This week: the start of our multi-part series on the history of Osaka! Supposedly the site where Japan’s first emperor began his conquests, the city has a long history stretching back well before it even got its current name. This week is all about the first 1000-ish years of Osaka’s history, and how it became one of the country’s most important port cities.

Sources

McClain, James L and Wakita Osamu. Osaka: The Merchant’s Capital of Early Modern Japan.

Farris, William Wayne. Sacred Texts and Buried Treasures: Issues on the Historical Archaeology of Ancient Japan.

Images

“Emperor Jimmu’s Eastern Expedition”, by the Meiji era printmaker Watanabe Nobukazu. Jimmu is shown here striking down the local chieftain Nagasunehiko during his battle for what’s now Osaka.The major features of the Kansai area where Osaka is located. Using my incredible image skills I have highlighted the Osaka plains in red, the Nara area in green, Kyoto in purple, and the Yodo river in blue.The main hall and pagoda of Shitennoji, which was once home to one of the major monzenmachi/market towns of the Osaka area.The remains of Naniwa palace. This photo was taken from the Osaka historical museum; Osaka castle is just to the left.