What is the population of Osaka?
Osaka's metropolitan area has about 19,013,434 people, making it the 10th largest metro area in our dataset of 140 major cities.
In Japan · Also known as Japan's Kitchen, Nation's Kitchen, Naniwa (historical), Water Capital
Metro population
19,013,434
0.229% of world population
Archive estimateAnnual growth
−0.20%
About 104 people a day
Archive estimateDensity
3,723/km²
5,107 km² metro area
City proper
2,753,862
Within the administrative boundary
GeoNamesAbout Osaka
Osaka is Japan's third-largest city and the commercial heart of the Kansai region, with a metropolitan population of nearly 19 million. Known for its outgoing people, distinctive dialect, delicious street food, and historical role as a merchant city, Osaka offers a more relaxed and affordable alternative to Tokyo while remaining thoroughly modern and dynamic.
Key Facts
Airports
Scheduled-service airports within 100 km, nearest first.
- Osaka Itami International AirportITM
11 km from the city centre
- Kobe AirportUKB
26 km from the city centre
- Kansai International AirportKIX
38 km from the city centre
Source: OurAirports, matched by distance.
History
Osaka rose to prominence in the 16th century when Toyotomi Hideyoshi built Osaka Castle and made it Japan's commercial capital. During the Edo period, it was called 'the nation's kitchen' for its role in rice trading. After WWII destruction and rebuilding, Osaka hosted Expo '70 and continues as Japan's second economic center.
Economy
Osaka Prefecture has Japan's second-largest economy after Tokyo. The city is home to major corporations like Panasonic, Sharp, and Keyence. Key sectors include electronics, pharmaceuticals, chemicals, and services. The city is a major port and trading hub. The 2025 World Expo will be hosted in Osaka.
Culture
Osaka is known for its distinct culture emphasizing commerce, comedy, and cuisine. Osakans are stereotypically more direct and humorous than other Japanese. The city is Japan's comedy capital (manzai and rakugo). Food culture is paramount—takoyaki, okonomiyaki, and kushikatsu are iconic. The Bunraku puppet theater originated here.
Transportation
Osaka has an excellent metro and rail network including the JR loop line. Shinkansen connects to Tokyo in 2.5 hours. Kansai International Airport (built on an artificial island) serves international flights. The city is walkable and bikeable. Private railways connect surrounding cities like Kyoto and Kobe.
Current Challenges
Osaka faces challenges including population decline (particularly among young people leaving for Tokyo), aging infrastructure, economic competition with Tokyo, and earthquake/typhoon risk. The city is working to revitalize through tourism, casinos (integrated resorts), and the 2025 Expo.
Highlights
Landmarks & Attractions
- Osaka Castle
- Dotonbori entertainment district
- Umeda Sky Building
- Shitennoji Temple
- Universal Studios Japan
- Kuromon Market
- Shinsekai district
- Tsutenkaku Tower
What Osaka Is Known For
- Food culture
- Comedy
- Osaka Castle
- Business
- Friendly people
Universities
- Osaka University
- Osaka City University
- Kansai University
Sports Teams
- Orix Buffaloes (baseball)
- Gamba Osaka
- Cerezo Osaka (football)
Interesting Facts
- Osaka is called 'Japan's kitchen' for its food culture
- The expression 'kuidaore' (eat until you drop) describes Osaka's food obsession
- Instant ramen was invented in Osaka
- Glico Running Man sign in Dotonbori is a famous landmark
- Osaka Castle was destroyed and rebuilt multiple times
- Osakans say 'okini' for thank you instead of 'arigato'
Compared with the World's Largest Cities
Metropolitan population against the fifteen largest metro areas.
| Name | Metro population |
|---|---|
| Tokyo | 37.4M |
| Delhi | 32.9M |
| Shanghai | 29.2M |
| São Paulo | 22.6M |
| Dhaka | 22.5M |
| Mexico City | 22.3M |
| Cairo | 22.2M |
| Mumbai | 21.7M |
| Beijing | 21.5M |
| Osaka | 19M |
| New York | 18.9M |
| Karachi | 17.1M |
| Kinshasa | 17.1M |
| Chongqing | 16.9M |
| Lagos | 15.9M |
Population Trend in Japan
No free source publishes metropolitan population back to 1950, so the parent country's series is shown instead.
| Year | Population |
|---|---|
| 1950 | 86,443,277 |
| 1960 | 96,399,754 |
| 1970 | 106,712,368 |
| 1980 | 118,358,756 |
| 1990 | 123,399,765 |
| 2000 | 127,027,789 |
| 2010 | 128,185,275 |
| 2020 | 126,304,543 |
| 2030 | 119,584,121 |
| 2040 | 112,158,303 |
| 2050 | 105,123,167 |
| 2060 | 98,103,219 |
| 2070 | 90,611,771 |
| 2080 | 84,729,966 |
| 2090 | 80,634,393 |
| 2100 | 76,845,989 |
Other Major Cities in Japan
2 more cities in our dataset.
Nearest Major Cities
Closest cities in our dataset by great-circle distance.
Osaka Population FAQ
What is the difference between Osaka's city and metro population?
About 2,753,862 people live within the city proper, while the wider metropolitan area holds roughly 19,013,434. Metro figures include surrounding commuter areas that fall outside the city's administrative boundary.
Is Osaka growing or shrinking?
Osaka is shrinking at −0.20% a year.
What share of Japan's population lives in Osaka?
Osaka's metro area holds about 15.4% of Japan's total population.
How densely populated is Osaka?
Osaka has roughly 3,723 people per km² across a metro area of about 5,107 km².
Which airports serve Osaka?
The nearest major airports are Osaka Itami International Airport (ITM), Kobe Airport (UKB), Kansai International Airport (KIX).
Which country is Osaka in?
Osaka is in Japan, in Asia.
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