[2] Per Japanese census data,[3] the population of Amagasaki peaked around the 1970s has been decreasing steadily since.

The area of Amagasaki was part of ancient Kawabe District of Settsu Province and has been inhabited since ancient times, with the traces of Yayoi period settlements and many kofun burial mounds found within the city limits.

The town of Amagasaki was established on April 1, 1889 with the creation of the modern municipalities system.

Amagasaki was designated a special city on April 1, 2001 with increased local autonomy.

A commuter train derailed on the Fukuchiyama Line near Amagasaki on April 25, 2005, resulting in more than 100 dead and 550 injured.

Amagasaki has a mayor-council form of government with a directly elected mayor and a unicameral city council of 42 members.

In terms of national politics, the city is in the Hyōgo 8th district of the lower house of the Diet of Japan.