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Osaka: A Positive Review
Jun. 8th, 2008 05:10 pmEarlier today, I stumbled on a section about Osaka in the book I'm reading (Travelers' Tales: Japan). Because of Kanjani∞, I've become interested in this city whose appeal is so strong that they've dedicated more than three of their singles to its glory. So I was surprised when the reviews I got from people who'd been to Osaka didn't have the same flamboyant enthusiasm. My Japanese calligraphy teacher had the most eloquent reaction when I told her I want to visit Osaka someday:
"EHH? ... NANDE?"
At the time, I didn't have a good answer to that. ("I like their men," though true, doesn't have quite the educated ring to it that I was hoping for.)
So I decided to do more research and found that the vast wealth of printed knowledge about Japan is cut largely in Tokyo's favor. Fortunately, all I could find said pretty much the same thing anyway: Osaka is an ugly city, but it has a rich personality. That's the kind of thing you read and wince. "Nice personality," after all, is universal for "let's stay friends." Still, I couldn't believe that Kanjani∞ of all people would put up with living in a bland, ugly city unless it had something else to its name.
What I read in the following excerpt drew a second conclusion that resparked my interest: Osaka has its rich personality because it's ugly.
Osaka is an independent city with natives to match. While contractors and investors beautified Tokyo, Osakans dug in their heels to keep their city exactly the same. And from that, they held onto the historic character that defines them today.
This is only what I've come to understand after reading a few books and the testimonials of pop stars. I hope to write a more personal account someday after visiting or even living there myself.
Until then, enjoy the writing of someone who has been there!
( Osaka: Bumpers and Runners )
"EHH? ... NANDE?"
At the time, I didn't have a good answer to that. ("I like their men," though true, doesn't have quite the educated ring to it that I was hoping for.)
So I decided to do more research and found that the vast wealth of printed knowledge about Japan is cut largely in Tokyo's favor. Fortunately, all I could find said pretty much the same thing anyway: Osaka is an ugly city, but it has a rich personality. That's the kind of thing you read and wince. "Nice personality," after all, is universal for "let's stay friends." Still, I couldn't believe that Kanjani∞ of all people would put up with living in a bland, ugly city unless it had something else to its name.
What I read in the following excerpt drew a second conclusion that resparked my interest: Osaka has its rich personality because it's ugly.
Osaka is an independent city with natives to match. While contractors and investors beautified Tokyo, Osakans dug in their heels to keep their city exactly the same. And from that, they held onto the historic character that defines them today.
This is only what I've come to understand after reading a few books and the testimonials of pop stars. I hope to write a more personal account someday after visiting or even living there myself.
Until then, enjoy the writing of someone who has been there!
( Osaka: Bumpers and Runners )
