Twilight Cafe In Japan

So I hear there is a Twilight Cafe in Japan from the girlfriends – who were there in early September and they said it was only for a limited time.  Check it out here !  if you want can’t get any sleep at all from the show.  I heard that it was good and kinda disturbing at the same time.  I’m no fan of Twilight to be honest – but I know of some people who are crazy about it – from buying its book to going to the movies several times and then owning the DVD for the movie.   They even have Edward’s lines for the movie in Japanese – the girlfriends found out and the cafe is in Harujuku – check it out yourself if you are in the vicinity and a fan of Twilight.  Oh yes! they do serve food and drinks too – bonus!

For The Love Of Gundam

We received these noodles in the mail from a dear friend in Japan all because she knew that my spouse loves Gundam.  So sweet of my girlfriend eh !  Last autumn – when we saw these being recommended on the net – the Char Aznable’s Custom Red Curry – the spouse said we had to get this already but when the 30th Anniversray where they had Gunpla as gift – a Gundam plastic model – the spouse was definitely eying on it then.  Thank you so much, my dear friend – now the spouse is a happy camper!

“Cup Noodle Char Senyo Chilli Tomato Noodle (Chilli Tomato Noodles for Char)” will hit the stores on August 2, 2010. Comes in three variations: “Chilli Tomato Noodles”, “Three-times-hotter Chilli Tomato Noodles”, and “Red Cheese Chilli Tomato Noodles”.

The Rise Of Old In Japan

Like many country – Japan is no different – the rise of the older generation can be seen everywhere – although – they all seems a lot healthier than those in the West.  It’s probably the food they are eating?  or is it acetyl l carnitine – that produces energy.   I heard that if you have memory lost – it’s something to use as well.   I’m currently 45 and already feeling so tired all the time – and to boost my energy – I eat lots of fish – but I’ll take anything that can help and not harmful to my body.  What about you?

Enoshima Aquarium

If you wanna see some really cool stuff in Japan that your tour guide wouldn’t include in your tour while you are in Japan – it’s the Enoshima Aquarium that you shouldn’t missed. I recommend it everytime – someone come to visit me when i was in Japan.  Enoshima Aquarium is located at the Enoshima island of course and it’s got some of the most wonderful and colorful marine creatures there.

Actually the aquarium is not on the island but just before the bridge into the island.  The entrance fee is like 2000 yen for an adult – so about $20 USD – pretty ex eh..?? but for kids – they are like only 600 yen.  They have some dolphin shows there but they are all in Japanese and it’s always crowded but if you have been to the one in Hong Kong – then you didn’t miss anything.

You can also get to touch some small sharks and some really huge turtles – and it’s really an amazing sight.  Love the huge tank !

The funny thing is – i always go to the aquarium whenever i go to the island – i never seems to get enough of the exhibits.

New Hybrid Cars By Toyota

Yes – you heard right and i’m all excited because Toyota announced today that they will have not one – not two but six new hybrid cars by the end of 2010.  They are said to be greener cars and with cheap car insurance that we get around here – I can’t wait to see them and test drive them.

Unlike back home – cars are relatively cheaper and affordable and so is car insurance – we just got our truck insurance for a very reasonable price – so the spouse and I were talking about getting another car for me – and if the hybrids are anything like the Prius – i could definitely drive one of those.

As well as the new hybrid models, which run on petrol and electricity, Toyota will also unveil a fully electric version of its RAV4 sports utility vehicle later this year, the spokesman said.  The model, developed with its US partner Tesla, will be revealed at the Los Angeles auto show in late November.

iPhone 4 Adverts In Japan

We all know that the Japanese are very innovative but creativity also comes along with the Japanese – can you see what they did with promoting the iPhone 4?  yes in the subways!  where millions of people go thru’ these gates everyday.  Pretty smart eh?  I wished the folks here were more creative.

Banana Vending Machine

Yes..!  a Banana Vending machine in Shibuya and Ginza – but you would think they would have one banana in the vending machine instead of a bunch?  for passerby who wants a snack or a fruit?   Who would be walking with a bunch of banana and then go shopping? or taking the subway?  hahah!!  we all know the Japanese are pretty innovative – oh wait a minute – the girlfriend just corrected me – a banana cost 130 Yen and a bunch cost 390 Yen – so yes – they do sell just one banana.   Pretty cute!

Traditional Japanese Wedding

I’ve attended Japanese weddings out of Japan but never a traditional one – till i was in Japan for a short work period about 6 months.  The Japanese co-worker that invited me – was a very traditional one – and thought that it was impolite not to invite me.  I really didn’t mind to be honest but what do one give as gift for a japanese wedding, i had asked another co-worker.  The co-worker said – that they usually give “cash” as gift these days – and that was a close 15 yrs ago – you see I’ve migrated to Canada for about 10 yrs now.

Anyhow – as a co-worker – i was told that 20,000 – 30,000 yen is the standard – and also it depends on the size of the wedding.  So armed with a white envelope but everything had to be pretty up – i went for the wedding on a bright April afternoon.

The assistant for the day greeted me warmly and directed me to a waiting room congested with family members. I said ‘hello’ to a lady standing next to the door whilst still listening to the assistant’s instructions, to which she finished off by introducing me to the lady at the door as being the bride’s mother. Needless to say, my initial casual ‘hello’ was quickly followed by a slight bow and a “nice to meet you”. It was the first time to meet family members, so I had not the faintest idea who-was-who. I opted for a brief escape at a side door hidden behind the bamboo plants looking out over the courtyard, which is where I spotted family friend and main photographer for the day. He is carefully selecting the best angles and spots to get photos of the bride and groom.

Anyhow – a traditional Japanese wedding is a very long, long process – so if you are going for one – be prepared and then there is the reception of course.  That would be for another day and another story.

On Vacation With My Japanese Friends

I used to work in the hotel industry for about 15 yrs and during these 15 yrs – i’ve met so many good people that came thru’ the hotels I worked in.  You see when you are at the Front Desk – you get to make a lot of friends and with friends in the bell hop area – you get to meet nice Japanese friends too.   These Japanese friends are the longest friends that I’ve had – in fact – some turned into really good friends.  So when they went for their Branson vacation and sent me pictures of it – i cannot helped but wished i had gone too.  Why?  if you don’t know Japanese that goes on vacation are really fun people.  Really unlike themselves when they are back in their own hometown – they really have lots of fun and go wild.  So if you are ever going on vacation with someone – choose your Japanese friends – they are such fun to be with and they are awfully generous.  I would show you some pictures if i had a scanner – but never mind – i would find some to scan and put it up later.

24 Hrs Macdonalds

15 yrs ago – when i visited Japan for the first time – they already had a 24hrs Macdonalds right in the center of Tokyo – Shibuya.  I still remembered it because I could see Tokyo Tower where I was standing in Shibuya and it was darn crowded.  Those times were the ones where everyone in Asia were crazy about the Hello Kitty in different country uniforms and I had gotten my Japanese doll in this exact Macdonalds.   Right around the corner here was a eatery on the second floor where I had my first japanese dinner – but mannn!! it was not a very nice meal – hahah!  but that was my first and last horrid meal – because those days were the ones I went with a tour guide.  Never again – would i rely on a tour guide and make sure when you go to Japan – you go with someone who really knows Japan.