History of Higashinari Ward
Establishment and Administrative Changes
Higashinari Ward was incorporated into Osaka City on April 1, 1925, as part of a major expansion of the city’s municipal boundaries. At that time, the ward covered almost the entire former Higashinari District except for areas belonging to Sumiyoshi District, making it considerably larger than it is today.
Its territory was subsequently reduced as new wards were created. Asahi Ward separated from Higashinari in 1932, followed by Joto Ward and Ikuno Ward in 1943.
Today, Higashinari is the second-smallest ward in Osaka City by area, after Naniwa Ward. Despite its compact size, it has a high population density, ranking third among Osaka’s wards after Nishi Ward and Joto Ward.
Transportation
Higashinari Ward is well connected by several railway lines and major roads, making it convenient for both residents and visitors.
Railways
The Osaka Metro Chuo Line, Sennichimae Line, and Imazatosuji Line serve the area.
Nearby JR West stations include Tsuruhashi, Tamatsukuri, and Morinomiya, located around or near the ward boundaries.
Imazato Station is also served by Kintetsu Railway.
Road Network
Major roads including the Hanshin Expressway and Chuo Odori pass through or near the ward, providing convenient connections by car.
Shopping and Residential Areas
Local Shopping Facilities
Higashinari has supermarkets and traditional shopping streets that support the daily lives of local residents.
Major supermarkets include Life Imazato, Life Midoribashi, Konomiya Midoribashi, and Daily Kanart Izumiya Fukaebashi.
Apartment Buildings and Housing Complexes
Because the ward is relatively small, there are fewer large-scale housing complexes than in some other parts of Osaka. Nevertheless, apartment developments such as Park Square Oimazato and Imazato Green Heights are popular residential choices.
Housing operated by the Urban Renaissance Agency (UR) can also be found in the ward.
Industry and Companies
Higashinari is home to the headquarters or branch offices of a variety of companies, representing several different industries.
Companies Based in the Area
Osaka Gas Facilities provides comprehensive facility services.
KOKUYO is a well-known manufacturer of stationery and office products.
DoggyMan H.A. is a manufacturer of pet products.
OLFA is known as the developer of the snap-off utility knife.
Yamato Protec manufactures disaster-prevention and fire-protection equipment.
A Compact Osaka Ward with Deep Historical Roots
Higashinari Ward may be small in area, but it combines a long historical heritage with the convenience of modern urban life.
Its extensive transportation network, shopping facilities, residential neighborhoods, and connections with Osaka’s wider business community make it an important part of the city’s everyday landscape.
For visitors exploring Osaka beyond its major tourist districts, Higashinari offers a glimpse into the traditional downtown character and contemporary daily life of the city.