Tamade

Tamade is a famous supermarket in Osaka. Flamboyant yellow colors is its unique characteristic. Osaka is called as "merchant city" by other Japanese region. This supermarket that has unique building is based in Osaka. And Tamade is recognized as one of the symbol of Osaka. Because it sells commodities more inexpensively than other supermarkets, sells several goods for 1 yen sometimes, and is open 24 hours to sell more commodities and obtain more profits. Precisely, Tamade embodies Osaka's mercahnt spirit.

I visit Tamade which is located near Dotonbori at midnight. Tamade's building was beautifully colored by neon signs, lights, and characteristic yellow signboard regardless of the inside and outside. Despite the midnight, many customers were shopping at Tamade. Spectacle that many customers buy goods under too flamboyant signs were very strange.

Because selling prices of Tamade's commodities are too inexpensive, there are many rumor concerning Tamade on the Internet. For example, "meats that was bought at Tamade are rotting" and "Tamade's Owner is Yakuza (Yakuza is members of Japanese traditional criminal syndicate)" is typical rumor. However Tamade is alway crowed with customer. Why?

This answer is simple. Since selling prices of Tamade's commodities are too inexpensive, Osaka citizens that are sensitive to selling prices loves Tamade. In Osaka, selling price is most important factor because Osaka has culture of merchant city. So Tamade that fascinate the Osaka citizensis recognized as one of the symbol of Osaka.

Location: 9-28, Minamihorie 2-chome, Nishi-ku, Osaka-shi, Osaka (Google Maps)

URL: http://www.supertamade.co.jp/ (Tamade)

#Osaka #Culture #Kansai