Not Just Kyoto and Nara! 'Two Thousand Years of History Unearthed! Osaka Historical Sites Stroll', Visiting the 'Center of History' Sleeping in the Streets of Osaka from the Kofun Period to the Edo Period, on Sale April 15.

Kawade Shobo Shinsha Co., Ltd. (Shinjuku-ku, Tokyo / Representative Director: Masaru Onodera) will release 'Two Thousand Years of History Unearthed! Osaka Historical Sites Stroll' from KAWADE Yume Bunko on April 15, 2026.

Osaka was the hub of economy and culture from the Kofun period to the Edo period. Looking at its shrines and temples, Shitennoji is Japan's first official temple (state-run temple), and Ikukunitama Shrine, considered Osaka's oldest shrine, is said to have been founded before the enthronement of Emperor Jimmu, boasting a history of over 2,600 years. In addition, ruins of ancient battlefields and castles are scattered about, alongside many historical sites from the modern era onwards. In short, numerous incidents that drastically changed eras occurred in Osaka, leaving many uniquely Osakan historical sites still present today. For example...

Ama Site... Traces of Yayoi period rice paddies still remain in this citizens' recreation area.
Shinagadani Tumulus Cluster... Where Prince Shotoku and emperors of the Asuka period sleep.
Domyoji... Where Sugawara no Michizane, heading from Kyoto to Kyushu, reluctantly parted with his relatives.
Chihaya Shrine... An ancient battlefield where Kusunoki Masashige fought a desperate struggle with the shogunate army.
Yasui Shrine... The place where Sanada Yukimura, who had cornered Tokugawa Ieyasu, exhausted his strength.

This book, written by an author skilled at guiding through Osaka, unearths Osaka's 'two thousand years of history' while actually visiting each historical site one by one.

Please pay attention to the release of 'Two Thousand Years of History Unearthed! Osaka Historical Sites Stroll', a book that will surely make strolling the streets and traveling in Osaka much more interesting.

● Experience the trajectory of two thousand years in modern Osaka!
From the book's preface:
When it comes to historic cities in the Kansai region, Kyoto and Nara are the first names that come to mind. These former capitals are among Japan's premier tourist destinations, perfect for enjoying ancient atmospheres. So, what about Osaka, Kansai's foremost metropolis? Going back in time, as Osaka faces the Seto Inland Sea, it was the gateway to Kyoto and Nara, with various goods and cultures arriving there first. There was also a time when the capital was placed in Osaka, making it the political center.

However, Osaka suffered numerous air raids during the Pacific War, and the central part of Osaka City was reduced to ashes. During the post-war reconstruction period, bold developments were carried out, and urbanization progressed. This is the reason why it lacks historical landscapes and atmosphere compared to Kyoto and Nara.

That doesn't mean modern Osaka lacks historical charm. If you walk and search, unexpected famous sites remain in unexpected places. To begin with, many incidents that drastically changed eras occurred in Osaka, and there are many places associated with famous historical figures, leaving historical sites that can be said to be unique to Osaka.

This book is a compilation of actually visiting and walking around such historical sites in Osaka.

There is a 'story' in the formation of a town. The land acts as a 'stage', and the residents act as 'actors' to unfold the story. As the story progresses, the town's appearance also changes. In other words, a town is shaped into its current form through the story of 'history' that unfolds over time. However, no one knows if that is the correct answer. Because that story has no end. But if you know history, you can glimpse the contents played out in the past. And you realize that the past influences the present in some form. 'History' is equal to 'Story'. I would be happy if this book helps you enjoy history as the story of Osaka.

● Table of Contents for 'Two Thousand Years of History Unearthed! Osaka Historical Sites Stroll'
Chapter 1: Walking through Osaka from the Yayoi Period to the Asuka Period
What was Osaka like from the Yayoi period to the Asuka period?
Visiting Yayoi period ruins surrounding the Kawachi Lagoon
Learning about massive tumuli that rival World Heritage sites
Walking through the 'Valley of the Kings' where Prince Shotoku and Asuka period emperors sleep
Touring 'Imperial Palace Ruins' where legends and historical facts intermingle
Visiting Japan's first official temple 'Shitennoji' and surrounding temples
Searching for traces of 'Naniwa-tsu', the beginning of an international port city

Chapter 2: Walking through Osaka from the Nara Period to the Heian Period
What was Osaka like from the Nara period to the Heian period?
Finding Naniwa Yasoshima, the site of imperial enthronement rituals
Visiting the traces of projects by Gyoki, a monk trusted even by emperors
Touching upon the legend of Abe no Seimei while walking the Kumano Kodo
Walking through the land originating from the 'Watanabe-to', a lineage of the Saga Genji
Tracing the footsteps of Sugawara no Michizane during his depths of despair

Chapter 3: Walking through Osaka from the Kamakura Period to the Sengoku Period
What was Osaka like from the Kamakura period to the Sengoku period?
Thinking of the warlords who fought in the Nanboku-cho turmoil
Time-tripping to a medieval religious city, Jinaimachi
Learning the trajectory of Miyoshi Nagayoshi, the first unifier of the Sengoku period

Chapter 4: Walking through Osaka of the Azuchi-Momoyama Period
What was Osaka like in the Azuchi-Momoyama period?
Seeing the traces of Ishiyama Hongan-ji, which fought with Nobunaga for over 10 years
Feeling the history of Takatsuki, which retains remnants of its castle town era