Cultural Hub

As Osaka has always been the centre of commerce, people from Osaka have a reputation of being very good businessmen. On top of this they are popularly considered to be some of the most outgoing Japanese people. Their dialect, "Osaka-ben", has become the standard for stand-up comedians and actors often train in the dialect so they can be seen as even funnier on the stage.

Food from Osaka is said to be Japan's best. Osaka regional cuisine includes okonomiyaki (a type of pancake), takoyaki (octopus dumplings), udon (a noodle dish), as well as regional sushi and other traditional Japanese foods. Though natto, a dish of sticky, fermented beans, is enjoyed in other parts of Japan, it is not widely eaten in Osaka, which illustrates key differences in the regional palate. It is said that to succeed in the Osaka food service business, the food must taste above-average, have larger servings than normal, be inexpensive and fast.

Being a big, business-based city, Osakans are thought of as always being in a rush. People consider a waiting period of more than 5 minutes too long in most cases. They apparently also walk the fastest in Japan - at an average speed of 1.6 metres per second (surpassing even Tokyoites who also walk fast at 1.56 metres per second). They are known for jumping lanes and running yellow lights when driving.

One difference between the Osaka region and the rest of Japan is that it is customary in Osaka to stand on the right side of the escalator and allow people to pass on the left. In Tokyo and other parts of Japan, the opposite custom holds sway. While the difference is arbitrary, it is also emblematic of the iconoclastic reputation that Osaka has within Japan.

Although it is thought that Tokyo is the fashion centre of Japan, fashion experts say Osaka is where the big trends actually start. Because people from Osaka are more likely to live with their family, they are likely to spend their higher disposable income on clothes.