The topic has nothing to do with hats but I’m often asked about Japan, my home country. The country being one of the most studied holiday destinations of late, I’m sure you know better than I do about what to eat and where to go. So here I write what I know about a bit of mentality and people of Osaka, my hometown , which I feel very luck and proud to come from. It has own unique culture, which may not always be in line with stereotypical image of Japan.
1. Osaka looks a bit like Rotterdam.
Like Rotterdam, Osaka used to have a ship-building long time ago so during WWII it became a prime bombing target. Everything burnt down and the city was re-built post war so you now only see modern concrete buildings. That’s why I feel somehow at home when I’m in Rotterdam.
2. Old parts of Osaka looks a bit like Madrid.
There are a few neighbourhoods which survived the WWII. And such neighbourhoods have mixture of very old houses as well as buildings with Western influence from the beginning of the last century. A bit chaotic but mix of buildings from different times look a bit similar to what I found in Madrid. By the way, have you ever heard that Spanish language has similar phonetics to that of Japanese language? I do remember being in Madrid, hearing people speaking the language, looking at the buildings and almost confused how similar these cities can feel!
3. Korean Town
Japan lacks race diversity by an international standard, but in Osaka, there is the biggest Korean community outside Korea, making Osaka one of the most ‘international’ regions in Japan. While it involves some regrettable history, by now, I hope the community there are feeling comfortable living there. Korean food is one of the most popular family dinner-out choice by Osakans. I went to a high school near the Korean town and made many friends.
4. Osaka is a comedy central of Japan.
There are a few comedy theatre companies with long history there and comedians who come from these companies still dominate Japanese comedy scene nationwide. Because of this, many people associate Osakan dialect and accent with the comedy. I have had more than a few people saying to me ‘Because of your accent, everything you say sounds funny!’. Well, dumb Tokyo people…. haha. In fact, sense of humour is considered a very important social skill in Osaka. You will never be the popular kid in the class if you are not funny.
5. ‘Osaka no Obachan’
Obachan is a term for mid-aged women and there is a cliche of mid-aged women from Osaka. They are extremely friendly in a dominant way (like ‘You MUST take this candy with you’ and make you say the biggest words of gratitude), thick-skinned (There is a legendary ad films by City of Osaka about illegal bike parking, where an obachan behaves the most selfish and canning way) and have horrendous dress sense. Their favourite outfit would be everything in animal prints and lurex leggings, which are all too much by the nationwide standard.
6. Value for substance
No branding works with these guys. If you give them too much of ‘story-telling’, you will be met with vulgar comments like ‘I don’t wanna your lecture. Give me the shit quick and I’ll decide for myself later’ ‘Is it a crap in this box that you have to give me so many excuses?’ ‘Pretentiously pretty box but what about what’s inside?’ Meanwhile, if you are honest and give them something truly nice, they will be the most loyal customers who will do all word-of-mouth ads for you.
7. Osaka vs Tokyo department store comparison.
Matsuko Deluxe, one of the most popular celebrities in Japan once said. ’An example to show difference between Tokyo and Osaka. If you go to a Tokyo-based posh expensive department store, they first judge you by what you are wearing to see if you are ‘qualified’ to be there. But in Osaka-based stores, they treat you absolutely the same manners and regardless of how much you spend, they greet you with the most graceful ‘thank you for your purchase with us’. I totally agree. I would always go to Takashimaya, never to Mitsukoshi.
Just a few things I can think of to say about my home. I would totally understand criticism that I am biased towards Osaka, but ask whoever has lived in Japan for a while, am sure they will agree with me to some extent. Japan is a small country yet has been divided by rivers and mountains so small communities with unique cultures have thrived throughout history. Other regional cultures that I like are that of Hokkaido and Okinawa. Kind, super relaxed and open-minded people.
