Creative Renaissance of the Osaka Bay Area — Towards a Cosmo-Creative Region in the 21st Century

Abstract

Civilization first began and then developed along waterways, rivers and the seas. It was the ‘port’ that served as the primary gateway to the rest of the world. Through the ‘port’ passed a variety of commodities such as foods and commercial goods for urban life, as well as artists and craftsmen. It was used by all types of citizens, merchants, politicians, and even soldiers. The ‘port’ was a meeting and transit point, where a great deal of information was exchanged, and a variety of commodities were traded. It served exactly the same function as areas we now call centres of commerce, culture, and communication.