Square Enix, Japan

For the geeks going to Japan and thinking of visiting Square Enixin Hatsudai - don’t be too disappointed because i found that it was way too expensive for my liking - even though the engineers that was with me did buy some very expensive t-shirt.   But it was a good trip as far as I can remember - and if anything - the life size statue of Sephiroth was pretty impressive. And then we went on a eating spree of course and I was like thinking to myself - i need to find some  diets that work because even though you can get the healthiest food in Japan - one tends to overeat while you are there… and I was there for 6 months.  Next - food in Japan - I promise.

Waseda University

My girlfriend is more thrilled with the cafe at Waseda University and its Kichler lighting than the university herself - she once told me.  Waseda University is one of Japan’s elite universities and it has an exchange program that I, myself had attended briefly.    The campus is really nice - and there are many ramen stores surrounding the campus and by now - they should have lots of apartment up for the students.

The famous Waseda statue of Waseda Walker.

As you can see - it’s a very busy place.

Karaoke Kings Is Japan

I know ! I know !  who goes to Japan for Karaoke right?  but - but Japan is Karaoke town - not only because they have the most high tech joint I’ve seen in Asia - but they are the most expensive.  But if you go in a group - and making sure you go during happy hours - then that is a different story - that was what my Japanese co-workers told me.   But when you go Karaoke with the Japanese - be prepared to stay till the morning - yes - they are crazy - i had joint pain when we were done at 6am the next day.

But I’ll have to say that the private rooms were decorated so well and the service staff were attentive and everyone very cute looking - you would think that this was some kind of exclusive club.

Forget about those 13 inch tv with songs playing on it - these joints are high tech and have little pads - that controls the songs and the volume and even let you order food. They not only have extensive selection of songs but food and desserts as well - one of the Karaoke that we went to - had the calories recording - that tells you how much calories you lost while singing a particular son - or how many songs you need to sing - in order to eat a sunday - totally hilarious!  Karaokes are everywhere in Japan - whether you are in Tokyo, Kyoto or Osaka - so make sure you visit one - you will probably be looking at $50 for 2 person for 6 hrs worth of singing - and don’t forget there are food and drinks charges too.

Tokyo By Evening

If you’ve ever been to Tokyo - you would agree with me that Tokyo by night has gotta be the most interesting place you can be in.  It’s vibrant and one of the most colorful cities I’ve been too.  The first nite i was in Tokyo - i was kinda in awe - not that Singapore wasn’t bright and colorful but it’s very crowded and conjested.  There are eateries and shopping centers everywhere - one can spend the nite in Tokyo without sleeping for nites - no wonder we all go back from vacation with dark circles because there are just way too much things to see, do and eat.

Japanese Sitcoms

It is not only the japanese who loves the Japanese sitcom but my girlfriends who are permanent residence in Japan who are more fixated with them than any of her Japanese co-workers.  So fixated with catching the sitcoms on time and everyday - she had even forgotten that she had an appointment to take care of that acne on neck problem - she have had for weeks.

It was like two years ago - this sitcom was up for watching - the last friend i think it was.  So what was the fascination you might be asking right about now.  Well, like any sitcoms - it has it draws on certain people and Last Friends was one of the best drama I’ve watched made in Japan toady.   The story addresses issues which exist in modern society – Michiru is a young woman who starts getting bullied at work, but unfortunately after she decides to move into her boyfriend’s apartment she also becomes the victim of domestic violence. Ruka is Michiru’s friend since high school, but Ruka starts to become worried about her parents finding out about the truth of her sexuality as feelings for Michiru grow stronger. Takeru is also a friend of Ruka’s, however he also has stronger feelings for her but he has a phobia of sex as a result of a past trauma. The 3 eventually end up living together but how will their friendships end up? So if you are into Japanese sitcoms - check Last Friend out.

Picnics & Parks In Japan

Parks and Picnics seems to be one of the most popular thing - any Japanese would do - I was talking to a friend about best term life insurance and we were discussing about our stay in Japan some many years ago.  A very popular park in Japan is the Yoyogi Park - young people flock there during Sundays and Public holidays because of the many talented young people there.  Various bands are all set up like pros with their equipments to play in the park. Mostly, these bands are not well - known but very talented from what i’ve seen and heard so far.  They are actually promoting themselves and giving out flyers and stuff for their upcoming gigs.

Of course, you have those who loves dressing up and mostly they just stand around.  It’s pretty amusing but the younger kids they are quite frightened of these artist.  So if you are in Tokyo on a Sunday - don’t forget the Yoyogi Park.

Capsule Hotel

You won’t be finding any contemporary sofas here and as much as I liked the prices for these Capsules Hotel - can one really sleep in it?  I can’t - truth be told, I would be in a war situation before I can sleep in something like that.  Don’t get me wrong - i have nothing against Capsules Hotel but to be in such a confine space - I’m claustrophobic i think.

But if you are traveling alone or with with some pals on a backpack - this has got to be a great option for $20 - $40 a night.  9 hrs is a new capsule hotel in Kyoto and it is nice, very modern and very clean looking - as you can see in the video everything is made simple - you don’t even need to speak in Japanese to know what to do next.  This is exactly what the owners of the hotel had planned.  I wonder if something like this is ready to be launched in other parts of the world.  Afterall, we have the budget hotels all over the world now.

Fastest Train @ Expo

I was reading a carinsurancelist blog when i came across this picture that reminded me of the Aichi Expo that I had attended in 2005.  There were many pavilion at the Aichi Expo and the one I remembered best was the Australian Pavilion.  They had a mascot that was a platipus and there were many souvenirs to be bought at up to 75% discount.   Anyhow,  the above picture was on display and it was Japan’s crowning achievement in transportation.  Why?  because it is in the Guiness book of world records in 2004 for being the fastest train in the world.

And i remembered this guy from Turkey - making Turkey ice cream that was gooey and white in color and looked more like cream cheese to me - interesting eh.

Geeks Alert In Japan

We all know how trendy Japan is - not only it’s people but the businesses as well.  Every store that I’ve been to in town are all brightly lit and also all dressed up.  Theme stores are not uncommon in Japan - and the new geeky cafe - Gundam Bandai was looked forward to - by many for the futuristic feel that it promised. The cafe is operated by a Japanese toy manufacturer called Bandai.  Move aside  MP3 players while Gundam show you the world of robot stories.

Staff will be dressed in the style of a Gundam character and you can find theme products as expected in any theme store - from desserts to candies and even coasters - don’t forget to get some souvenirs for friends like me from abroad.  I hear that you can expect lots of themed campaigns - so if you are into the anime stuff - head out to the Gundam cafe in Tokyo’s Akihabara district - you can’t missed it - it’s in a grey building.

Recycle Store In Japan

When the best friend told me that she just got back from a recycle store in Japan - I was telling her - about time Japan had one too - but when she showed me pictures of it - i had dropped my diet pills hahah! as you can see - why i did from the picture above.  Now if the recycle stores looked like this here - we don’t have to go to the mall no more.  Heck ! our malls with brand name clothings don’t even looked half as good.

Pass the Baton is a high end recycle store as far as I can see.  Dealing with previously used goods but all high end stuff as you can see - and the owners I hear are top designers/stylists themselves.  Located in  Omotesando Hills - you can check it out yourself - if you are heading to Japan anytime soon.  Definitely a new type of recycle store - awesomeness - the Japanese are.