Category:Osaka Prefecture

Osaka Prefecture (大阪府) is located in the Kansai region of central Honshū, facing Osaka Bay and bordered by Kyoto, Nara, Hyōgo, and Wakayama. Historically known as the “kitchen of Japan,” Osaka developed as a center of trade, commerce, and cultural exchange thanks to its fertile plains and coastal access.

The capital, Osaka City, is Japan’s third-largest city and a major economic hub. It is famous for Osaka Castle, bustling merchant districts, and a vibrant food culture that reflects its long history as a center of prosperity and openness.

Culturally, Osaka is characterized by its energetic, practical spirit and its flourishing of merchant and artisan traditions. The prefecture is associated with Bunraku puppet theater and a wide variety of crafts, from metalwork to textiles and lacquerware. Its combination of lively urban culture, historical significance, and craftsmanship makes Osaka unique within Kansai.

Signature Crafts of Osaka Prefecture

• Osaka metalwork – fine cutlery and tools, reflecting the city’s industrial and artisanal traditions.
• Osaka kongo-sai (金剛杓子) – traditional wooden spatulas crafted for ritual and daily use.
• Osaka fans (大阪扇子) – hand-crafted folding fans linked to theater and festivals.
• Bunraku-related crafts – costumes, puppets, and stage props connected to Osaka’s performing arts.