Naniwa, Namba in Kanji, Katakana and Hiragana

Generally referring to Osaka, but the kanji and readings vary by era and region.

Naniwa

An ancient name for present-day Osaka City and its surrounding areas. Also written as “浪速” or “浪華”. Before the Taika Reform, it flourished as a key maritime transportation hub. Notably, since the tributary missions from the Three Kingdoms of Korea, the Kōrokukan (Imperial Guest House) was established to receive foreign envoys, making it the center of the imperial court’s foreign relations. Shōtoku Taishi founded Shitennō-ji Temple here.

Namba

A bustling commercial district spanning the southwestern part of Chuo Ward and Naniwa(浪速) Ward in Osaka City. It encompasses the area around Nankai Electric Railway’s Namba Station. Department stores, specialty shopping streets, theaters, and restaurants cluster here, forming part of Osaka’s Minami entertainment district.
Additionally, “Namba” can refer to the title of a Noh play by Zeami or a type of matcha tea bowl.

One of Japanese surnames

Approximately 35,000 people bear this surname. Besides Naniwa and Namba, some individuals use readings such as Inashio, Namiba, Naniwa, and Naha.
The most widely accepted theory suggests its origin comes from the ancient place name Naniwa, which referred to Osaka.
Another theory, based on geography, suggests that the Kojima Peninsula area in Okayama Prefecture had strong ocean currents making navigation difficult. Locals called this challenging area “Namba,” which later became a surname.

Explanation of this calligraphy

The top row is in hiragana, the middle row in kanji, and the bottom row in katakana, all written horizontally. The hiragana and katakana spell “Naniwa, Namba.”