By Contributing Writer
The third-largest city in Japan, Osaka is less than an hour and a half from the former Japanese capitals of Kyoto and Nara. Compared with workaholic Tokyoites, Osaka citizens are known for loving food and being laid-back.
History
Osaka began in the fifth century as Naniwazu port. It was often the first stop in Japan for visitors from Korea, China and other Asian countries.
Osaka Castle
In 1583, the warlord Hideyoshi Toyotomi built the iconic Osaka Castle, which has walls nearly 100 feet tall. Since then, city residents have had to rebuild it twice because of Japanese civil war and a lightning strike.
Dialect
Known as "Osaka-ben," the dialect of Osaka has been made famous by Japanese entertainers. One popular phrase is "Shaa-nai," which expresses resignation to unfortunate events.
Population
Nearly 9 million people live in the Osaka area. Its people make up 7 percent of Japan's population and about 15 percent of Japan's foreign population.
Food
A popular dish in Osaka is okonomiyaki. It resembles a pizza or pancake and is topped with vegetables or seafood. Another is udon suki, which consists of buckwheat noodles and meat.
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