Osaka Exchange (formerly Osaka Stock Exchange) is famous for its retro architecture and stands southeast of Namba Bridge (commonly known as Lion Bridge). It is characterized by its magnificent cylindrical chalk exterior and entrance lobby with beautiful stained glass. It was completed in 1935 and designed by Hasebe Takekoshi Architects. Exchanges trace their origins back to the early Edo period. During the Joo and Kanbun eras (1652-1673), feudal domains across the country set up storehouses in Osaka, transported and stored annual tax rice, and sold it to merchants, among whom the most powerful merchant was Yodoya. He settled in what is now the south end of Yodoyabashi, and as he traded actively there, other merchants gradually gathered together and naturally formed a market. This was later called ``Yodoya Rice Market,'' and is said to be the beginning of Japanese securities trading. Afterwards, this market was moved to Dojima on the opposite shore, and in 1730, it was officially licensed by the Shogunate and became known as Dojima Kome Kaisho. At that time, ``according transactions'' were the main way to settle transactions by paying and receiving book differences, and it is also famous as the world's first organized futures exchange. Since merging with the Tokyo Stock Exchange in 2013 and becoming a member of the Japan Exchange Group, Osaka Exchange has inherited Dojima's DNA and specializes in futures and options trading. At the big event held at the beginning of the year, office ladies in kimono can be seen clapping their hands all at once in the entrance lobby. As the western base of the Japan Exchange Group, you can freely tour the OSE Gallery, a facility where you can learn about the securities market such as stocks and futures. Reservations are required for groups of 10 or more.