Osaka, a center of Japanese economy and culture on a par with Tokyo, is the core of the western part of Japan. Together with Kyoto, Nara, and Kobe, Osaka forms the Kansai metropolitan area. Osaka has become a more vital city since the opening of Kansai International Airport in 1994. You will find Osaka driving forward into the 21st century with new developments such as the Osaka International Convention Center, where the Opening Ceremony and the first day's program of the Osaka Forum will be held.
Osaka is a beautiful city, set on water front and surrounded by the blossoms and greenery of parks and gardens. During the conference, participants will be able to enjoy the best of Osaka. Post-conference trips to nearby Kyoto or Nara, both within 1 hour by train from Osaka are also recommended to make your stay in Japan more attractive and memorable.
 Currency |
The currency used in Japan is yen. Foreign currency or traveler's checks can be changed to yen at major banks (open 9:00-15:00 Mon-Fri, closed Sat. & Sun.), hotels, or airports. Only Japanese yen is accepted at stores and restaurants.
It is necessary to show your passport when changing traveler's checks.
Bills come in units of 1,000, 2,000, 5,000, and 10,000 yen, and coins in units of 1, 5, 10, 50, 100, and 500 yen. The approximate rate of exchange is 100 yen for U.S. $0.77 (as of April, 2002). |
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| Credit Cards |
Japan remains primarily a cash society. Credit cards are still not widely used, though most hotels, restaurants, and department stores accept them.
Traveler's checks are not as popular in Japan as in some other countries. They are usually accepted only by leading banks and major hotels.
Visa, MasterCard, American Express, and Diners Club cards are widely accepted at hotels, department stores, shops, and restaurants. |
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| Tipping |
| Tipping is not common in Japan as there is a 10% service charge plus a 5% tax attached to the bill at most hotels and restaurants. |
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| Useful Numbers |
| Call 110 (Police); 119 (Fire/Ambulance) toll-free, for 24-hour, 7-days-a-week service |
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| Electricity |
| 100 volts. Two different cycles are used: 50 in eastern Japan including Tokyo, and 60 in western Japan including Nagoya, Kyoto and Osaka |
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| Health Risks |
| Monitoring by the health department is very strict and standards are high in almost all restaurants. It's generally safe to eat food prepared and sold by street vendors. But travelers allergic to MSG should be vigilant as many restaurants use a lot of it. Tap water is potable, but sometimes it has a musty odor or a strong chlorine smell. Bottled water is a better choice for those with sensitive stomachs and is available almost everywhere. |
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| Time Zone |
| GMT + 9, same as Seoul |
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| Business Hours |
Banks are open from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. on weekends; closed on Saturdays, Sundays and holidays. Government offices and post offices from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. and also closed on Saturdays and Sundays
Stores from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. weekends; 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. Saturdays and Sundays.
More information on doing business in Osaka or doing business in Tokyo |
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| Climate |
The Japanese islands stretch for 3,000 kilometers. The northern end is in the sub-arctic climate zone, while the southern end is in the monsoon climate zone. In summer, southeast winds bring rains to the coastal regions facing the Pacific. Spring is from March to May; summer from June to August; autumn from September to November; and winter from December to February.
Springtime in Osaka is very pleasant. Heavy rains come during the summer, and gradually taper off in the autumn. Winter temperatures are generally cool during the day, and drop to freezing when the sun sets. |
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| Clothing |
| In recent years, the Japanese have become more casual in their clothing. For business, however, conservative attire is still the safe choice. This means subtle colors and the standard corporate outfit -- dark suits for men, conservative dresses or suits for women. |
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| Industries |
Leading producer of steel and non-ferrous metallurgy, heavy electrical equipment, construction and mining equipment, motor vehicles and parts, electronic and telecommunication equipment, machine tools, automated production systems, ships, chemicals, textiles, processed foods
Osaka has a variety of small and medium-sized businesses, most of which are in the wholesale industry dealing in pharmaceuticals, textiles, toys, and confectionery. Discount electrical appliance retailers and underground shopping centers are also popular among both locals and foreigners.
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| Teledensity |
| 1.5 persons per telephone |
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| Government |
| Constitutional monarchy. Administratively, Japan is divided into 47 prefectures |
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| Geography |
Japan is an archipelago of more than 3,000 islands. Located in East Asia, the island chain lies between the North Pacific Ocean and the Sea of Japan, east of the Korean Peninsula.
Osaka has a total area of 1,892 square kilometers. It is found near the center of Japan, is surrounded by mountains, and opens west toward Osaka Bay. It is sometimes referred to as "the water city" because of the many rivers that run through it. |
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| Population |
Japan: 123 million
Osaka: 8.8 million |
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| Ethnic Groups |
| Japanese: 99.4%; others (mostly Korean): 0.6% |
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| Language |
| The official language is Japanese, which is continuously changing due to the infusion of new words and phrases, and an ongoing improvisational use of foreign words and meanings. English is taught in schools from the 7th grade on, and is widely spoken by people associated with the tourist trade. However, it's not normally understood by taxi drivers or by staff of many Japanese restaurants. |
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| Literacy Rate |
| 99% |
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| Religion |
| Major religions are Buddhism and Shinto. Freedom of worship is guaranteed by law. The Japanese have long held a tolerance for varieties of religion. It is not unusual for a family to celebrate birth with Shinto rites, have a Christian marriage, and pay last respects with a Buddhist ceremony. |
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Japan