Directory_and_Chronicle_1935 — Page 320

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OTARU-OSAKA

RISING SUN PETROLEUM CO., LTD.-1,

Benten-cho; Teleph. 551

SINGER SEWING MACHINE Co.-Aioi-

cho, Otaru

STANDARD-VACUUM OIL Co.-23, Sakai-

machi. Otaru

VERNOT TIMBER TRADING Co.-1, Aioi- cho, Otaru; P.O. Box 30; Cable Ad: Vertico

VICTOR TALKING MACHINE Co. OF

JAPAN, LTD.-Daiichi, Chohei Hoken Building, Kita Ichijo Nishi, Sap-

poro

OSAKA

Osaka, with a population of 2,586,000 according to the latest census is the second city in Japan, coming next after Greater Tokyo, but in commercial and industrial importance it ranks first. During recent years the city has been rapidly assuming a modern and Western aspect. Broad well-paved streets intersect it in all directions, large modern buildings are springing up throughout the business centre, and motor traffic Is increasing rapidly. The city is situated in the Prefecture of the same name at the mouth of the river Yodogawa. It is interested by other rivers and canals that make excellent waterways for the transport of merchandise. From the point of view of the foreign tourist, the most interesting and imposing sight is Osaka Castle, erected in 1583 by the famous warrior Toyotomi Hideyoshi. It is now the Headquarters of the Fourth Army Divi- sion, the grounds having been converted into દ public park. It is the seat of numerous industries, including cotton-spinning mills, shipbuilding yards, iron-works and sugar refineries. Cotton-spinning and weaving are the most important industries and there are a large num- her of big mills in the city and neighbourhood. Recently there has been a surprising development in the manufacture of all kinds of goods for the export trade in Osaka's well-equipped factories. The Imperial Mint also is established here. From the outset the street Electric Tramway within the city limits was a municipal undertaking and at present 104 kilometres are open to traffic.

Extensive harbour improvements have been in progress for a number of years and still further plans are to be given effect to. By 1940 it is expected that the Osaka North Harbour Co. will have enclosed an additional marine area of 2,317,000 sq. metres between the Shinyodo River and the Aji River. The present harbour has berthing accommodation at 28 buoys for ships of 5.000 to 20,000 gross tons. Three piers and four quays, all with shed and railway facilities, have water depth of 29 ft. or over. Floating and fixed wharf cranes and dry docks are available.

The trade statistics of Osaka since the war have shown great growth. The Osaka trade returns, however, do not afford a reliable index of the foreign trade, a great part of which passes through the Kobe Customs.