Why is Osaka called the Manchester of Japan?
By Balaji
Updated on: February 17th, 2023
Osaka is called the Manchester of Japan because it is an important textile centre of Japan. In Osaka, the textile industry developed due to several geographical factors. The extensive plain around Osaka is the reason behind the availability of land for the growth of cotton mills. It is also known as the financial hub of Japan.
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1. Reason for Calling Osaka Manchester of Japan
Reason for Calling Osaka Manchester of Japan
Osaka, a city in Japan exports the finished product and has a good market due to good quality and low price. It is a significant financial hub in Japan and is regarded as one of the country’s most diverse and modern cities. Osaka has grown as a centre of textiles because:
- The climate is warm and humid which is well suited to spinning and weaving.
- Sufficient water for the mills is provided by the Yodo river.
- The location of the port facilitates the import of raw cotton and for export of textiles.
- Labour is easily available.
- Cotton in Osaka is imported from Egypt, India, China, and the USA.
The Osaka Exchange and the global headquarters of companies like Panasonic and Sharp that manufacture electronics are both located in the city.
- Osaka is a hub for research and development on a global scale and is home to several prestigious universities, including Kansai University, Osaka University, and Osaka Metropolitan University.
- Historically, Osaka was viewed as the centre of the Japanese economy.
- It had grown into a significant regional port by the Kofun period (300–538), and for a brief period in the 7th and 8th centuries, it served as the imperial capital.
Throughout the Edo era (1603–1867), Osaka maintained its prosperity and established itself as a major hub for Japanese culture.
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