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Discover Osaka: sushi, tattoos, and a flourishing nightlife

The EconomistKai Tatsuo, Hori Beni, Kanayo Ueda
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  • Osaka is expected to maintain its reputation for friendly residents, offering a distinct cultural atmosphere that contrasts with Tokyo and encourages visitors to integrate quickly, often feeling accepted as locals within a few nights.
  • The market in the area, described as eight times the size of Osaka's baseball stadium, is predicted to draw visitors into its labyrinthine alleys and stalls, providing opportunities to discover forgotten pockets of the city and engage with centuries-old crafts.
  • Future plans for visitors include exploring Nishinari Ward beyond standard tourist trails, engaging in street food adventures like Takoyaki in Shinsanakai, and dining at establishments that serve no menus, thereby fostering community through shared meals.
  • Communal bathhouses (sento) are projected to continue serving as inclusive spaces where families gather regardless of background, though entry is restricted for those with tattoos due to organized crime associations, requiring guests to wash thoroughly before entering without soap residue.
  • The city is anticipated to sustain a flourishing nightlife, particularly in America Mura, characterized by diverse themed bars, personalized touches from owners, and a culture where visitors are warmly welcomed and encouraged to explore open doorways.
  • Cultural activities such as playing Go are expected to remain accessible for learning but challenging to master, with an emphasis on social interaction against strangers, while the local sentiment values train platform cleaners equally to train drivers.
  • Specific expectations include the potential for foreign visitors to inadvertently breach local customs by wearing swim trunks in baths, a risk mitigated by consulting staff or locals regarding tattoo policies and proper bathing etiquette.
  • Kai Tatsuo intends to purchase market items for popularity and bring friends to hidden temples, while also planning to acquire tattoos in the future and recommending that visitors explore bars by testing door handles.