Population: 8,862,900 (3rd in Japan)

Number of households: 3,758,200 (3rd in Japan)

Area (km²): 1,899.28 (46th in Japan)

Gross prefectural product (in billions of yen): 39,878 (2nd in Japan)

Kansai International Airport

Osaka business park

Tempozan

(C)Osaka Convention & Tourism Bureau www.osaka-info.jp

The prefecture is long and narrow from north to south, and the Osaka plain in the center is surrounded by the Osaka Bay to the west, the Hokusetsu mountain range to the North, the Kongo-Ikoma mountains to the east and the Izumi-Katsuragi mountains to the south. The prefecture also has a mild climate due to these features. Compared to other Japanese prefectures, Osaka is 46th in terms of size, but its population is the 3rd largest.

Osaka has a long history. Around the 5th century, culture from the Asian continent spread to in the region, and in the 7th century, Naniwanomiya, said to be the oldest palace in Japan, was built as the center of government and economy. In later years, the seat of government moved to Nara and then Kyoto, but the region continued to have an important role as an entryway for trade and culture. From the 17th to 19th centuries, the area was called "Japan's kitchen," and along with the economy, unique culture and scholarship also developed.

After Tokyo, Osaka leads the nation with the 2nd highest gross prefectural product, valued about 40 trillion yen. The city is known internationally not only for large international enterprises, but also for numerous small- and medium-sized businesses with high technological capabilities. At present, biotechnology industry projects and next-generation robot development are advancing in the prefecture. In addition, renewed city development, exemplified by the large-scale developments around Osaka Station is also moving forward. The prefecture's six industrial parks include Saito Life Science Park and the Izumisano Food Industrial Complex.

New and old tourist destinations dot Osaka. The old include Osaka Castle and other historical structures, while Universal Studios Japan and the National Museum of Art, Osaka exemplify the new spots. Visitors can also enjoy shopping and the delights of Osaka cuisine as well as Bunraku (puppet theater) and other traditional arts.