What is Kanto and Kansai?
28.02.08Filed Under: Japan
I always had a question when checking a drama’s rating, why they split it into two categories which is Kanto region and Kansai region? I also came across these two terms when watching dramas where it sounds like there is big difference between them. What is Kanto and Kansai and what is their history?
I found a useful PDF document called “Kanto vs Kansai” from jpf.org.au where it explains the history, dialect, food difference between them. Well generally Kanto represents Tokyo and its surrounding area while Kansai was formed of Kyoto, Osaka and Kobe. You can read more at above or click here if it does not load.
Besides, Wikipedia has provided some good explanations about Kanto region and Kansai region. Plus, Australian Japanese Lifestyle website also provided useful resources on both of the regions too, click here for Kanto and here for Kansai. Looks like Kanto is a trendy place while Kansai is full of cultural attractions. I so hope that I could just travel there and experience myself the difference.
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Kansai ftw!
February 29th, 2008 at 8:07 amThat’s interesting. You know, recently I’ve known some Malaysian bloggers living in Japan. So cool.
By the way, Google update PR again. I’m here to congrats you for remaining a PR4 for your blog. Great job!
February 29th, 2008 at 9:36 amYeah, Kansai seems more interesting, if you want to know Japan better. And thanks Apple!
February 29th, 2008 at 9:24 pmI live in Kanto area (Tokyo) but have traveled in Kansai, especially Osaka and Kyoto.
I think Kanto is more business oriented, maybe people are not “open” and friendly like in Osaka for example.. here in Tokyo everything is much more about being convenient, modern, fast than aesthetically beautiful..
Osaka is a really colorful, vivid place.. usually when you walk on the street you feel it’s noiser than Tokyo, people are friendly and try to talk to foreigners, while in Tokyo are somehow more “snob”..
Kyoto is a little different from Tokyo but also from Osaka too. While Osaka and Tokyo have a lot of modern building and skyscrapers, in Kyoto you can find the “old japan” (and by the way, there are no skyscrapers in Kyoto).. Kyoto is the city of geisha, beautiful temples, high japanese cuisine.. and people are maybe more sophisticated than in Tokyo, with a strong connection to their history.. It’s probably one of the most beautiful city of Japan (esthetic and lifestyle) along with Sapporo imho
May 16th, 2008 at 12:01 pm