The Unique Culture of Osaka
Osaka has its own unique flavor from the rest of Japan. Osakans are renowned in Japan for their strong, jovial character and are often described as cheerful, down-to-earth and friendly.
The Famous Osaka Dialect (Osaka-ben)
Osaka-ben is one of the dialects of the Kansai region, where Kansai dialect (Kansai-ben) reigns. Kansai-ben in general is associated with comedy in Japan, very typical for the fun-loving region of Kansai. If you can speak a few words in Osaka-ben, you will surely impress many Osakans.
Osaka-ben |
Standard Japanese |
English |
maido!
okini
bochi-bochi
nanyanen?
hona sainara!
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konnichiwa!
arigato
ma-ma
nande?
ja mata!
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hello!
thank you
so-so, okay
why?
See you later!
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Osaka Martime Museum
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Maritime Heritage
Osaka's history and landscape has always been influenced by the Osaka Bay -- opening to trade earlier than the rest of Japan and creating many canals and waterways within the city. In fact, Osaka's nickname "Naniwa" refers to the waves upon Osaka Bay. Additionally, Osaka is built around many rivers. To view a video of Osaka's rivers & canals, please click here. |
A City of Merchants
Osaka is also famous for its entrepeneurial spirit and is home to many new inventions in Japan. Osaka's mercantile ways are particularly displayed through the common gretting "Mou Kattemaka," "how's business" or "are you making much money," to which one responds "bochi bochi" (not bad). |
Toka Ebisu Festival, praying for a prosperous year of buesiness from the god of commerce.
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Osaka's Traditional Arts
Osaka has long been the seat of culture and entertainment in Japan. To view a video of some of Osaka's traditional arts, please click here.
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Bunraku
Declared a world intangible cultural asset by UNESCO in 2003, the Japanese traditional Bunraku Puppet show was popularized in Osaka. Chikametsu Monzaemon (1653-1724), the most famous Bunraku playwright, wrote plays based in Osaka about the merchants and entertainment workers who were traditionally not depicted in Japanese art. Three people animate a single puppet, and the show is very beautiful. Performances only happen at certain times of the year, so be sure to consult a schedule before going to Osaka for a Bunraku performance. |
National Bunraku Theater |
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