Osaka, the biggest city in western Japan, is garnering worldwide attention as the host of the G20 Summit on June 28-29. Known as a city of craftsmanship and manufacturing prowess, it is home to small and medium-sized enterprises, and is also one of the most important economic powerhouses in Japan.
Many in China also know it as the sister city of Shanghai: the two were twinned in 1974.
Cultural, technical, educational and business cooperation between the two cities has helped cement relations between China and Japan. But Osaka and Shanghai also share similarities in other ways.
Here, we picked some fun facts about the sister cities.
Popular dishes
Okonomiyaki, a Japanese savory pancake. /VCG Photo
When thinking about Osaka, the first thing that springs to mind for Chinese food-lovers might be Okonomiyaki, a Japanese savory pancake that can be made with meat, sea food, vegetables, etc. Okonomiyaki comes from Osaka and has long been regarded as the "soul food of Osaka". It is also one of the most popular Japanese dishes in China, where it is called "Dabanshao", which means "pancake from Osaka".
Hairy crab /VCG Photo
Hairy crabs have been a popular delicacy in southern China for centuries and now the seasonal crustacean is also beloved by Japanese eaters for its sweet, delicate flesh and creamy roe. Since they can be found on the menu of every Shanghai-style restaurant in Japan, these crabs are often called Shanghai hairy crabs.
Thriving ACG culture
ACG culture, short for anime, comics and games, used to be a niche. But as the community has grown and facilities have developed, it is no longer a rare hobby.
An advertising poster is placed outside a shop catering to anime enthusiasts in Osaka on February 12, 2018. /VCG Photo
Fans and enthusiasts of ACG can now plan a "pilgrimage" to Shanghai and Osaka, as the two cities have embraced this thriving culture. Stores and museums provide fans with a place to further explore the culture, and both cities hold ACG-themed events and exhibitions, like Comicup and ChinaJoy, annually.
ACG fans take part in the 2018 ChinaJoy in Shanghai on August 6, 2018. /VCG Photo
World EXPO hosts
People celebrate Osaka's winning bid to host the World Expo in 2025 on November 24, 2018. /VCG Photo
The two cities are also linked as hosts of the World Expo. Shanghai organised the event in 2010, while Osaka is due to host in 2025.
The main venue of Shanghai World Expo 2010. /VCG Photo
In both cases, the World Expo explored or will explore effective ways to embrace urban wellbeing. Guided by "Better City, Better Life," the Shanghai World Expo 2010 called for employing science and technology to improve urban life and environmental quality. With the theme of "Designing Future Society for Our Lives", the Osaka World Expo 2025 aims to promote endeavors that incorporate cutting-edge technology to develop a society in which all people can live healthy and happy lives.