Osaka
By Dai Yah Thompson.
Osaka is the second largest metropolitan area in Japan and one of the largest in the world. The large port city and commercial hub is located on Honshu and known for its modern architecture, rich nightlife, and delicious street food. Originally developed between the 5th and 8th centuries as a port and weapons depot, Osaka was briefly Japan’s capital in the 7th and 8th centuries and would eventually become Japan’s cultural capital. As one of the nation’s major trading hubs, Osaka served as a vital connection to Korea and China and was often the center of political and cultural power in Japan.