Japanese Kanji Characters Osaka Ben

Who is Osaka Ben?

The Japanese kanji characters represent Osaka - the city in Japan where Hiromi, a co-founder of the Japanese Shop, is from, and her strong local dialect is known as Osaka Ben. Osaka people are renowned for being frank, cheeky and great fun! Ben is an Englishman, who loves Yorkshire but finds his spiritual home in Japan, or more specifically, Osaka and loves all things Japanese, a bit like Jez, the other co-founder! The idea was conceived by Jez and Hiromi on the shinkansen (bullet train) from Kyoto to Osaka Airport on the 21st February 2007 (hence the date in Japanese!) and symbolises a partnership between East and West, Japan and England, even Osaka and Yorkshire!

Want to learn some Osaka Ben?

• Maido : Hi/ Now then!
• Genki? : You OK?
• Moukatte makka? : How's business?
• Bochi bochi denna : Not bad / It's alright.
• Taisho : Boss/Gaffer / Governor
• Sukiyanen : More than I like you but not quite I love you
• Okini : Thanks / Cheers