An Expat’s Diary: Life in Osaka

Fingers to keyboard can feel like a drag when there are waves to ride and volcanoes to hike, but documenting a journey can be one of the most rewarding parts of any travel. I set forth on a new journey as my employment brought me to Osaka, Japan. Was about to make my way through customs at the airport, an officer greeted me with a smile! I stood befuddled. Failed to remember if that had ever happened to me. A good start, must say, and loving it so far.  

Osaka literally means big hill (O=big, saka=hill). Cursor on Google brings to light the Kansai region in the main island of Honshu with a staggering population of over 18 million. Kansai houses three major cities Kobe, Kyoto and Osaka, which are roughly 40 minutes apart by train. Historically Osaka has been the commercial capital of Japan. Only the west side of the city is open to the Osaka bay (in case Tsunami concerns you!). Downtown resembles other big cities; the scrappers go skyward as you zoom in. ‘Floating Garden Observatory’ on the 39^th floor of the Umeda twin towers offers a panoramic view of Osaka. Shinsaibashi and Dotonbori are the most popular places for shopping and dining out. Avoid Saturday evenings if you plan to be there else you will go astray in the throng. Other touristic spots include the Osaka Castle, Osaka Aquarium, Universal Studios in Japan and a number of temples, shrines and amusement parks, the list goes endless.

Talk about food. God forgives the sin of gluttony. Silent vice was born as there was no self-control to resist the temptation to over-indulge myself in authentic Japanese cuisine. Be it Hako Sushi (square shaped sushi), Okonomiyaki (looks like a pancake with any ingredient from meat, seafood to vegetables), Udon (the most delicious lamen), Tamagoyaki (Omelette with seafood or vegetables inside) or simple Japanese curry rice - all the dishes are crafted meticulously using freshest ingredients. Japanese culture recognizes the importance of eye appeal by perfecting the art of presentation. Some websites rank Osaka as the world’s greatest food city, but when you are in Osaka it is food that you only care about.

Face some inconvenient truth. You need some basic Japanese words to survive here. I got lucky so far as my colleagues and staffs at Osaka University have been extremely helpful. From getting an apartment to signing a job contract or establishing a bank account, the Japanese bureaucratic system can sometimes turn you off. You can do better. Not so hard when you are surrounded by very disciplined and helpful people and when everything runs on time. The smile on your face, a modest attempt to bow and Arigato gozaimashita can really take you far – you learn not to complain! Latest news headlines say radioactive water stopped leaking into the sea near Fukushima Daiichi plant, for more information you can find the following links useful.

http://www3.nhk.or.jp/daily/english/ 

http://ukinjapan.fco.gov.uk/en/

http://japan.usembassy.gov/e/acs/tacs-20110331-travel-warning.html

Until soon!