The Osaka Securities Exchange (OSE) is Japan’s second biggest securities exchange when it comes to the handling of business. They are also known for introducing the world recognized Nikkei 225 Futures index in 1988. OSE leads when it comes to Derivatives Exchange, complementing its contemporary Tokyo Securities Exchange which deals with spot trading. Interestingly, during 1990 and 1991 Osaka Securities Exchange was the world’s largest futures market. Another fact, is that in 1994 OSE listed itself on its own Hercules market. The company recently released the Nikkei 225 mini, which has drawn many individual investors in Japan.
The Osaka Securities Exchange Group’s chief activity is the stock exchange. They are also involved in creating special networks to link up stock markets. The company consists of the following divisions: Listing Fees, Participants Fees, Equipment and Market Information and Other. OSE plays an important role in providing markets for equity options contracts, equities, stock index options and stock index futures. They administer listed products, transaction participants, clearing and trading. As a securities exchange, OSE has a role in enhancing liquidity of securities, offering a marketplace for transactions in securities, creating fair prices and ensuring the public has access to these prices.
It is said that securities exchanges began in Japan back during the Edo Period. In this era Osaka established an exchange for rice and crops. Warehouses for all the prefectures were founded in Osaka so as to store rice and to ship it. “Yodoya” was a renowned merchant situated in Yodoyabashi. Together with other merchants a market was formed and named “Yodoya-Komeichi”. This was Japan’s first securities exchange. In 1697 it was moved to Dojima and renamed “Dojimakomekaisho”. The Osaka Exchange Co. was founded in June 1878.
Osaka is an important business hub for Kansai and Asia. Easily accessible from land, air and sea, Osaka attracts extensive business. While recent years have seen a drop in retail store sales as well as new automobile sales, Osaka has seen an increase in exports, home appliance sales and production. Exports from Osaka include audio visual apparatus parts, organic chemicals, plastic materials etc. Imports to Osaka include petroleum, gas, clothing, semiconductors, meat, iron products and steel products. Some major companies listed on the securities exchange are Kanemitsu, Kawasaki, Nippon Suisan, Kobe Steel and Toshiba.
