Regional Differences in Japan

To most non-Japanese who live outside of Japan it may come as some surprise that there are different stereotypical personality traits attributed to Japanese from different regions of Japan.

Just like in the United States, Japan has geographic stereotypes.  In the United States the typical east coast New York stereotype is an impatient, rude type-A personality with a “tell it like it is” mentality, and a loud, outspoken style.  The typical west coast Californian stereotype is a laid back casual surfer type “dude” who just wants to chill, go with the flow, and eat organic veggies and grass fed beef.

Are all Americans from New York and California this way?  Absolutely, not. Stereotypes are broad generalizations and cannot be applied to everyone. But there is a bit of truth in every stereotype which enabled the stereotype to exist in the first place.   Are there some people who fit the mold of the stereotype? Absolutely, but not always.

In ancient Japan the original capital city was located in Kyoto in the Kansai region.  It was not until the Edo period that the modern capital was later moved to Tokyo which is in the Kanto region.   These two regions of Japan, Kansai and Kanto, have many cultural differences and rivalries just like the United States has east coast and west coast differences and rivalries. 　New York Yankees or Los Angeles Dodgers?  In Japan, it’s Osaka’s Hanshin Tigers or Tokyo’s Yomiuri Giants!

Both located on the main island of Honshu, the differences between the eastern Kanto region and the western Kansai region are well known in Japan and are frequently referenced in Japanese comedies.   The Kanto region includes Tokyo, Yokohama, Chiba and Saitama. The Kansai region encompasses the historic capital of Kyoto, Osaka, Kobe and Nara.

Many famous comedians in Japan came from the Kansai region.   This is not surprising since the people from Kansai are considered very outgoing, humourous, friendly and funny.  In contrast, people from the Kanto region are often seen as very polite, but overly serious, humorless, introverted and aloof. Whereas someone from the Kansai region may find the humor in every situation, a Kanto person may see the humor in it but will be too polite or reserved to show it.

There are many theories as to why these differences in personality exist from these regions. One theory is that in the Kanto region, particularly Tokyo, most people relocated there because of work.  As a result, rather than having a comfortable feeling of belonging, Tokyo residents are more shy because they are not originally from Tokyo.   The difference in the Kansai region is that most people living there have roots that go back many generations and hence are much more comfortable with one another.

In terms of food, the Kansai region is said to have more subtle tastes in their cuisine while the Kanto region has a more robust, hearty take on the same dishes.  For example, udon in the Kansai region usually has a much lighter flavor and broth based on konbu (dried kelp) broth, while in the Kanto region the broth is fish based (bonito flakes) with a much stronger flavor.

This comparison of bold to subtle also applies to communication styles as well.  While Kanto speech patterns are more delicate and reserved the Kansai people are known to be loud and expressive in their speech.  Japanese people can very easily tell if someone is from Kanto or Kansai based on accent and tone. There are even some words that are different.  For instance, in the Kanto region they say “Honto?” (“Really?) and in the Kansai region they would say “Honma?”

Regional differences are wonderful and provide a rich cultural enrichment to any country.  While in Japan it will be very enjoyable for you to experience all of Japan for yourself in both the Kanto and Kansai regions.   It may be interesting for you to talk about these differences with your Japanese girlfriend and see if she has anything to add to the subject of these regional differences or even some funny stories of her own to tell about these two regions.

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