Tokyo vs. Osaka: Finding Your Perfect City in Japan

Day 982 of living in Japan.

Today in our group chat, everyone discussed an age-old topic again: Tokyo or Osaka—which is better?

I used to not understand the mutual disdain between Tokyo and Osaka people. I only saw it in Detective Conan when Kudo and Hattori never got along. After coming to Japan and living in Osaka for two to three years, I gradually began to understand some of these feelings.

It's very similar to the "rivalry" between northern and southern China.

Historically, economically, culturally, and fundamentally, they're completely different regions.

When Kyoto was still the imperial capital and political center, Osaka was always Japan's economic center. It wasn't until the capital moved to Tokyo—when Edo became Tokyo—that talent, politics, economics, and various resources shifted from Kansai to Kanto. Only then did Osaka gradually fall from its glorious period.

Unlike Kyoto people's bone-deep pride and arrogance, Osaka people are more easygoing, optimistic, and casual. Most of the Japanese people I've encountered around me are kind and friendly. Especially some elderly people who will approach you to say hello and chat. Unfortunately, my Japanese isn't good enough to have proper conversations.

I've always told friends around me that I lived in Beijing for nearly 20 years and was truly fed up with the living experience in such a mega-city. So I've never had much fondness for Tokyo. Instead, a city of Osaka's scale truly suits me. It's neither as quiet as smaller Japanese cities like Nagoya or Fukuoka, nor does it have the crowding, busyness, and urban diseases that mega-cities like Tokyo or Beijing bring.

Friends visiting from Australia and the United States also marvel at the convenience of life in Osaka. Of course they do—coming from sparsely populated places to such a densely populated "small city," plus Japan's extremely convenient and developed living facilities and services, the contrast in experience is extremely strong.

Entering my third year in Japan, I've completely adapted to life without a private car. 95% of my living and working scenarios can be completed by walking, cycling, or taking the subway. No longer do I need to consider 2-3 hours of daily commuting by car, or the back-and-forth journeys taking kids to various extracurricular classes.

Pleasant!

It feels like my life has been extended.

But there's always a trade-off.

Osaka really isn't bustling. After 8 PM in residential areas, you can't see anyone on the streets. Places you can stroll and eat at night are limited to just those few commercial districts.

For young people or friends who enjoy liveliness and fun, Tokyo might be a more suitable option.

But for someone like me who naturally prefers quiet, even solitude, this place is absolutely perfect for me.

In short, different strokes for different folks.

Japanese people themselves have debated endlessly for years whether Kanto or Kansai is better.

Chinese people also hold firm opinions about northern versus southern lifestyles.

Everyone has cities that suit them and that they prefer.

Even at different life stages, the style of city you prefer might differ.

Whether listening to others' opinions or consulting authoritative rankings,

Only what suits you is best.

这里是中文版。