Prefecture/City:	Sakai City
Capital/Prefecture:	Osaka Prefecture
Governor/Mayor:	Osami Takeyama
Area:	150 square km (57.9 square miles)
Population:	841,012 as of January 2014
Flower:	Japanese iris
Tree:	Willow
Bird:	Bull-headed shrike

Business & Industry:

The city of Sakai is adjacent to the city of Osaka and the second largest in terms of population and area in Osaka Prefecture. Along with Osaka, it was a trading center during the Edo Period. Today, Sakai has largely become a bedroom community for Osaka.

Tourism & Culture:

Sakai is trying to have the Mozu-Furuichi Kofungun Ancient Tumulus Clusters, including the tomb of former Emperor Nintoku, named a World Heritage site. Xavier Park is named after missionary Francisco Xavier, who lived in the area in the 16th century.

Famous for:

The well-known tea master Sen no Rikyu (1522-1591) is from Sakai. The acclaimed poet Yosano Akiko (1878-1942) was also born in the city.