The graphic artist and designer on what ties him to his hometown
Osaka is full of colourful characters that give the city its unique vibe. To get a local’s perspective, we chatted with Dani (she/they), a Caribbean-American creative who’s called Osaka home since 2019.
Dani is currently general manager of cocktail bar Subterra in Dotonbori and founder of the newly launched Kansai Indie Arts Initiative (KIAI), a quarterly event that brings artists and other creatives together through exhibitions and workshops. Read on for Dani’s take on what makes Osaka special and how best to enjoy your time there.
What do you love most about the city?
There’s an atmospheric shift when you come into Osaka. Things are alive in a way that’s so organic. There’s a level of emotional honesty here that makes forming connections so pleasant. People don’t really hold back on their personality: once you click with someone, you click.
What’s the creative community like in Osaka?
We have a lot of new faces, a lot of new players. There’s a lot more diversity in the types of events and a lot less gatekeeping when it comes to event spaces. If you make something and you’re consistent and show people that you’re not just talking, people will show up, because people want to support each other.
How can visitors have the best experience possible when they come to Osaka?
Be as adventurous as you can! Put up a map, throw a dart at random and go there. Chances are you’re gonna end up getting adopted by some random group that’ll take you on some random adventure.
If you open up, you can have beautiful memories. I don’t know any other place like it.
What are your must-visit places?
Subterra, obviously! [laughs] For drinks, I’m partial to a nice cocktail bar called Hollow near Triangle Park. The Nakanoshima Museum of Art is fantastically curated. Love that place.
In Minoh, go past the waterfalls to Katsuoji. I like that temple quite a lot. It’s very serene, and there are thousands of daruma in varying sizes.
There’s also [video game bar] Space Station; I go there to play Mortal Kombat [laughs]. Oh, and Bar Inc! That’s one of my favourite up-and-coming bars.
The next KIAI event takes place September 19. Follow @kansai.indiearts on Instagram for more info.
