There are 47 prefectures in Japan. Each prefecture has its own unique characteristics in terms of its history, nature, and culture which has formed a unique lifestyle and way of thinking. Some of them are unlikely to be accepted or understood by other prefecture's residents. Don’t you feel is so interesting that a small country such as Japan still can be divided into so many areas with different characteristics? Today, we are going to introduce you to the “Unique Common Sense” in the Miracle World of Osaka which you couldn’t get to know by just traveling to the prefecture.
This is famous! At least one set of Takoyaki cooking tools for each family
Most of the Osaka families own Takoyaki cooking tools at their house. In Osaka, instead of buying Takoyaki at a restaurant, residents prefer to make it at home themselves. Therefore, almost every house in Osaka owns at least one Takoyaki cooking tool in their house. If you get a chance to visit an Osaka family, you might have the opportunity to see the making of Takoyaki on the dining table and eat it together with white rice as a side dish.
"Kushikatsu" is a famous gourmet in the Tsutenkaku area. It is a food in which meat or vegetables are stringed in a skewer, and deep-fried after being dipped into flour. All the Kushikatsu restaurants have a common sauce container to be shared by several customers. Therefore, after you dipped for the first time and start eating, it is prohibited for you to dip again in the shared sauce container. This is the meaning of “Nido zuke kinshi” which means you are only allowed to dip a kushikatsu which you haven’t put in your mouth yet.
Do you know WHY Osaka Aunts always bring along candy with them?
Osaka residents call candy “Ame chan” to show how they love candies. Actually, there are many candy manufacturers in Osaka and therefore a lot of aunts tend to have candy in their handbag. If they meet someone they like, they will try to give you candy to show their friendliness to you even though you might be reluctant to receive it. It’s a kind of communication method of Osaka residents.
Osaka Residents couldn’t speak without using Onomatopoeia
For example, when teaching directions, they will instruct as: "You should “Pyu!” to go straight, and “Gyuun!” to turn into left at the corner, then the building will be “Dokan!” to appear in front of you!”. This is the way of how Osaka residents explain and elaborate.
“Nori” and “Tsukkomi” in their daily conversation
In Osaka, “Nori”(Great response during communication) and “Tsukkomi”(joke during communication) are among the top reasons why Osaka residents are popular and loved by others. However, at the same time, since everyone has the mindset that Osaka residents are very good at Nori and Tsukkomi, everyone has very high expectations for their jokes which can stress Osaka residents.
Bargaining for better prices is part of their culture
Osaka Residents like the challenge of bargaining even though there is a big chance to fail. They used to start bargaining by asking, "How much can you make it cheaper?" right in front of the item. When they managed to buy the thing cheaper, they are very proud, showing off and ask you, "How much do you think it is?".
The distance between people is close and they are very friendly
Osaka residents have a very friendly personality, and it is very normal for them to talk with a stranger who sitting beside them. Sometimes they might ask about your annual income even though it is the first time you're meeting with them. Maybe you might think that it is too personal and are not used to it, but it is important for you to feel the friendliness of Osaka residents.
Osaka residents are really friendly to everyone. For example, if you lost something on the bus or train, almost everyone will try to find something together with you. Also, when lost your way, someone nearby will voluntarily ask you and instruct you on the way to your destination. If they are not sure about the way to your destination, sometimes they will call people who are more familiar with help. Hence, Osaka is really a friendly town!
There is a lot of "prefectural characteristic" that cannot be accepted and believed in other prefecture residents in Japan and some are not applicable in other prefectures. Next article we are going to introduce Kyoto Prefecture, the prefecture which is just next to Osaka but has a totally different prefectural characteristic from Kyoto!
If there is any prefecture you wish to understand further, kindly post your comment to us in the comment field on the right!
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