CLUB AZURE has been a staple of the Osaka underground hip hop scene for years. Its one of the reasons why I think clubbing in Osaka wicked. You have your bigger venues such as Pure and Grand Cafe that play more recent hip hop tunes. But then you have venues like Azure that stay true to the roots of the music. This place gets packed quickly so get there early. The size of the venue gives live shows a more intimate feel then at other places. I had the honor of seeing my favourite DJ (DJ Premier) there and it was a show I’ll never forget. I knew some of the people running the event so I was able to see, up close, Primo do his thing on the ones and twos. Azure caters to the reggae and R & B heads as well. Check out their website to find out more info on special events.
The Art of Nanpa: The Osaka Love Thief
Here is a great documentary on the art of “Nanpa”. Nanpa is seen most often in young heterosexual men ranging from their late teens to mid-twenties. Groups of “Nanpa boys” will gather around places with busy, predominantly female foot traffic (bridges, subway stations, shopping malls, etc.) and approach women in search of a date. The Nanpa groups generally wear high fashion with nice suits, expensive shoes, and extravagant hair styles. Because of their style of dress, Nanpa boys are occasionally misinterpreted by foreigners as employees of host clubs, who also roam such areas speaking with various women. If you are in Osaka near Shinsaibashi you will see this in droves.
