Osaka Prefecture has climbed from 35th to 18th in the Global Power City Index, which reflects the ongoing transformation into a more competitive global city driven by international exchange, tourism, and enhanced urban attractiveness.
The Global Power City Index is an international ranking evaluating the overall strength of 48 cities worldwide across six dimensions – economy, research and development, cultural interaction, livability, environment, and accessibility.
The city’s leap on the index marks the largest improvement among the 48 cities evaluated worldwide.
In particular, Osaka’s performance in the Cultural Interaction category improved from 23rd to 13th, supported by growth in international conferences, foreign visitors, and cultural events.
The Osaka-Kansai Expo – a six month event from April to October 2025 – welcomed 29 million visitors with participation from 158 countries and regions, serving as a major platform for global exchange.
Osaka also achieved one of the largest improvements in the economic ranking, tied with Dubai. As previously reported, Dubai unveiled its gold district – a landmark destination that will host the world’s first ‘gold street’.
Gold street is a purpose-built attraction constructed using gold and destined to cement Dubai’s position as the global capital of gold and jewellery trade. The district, developed by real estate developer Ithra Dubai, brings together the entire gold and jewellery value chain in a singular location, spanning more than 1,000 retailers, as well as bullion, wholesale trade, and investment.
On an economic scale, Osaka’s nominal gross domestic product totals ¥44.5 trillion, representing a 4.3% increase from the previous year.
Rather than extraction, Osaka’s mining industry is primarily focused on advanced manufacturing, refining and materials.
Write to Aaliyah Rogan at Mining.com.au
Images: Unsplash
