1.History of Osaka
2.Districts of Osaka
3.Local speciarities of Osaka
4.Character of People in Osaka
5.Dialect of Osaka
Osaka is very attractive city in Japan. I will tell you about basic knowledge of Osaka.
History of OsakaOsaka is third largest and second important city. It has been the economic power house of the Kansai region for many centuries.
Osaka was formaly known as Naniwa, Before the Nara Period when the capital used to be moved with the reign of each new emperor, Naniwa was once Japan’s capital.
In the 16thecentury, Toyotomi Hideyoshi chose Osaka as the location for his castle and the city may have become Japan’s capital if Tokugawa Ieyasu had not terminated the Toyotomi linage after Hideyoshi’s death and moved his government to Edo.
Districts of OsakaOsaka has two main city center. Minami is the most famous entertainment district and offers abundant dining and shopping. Kita is located around Osaka station and there are many shopping complexes and business district.
Shinsekai was Osaka’s new world. This district was developed before the war and then neglected in the decades. At the center Tsutenkaku tower stands symbol of Shinsekai. The area was developed into current layout following the success of the 1903 National Industrial Exposition.
Local specialties of Osaka
TakoyakiTakoyaki literally means “grilled octopus”. A flour and egg based batter is cooked with a filling of octopus slices, pickled ginger and green onion, using a special takoyaki pan which molds the ingredients into small balls. Takoyaki sauce and other toppings such as mayonnaise, green laver and dried bonito are then added to complete this popular street snack.
OkonomiyakiOkonomiyaki is a pancake-like dish popular in various styles across Japan. In Osaka, shredded cabbage and a whole range of other ingredients such as squid, prawn, octopus or meat are mixed into a flour based batter and cooked before eaten with okonomiyaki sauce, mayonnaise, green laver and dried bonito. In some restaurants, okonomiyaki is prepared by the customers on a hot plate at their table.
KushikatsuKushikatsu are battered and deep fried pieces of food on skewers. Meat and vegetables are the most common ingredients for kushikatsu, but some restaurants also have more exotic varieties such as strawberries on their menus. Shinsekai is the best place to enjoy kushikatsu in a nostalgic Osaka atmosphere.
Character of people in OsakaIt is generally said that people in Osaka are more impatient than in Tokyo and are always in a hurry. Actually, people in Osaka do seem to walk faster than in Tokyo. Other characteristics of people in Osaka are that they are said to be friendly, kind and great talkers. Sometimes they, especially elderly women seem to be even meddlesome or pushy to people from other areas. However, it may indicate that people in Osaka are always willing to help someone.
Dialect of OsakaOsaka dialect is unique and very different from standard Japanese. However, may comedians speak it on TV and almost all Japanese people understand it even though they can not speak it.
From the northern island of Hokkaido to the southern islands of Okinawa, Japan is rich in various regional dialects.
Osaka is third largest and second important city. It has been the economic power house of the Kansai region for many centuries.
Osaka has two main city center. Minami is the most famous entertainment district and offers abundant dining and shopping. Kita is located around Osaka station and there are many shopping complexes and business district.
Osaka dialect is unique and very different from standard Japanese. However, may comedians speak it on TV and almost all Japanese people understand it even though they can not speak it.