In ancient times, Osaka flourished as a hub port connecting other regions of Japan. Its rivers, canals and seaways played a vital role in transportation and trade, and before the end of the Edo Period (1603-1867) it had developed into Japan's economic center. The Osaka City Museum of Modern Art, now at the planning stage, will be built in the Nakanoshima district of Kita Ward, a narrow sandbank between the Dojima and Tosabori rivers that is considered by many as a symbol of Osaka.

This exhibition, which is being held in the museum's temporary space, presents around 60 works on the theme of water and includes paintings, photographs, sculptures and prints, some of which depict Osaka's landscape; till June 19.

Osaka City Museum of Modern Art, Shinsaibashi Temporary Exhibition Space, (06) 4301-7285, Idemitsu Nagahori Bldg., 13F, 3-4-26 Minami Senba, Chuo-ku, Osaka; 5-min. walk from Shinsaibashi Station, Midosuji Line. 11 a.m.-7 p.m. ¥500. Closed Wed. www.city.osaka.lg.jp/yutoritomidori/page/0000114078.html.