Osaka Grit and Grain

My first trip to Osaka was in 2020. I have no idea why I waited so long to go back.

I ventured to Osaka about six years ago and I don’t have any photos to show for it. I believe they were left on my computer’s hard drive which suffered an untimely death. So yeah, my photographs from then don’t exist. However, my memories of the area do. Contrary to Tokyo, rando people were apt to talk to me and have micro conversations about almost anything. I like thinking back on that, so naturally it just seemed a little easier to jump on the train last month and seek out what I missed the first time around.

I arrived late in the morning and scoped out a few neighborhoods. For me, shooting during the day is good, but when the sun starts to set, I know scenes are going to start to transform into something that’s more compelling for me.

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The places I went to weren’t '“touristy”, but I did see/hear many Asian folks from other countries as well as a few “Westerners” (← I dislike that term. This isn’t the 1800s.) Anywho, I’m grateful there weren’t any people in any of these areas grabbing selfies for the ol’ ‘Gram.

I didn’t use a map to find my way around. I just knew where my starting point was and where my general destination should be. I just strolled for hours, thirteen to be exact.

On my strolls, I look for moods, vibes, and scenes that put you in a trance. I want you to question what’s happening or what happened and make it yours just as much as I have mine.

During this last trip, there were a few moments when I questioned if I was in “the right area”, meaning, WTF am I doing here? Quickly I remembered that I’m OK. For me, solo trips can be a little uncomfortable in a city that I don’t know too well, but I got over all that, quickly. Osaka rubs me the right way.

Sit back, relax, and take in Osaka from my POV.

I’m going to leave you with this lady’s beautiful smile. This image sums up my whole visit to Osaka. Not only did I find moody scenes all over the city, but I found the people to be open, welcoming, and full of vigor in a way that I can’t put my finger on.

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The pulse & mood of Osaka is epic and I look forward to continuing my connection to its world of rough edges and genuine people.

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