is one of the 24 wards of Osaka, and among the poorest territories in Japan. It lies directly south of the Namba transport hub and extends further south toward Sumiyoshi Park. It is served by the Nankai Railway lines as well as the Yotsubashi and Sakaisuji subway lines. Nishinari-ku is also home to a number of shitamachi ("lower-town") shopping streets, named "shà Âtengai". Kamagasaki in Nishinari-ku is home to many day-laborers and most of the homeless people in Osaka.
Nishinari is close to Shinsekai, and west of one of the wealthiest districts of Osaka, Abeno. The district has a historical reputation for being "sketchy and dangerous". At least two designated yakuza groups, the Sakaume-gumi and the Azuma-gumi, are based in Nishinari. The area is currently undergoing gentrification, which has accelerated in 2025 as part of slum clearance efforts. In preparation for Expo 2025, the government ordered the closure of the Airin Labor and Welfare Center, a symbol of Kamagasaki since its opening in 1970.
Public elementary and junior high schools are operated by the Osaka City Board of Education. The public high schools are operated by the Osaka Prefectural Board of Education.