Question

Why is Osaka called the Manchester of Japan?

Answer 1

Osaka is known as the ‘Manchester of Japan’ as it is an important textile center in Japan.

Several geographical factors played a key role in the development of the textile industry in Osaka. Those factors are given below:

• There was an abundant supply of water for the cotton mills due to River Yodo.
• For weaving and spinning, a warm humid climate is better and this climatic condition exists in Osaka.
• For the growth of cotton mills, there was easily available land, due to the existence of extensive plains around Osaka.

Osaka – Import and Export

• Due to low price and good quality of goods, the finished products had a very good market, hence the products manufactured by textile industries in Osaka were exported.
• To meet the demands of raw materials for the textile industries, Osaka had to rely on imports from countries like India, Egypt, the USA, and China.

Osaka – Replacement of Textile Industries

With the passage of time, the textile industry of Osaka has been replaced by other industries such as

• Cement
• Electrical equipment
• Shipbuilding
• Machinery
• Iron and Steel
• Automobiles