Why Osaka

1. Osaka: Japan's Restaurant Hub

Osaka Prefecture ranks second in the number of restaurants nationwide, just after Tokyo. Known for its 'Konamon' cuisine made from wheat flour, Osaka offers a diverse culinary experience, from street vendors selling okonomiyaki and takoyaki to Michelin-starred restaurants, appealing to a global audience.

2. Kansai's Robust Economy

Kansai's nominal GDP, at JPY 89 trillion, makes up around 15% of Japan’s economy, matching countries like the Netherlands and Saudi Arabia in scale. Including neighboring regions (Chubu, Hokuriku, Chugoku, and Shikoku), this market ranks in the global top 10.

3. Easy Access, Domestic and International

Osaka provides excellent accessibility, with Kansai International Airport offering shorter flight times to major cities in South Korea, China, and Thailand compared to Tokyo. This convenience has led to an increase in business and tourist travel, with international passengers at the airport surging, particularly among foreign tourists, after border restrictions were lifted in May 2023. The number of international passengers during the first half of 2023 reached approximately 6.58 million, marking a nearly 24-fold increase compared to the same period in the previous year.