Local public entities in Japan consist of a legislative branch which determines ordinances, budgets, and the policies of the municipal government, and an executive branch which carries out the decisions of the legislative branch. In the case of Osaka City, the City Council is the legislative branch, and the Mayor represents the executive branch.

The lives of citizens and the Osaka City administration are closely connected to policies including welfare, education, and city planning. The City Council and Mayor run the city administration through mutual checks and balances in an effort to improve the welfare of residents.