Osaka Securities Exchange, Osaka

The Osaka Securities Exchange is a large retro building located to the south east of the Naniwabashi or Lion Bridge. It is the second largest securities Exchange in Japan.

The Osaka Securities Exchange began during the Edo period as a Rice market called the Yodoya Komeichi. This was the first exchange in Japan. The Shogunate organized the market in 1730 and recognized the Cho Gomai or futures transactions in Japan. The modern stock exchange on western lines was established in Osaka in 1878. It was dissolved in 1947 after World War II and re-established in 1949.

The Osaka Securities exchange building was designed by Eikichi Hasebe. The large white structure has a cylinder shaped façade with columns. The interiors have beautiful stained glass windows. It was opened for trade in 1935. A new market building has been added in 1998 to facilitate trade in futures. On the first trading day which is also New Years Day, a ceremony takes place in the Securities Exchange Building where ladies dressed in traditional costumes clap hands simultaneously. This ritual is held in the lobby. Tours are organized for visitors and groups from Mondays to Fridays around the building. Admission is free for visitors.