Because Osaka High and District Court is located in the west, Tenma area is massively populated with law-related professionals and their offices. These professionals are often referred to as Samurai in Japanese expression but historically, Tenma area was a center of traders making contribution to development of commerce and industry of Osaka. Traces of commercial development can be seen in many places of this area.
Osaka Tenmangu Shrine is a symbolic landmark of Tenma. “Tenmangu” is a term used for Shinto shrine where Sugawara no Michizane, a politician of the 800’s is worshipped as god of scholarship. Shinto is a religion which originated from ancient Japan, leaving many of these shrines in various regions. Osaka Tenmangu is especially known for its festival held in Summer called Tenjin Matsuri, one of the 3 biggest festivals in Japan. The place is also popular for the Japanese plum blossoms. Plum wine contest is held in spring, honoring the best plum wine of the year.
Hanjo-tei is a theater designed especially for Kamigata-Rakugo. Rakugo is a type of traditional Japanese art performed by oral expressions and gesture, mostly comedy. Performances in English are still rare in Japan, but some performers are touring overseas, trying modern arranges of traditional Japanese culture. It is located near Tenjinbashi-suji Shotengai which is known as the longest shopping street in Japan.
Japan Mint is located in the east side of Tenma which is the general division manufacturing the currency of Japan established by the Meiji Restoration Government 150 years ago. This place is also famous for lines of cherry blossoms and will be opened for visitors in April. Many Japanese street stalls which is frequently seen at festivals will be out and visitors can enjoy the typical local dishes of Japan as well as the beautiful sight.
Tenma is believed to be the birthplace of glassware since a trader from Nagasaki started a glassware factory in the North area of Tenma. Although many of them have moved out as their factories grew, many manufacturers of glass tools used in physical and chemical field started their business in this area. Tenma Kiriko, which is a glass artcraft using a special technique to cut the surface of the glass, was born in this area starting a new tradition. This technique differs from traditional Edo or Satsuma Kiriko in using a round carving knife and has succeeded in forming a unique surface so the inside glimmers effectively in the light.
