Hirano-ku

Hirano-ku is an administrative ward in southeastern Osaka that spreads across flat terrain with the Yamato River flowing through its southern region. The ward is home to about 200,000 residents, making it the most populated ward in the city.

The area originated during the Heian period as Hirano-shou in Settsu province under the leadership of Sakanoue no Hirono. From this early time stems the connection between the place and its name, establishing its fundamental role in the region.

The ward preserves traces of ancient settlement through archaeological finds like boat-shaped pottery vessels, now recognized as important cultural properties. These objects reveal how people lived here centuries ago and what they valued.

The ward is well served by public transportation with several stations connecting it to other parts of Osaka. Visitors should be aware that the area can be crowded during rush hours in the morning and evening, as many people commute through here.

The cotton flower is the official symbol of the ward, reflecting its past as a major center for cotton production and trade. This historical heritage shaped the area's economic and social development across generations.