The Kansai region (関西地方, Kansai-chihō) is one of Japan's traditional regions The area is also known as the Kinki region (近畿地方, Kinki-chihō) or as the Kinai (畿内). The Japanese conventions of geography and history divide the nation into eight regions, including the Kansai region. These have been used since 1905 as basic units for description and comparison. and as cultural markers.
The regions of Japan are a fusion of historical divisions and modern administrative needs". The significance of the region in Japan is geographical, cultural and administrative.