What's Kansai-Jin?

Osaka-city is the second largest city in Japan. It has been developing as a commercial city for a long time. There are many different kinds of commercial facilities and people gather there to work.

There are some skyscrapers there, but the majority of the buildings are lower than Tokyo.

There are many residential areas around the city, and the people who were born and raised there are called kansai. We call it KANSAI-JIN. (Jin means People or tribe) That's a vague generic term, but it has very clear characteristics.

KANSAI-JINs are generally sociable and active. KANSAI-JINs are also cheerful and prefer a positive way of life. They are willing to have honest conversations and do not hide their likes and dislikes. Once they've made an emotional connection with someone, they form a strong relationship of trust. They detest betrayal above all else. On the other hand, KANSAI-JINs have a rude side. People in other parts of the world tend to think that the KANSAI-JINs are insensitive. They do not listen to others and say what they want to say first. Because of this, they can be misunderstood in other parts of the world. However, they have always valued the empathy of NINJOU, caring for people's feelings since ancient times. If someone is in trouble, they have a great deal of emotion that cannot be left unattended.

Another characteristic of KANSAI-JIN is the high tendency to emphasize business enthusiasm. Actually, not so much, but from a traditional point of view, the KANSAI-JIN is descended from merchants and position.

However, KANSAI is a term that refers to a broader area centered on Osaka. Naturally, there are many different lifestyles, so it is not possible to make a blanket statement. Many locals are negative about the merchant's image.

　

Distinctive Fashion

Many people in Osaka prefer flamboyant fashion to that of Tokyo, and many Japanese question their taste. And not a few Japanese question their taste. And frankly, some of the outfits are too outlandish.

Middle-aged women in Osaka, for example, like to wear leopard and tiger designs. They give similar outfits to their pet dogs and cats, who take pleasure in going out together. Incidentally, they always have a candy ball in their bags. They always have them ready as a greeting to anyone they meet.

Yakuza have a common clothing trend as well. They prefer white suits, white leather shoes, gold necklaces and shirts made of shiny material. For a time, the hair style called the punch perm was popular among the gangsters, and here was a time when almost all the gangsters had the same haircut.

The younger generation also places more emphasis on individuality than in other areas. Girls emphasize their eyelashes and eyebrows in a more three-dimensional way. They avoid a plain, unassuming face, so they show off their appearance with enthusiasm and flair. The boys are very fashion-conscious about hairstyles and are always competing for the most advanced styles.

In general, KANSAI-JIN values individuality and trends. It's important to be able to express yourself within the same trends.

Food in Osaka

Osaka's most iconic food is Okonomiyaki and Takoyaki. Okonomiyaki is a Japanese pancake and Takoyaki is a round, small pancake. It has an octopus inside. Both are served with a special sauce. They are popular in specialty restaurants as well as vendors, and it is customary to eat them everywhere on a daily basis. Think of it like a pizza.

Osaka is also home to a number of specialty yakiniku and grilled chicken restaurants. Of course, these are flavors unique to Osaka. They dare to let the smell of grilled food flow outside and have the skill to draw customers in.

Fresh fish arrives daily at the fish market in Osaka. One of the most famous fish is the FUGU (Blowfish). This poisonous fish can only be prepared by professionally licensed chefs. FUGU has a unique flavour and is very popular.

My food recommendation in Osaka is the Butaman. It is a Japanese style Steamed Pork Bun. The airy and humid dough and the tender pork inside make for a perfect harmony. Enjoy the magical flavors with their special sauce.

Popular Spots

Osaka has a lot to offer its visitors. If you are new to the city, here are some must-see recommendations

Bay area of Osaka

This is where Universal Studio Japan is located. Nearby is a world class aquarium called KAIYUKAN. After looking at the fish, take a ride on the giant Ferris wheel right next to it, which gives you a bird's-eye view of both the city and the coast. 

DOUTONBORI

This is the name of the area in the center of Osaka. It is a downtown area with an unusually long arcade at its core. Crowds of shoppers gather here at all times, and you can find all kinds of goods.  But go here for the food, because it offers a wide variety of Osaka food.

Castle Osaka

It's a huge castle that the people of Osaka are proud of. It's a beautiful, large, garden-like green area. Surrounded by a pond, the castle has a viewing track and the view from the observation deck is well worth seeing. It is a valuable place to learn about the old Japanese samurai culture.

This is only a small part of the story of Osaka. Osaka has a huge, unique culture. There is always something new to discover, no matter how many times you visit. I will take the opportunity to show you the charm of Osaka again. Thank you.