Blade Runner OSAKA 大阪

[Xander202]

Following my two previous Tokyo threads (1) and (2) I headed south to Kansai.

Osaka... Japan's second city is also huge, and while on first appearances it looks like Tokyo in places, the city has a distinct feel and culture of it's own. Most of the residents of Osaka are born and bred in the city, and are fiercely proud of their famous dialect, delicious food and sense of humour. Osaka has an edge that Tokyo lacks, a little rougher round the edges and less uptight. Although I love Tokyo this edginess is what makes Osaka interesting and worth the visit. I would have liked to have lived there for a bit. A Tokyoite friend of mine described people from Osaka as "not being Japanese".... a slightly melodramatic assessment, though it does highlight the perceived uniqueness of Osaka.

Whilst lacking in any obvious sights, the city is amazing to walk around, especially at night, and get lost in the neon drenched streets that were the inspiration for Ridley Scott's 'Blade Runner'.





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[LSyd]

awesome thread

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[harryc]

Now THAT's a big city.

[Wolkenkratzerliebhab]

Super Fantastic thread, thanks!

[Bedhead]

Brilliant - great intro, too, illustrated perfectly by your photography.

[ColDayMan]

There's something about Osaka that I just adore.

[ue]

Osaka seems to share some similarities with Berlin, in that they both reject the more rigid, structured lifestyles of their countries in favour of a more youthful, relaxed vibe.

[Dr Awesomesauce]

Big and dirty > just as I recall.

Great set.

p.s. Love the chubby girls advert > there's a little something for everyone in Japan.

[Austinlee]

Thread did not disappoint.

[Ant131531]

Oh my god. Amazing photos!!!! Great angles, interesting shots, and it gives us a superb insight on the culture in Osaka. We always hear about Tokyo in Japan, but never about the other cities. Definitely looks like a city I would like to visit.

[Danny]

Amazing shots! Osaka is an impressive city. Thanks for sharing.

Enjoyed specially your nights shots of the city and people shots. Brilliant quality!

Congrats and greetings from Madrid, Spain.

[Coldrsx]

Decent set, we spent 2 days there 2 years ago and liked it. Food was very good, Dotonbori was fun, the Castle was awesome, but it just lacked something for us.

[arkitekte]

Solid thread

[Driver8]

Good stuff. Osaka looks a bit more down-to-earth than Tokyo.

[xzmattzx]

Nice pictures. It looks like it would be fun to explore at night!

[Darkphoenix]

Great pictures, terrific night shots!
What's your gear?

Osaka, the anti-Tokyo.
Although an insect next to the neverending Tokyo Metropolis, Osaka is a pretty big city itself.
Only Japanese city (I've been to Tokyo, Yokohama, Kyoto, Kamakura, Nara and Osaka) where I saw people smoking as they're walking the streets, and throwing away the cigarette butts.
There's a palpable rebellious nature, people are more on the edge.
I prefer - by far - the Tokyo way, wich also varies depending on the ward/district we're in.

Here's a couple of videos from two of Osaka's best highrise observatories:
Sky Umeda Building:

• Video Link

And the distant WTC Cosmo Tower (sorry about the poor visibility)

• Video Link

[mrnyc]

not japanese? lol!

[Xander202]

Thanks for all the comments.
Yeah Osaka is huge, though a lot of it feels quite quiet at street level compared to Tokyo.