Japan’s Osaka has emerged as the sole Asian city to secure a spot in the prestigious list of the world’s top 10 most liveable cities this year. The Global Liveability Index 2025, an annual assessment by The Economist Intelligence Unit, placed Osaka at seventh position, highlighting its excellence in stability, healthcare, and education.
According to the report, Osaka achieved perfect scores of 100 in the categories of stability, healthcare, and education. The city also received high marks for infrastructure and culture, scoring 96.4 and 86.8, respectively. Overall, Osaka boasted an impressive score of 96, significantly above the global average of 76.1.
Global Rankings and Regional Insights
Denmark’s Copenhagen claimed the top spot on the list with a score of 98 points, closely followed by Austria’s Vienna and Switzerland’s Zurich, both scoring 97.1. Geneva, another Swiss city, ranked fifth, underscoring Switzerland’s strong presence in the top tier of liveability.
Australia also demonstrated its appeal, with three cities—Melbourne, Sydney, and Adelaide—making the list at fourth, sixth, and ninth positions, respectively. New Zealand’s Auckland tied with Osaka at seventh place, while Canada completed the top 10 with its own entry.
Asian Cities on the Rise
The study highlighted notable improvements among several Asian cities. Indonesia’s Jakarta and Surabaya, Thailand’s Bangkok and Chiang Mai, and China’s Hong Kong were identified as significant movers up the rankings. These cities have shown progress in various liveability factors, reflecting broader regional advancements.
Scores in the stability category have continued to fall this year amid geopolitical tensions, civil unrest, and widespread housing crises. However, scores for healthcare, education, and infrastructure all saw marginal improvements on average.
Understanding the Liveability Index
The Global Liveability Index evaluates 173 cities worldwide, assessing them across five key categories: stability, healthcare, culture and environment, education, and infrastructure. Each category is weighted to reflect its importance in determining overall liveability.
Osaka’s strong performance in stability, healthcare, and education underscores Japan’s commitment to maintaining high standards in these areas. The city’s robust infrastructure and cultural offerings further enhance its appeal as a liveable destination.
Expert Opinions and Historical Context
Experts attribute Osaka’s success to its strategic urban planning and investments in public services. “Osaka has consistently prioritized quality of life, which is reflected in its high scores,” noted urban development specialist Dr. Hiroshi Tanaka. “The city’s focus on sustainable infrastructure and community well-being sets a benchmark for other Asian cities.”
Historically, Osaka has been a center of commerce and culture in Japan, contributing to its dynamic urban environment. Its blend of modernity and tradition continues to attract residents and visitors alike, enhancing its reputation on the global stage.
Implications and Future Prospects
The inclusion of Osaka in the top 10 most liveable cities serves as a reminder of Asia’s potential in the global liveability landscape. As more Asian cities improve their infrastructure and public services, the region could see greater representation in future rankings.
Looking ahead, urban planners and policymakers in Asia may draw inspiration from Osaka’s achievements, striving to create environments that balance growth with quality of life. The ongoing improvements in healthcare, education, and infrastructure across the region suggest a positive trajectory for Asian cities aiming to climb the liveability ladder.
As the world continues to grapple with challenges such as geopolitical tensions and housing crises, the Global Liveability Index remains a crucial tool for understanding the factors that contribute to a city’s success. For Osaka, its position in the top 10 is not just an accolade but a testament to its enduring commitment to excellence.
