From Osaka Station, stroll south along Midosuji for about 15 minutes. Crossing Oe Bridge over the Dojima River, you'll arrive at Nakanoshima. This narrow island stretches approximately 3.5 km east to west and covers an area of approximately 50 hectares, sandwiched between the Dojima and Tosabori Rivers. During the Edo period, Nakanoshima, blessed with abundant water transportation, was lined with storehouses belonging to various feudal domains, making it a bustling area. The Bank of Japan Osaka Branch was built in 1903 (Meiji 36) on the site of one of these, the Shimabara Domain's storehouse, which was once the villa of businessman Godai Tomoatsu. Designed by Tatsuno Kingo, a leading figure in Meiji-era architecture, this Neo-Renaissance-style building features a striking blue-green dome. After admiring its elegant beauty from the outside, explore the interior. A guided tour (approximately 1 hour and 10 minutes) is available by mail reservation between 3 months and 2 weeks in advance.

The east side of Nakanoshima was once lined with four modern buildings: the Bank of Japan Osaka Branch, Osaka City Hall, the Prefectural Nakanoshima Library, and the Central Public Hall, creating a spectacular view that symbolized "Greater Osaka." Unfortunately, the old City Hall was demolished and the current new building was completed in 1985.

Upon exiting the east door of Osaka City Hall, the neo-baroque Osaka Prefectural Nakanoshima Library towers before you. Built in 1904, this beautiful building, with four thick columns reminiscent of a Greek temple, was donated for construction and book purchases by Kichizaemon Sumitomo, the 15th head of Osaka's financial conglomerate, the Sumitomo family. During a trip to Europe and the United States, he was inspired by the cultural contributions and charitable work of local entrepreneurs, which prompted him to offer a huge donation. With its high ceilings, stained glass, and polished staircase handrails, the spirit of the Osaka merchants has been passed down for 100 years. Although half of the library's collection was moved to the Osaka Prefectural Central Library, built in Higashiosaka City in 1996, the library still boasts many valuable books and continues to attract many visitors. It is a nationally designated Important Cultural Property.

Further east of the Nakanoshima Prefectural Library is the Central Public Hall, a beautiful neo-Renaissance building with red bricks and arches. Since its completion in 1918 (Taisho 7), the building has played a major role in the development of modern Osaka's culture and arts, hosting a variety of events, including a lecture by Helen Keller, a welcome gathering for Yuri Gagarin, the first man in space, and classical concerts. It remains a symbol of Osaka, hosting a variety of events to this day. The splendor of the main hall is particularly captivating. Construction of the Public Hall began in 1913 (Taisho 2) with a 1 million yen donation from stockbroker Iwamoto Einosuke to the city of Osaka. However, Iwamoto's investments failed, and he committed suicide at the young age of 39 before the building was completed. The Iwamoto Einosuke Memorial Room is located in the hall's basement (free to visit). Following preservation and restoration work, the building was designated a National Important Cultural Property upon its reopening in 2002 (Heisei 14). I wonder what Iwamoto Einosuke would think if he saw the public hall, which is still loved by the common people of Osaka today...

Osaka is home to many bridges, but it's rare to find one with such a stylish design. A three-minute walk east from the Central Public Hall, the stone Naniwa Bridge is well-known as "Lion Bridge" for the four brave stone lion statues at its north and south ends. The lions, one with their mouths open and the other closed, are also known as the "Aun Lions." But why lions? In fact, during the Edo period, Naniwa Bridge was over 200 meters long, offering spectacular views from the bridge. A kyoka (traditional Japanese poem) was composed there: "Nishi-higashi, minami-ni-kiru Naniwabashi, sumizu-mi-kakete 4-4-no-16" (West-east, south-coming Naniwabashi, sumizu-mi-kakete 4-4-no-16)! It's said that the name "shishi" (lion) was inspired by the "4-4" (four-four), but the truth remains a mystery. The current bridge was built in 1915 (Taisho 4), and it remains a source of pride for the common people of Osaka. Cross the bridge south to Kitahama.

Located southeast of Naniwabashi, Kitahama was the site of a rice exchange during the Edo period to handle the trading of rice brought to Nakanoshima storehouses from various feudal domains across the country. From there, a stock exchange was established in 1878 (Meiji 11), evolving from Osaka Stock Exchange Co., Ltd. to Osaka Securities Exchange. Even today, it remains the economic center of Osaka, home to a concentration of securities companies and banks. The magnificent white cylindrical exchange completed in 1935 (Showa 10) was reborn in 2002 as a high-rise building with 24 floors above ground and two below, but the facade of the old exchange building has been preserved. It still serves as the face of Kitahama, conveying the atmosphere of the time. In front of the building is a statue of Godai Tomoatsu, said to be the father of Osaka's economy.

Located about a 10-minute walk west from the Osaka Securities Exchange, if you go around to the southeast of the Sumitomo Bank Head Office, built in 1926 (Taisho 15), you'll be captivated by a strikingly elegant four-story building. Built in 1924 (Taisho 13), the Osaka Club is one of Osaka's three most famous modern buildings, combining Southern European style with Eastern techniques. Designed by the renowned architect Takeo Yasui, it was designated a National Registered Tangible Cultural Property in 1997 (Heisei 9). As the exclusive hall of the Osaka Club, a British-style social club established in 1912 (Taisho 1), the dining room, lounge, and billiards room are only available to members, but the spacious fourth-floor hall is also used for lectures and salon concerts. An elegant space steeped in culture.

Heading north again from Osaka Club on Midosuji, we arrive at Yodoyabashi Bridge, spanning the Tosabori River. It's said that the wealthy merchant Yodoya built this bridge in front of his mansion, and a monument to the former residence stands on the west side of the southern end. The current bridge was built in 1935, and the design was apparently chosen through a public contest. Cars and pedestrians pass by this imposing and elegant bridge without a break. Remnants of the "Great Osaka" era are still scattered throughout Yodoyabashi, Kitahama, and Semba. They stand majestically amid the busy business district, seemingly frozen in time. The thoughts of our ancestors embedded in these famous buildings reflect love for the city? Pride? Perhaps a message of encouragement, "You too can do your best!" Kitahama, located southeast of Nambabashi Bridge, was the site of a rice exchange established during the Edo period to trade rice brought from various feudal domains across Japan to the Nakanoshima storehouses. It developed from there, and in 1878 (Meiji 11), a stock exchange was established, which evolved from Osaka Stock Exchange Co., Ltd. to Osaka Securities Exchange. Even today, it remains the economic center of Osaka, with a concentration of securities companies and banks. The magnificent white cylindrical exchange completed in 1935 (Showa 10) was reborn in 2002 as a high-rise building with 24 floors above ground and 2 below, but only the front wall of the old exchange has been preserved. It still serves as the face of Kitahama, conveying the atmosphere of the time. In front of the building there is a statue of Godai Tomoatsu, who is said to be the father of Osaka's economy.