High Population Density: Osaka Bay

Question 1

Location

Answer 1

Osaka bay is a bay situated on the south – western coastline of Japan with a population density of over 2000 people per square km

Question 2

Reasons for high density

Answer 2

Easy and cheap to import by sea raw materials such as oil and iron ore,
Exporting manufactured goods such as cars and electrical goods to industrialised markets such as North America and Europe.
Natural harbour – sheltered from the strong winds and also has many deep water channels to allow large bulk carries and containers ships to of load raw materials and export manufactured goods.
The above factors have lead to the development of a commercial port in the cities of Osaka and Kobe, (the port of Kobe is responsible for 30% of Japan’s commercial shipping).
Flat land next to the coast where the ports are situated has meant that it is easy to build large scale industries such as oil refiners, steel works and manufacturing plants
Panasonic which produces electrical goods is located in the city of Osaka. These industries need to be supported by other firms such as banks and service industries which also encourage people to move to the area.
The bay also has good road and railway networks which also encourages these companies to locate in Osaka Bay.
These employment opportunities have attracted many people to live on the coast of Osaka Bay in the cities of Kobe and Osaka.