about a city you knou

Osaka

Osaka is in the west side and the biggest city next to Tokyo in Japan.

I was born in this city and I have spent a lot of time there. That is because I chose this city.

◆main events in its history

In 15 century, there were many warehouses to keep land tax ( e.g.rice ), and people built many waterway and bridges to transport them by ship in Osaka. Because of these well maintained waterway and rivers, Osaka grew up as the centre of economy and commerce in Japan.

This growth also helped the prosperity of culture.

◆any recent changes

The mayor of Osaka-prefecture(Osaka-city is a part of Osaka-prefecture) changed in February 2008. He is not afraid of others bashing and he try to change and improve economics of Osaka.

We don't know he is collect or not because we don't get any result yet, but many people have high hopes for him.

◆main positive features of the place

Osaka Castle is one of the most famous castles in Japan which was built about 420 years ago. This castle is open to the public, and the top of it give a sweeping view over Osaka.

There is a beautiful garden around it as well, and we can enjoy the changes of the seasons.

◆any difficulties of problems the place has

In the 1980s, the economic of Japan was quite good, and people began to build a lot of buildings, commercial institutions and houses. However, Osaka has faced an serious economic recession since the 1990s. Then some of these development became waste of money and time.

◆main tourist attractions

There are many fascinating attractions in Osaka.

• Osaka Castle: the castle which was built about 420 years ago
• Tsutenkaku: the tower which is well-known land mark of Osaka
• Universal Studios Japan: an amusement park
• Kaiyu-kan: an aquarium which is famous for a huge tank in its centre
• Ferris wheel in HEP Five: a big red Ferris wheel which is on a building

◆likely future situation/changes/problems

There are very little green around Osaka. However, recently, government, companies and people are focus on the environmental protection in Japan.

I hope the economy of Osaka will recover as soon as possible and become a city with beautiful nature.