completed. The 8th International Energy Forum, which brought participants from around the world to Osaka, was held there.
To create a pleasant urban environment featuring water as an attractive element in the city, various efforts are underway, including formulation of a plan to revive Osaka as a “Water Metropolis” and establishment of committees to study the regeneration of Osaka through the incorporation of flowers, greenery and lighting in combination with water.
The people of Osaka will continue to strive for a better and more attractive Osaka towards the future.