Osaka Prefecture has achieved a remarkable leap in the Global Power City Index (GPCI) 2025, published annually by the Mori Memorial Foundation’s Institute for Urban Strategies.
Osaka climbed from 35th to 18th place, marking the largest improvement among the 48 cities evaluated worldwide.

This sharp rise reflects Osaka’s ongoing transformation into a more competitive global city, driven by international exchange, tourism, and enhanced urban attractiveness. In particular, the city’s performance in the Cultural Interaction category improved dramatically from 23rd to 13th, supported by growth in international conferences, foreign visitors, and cultural events.

About the Global Power City Index (GPCI)

The Global Power City Index (GPCI) is an international ranking that evaluates the overall strength of 48 leading cities worldwide across six key dimensions: economy, research and development, cultural interaction, livability, environment, and accessibility. In the 2025 edition, Osaka improved its position in all six categories compared with the previous year, highlighting the city’s growing competitiveness and rising global presence.

Key Drivers Behind Osaka’s Rise (GPCI 2025 Highlights)

Cultural Interaction: From 23rd to 13th (largest rise among all cities)

The rise in Osaka’s ranking was supported by higher figures in key indicators such as foreign visitor arrivals, the number of international conferences, and the hosting of cultural events, demonstrating the city’s increasingly active cultural engagement on the global stage.

Economy: From 38th to 33rd

Osaka achieved one of the largest improvements in economic ranking, tied with Dubai.

Livability (Resident Perspective): From 15th to 8th

This progress was supported by strengths such as the city’s high density of retail shops and restaurants, as well as shorter commuting times, making Osaka an increasingly attractive place to live and work.

Osaka’s Globalization and Urban Infrastructure in Numbers

International Engagement Expanded Through Expo

The Osaka–Kansai Expo welcomed approximately 29 million visitors, with participation from 158 countries and regions, serving as a major platform for global exchange.

Record-High Inbound Tourism

The estimated number of foreign visitors to Osaka in 2025 reached 17.60 million, the highest level on record (Osaka Convention & Tourism Bureau).

Economic Scale: Nominal GDP of ¥44.5 Trillion, Growing +4.3%

Osaka has maintained positive economic growth for three consecutive years.

The Prefecture is also developing a long-term strategy titled: “Beyond EXPO 2025: Toward Osaka’s Post-Expo Future (Draft Outline)” with the goal of reaching ¥80 trillion in nominal GDP by the 2040s.
The final version is scheduled for completion by March 2026.

Accessibility: A Strategic Domestic and Global Gateway

• Kyoto and Kobe: within 30 minutes by train
• Tokyo: as fast as 2.5 hours via Shinkansen
• Domestic flights: ~240 daily (Kansai & Itami Airports)
• International flights: 1,550+ weekly, connecting Osaka to 82 global cities

Osaka: A City of Opportunity for Startups and Global Entrepreneurs

For entrepreneurs and startups considering expansion into Asia, Osaka is quickly becoming one of the most attractive cities to watch—offering strong market access, infrastructure, and public support.

Learn more about Osaka’s startup ecosystem and support programs here:

https://www.pref.osaka.lg.jp/o020050/renkei/openosaka/index.html#assi