This segment focuses on Osaka. My decision to plan this journey was driven by a strong desire to explore Osaka and Hong Kong. Although I visited several Japanese cities, including Tokyo, during my youth, I have never been to Osaka. Consequently, while I felt I understood Japanese urbanism, I realized I had yet to truly experience the depth of Japanese tradition and culture in its regional heartland.
For the vivid portrayal of Japan in my manuscript, I concluded that field research in Osaka is indispensable. The city houses several iconic symbols that define the global image of Japan.
Key Research Sites:
- Glico Sign (Dotonbori): As a quintessential symbol of Japan, I intend to observe this landmark firsthand. I noted that it is now treated as a cultural asset with no plans for removal.
- Osaka Castle: This site represents the archetypal image of a Japanese castle for people both inside and outside Japan. Interestingly, my preliminary research indicates the interior is completely modernized. This reflects Japan’s unique ability to blend tradition with modern infrastructure—a characteristic solidified since the Meiji Restoration. I plan to document the castle’s exterior aesthetics to capture the “idealized Japanese fortress” for my writing.
- Kuromon Market & Shinsekai Market: Osaka is home to renowned traditional markets. These arcades (Shotengai) feature a unique semi-enclosed structure with covered ceilings and open entrances, creating an indoor-outdoor ambiguity. I wish to investigate these markets to capture a “purer” Japanese atmosphere than what I have experienced in other cities.
- Namba Station: Instead of Shin-Osaka, I chose Namba Station as my primary entry point to the city. It also serves as the hub for the Rapi:t airport express, which is essential for my transportation research.
- Harukas 300 or Umeda Sky Building (Kuchu Teien): I plan to visit an observatory to analyze Osaka’s skyline. Since the city has fewer skyscrapers than Tokyo, I am interested in documenting how its specific urban density appears from a “bird’s-eye view.”
- Tempozan Ferris Wheel: Beyond being an observatory, a Ferris wheel serves as a landmark in itself. If I utilize the Osaka Amazing Pass, I will visit this site to record its presence within the coastal urban landscape.
Transportation as a Narrative Theme: Train travel holds a special cultural significance in Japan. The imagery of eating Ekiben (train bento) while watching the landscape go by is a staple of Japanese media. To capture this “sentimental efficiency,” I have designed my Osaka itinerary as a rail journey.
- Shinkansen: Rather than flying from Tokyo, I will take the Shinkansen to Kyoto/Osaka to experience the transition between cities.
- Haruka Express: Following Kyoto, I intend to board the Haruka—the “Hello Kitty” themed train—to observe how Japan integrates pop culture into public infrastructure.
- Rapi:t Express: Lastly, I will experience the Rapi:t train connecting Namba to Kansai Airport. Unlike the Shinkansen, which carries a local sense of romance, the Rapi:t is largely designed for international travelers. I am curious to see how the “foreigner-facing” hospitality (Omotenashi) is spatially implemented in its reserved-seating design.
Conclusion: This concludes my research plan for the Japan leg of the trip. I intend to dedicate a significant portion of my time to documenting the roads, buildings, and the “footprints” of the people I encounter. The vast collection of photographs and observations gathered will serve as the primary raw material for my upcoming novel.
*This field research planning is part of a pre-production phase for this website’s multimedia project. All analyzed locations are selected based on their socioeconomic relevance to the target market.