or Osacca, a city of Japan, in the island of Nippon, near the head of a gulf of the same name, on the banks of the Yedogawa, which here divides itself into several branches. It is one of the five cities under the direct government of the Siogoon, or military emperor of Japan; and is defended by fortifications, and by a castle of great size at the north-eastern corner of the city. The middle channel of the river, though narrow, is navigable, and has a great depth; and many of the principal streets have navigable canals running through them. A great number of bridges, built of cedar wood, span these canals and the river; and many of them are large and elegantly adorned. The streets are regularly laid out at right angles to each other, and, with the exception of side causeways for foot passengers, they are quite unpaved, but clean and well kept. Along the banks of the river and canals there are several rows of coarsely-hewn freestone, arranged in the manner of steps, all throughout the town. The houses are in general built of wood, lime, and clay, and are two storeys high. Osaka contains a theatre and race-course; in which, as well as in other places of amusement, so many public exhibitions are carried on, that the city has been called by the Japanese the "universal theatre of pleasure and diversion." Many manufactures are pursued in the town and its vicinity; among which is that of saké, a kind of beer obtained from rice, which is exported to other parts of Japan. Some trade is carried on by junks between this place and Hakodadi. Osaka is said to be able to raise from among its own inhabitants an army of 80,000 men.