Why I Bought It

My main rig is a gaming laptop, which means working with a compact keyboard layout without a physical numpad. I needed dedicated macro controls for streaming and editing. I was previously using a 9-key Vaydeer macro keypad and intended to replace it with the Ulanzi Dial. Surprisingly, the two end up complementing each other quite well. The biggest driver for this upgrade was cable clutter. Between capture cards, USB hubs, webcams, mics, and extra monitors, my desk was getting out of hand. I specifically wanted a wireless solution to clean up my workspace.

Hardware and Key Features

Out of the box, the Ulanzi Dial D100H offers great build quality. The central metallic dial feels smooth and tactile, but the real standout feature is the multi-function button mapping. Each button supports three distinct input types:

• Single press
• Double press
• Press and hold

With 8 physical buttons, you get 24 distinct commands before even counting the rotary actions on the main dial. Connecting wirelessly over Bluetooth solved my cable nightmare instantly. Setup was simple, working seamlessly with or without Ulanzi’s software. While there is a tiny latency difference compared to my wired Vaydeer keypad, it is negligible and far from a dealbreaker.

How I’m Using It So Far

Right now, I primarily use the Ulanzi Dial D100H to control OBS Studio during streams and recordings:

• Launching application shortcuts with a single press
• Controlling recordings (start, stop, and pause)
• Dropping chapter markers inside video recordings in real time
• Triggering replay buffers to capture stream highlights instantly
• Toggling OBS sources on the fly (like hiding or showing my face cam mid-stream)

Having physical shortcuts means I can manage live streams smoothly without alt-tabbing or clicking around software menus.

Early Verdict

My initial impressions of the Ulanzi Dial D100H are overwhelmingly positive. For the price, you get sturdy build quality and impressive layout flexibility right off the bat. It is already proving to be a fantastic addition for cleaning up desk space while expanding physical macro controls. I’ve only scratched the surface of what it can do so far. Have you used macro dials or keypads in your setup? Let me know in the comments!

A Perfect Fit for Turn-Based Tactics Fans

Turn-based tactics games have always been a favorite genre of mine that has kept my interest over my many years as a gamer. Now that I am older and don’t care for quick reactions, competitive multiplayer, or loot/gacha mechanics, I feel even more at home in games like XCOM 2, Into the Breach, Clair Obscur: Expedition 33, and similar titles. I would describe Warhammer 40,000: Chaos Gate – Daemonhunters as XCOM 2, but with less fragile units set in a far more interesting sci-fi world.

For the Emperor: A Thrilling Tactical Experience

I loved the structure of the story, the graphics, the setting, and the overall presentation. Though some mission types were not so fun to play after the first couple of times, the Grey Knights were the true stars of this game, and rightfully so—they are the “Daemonhunters.” Check out the game if you want a solid turn-based fix. Right as I finished it, I learned of a sequel that is set as “coming soon” titled Warhammer 40,000: Chaos Gate – Deathwatch. I guess I am fully onboard the Chaos Gate train now, and I will pray to the Emperor that my beloved Salamanders will eventually get their time in the limelight.

Follow me on Twitch to know when I go live streaming a variety of games. Next on the docket is FINAL FANTASY RESONANCE; more turn-based goodness, but this time with pixel-art and JRPG flavorings.

Pivoting to a Secondary Quest: Yamanote Line EkiTags

Not one to waste a valid day pass or a trip on Japan’s busiest train line, I quickly pivoted. I decided to undertake another quest, a secondary mission if you may: finishing my JR Yamanote Line EkiTag collection. While I had already scanned the tags at larger station hubs like Shibuya, Shinjuku, Ikebukuro, and Tokyo Station, my digital stamp book still 12 stations missing. Armed with my pass, I hopped on and off the iconic green loop until every single gap was closed.

All 30 Digital Railway Stamps Secured

I’m happy to report that the mission was a total success. I have officially collected all 30 Ekitags on the Yamanote Line from JY01 Tokyo all the way around to JY30 Yūrakuchō, plus the special bonus stamp. Now my collection of JR Yamanote Line departing melody keychains from 15 years ago has company. I put together a quick video documenting the full run and showcasing the unique digital stamp designs across the line:

Confessions of a Serial Collector

Hello, I am Kirk, and I like to collect things. When not collecting physical Shrine/temple stamps, Gunpla, Metroid Amiibo, and other physical goods or models, I am collecting digital stamps at Starbucks or other Ekitags. I would say “send help,” but this is genuinely fun. What will I collect next? Stay tuned here on Jamaipanese.com or subscribe to me on YouTube for more serial collecting adventures!

Have you ever ridden the Yamanote Line, or are you collecting station stamps around Japan too? Let me know in the comments below!

Exploring the History of Japan Airlines

Tickets cost 1,000 yen for adults (for the general factory tour) and need to be booked online well in advance, usually about a month out, as spots fill up fast. The museum area sits right alongside Haneda’s bustling runways; you can watch planes landing and taking off just moments after walking in while waiting for the tour to start. While photography and filming are restricted across several security-sensitive areas, I managed to capture plenty of memories in the vibrant Museum Zone! This interactive exhibition space breaks down every aspect of JAL’s operations and storied history. You can trace their fleet evolution through miniature models, check out vintage flight attendant uniforms, step inside real cockpit mockups, and browse exclusive official merch at the shop. The museum even houses immersive attractions like the “SoraCruise” interactive theater and retro displays showcasing historic aircraft. I especially enjoyed dressing up as a Japan Airlines pilot and pranced around like I was 9 years old again!

The Hangar Tour Was the Highlight

As awesome as the exhibition floor is, the absolute highlight of the visit is without a doubt the Hangar Tour! Walking onto the massive hangar floor, you are greeted by giant Airbus and Boeing jets undergoing maintenance up close. Standing just a couple hundred meters away from active runways while multi-ton aircraft roar past nearby is an absolute rush.

If you love aviation or simply want to experience a unique side of Tokyo near Haneda, make sure to add the JAL Sky Museum to your itinerary. I might even put aside my JAL vs. ANA rivalry and check out the ANA Blue Hangar tour next to see how it compares! Have you ever visited an aviation museum or taken a hangar tour before? Let me know in the comments below!

Tokyo Metro Museum Exhibits

The Tokyo Metro Museum has 7 separate exhibit spaces, each displaying a different theme. The exhibits cover the history of the metro, the creation of the metro, metro safety, passenger service, a playground, and more. I want to collect more model trains in the future. I wonder which Metro line will be my first; my Narita Express will need company soon.

I will be back

I visited the Metro Museum and enjoyed a couple of hours there, including collecting the special 40th anniversary Ekitag, and I definitely want to go back. You can get to the museum via the Tozai Line and come off a Kasai Station. More details on the Tokyo Metro Museum website.

Honestly, I was running on fumes this year. Work travel in the days leading up to the weekend completely drained my battery. Still, I had my ticket in hand, and there was no way I was skipping it, so I dragged myself out the door to Makuhari Messe anyway. Walking the halls made me a bit nostalgic.

A Dash of Nostalgia: 15 Years Later

The last Tokyo Game Show I attended was back in 2011, which was also the very first time I visited Japan, an unbelievable 15 years ago this month. While modern hardware has evolved and the industry is massive now, I am happy to report that TGS itself has not changed much at its core. And that is a very good thing.

Upcoming Games on My Radar I saw at Tokyo Game Show 2026

I wandered past dozens of booths of Tokyo Game Show 2026 and caught glimpses of so many upcoming titles on my radar:

• Gundam Rogue Orbit
• Final Fantasy Resonance
• Crazy Taxi
• Monster Hunter Wilds: Ascendance
• …and plenty more that kept my gamer heart happy despite my aching feet.

Real Floor Energy Beats Livestreams

By the time TGS 2027 rolls around, I plan to be well-rested and fully charged so I can take it all in properly. At the end of the day, I’m just glad this expo is still healthy, packed, and strongly supported. Digital-only livestreams with stiff hosts and shallow award segments simply cannot capture the real awesomesauce of gaming culture in person.

Did you follow any of the TGS announcements this year, or is there an upcoming game you’re counting down the days for? Let me know in the comments below!

Needless to say, I was super excited when Sekiro No Defeat, the anime based on the Sekiro video game, was announced. I frantically followed the news, and when tickets went on sale in June 2026, I was up at 3am, refreshing repeatedly until I snagged one. Fast forward to September 5th, 2026, and I was skipping to the Toho Theatre in Ueno to see the anime, finally.

I don’t want to spoil much, as it will be released in episodic form later, but my notes right after leaving the theater were:

– The anime follows the story, partially
– Gyoubu got his Epic 30 seconds in the film, and I may have chuckled a bit
– Our unkillable samurai, Hanbei, plays a big role
– Isshin owned every scene and was my favourite character (again)
– Voice acting and music were perfect
– Some additional story bits flesh out parts of the narrative that are unique to the anime
– Some story bits from the game missing or made shorter like Senpou temple
– Owl and Genichiro just as hated as in the game
– Disappointing omissions of Lady Butterfly and other fan favourites
– Only passing mention of Hirata estate and No Fountainhead Palace

I think Sekiro No Defeat is a great adaptation of the Story of the Sekiro Shadows Die Twice video game. It is accessible for those who never played the game, and fans like me should be very satisfied.

Unicorn Gundam and Gunpla

I have gone to see Unicorn Gundam in Odaiba many times, the first time being my first winter in Japan, a couple months after moving to Japan. In a way I feel a special connection to the Unicorn Gundam in Odaiba, as it has been on display as long as I have lived in Japan. I have built the 1/100 scale and Chibi/SD version of the Unicorn Gundam.

What’s next after the Unicorn Gundam in Odaiba?

While it’s bittersweet to see it go, the big question on every mecha fan’s mind is, “What comes next?” Surely this can’t be the end of life-sized Gundams guarding Tokyo Bay. Hopefully, Bandai has plans to roll out another mobile suit to take its place. What suit do you think should take over the plaza next? Nu Gundam, Aerial, or something totally unexpected? Drop a comment below and share your predictions!

Otome Inari: Miniature Torii Gates and Sacred Fox Messengers

My main highlight was visiting Otome Inari Shrine within the complex. It features a hillside tunnel of vibrant red torii gates, similar to Kyoto’s Fushimi Inari, which I recently checked off from my goshuin wishlist. These torii, though no less spectacular, are not as tall as the ones in Kyoto, so please watch your head when walking underneath, or you can also stroll alongside them. Stone fox statues (kitsune) are all over the grounds of the Otome Inari Shrine hill, as foxes are said to be sacred messengers of Inari, the deity of rice and business prosperity.

Nezu Shrine’s Cultural Treasures & Collecting the Goshuin Stamp

Many structures of the main Nezu Shrine, such as the gates, wall, and other artifacts, are designated Important Cultural Properties by the government, having survived centuries of Tokyo’s history. Before leaving, I picked up a Goshuin (honorable red seal) with the shrine’s name and the date to remember the day. I am quickly filling out my Goshuincho I picked up in Hokkaido!

10 Video Games to Get to know me

Super Metroid
Still my best game of all time, even though it is more than 30 years old now. I replayed in recently while streaming on Twitch and fell in love with it again. I love games about collecting power-ups and making yourself into an overpowered badass in the end.

Sekiro: Shadows Die Twice
Speaking of being a badass, Sekiro is an amazing experience. It unfolds almost like a movie and shows how video games can be works of art. Sekiro interactions with all the main characters, bosses, locations, etc., come together to make a masterpiece in my eyes.

Final Fantasy 8
Everyone raves about Final Fantasy 7 but Final Fantasy 8 is the better game in my eyes. It arrived at a time when I was an angsty teen, and the story of Squall and Friends was my 100+ hour 4-disc escape. Those summons looked amazing in CGI and Ultimecia is bae.

SWOTOR
MMORPGS were all the rage not long ago. I could quite get it the fantasy ones like Warcraft and Everquest, but give me the world of Star Wars to prance around in, and I played that game like a job for almost 3 years, to where I was leading a 100+ member guild with members all over the globe. Good times.

XCOM 2
Turn-based and strategy games have been a staple of my PC gaming journey since my mom spent a small fortune to get me a PC in 2001. XCOM 2 is the turn-based strategy game that I have revisited time and time again to play. It is a genre-defining title.

Valkyria Chronicles
Video games made from anime are a dime a dozen, but the best adaptation of an anime to a video game, to me, is Valkyria Chronicles. The anime itself isn’t a classic, but the video game is very unique and really engulfs the player in the story. I really felt I was a member of Squad 7 defending against invasion from an evil empire.

Sword of Hope
This game, to my knowledge, is the first RPG I ever played. Stubbling through the story, fighting the bosses, and figuring out the puzzles on a Game Boy in an era when you couldn’t just search for the answer online when you were stuck made this game have a great impact on me.

Clair Obsure Expedition 33
Expedition 33 has all the ingredients of a video game I would really like. An amazing story, unique graphics, engaging mechanics, high replay value, and interesting characters. Highly recommended and always a joy to experience even if playing on the easiest difficulty or watching someone else play.

Monster Hunter Tri
The gateway drug to my Monster Hunter addiction. Monster Hunter was still unknown in the West but huge in Japan. I followed it for months and bought it as soon as I could. I played Monster Hunter Tri mostly solo but would love to replay it one day. Also, it has some of the best box art for a video game ever.

Broken Lines
I’m a strange choice of a game, probably mostly unknown and very niche. Broken Lines reminds me of the days of getting PC game demos in magazines to try but unearthing a banger that brings enjoyment even if it’s not mainstream. It’s a simple, enjoyable game, short and sweet, with multiple endings depending on your choices.

Thank you for reading this far. Follow my gaming activities on YouTube and Twitch @Jamaiplays and join my Discord.