The One about Ultraman World M78
In Japan, tokusatsu shows (any Japanese live-action film or TV drama which features special effects) and merchandise are popular. And for Ultraman fans, the Ultraman World M78 stores attract fans from all over the world. I went to the Ultraman World M78 store at Tokyo Read More …
The One about Nippori Station
A station that many people use to transfer from one station to another is Nippori Station in Arakawa Ward. The station opened back on April 1, 1905 and the Keisei Station portion was opened in December 1931. Nippori Station is right next to Yanaka, an Read More …
The One about the Tokyo Metropolitan Art Museum at Ueno Park
In 1926, the first public music in Japan opened. Known as the Tokyo Metropolitan Art Museum and it is the go to museum for masterpieces from abroad and contemporary art are introduced. It’s current location is not the original museum, as the Tokyo Prefectural Museum Read More …
The One about Zojoji Temple in Minato, Part 2
I wrote about my experience at Zojoji Temple in the Shiba neighborhood of Minato Ward back in 2015. The San’en-zan Zozo-ji Buddhist Temple is a great temple of the Chinzei branch of Jodo-shu Buddhism and founded by Yuyu Shoso. While I’m not going to dwell Read More …
The One about the Saigo Takamori and his dog bronze statue in Ueno Park
If one went to Ueno Station, one statue that you will find is of Saigo Takamori (Takanaga) and his dog. Born as Saigo Kokichi (January 23, 1828-September 24, 1877), not only is Takamori one of the most influential samurai in Japanese history but he is Read More …
The One about Ikinari Steak Part 2
I don’t really eat red meat, let alone steak all that much. When I travel, often I’ll partake in steak. And I wanted to try the Kobe Steak at Hakushu in Shibuya and the Japanese Rib-Eye Steak at Ikinari Steak (which there are many restaurants Read More …
The One about Yanaka Cemetery
Located in Yanaka and a minute away from Nippori Station is the large cemetery known as Yanaka Reien (Yanaka Cemetery). Originally known as Yanaka Bochi (Yanaka Graveyard), the location is home for 7,000 graves and is a cemetery that has ts own police station and Read More …
The One about Gokokusan Tennoji Temple in Yanaka
In Yanaka, one of the most visited temples in the area is the Gokokusan Tennoji Temple. Belonging to the Tendai sect of Buddhism and founded in 1274, the temple is right across from the Yanaka Cemetery near Nippori Station. Originally as part of the Temple Read More …
The One about John G. Avildsen’s “Rocky”
The greatest boxing film of all time!? Sure, there will be countless debates on whether “Rocky” or “Raging Bull” is the best boxing film of all time but what we do know is that “Rocky” was the most successful and it literally came from nowhere Read More …
The One about Discovering Japanese Music: Every Little Thing’s “Every Best Single -Complete-“
I can easily remember when I first heard of Every Little Thing (ELT), then a trio which featured vocalist Kaori Mochida, guitarist Ichiro Ito and keyboardist Mitsuru Igarashi. The song was “Feel My Heart” and discovered the group while watching CDTV (a top 40 video Read More …
The One about Tokyo Sea Life Park in Edogawa Part 2
Tokyo Sea Life Park in Edogawa was a location that I wanted to check out on my bucket list. While Tokyo Disney Land and Disney Sea are across the ocean in Chiba Ward and can be seen across the park, before going to Tokyo Sea Read More …
The One about Tokyo Sea Life Park in Edogawa Part 1
For those who want to explore aquariums in Japan or are looking for inexpensive ways to entertain the family while in Tokyo, Tokyo Sea Life Park is definitely worth your time. The Tokyo Sea Life Park is located at Kasai Rinkai Park and is operated Read More …
The One about J-World at Sunshine City in Ikebukuro, Part 2
As I have written about the indoor theme park, J-World, located at Sunshine City in Ikebukuro, one of the things I am often asked about is the store. What items are sold? Is it a great place for souvenirs? Yada yada yada. And for the Read More …
The One about J-World at Sunshine City in Ikebukuro, Part 1
At Ikebukuro’s Sunshine City is an indoor theme park called “J-WORLD” for fans of the “Shonen Jump” manga and anime which is a collaboration between Shonen Jump. Price is about Y800 for admission for adults and Y600 for children, while Y2,600 gives you unlimited access Read More …
The One about Collecting Japanese Baseball Cards
For Japanese baseball fans, you will more than likely run into many, may they be in Japan or outside of Japan, who are baseball card collectors. Personally, I have been a card collector for many years. From MLB, NFL, NBA packs to comic book-related cards Read More …
The One about the Vornado EVDC300 Energy Smart Evaporative Humidifier
Having utilized Vornado fans and heaters, I have to admit that I was quite amazed by the quality of the “Vornado EVDC300 Evaporative Humidifier“. The EVDC300 has a coverage of 750 sq. ft., output per day is 3 gallons and has a warranty for 5 Read More …
The One About Discovering Japanese Music: AKB48’s “Kaze wa Fuiteiru (Type-B)”
AKB48, the idol group that took Japan by storm and has been one of the few music groups in Japan that continuously reaches over a million in sales thanks to their dedicated fanbase. Back in 2011, AKB48 released their 23rd CD single “Kaze wa Fuiteiru” Read More …
The Ones about Aichi Arts Center in Nagoya
In the Aichi Prefecture of Nagoya (Higashi Ward) is the Aichi Arts Center. Composed of four facilities: The Aichi Prefectural Museum of Art, the Aichi Prefectural Art Theater, the Aichi Prefectural Arts Promotion Service and the Aichi Prefectural Library, the arts center is conveniently located Read More …
The One about Fritz Lang’s Die Nibelungen
They were Germany’s powerhouse couple, filmmaker Fritz Lang who had a successful hit with “Dr. Mabuse: The Gambler” (1922), the famous director would marry writer Thea von Harbou, the woman he helped writing her screenplay and helped her with the production of the adaptation of Read More …
The One about Nagoya TV Tower
In 1954, the Nagoya TV Tower was completed. Located in the center of Hisaya Odori Park, the Nagoya TV Tower is considered the oldest TV Tower in Japan. Nagoya TV Tower is 590 feet high and has two observation decks (Indoor Sky Deck and the Read More …
The One about the Hello Kitty Store at Tokyo Solamachi
If you are heading to Tokyo Sky Tree, if there is one place that I recommend for souvenirs (may it be be for children or your lady friends), I recommend the Hello Kitty Store at the shopping area, Tokyo Solamachi. May it be plush, cookies, Read More …
The One about Yurakucho Station
One of the busiest stations in Tokyo is Yurakucho Station, a railway station located in the Chiyoda Ward. The name was derived from the Meiji Era after Oda Nagato (Yurakusa), younger brother of Nobunaga Oda. Operated by East Japan Railway Company (JR East) and Tokyo Read More …
The One about the Butt-Sniffing Statues/Benches at Shiodome
If you go to Shiodome, near the NTV Buildings and right next to Taco Bell are these polka dot statues/benches which appear to be sniffing each other’s butt. In Japan, you may run into the weirdest things but these statues/benches usually is a polarizing site Read More …