1.What were your impressions of Osaka before you arrived?
I heard that it was a large, exciting concrete jungle where people were friendly, had mad fashion and loved to eat and drink and had a funny dialect.

2.What did you know about Osaka?

All of the above, but I did read several times about Yakuza having their headquarters in Osaka.

3.Were these thoughts proved to be true when you arrived in Osaka?

Osaka being a friendly and exciting city was true. I also think that it has the best nightlife and fashion thus far. People do like to eat and drink A LOT here, but as for the Yakuza running rampant here....I really don't agree with that one. I mean, they are here, but I think that they aren't as big a threat as some people perceive them to be.

4.Have your impressions of Osaka changed since you started to live here?
I appreciate it more now than I may have initially.

5.What attracts you to Osaka?

Big city, big nightlife, loads of culture, people are friendly with big personality without the cost of living in Tokyo.

6.What information is needed to let people from overseas know about Osaka more efficient?

Speaking from experience, I gotta say that the cost of living here is greatly exaggerated in travel books. I think that certain things are expensive, but most things are quite affordable.

Yakuza aren't going to ruin your life or make you miserable!


Antoine