Katano, Ōsaka Prefecture, Kansai Region, Japan

🇯🇵 Katano (交野市) is a city located in Osaka Prefecture, Japan. As of 31 December 2021, the city had an estimated population density of 3000 persons per km². The total area of the city is 25.55 square km (9.86 sq mi).

Geography Katano is located in the north-east of Osaka prefecture. Forests occupy half of the city's area, and the Amano River runs north–south in the center.

Neighboring municipalities Osaka Prefecture • Hirakata • Neyagawa • Shijōnawate; Nara Prefecture • Ikoma.

Demographics Per Japanese census data, the population of Katano has risen steadily over the past century.

History The area of the modern city of Katano was within ancient Kawachi Province During the Heian period, the hills from Katano to part of Hirakata were called "Katano ga Hara" and were a hunting ground for the imperial family and were famous for cherry blossoms. The villages of Katano and Iwafune were established within Katano District with the creation of the modern municipalities system on April 1, 1889. On April 1, 1896, the area became part of Kitakawachi District, Osaka. The villages merged July 1, 1939 to form the town of Katano. Katano absorbed the neighboring village of Hoshida on April 1, 1955, and was elevated to city status on November 3, 1971.

Government Katano has a mayor-council form of government with a directly elected mayor and a unicameral city council of 15 members. Katano contributes one member to the Osaka Prefectural Assembly. In terms of national politics, the city is part of Osaka 11th district of the lower house of the Diet of Japan.

Geography Katano is located in the north-east of Osaka prefecture. Forests occupy half of the city's area, and the Amano River runs north–south in the center.

Economy Katano is a regional commercial centre, and its economy is centered on agriculture.

Transport: Rail JR West – Katamachi Line (Gakkentoshi Line) • Hoshida - Kawachi-Iwafune; Keihan Electric Railway - Katano Line • Kōzu - Katano-shi - Kawachi-Mori - Kisaichi.

Transport: Road • National Route 168.

Local attractions • Botanical Gardens Faculty of Science Osaka City University.