Naniwa Day

What Is Naniwa Day?

July 28th is Naniwa Day — a day of appreciation for Osaka and its historic name "Naniwa." The date is a wordplay in Japanese: 7 (na) + 2 (ni) + 8 (wa) = "naniwa," the ancient name for Osaka. It was established in fiscal 2007 by Naniwa Ward of Osaka City, based on the ward's community vision drawn up by residents, to rediscover the ward's many attractions and raise awareness of them.

What Is "Naniwa"?

"Naniwa" (難波, 浪速, or なにわ) is one of the oldest place names associated with the city of Osaka, carrying over a millennium of history.

• Meaning of the name: According to the Nihon Shoki, Emperor Jimmu's party met swift currents here and named the land "Namihaya" (浪速, "swift waves"), which is often said to have become "Naniwa" — though there are several theories.
• The ancient capital: In the 7th century, Emperor Kōtoku established his court at Naniwa (the Naniwa Nagara Toyosaki Palace), briefly making Osaka the capital of Japan. Remains of the palace have been excavated at Hōenzaka, just southwest of Osaka Castle, now the Naniwa Palace Ruins Park.
• "Kitchen of the Nation": During the Edo period, Osaka became the commercial hub of Japan, known as "Tenka no Daidokoro" (the kitchen of the nation), where goods from across the country flowed in and merchant culture flourished.

Food and Culture: The Heart of Naniwa

• Takoyaki: Born in Osaka around 1935, this iconic octopus-filled ball of batter is the ultimate symbol of Naniwa's "kona-mono" (flour-based food) culture.
• Okonomiyaki: The Kansai-style version, where all ingredients are mixed into the batter before cooking, is distinct from the layered Hiroshima style — each a proud regional tradition.
• Kushikatsu: Deep-fried skewers long loved in the working-class neighbourhood of Shinsekai, complete with the legendary rule: "No double-dipping the sauce."
• Comedy capital: Osaka is the birthplace of Japan's comedy culture. Yoshimoto Kogyo, founded in 1912, has made the city synonymous with manzai (stand-up comedy duos), rakugo, and skit comedy.

Fascinating Facts About Naniwa Day

• Place names alive today: "Namba" (難波), Naniwa Ward (浪速区), Naniwabashi (bridge), and Naniwa-suji (avenue) all keep the ancient name alive in modern Osaka.
• Naniwa Danshi: The popular idol group "Naniwa Danshi" (Boys from Naniwa), built around members from the Kansai region, also takes its name from Osaka's old name.
• "Bochibochi": The exchange "Mōkarimakka?" ("Making money?") — "Bochibochi denna" ("Getting by, little by little") is known as a classic greeting of this merchant city.
• Expo 2025: Expo 2025 Osaka, Kansai was held on Yumeshima island in Osaka.

Tips for Marking Naniwa Day

• Enjoy some classic Osaka food — takoyaki, okonomiyaki, or kushikatsu — wherever you are.
• Visit the Naniwa Palace Ruins Park (Naniwa no Miya Ato Koen) in Osaka to walk the grounds of a 7th-century royal court.
• Pick up a few Osaka expressions: Ookini (Thank you) and Nande yanen! (What do you mean?/Come on!) are crowd-pleasers anywhere.

A City Overflowing with Heart, Laughter, and History

Naniwa Day on July 28th is a chance to celebrate the city of Osaka — from its ancient role as Japan's capital to its modern identity as a global culinary and comedy destination. The name "Naniwa" is far more than an old place name. It is a word that carries centuries of human warmth, resilience, and connection. Today, feel the spirit of Naniwa in whatever form it reaches you.