Kansai FAQ
Q. What is Kansai?
A. For most Kansai people, Kansai means 6 prefectures: Osaka, Hyogo, Kyoto, Nara, Shiga and Wakayama, and also maybe Mie.
However, according to the Organization of Kansai Unity, Kansai covers 10 prefectures. (This is news to us!) You can read about each prefecture here.
Here are some videos showing different areas of Kansai, also a map and more.
Q. What is the difference between Kansai and Kinki?
A. Kinki is often used interchangeably with Kansai, although some say Kinki is mostly a government term. In many people's minds, Mie is not a part of Kinki though it may be included in Kansai.
"Kansai" is the term used when people are contrasting the region with Kanto, which is the area covering Tokyo and neighboring prefectures.
There's another term, "Keihanshin", which covers Kyoto, Osaka and Kobe, the second-most-populated area after Greater Tokyo. Keihanshin has nearly 18 million people, the 7th largest in the world by GDP.
A. Kinki is often used interchangeably with Kansai, although some say Kinki is mostly a government term. In many people's minds, Mie is not a part of Kinki though it may be included in Kansai.
"Kansai" is the term used when people are contrasting the region with Kanto, which is the area covering Tokyo and neighboring prefectures.
There's another term, "Keihanshin", which covers Kyoto, Osaka and Kobe, the second-most-populated area after Greater Tokyo. Keihanshin has nearly 18 million people, the 7th largest in the world by GDP.
Q. Why should I visit Kansai?
A. Kyoto and Nara were ancient capitals of Japan and are home to many historical monuments (like shrines and temples), along with natural beauty; great areas to visit for sightseeing!
Osaka is known for its food (kuidaore) culture. Also, my overseas friends are often impressed with the friendliness of Osakans.
For the latest on Kansai, follow @love_osk.
Q. I speak some Japanese, but would I be able to understand what people are saying in Kansai?
A. Based on what we hear from non-native speakers of Japanese, if you studied "standard" Japanese, you'll probably have a hard time understanding Kansai dialect.
This lady offers Kansai dialect lessons via YouTube.
We can attest that she does speak authentic Kansai-ben!
Q. Is Kinki Kids from Kinki?
A. Yes, Koichi is from Hyogo and Tsuyosi is from Nara, but they live in Tokyo.
Q. Is Kansai Johnny’s Jr. (or Kanjani 8) from Kansai?
A. Yes, five members are from Osaka and the other two are from Hyogo and Kyoto.