Aerosmith Japan Tour 2011

For those who wants to catch the Aerosmith Japan Tour 2011 - you still got a few more days before the tour ends.  The band started their tour in Japan in late November and has 8 dates to their concert and tomorrow the legendary band plays in Nagoya - Japan.  Aerosmith bass player Tom Hamilton  was said to have bought a special Fender Precision Bass for this tour and why not right?  since his first bass guitar was a Fender Precision - one that he borrowed from a friend - so he said in an interview and he later bought it from his friend.  Of course, now he doesn’t have to buy it from a friend nor borrow a Fender Precision because he can afford any Fender Precision Bass.  Anyhow, it’s an honor to be able to see this legendary band play - so for those who are in Japan - go see them - in Nagoya or Sapporo.

Cosplay In Japan

Cosplay in Japan is a huge thing - from kids to adults - and if you think that Japan is a conservative country - you will change your mind once you’ve seen this.  They gather around Tokyo - from harajuku to Jingu Bridge - that connects to a shrine in Meiji.  But having said that - you can also see come cosplay in Akihibara.

There are many cosplay cafe in Akihabara - fans of cosplay goes there to see cosplay waitress serve them.  They are also known as Maid cafes.  But be careful which Maid Cafes you go into - because some of the waitresses are quite skimpy dressed.

These cosplay folks love the attention - and if you have a camera - they will post for you.  I’ve heard that some don’t like pictures taken - but I’ve never come across them.

Cosplay is not cheap at all - as you can see here - the Japanese takes them seriously and wear everything to detailed.

Very colorful cosplay costume here.

Kids may be a little freak out by the costumes but we loved it.

Deepavali In Japan

I didn’t think they celebrated Deepavali in Japan - but they do - in fact in Yokohama - with such a diverse multicultural residents - it was only too easy to enjoy the celebrations with our other Indian friends living there.   Deepavali - or Diwali as they called it - is the festival of lights.  In Japan - they have the street celebration and lots of Indian food you can purchase to try out.  They also had dances and Bollywood songs that they dance to.  Diwali is celebrated in October in Yokohama.

Living In Japan

Houses may be small in Japan - and most people only lived in cubicle houses or apartments - but the Japanese living is by far the most innovative - because they have all sorts of gadgets to make living easier and so much more pleasant.  One would think you cannot entertain in such a small place - but it’s far from the truth - because the Japanese uses the electric grill to BBQ and entertain so much - just like us in the west.   They also have this tako machine that I wished I had bought one back from japan - and they make this yummy tako and have tako parties.  The Japanese loved grilling everything and anything they can lay their hands on - and entertaining whether family or friends is second nature to them.

Avid Japanese Golf Players

For those of you who are not aware of this - the Japanese are avid golf players - but there are not many golf course in Japan and it is very expensive - to play golf - therefore when Japanese friends comes to Canada to visit me in Canada - they ask to play golf all the time and some even go to golf resort around Canada.  Here in Nova Scotia - we have many golf resort - and most of them supply the garmin gps for golf - and that’s what the Japanese golf players loved.   A dear friend of mine - who is coming home from Japan asked me to look for a golf resort for his family - that provide this garmin gps for golf - and I’ve found a few that have this gps for golf.   You can sell just about anything to a Japanese golf player - when they are in town - I know that this Japanese friend of mine - will even buy a whole range of golf clubs to bring home to Japan - the yen is so strong - they shop like lords here.  So if you are playing golf with a Japanese - don’t under-estimate them.

Ice Bar In Tokyo

I’ve not been to the Ice Bar in Tokyo - but there is one - so if you are in Tokyo - don’t forget to give it a try - it’s an experience alright - if it is anything like the one in UK and Stockholm - a 45 mins visit - should keep you really cold and a nice drink after you pay up 3500 yen.  I loved the colorful drinks that they served and if I am not wrong it was - 0 degree down there.  For those who love the novelty - why not eh.

Looking Forward To Children’s Day Kodomo no hi

Children’s Day in Japan will be on the 5th of May and I’m sure everyone in Japan is looking forward to it - after all the bad news of late in Japan.  Hopefully, besides welcoming Spring  - Children’s day  also meant for a day for praying for good health, wealth and all the good stuff - lets hope it  will bring a little comfort and joy to Japan. The hanging of these carp streamers are a tradition in Japan and a lot of folks will be displaying their samurai dollies and helmets  in their home - children will be having so much fun on this day.  Here I wish Japan and its people a speedy recovery from all that they are going through and world peace and no more disaster.

Hello Peko San

Say hello to Peko San please - she brings back many good memories  - when I used to live in Japan.  I used to love her cute looking face and said to myself - what a cute little Japanese girl - mischievous too.  She isn’t really pretty - but definitely cute and mischievous.  So I hear you asking - who is this doll/statue right?  Peko San is the official mascot of Fujiya Confectionery - a major cake/sweets/chocolate company in Japan.

My girlfriend who is living in Japan permanently tells me now you can get them Peko San baked with fillings.  And the filling’s flavor are different during different season.  Wonder will they ever have durian flavor?  But they are pretty similar to the other Japanese baked item that we see sold in all the supermarket in Japan and everywhere in Asia.

So if you are in Fujiya - and you see Peko San - do drop in and get some and try.

Someone send me some Peko - San!

Drinking Holes In Japan

There are plenty of drinking holes in Japan  - and during happy hours - one can get your beer and some snacks for as little as 250 Yen.  These drinking holes are usually a very small place in a shopping center and they have a variety of snacks for you to choose from.  Not as cheap when you can eat a lot of snack while chatting with your friends and having a good time - but overall it’s a nice place to be - not too, too noisy.

Interesting snacks right?  it’s pear and some octopus thing if I remember correctly.

All Night Long - Karaoke In Japan

In Japan - there are 2 things you can do all night - and I’ve noticed a lot of young people do one and the older folks do the other.  The famous Pachinko for the old and the Karaoke for the young.  Yes - both activities requires lots of  under eye cream hahah! Yes! it’s an all night long activities - that comes with booze and lots of food the customers.

The Karaoke in Japan is pretty high tech - and some are classier than another - some you get your own room but if you don’t mind a smaller room - you can get a cheaper place - for 6 - 8 people.  The karaoke rooms gives you full control over the sound machine and the karaoke equipments.  You can change the sound setting and tune it till it suits your voice and needs.  Touch-screen computer on the table for you to choose your songs and not only do they have tons of Japanese songs - they have tons of American song too.  For those of you who are not aware otf this - the Japanese love the American anything.  From songs to dressing - to food of course.  But I love the Karaoke’s food - they are so fancy - I love the Japanese mayo that goes with every dish - even the salads.   Some karaoke places offer the 100 yen all you can drink coffee, tea or pop.  Love the karaoke menu - they are colorful and you can see exactly what you are ordering.  The all nighter - is a lot more cheaper - but an hourly rate of 600 - 1000 Yen can be expected.