7 posts tagged “japan”

I learned from a co-worker today that...  according to an article in the Shukan Gendai, Akihabara is now the second most-dangerous place in Tokyo, which prolly means all of friggin' Japan. (First place is still Kabukicho, Shinjuku.)

I was in Akiba a few weeks ago for about 50 minutes, 30 of which were spent looking for a damn adapter plug.  I guess maybe the otaku crime element doesn't emerge until at least an hour.

I googled for info in English and came up with this:
http://www.japantoday.com/category/kuchikomi/view/geek-hunting-turning-akihabara-into-dangerous-place

Sheesh, we're all NEVER leaving the house at this rate.

A 16-year-old Japanese student became his nation's pen-spinning champion. His technique and artistry won a contest organized by — who else? — the Pen Spinning Association of Japan.
_____

Heard this story on NPR this morning.  I can't believe this wasn't held two decades ago.  In high school I mimiced the actions of some guys from Hong Kong and thought I was pretty good with three (3!) distinct pen-twirling motions. 

But these guys (and I'm just assuming they're all GUYS, I don't care) are clearly from outer space.  Check out the videos on the "official" site: http://ptj2008.pen-spinning.org/

It's been a week removed from my Japan trip and I'm still feeling out of place, coughing up plenny gullas and resisting the urge to blast the A/C all day and night.

A few more images for the record, trying not to forget.

Awabi sashimi

Awabi sashimi plate at Ajiwai-ya, an izakaya nearby the JR Nakano station.

Takoyaki-sushi

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Cheepie takeout nearby the Osaka Kaiyukan aquarium. 

馬刺

Side order of basashi (horse sashimi) at the Fuji Lake Hotel, Lake Kawaguchi.  I'm told it's not an expensive dish at all.  This cost Y1,575.

Okonomiyaki Fuugetsu

More food, more history.  I should be taking pictures of the BABES cause there are more of them too!

Japanese breakfast

Yes, I had the set breakfast in the Japanese restaurant.  Weeds, grilled fish, tsukemono, fish bait, bark, egg stuff and two (2) bowls of miso soup! 

Todai-ji

Is this still the largest wooden structure in the world?  Might as well be.  I'm sure it's the largest one with the most t-shirts sold in honor of Buddha.

And finally a view from the room in Osaka:

View from the 21st floor

Right in the middle of JR Osaka station and surrounded by a bunch of other major lines.  Very convenient, although I know jack shit about Osaka and don't really know where to even go taberu tonight.

No time in Tokyo for shopping, which is a damn shame.  We wasted time in Ameyoko and Asakusa.  Not nearly enough time in Akihabara, 45 minutes spent in one (1) store!  I got some S-VHS tape (which pretty much doesn't exist anymore in Hawaii) and a plug adaptor for this laptop.

A few images for y'all.

View from Tokyo Tower

Hotel Metropolian, Ikebukuro

check out these prices!

How are you spending Christmas Day?

Xmas-cake-2007

This year's cake from La Palme D'Or, Ala Moana Center.  Pre-orders were taken until December 20.  However a friend went there on the afternoon of  the 24th and was able to get one "off the rack."  I should check on the 26th to see if they'll give out discounts on surplus inventory.