During the Edo period, Osaka served as a distribution center where a variety of specialty produce and products were collected nationwide before they were sent to Edo, the nation’s largest consumer market. Called tenka-no daidokoro (the nation’s kitchen) for its function as a goods depot, Osaka was also referred to as kamigata (upper region) from which such commodities were shipped down the rivers.
Osaka’s prosperity as a trade center was based on the developed water transport system, including both long-distance shipping routes between Osaka and Edo, such as higaki-kaisen and taru-kaisen, and numerous local small shipping routes along the Yodo River and canals. In addition to well-established water shipping techniques, Osaka had its own silver-standard monetary system, which was functioning independently from that of the central Edo government, which was based on gold. While productivity in Edo and the surrounding Kanto (eastern Japan) region was still significantly limited, Osaka grew to be Japan’s economic center at that time.
Quality products such as rice and kelp were continuously brought in to Osaka while it prospered as the nation’s kitchen. It is not difficult, therefore, to imagine how Osaka’s unique food culture was formed during this period, which is still preserved today and gives the city nicknames such as kuidaore (eat until you drop) and bishoku-no machi (gastronomic town). 
One theory suggests, on the other hand, that the word kuidaore may have a homophonic origin, kui (stake) -daore (to fall). As the water transport developed and the number of shipping routes increased, more stakes were driven to build bridges and to protect riverbanks. Their maintenance and repair became costly and eventually led to the failure of business. The theory sounds especially credible when we consider that most of the numerous bridges in Osaka, which are often referred to as happyaku-ya-bashi (808 bridges), were built privately.

Osaka still enjoys fame for its gastronomic culture although the local economy today is not nearly as strong as in such olden times. The number of dining places where guests may enjoy food and drinks along with a nice view of the rivers is increasing. As the water capital, Osaka is finding its new profile as a destination for fine waterfront dining.
Le Pont de Ciel, an exclusive French restaurant in the area, was originally located on the 30th floor of a high-rise building and was long known for a panoramic view from the restaurant, as its name (“the bridge to the sky”) suggests. In November 2007, the restaurant reopened at its new location in the former Headquarters Building of Obayashi Corporation, an historic piece of architecture from the Taisho period that sits right on the river. Could the restaurant be risking its fame by giving up the view from a contemporary high-rise and moving to a retro building? “The former restaurant served as an icon as the first skyscraper built in Osaka,” says the restaurant’s general manager. “Our initial role was completed after a number of newer, taller buildings were established in the area. We believe our new mission is to create an attractive waterfront environment and improve its values.” The restaurant used to look down upon the winding Okawa River and deep green woods of a nearby park, boasting a dynamic view of nature, coexisting with the city. From the new location, as the restaurant expects, the coexistence of nature and the city can be viewed from a different angle at closer range. Osaka’s most renowned restaurant has started its new history as a leading spot for riverfront dining in the regenerating water capital.
As the year nears its end and the busiest party season arrives, we maintain our hope that many people will find our renewed waterfront community appealing and come and enjoy a memorable night out in the light of beautiful holiday illuminations we especially put up during the season. If you have plans to go out with your family or someone else important, our riverside restaurants can be your next destination.

December 6, 2007
Takuji Kobayashi
member of the board of directors, Suito Osaka-Mizubenomachi Saisei Project