Osaka on Rambling Record

Universal Studios Japan

Wed, 14 Jan 2026 00:00:00 +0000

For once, we find ourselves in one of Japan’s most popular spots: Universal Studios Japan (or simply “USJ”).

I was honestly quite reluctant to visit this theme park. What I had heard about it was mostly stories of multi-hour queues and outrageously expensive express passes. In some videos, we could even see groups of visitors running towards their favorite ride as soon as the gates opened. I didn’t really understand the hype and was quite happy not to feed the tourist machine. But over time and with some targeted lobbying, I eventually started considering a visit.

PUNKSPRING 2025

Sat, 29 Mar 2025 00:00:00 +0000

The aptly named PUNKSPRING festival is held every spring and features punk rock bands.

This year, the event was initially scheduled to take place at the Osaka Intex (mentioned here), but it was ultimately moved to the Dojima River Forum. Located right in the middle of the city, it’s surrounded by shops and offers several transportation options. The festival team apologized for the inconvenience, but honestly, we lucked out!

The 2025 lineup – Source:

Loose pictures: Summer 2024

Mon, 30 Sep 2024 00:00:00 +0000

July 14th – Aquarium Kaiyukan (1/2)

July 14th – Aquarium Kaiyukan (2/2)

July 14th – Osaka viewed from the Tempozan ferris wheel

July 28th – Tsukubusuma shrine on Chikubu island (1/2)

July 28th – Tsukubusuma shrine on Chikubu island (2/2)

All Time Low at the Gorilla Hall

Thu, 09 May 2024 00:00:00 +0000

The Gorilla Hall is a fairly new concert venue. It’s not huge, but it’s well designed: there are two bars, lockers, and a second floor with a balcony overlooking the stage.

The band starts at the scheduled time – 7 p.m. There is no opening act, and I’m glad not to fall into the same trap as last time. They move quickly through their set without lengthy speeches. The sound is pretty good, although I found the drums a bit too noticeable. The show ends at 8:30 p.m., giving plenty of time to eat in the neighborhood before heading back to Kyoto.

Sum41 at the Osaka Intex

Sat, 23 Mar 2024 00:00:00 +0000

Sum41 will soon cease to exist and their final tour is underway. The band is coming to Osaka for their last date in Japan.

I arrive at the Osaka Intex around 3:30 p.m. after a 2-hour journey. It is a complex of halls that isn’t very cheerful: large and clean but quite cold. The hall 5 used for the concert resembles more of a warehouse than anything else. Barriers laid out on the floor separate the audience into about ten groups. 2-meter-wide aisles are kept empty between each group. For security reasons, I suppose, but it’s weird.

Loose pictures: November 2023

Thu, 30 Nov 2023 00:00:00 +0000

November 11th – Around Osaka Umeda station

November 18th – Concert at the Kyoto RHOM Theatre

November 19th – The minimal Honpo-ji Tahoto pagoda

November 21st – A good ramen restaurant, at the end of a alley

TOTALFAT live

Sun, 01 Oct 2023 00:00:00 +0000

Ahh… TOTALFAT. The only Japanese band that I have been listening to on a regular basis for several years now. I found them because one of their title served as one of the endings of an anime I was watching (Place to Try, in Naruto Shippuden). This band offers the sweet balance between the punchy beats from NOFX and catchy melodies from calmer bands.

Anyway… The improvised concert from last Sunday (see this post) left made me want for more. So, early this week, I have a look at the next events in Kyoto, and I casually check the website of TOTALFAT, just in case. The stars align and I see that they are to come to Osaka this Sunday! I try to book a ticket but it looks a bit complex… this will be a task for the next day.