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 donβt have any photos to show for it. I believe they were left on my computerβs hard drive which suffered an untimely death. So yeah, my photographs from then donβt 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 thatβs more compelling for me.
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The places I went to werenβt 'βtouristyβ, but I did see/hear many Asian folks from other countries as well as a few βWesternersβ (β I dislike that term. This isnβt the 1800s.) Anywho, Iβm grateful there werenβt any people in any of these areas grabbing selfies for the olβ βGram.
I didnβt 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 whatβs 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 βthe right areaβ, meaning, WTF am I doing here? Quickly I remembered that Iβm OK. For me, solo trips can be a little uncomfortable in a city that I donβt 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.
Iβm going to leave you with this ladyβs 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 canβt put my finger on.
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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