Photo Essays : Osaka Team
Miyagi : Tokyo : Osaka : Hiroshima
What struck us the most in Osaka was the energy and approachableness of the people. Everyone kindly welcomed us photographers, telling Paul and Polly about things Japanese and wishing us luck on our Focus on Japan 2007 project. We were impressed by how quick on the up-take these people are, who would strike various poses in front of the camera without us even asking them to!
Such congeniality is not something you can find often in the United States or the United Kingdom, or even elsewhere in Japan, for that matter. People in Osaka are very friendly, enough to make us think that they have a special culture of their own that especially values interpersonal ties.
Osaka may seem like a big cosmopolitan city, but you’ll find Shinto shrines tucked into corners among the high-rises, and ducks so unafraid of people that they do not fly away when approached; there is a great balance of nature and wildlife, the old and the new. Some of the young people may look a bit scary or flashy, but they can be seen snacking on takoyaki balls, a traditional Osaka snack made of a pancake dough stuffed with octopus bits, and they were happy to respond to our requests to take photos, reassuring us that they pass down the exuberant character and culture traditional to Osaka.
The secret of the distinctiveness of Osaka culture, where the individuality of cheerful old folks and spirited middle-aged men (otchan) and women (obachan) flourishes, is its firm roots in the local community. We had a wonderful time taking pictures, because of the warmth and spontaneous response of people everywhere. We’re so glad we went to Osaka.
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