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Japan 47 Prefectures Project

2013-04-18T19:49:00.000+09:00

Nagoya | Flickr photostream | New tab | Click photo to view large at Flickr

One of my goals is to visit all prefectures in Japan, and each of their capitals. This post is meant to keep track of how many I've visited so far. I've sorted them by alphabetical order. First up is Aichi Prefecture, and it's capital Nagoya.

Akita Prefecture - Yet to visit

Aomori Station | Flickr photostream | New tab | Click photo to view large at Flickr

Aomori, Aomori Prefecture. Please note that the Shinkansen does not stop at this station. You have to transfer to a local train from Shin-Aomori Station.

Choshi Station | Flickr photostream | New tab | Click photo to view large at Flickr

Chiba Prefecture. The capital is Chiba, but I'm not sure I've actually been there. This is Choshi, which is also the easternmost point in the Kanto region.

Ehime Prefecture - Yet to visit

Fukui Prefecture - Yet to visit

Fukuoka Station | Flickr photostream | New tab | Click photo to view large at Flickr

Fukuoka, Fukuoka Prefecture. Another example of where the Shinkansen does not go to the capital - you have to transfer at Hakata Station. Or walk - the distance is not very far.

Fukushima Prefecture - Yet to visit

Gifu Prefecture - Yet to visit

Doai Station | Flickr photostream | New tab | Click photo to view large at Flickr

The capital of Gunma Prefecture is Maebashi, but I haven't been there yet. This is Doai Station from the underground level, where northbound trains stops. There are 486 steps up to the exit.

Hiroshima | Flickr photostream | New tab | Click photo to view large at Flickr

Hiroshima, Hiroshima Prefecture.

Sapporo | Flickr photostream | New tab | Click photo to view large at Flickr

Sapporo, Hokkaido.

Koba Station | Flickr photostream | New tab | Click photo to view large at Flickr

Kobe, Hyogo Prefecture.

Mito Station | Flickr photostream | New tab | Click photo to view large at Flickr

Mito, Ibaraki Prefecture.

Ishikawa Prefecture - Yet to visit

Iwate Prefecture - Yet to visit

Takamatsu Station | Flickr photostream | New tab | Click photo to view large at Flickr

Takamatsu, Kagawa Prefecture.

Kagoshima Station | Flickr photostream | New tab | Click photo to view large at Flickr

Kagoshima, Kagoshima Prefecture.

Yokohama | Flickr photostream | New tab | Click photo to view large at Flickr

Yokohama, Kanagawa Prefecture.

Kochi Prefecture - Yet to visit

Kumamoto Station | Flickr photostream | New tab | Click photo to view large at Flickr

Kumamoto, Kumamoto Prefecture.

Kyoto Station | Flickr photostream | New tab | Click photo to view large at Flickr

Kyoto.

Mie Prefecture - Yet to visit

Sendai | Flickr photostream | New tab | Click photo to view large at Flickr

Sendai, Miyagi Prefecture.

Miyazaki Station | Flickr photostream | New tab | Click photo to view large at Flickr

Miyazaki, Miyazaki Prefecture.

Matsumoto Station | Flickr photostream | New tab | Click photo to view large at Flickr

Nagano is the capital of Nagano Prefecture, but I have only been there for a train change, so that doesn't count. But I've been to Matsumoto, which is located south of the capital.

長崎 | Flickr photostream | New tab | Click photo to view large at Flickr

Nagasaki, Nagasaki Prefecture.

Nara | Flickr photostream | New tab | Click photo to view large at Flickr

Nara, Nara Prefecture.

Niigata Station | Flickr photostream | New tab | Click photo to view large at Flickr

Niigata, Niigata Prefecture.

Oita Station | Flickr photostream | New tab | Click photo to view large at Flickr

Oita, Oita Prefecture.

Okayama Station | Flickr photostream | New tab | Click photo to view large at Flickr

Okayama, Okayama Prefecture.

Okinawa Prefecture - Yet to visit

Shin-Osaka | Flickr photostream | New tab | Click photo to view large at Flickr

As with Aomori and Fukuoka, the Shinkansen stops at Shin-Osaka, and you then have to transfer to a local train for Osaka Station. Funny enough I don't have a picture of Osaka Station, so here's one from Shin-Osaka.

Saga Station | Flickr photostream | New tab | Click photo to view large at Flickr

Saga, Saga Prefecture.

Saitama Railway Museum | Flickr photostream | New tab | Click photo to view large at Flickr

Saitama is the capital of Saitama Prefecture, but I've only been there for trains changes. Since I am posting pictures of the station signs, here's something related from Saitama - the Railway Museum located a bit north of the city office.

Shiga Prefecture - Yet to visit

Shimane Prefecture - Yet to visit

静岡 | Flickr photostream | New tab | Click photo to view large at Flickr

Shizuoka, Shizuoka Prefecture.

Utsunomiya Station | Flickr photostream | New tab | Click photo to view large at Flickr

Utsunomiya, Tochigi Prefecture.

Tokushima Prefecture - Yet to visit

東京 | Flickr photostream | New tab | Click photo to view large at Flickr

Tokyo. If one were to specify a place that is the capital of Tokyo, it would be Shinjuku. This is Tokyo Station, Sobu Main Line, located about five floors below ground level. Ever wonder what the 山 and 区 stands for (as seen in the upper right corner of the sign)? 山 means that this station is on the Yamanote Line (山手線), and 区 means that this station is inside of the 23 wards of Tokyo (東京23区). In 10 other cities you can see other signs, which means that it's a station within that city: Yokohama (浜), Nagoya (名), Kyoto (京), Osaka (阪), Kobe (神), Hiroshima (広), Kitakyushu (九), Fukuoka (福), Sendai (仙), Sapporo (札). You can only see these signs on JR lines.

Tottori Station | Flickr photostream | New tab | Click photo to view large at Flickr

Tottori, Tottori Prefecture.

Toyama Prefecture - Yet to visit

Wakayama Station | Flickr photostream | New tab | Click photo to view large at Flickr

Wakayama, Wakayama Prefecture.

Yamagata Prefecure - Yet to visit

Yamaguchi Prefecture - Yet to visit

Fuji Q Highland | Flickr photostream | New tab | Click photo to view large at Flickr

I haven't been in Kofu, the capital of Yamanashi Prefecture yet, but I've been two times to Fuji Q Highland (and will probably go more times). The easiest way to get there from Tokyo is by bus, so here's just a photo of the entrance to the park.

The totals so far:
Prefectures: 31 / 47
Capitals: 26 / 47

Japan Trip Summer 2012 Food

2013-04-10T03:34:00.000+09:00

麻婆豆腐 | Flickr photostream | New tab | Click photo to view large at Flickr

Last year, 2012, I went on a new trip to Japan. I arrived June 28th, and went back home August 27th. This post will only show some of the food pictures I took at that trip. I only used my cell hpone camera on this trip, Samsung Galaxy SII. Maboudoufu at the day of arrival.

Untitled | Flickr - Photo Sharing! | Flickr photostream | New tab | Click photo to view large at Flickr

Breakfast at the first hotel, Villa Fontaine Ueno.

Hayashi rice | Flickr photostream | New tab | Click photo to view large at Flickr

Hayashi rice at Saizeriya in Akihabara.

Bento | Flickr photostream | New tab | Click photo to view large at Flickr

Bento in the waiting room of one of Fuji TV's studios.

Appetizer | Flickr photostream | New tab | Click photo to view large at Flickr

Appetizer of a pretty big set meal.

Sashimi | Flickr photostream | New tab | Click photo to view large at Flickr

Sashimi.

Untitled | Flickr - Photo Sharing! | Flickr photostream | New tab | Click photo to view large at Flickr

Meat and vegetables on sticks.

Fried stuff | Flickr - Photo Sharing! | Flickr photostream | New tab | Click photo to view large at Flickr

Fried stuff.

Oden | Flickr - Photo Sharing! | Flickr photostream | New tab | Click photo to view large at Flickr

That was the first time I had oden. Was good, would eat again.

NMB sleepy | Flickr photostream | New tab | Click photo to view large at Flickr

NMB had a really nasty energy drink at the time. I got one for free at the Kinki Tour Wakayama concert, but only drank half of it.

Pepper Lunch | Flickr - Photo Sharing! | Flickr photostream | New tab | Click photo to view large at Flickr

You may have seen Pepper Lunch in my earlier posts. I love Pepper Lunch.

Gari Gari-kun | Flickr photostream | New tab | Click photo to view large at Flickr

Gari Gari-kun ice cream. Gari gari means crunchy. However this is just a soda ice bar.

I win one more | Flickr photostream | New tab | Click photo to view large at Flickr

The good thing with Gari Garu-kun is that you have the chance to win another free ice cream. When I wanted to trade it in for a new one, the clerks looked long at the stick before they ran and grabbed me a new one. I guess not a lot of people actually bother to trade it in?

Red melon pan | Flickr - Photo Sharing! | Flickr photostream | New tab | Click photo to view large at Flickr

Spiderman red melon pan with choco chips. Way too big and way too much sugar.

Sky Tree bottles | Flickr photostream | New tab | Click photo to view large at Flickr

At the convenience stores near Tokyo Sky Tree you may find these overpriced Sky Tree shaped bottles.

Untitled | Flickr - Photo Sharing! | Flickr photostream | New tab | Click photo to view large at Flickr

Can't remember exactly what this was but some sort of boiled dumplings?

Untitled | Flickr - Photo Sharing! | Flickr photostream | New tab | Click photo to view large at Flickr

Cucumbers and salad to eat with some sort of paste. This was at a reunion with my group at the Hakone trip with Nihon University in autumn 2011.

Squid | Flickr photostream | New tab | Click photo to view large at Flickr

Went with two friends to Enoshima. We had this for lunch.

Small fish | Flickr photostream | New tab | Click photo to view large at Flickr

Suntory Premium Malt's | Flickr photostream | New tab | Click photo to view large at Flickr

Cold beer after walking to the top of Enoshima, while waiting for the sun to set and go up the observation tower.

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Dinner at Enoshima. Can't remember what this meal is called, but it was really big, and less than 1000 yen.

Empty vending machine | Flickr - Photo Sharing! | Flickr photostream | New tab | Click photo to view large at Flickr

First time I see a completely empty vending machine. But no need to worry, there will be another one just around the corner.

Katsudon | Flickr photostream | New tab | Click photo to view large at Flickr

Simple katsudon.

Red Bull | Flickr photostream | New tab | Click photo to view large at Flickr

They have Red Bull in Japan.

Family resturant | Flickr photostream | New tab | Click photo to view large at Flickr

Lunch at a family restureant in Minami Senju, the place I stayed at while in Tokyo, before heading out.

Hokka Hokka Tei | Flickr photostream | New tab | Click photo to view large at Flickr

Hokka Hokka Tei for lunch in Aomori. Just like Hotto Motto, this is a take away place, so you can't eat inside.

Retro Fanta | Flickr photostream | New tab | Click photo to view large at Flickr

Retro style Fanta bottle.

Curry and salad | Flickr photostream | New tab | Click photo to view large at Flickr

Curry from Cocoichibanya. I realized this kind of Japanese style curry (without a lot of ingredients like potato, carrots, onion, etc) is probably my favorite dish. Sometimes I would have a salad with it.

Demiglauce sauce | Flickr photostream | New tab | Click photo to view large at Flickr

Omurice with burger and demiglauce sauce in Hirosaki.

Katsu curry | Flickr photostream | New tab | Click photo to view large at Flickr

Back at Aomori, once again curry for dinner.

Tea | Flickr photostream | New tab | Click photo to view large at Flickr

On my way to Towada the bus stayed at this rest place which served free hot tea.

Yakiniku | Flickr photostream | New tab | Click photo to view large at Flickr

Yakiniku for dinner back at Aomori. Some people find it impossible to go have yakiniku by yourself. Well, I had no travel partner at this time.

Aomori apple snack | Flickr photostream | New tab | Click photo to view large at Flickr

Aomori is famous for apples, so I had this little apple snack with me when left on the Shinkansen.

Chicken curry | Flickr photostream | New tab | Click photo to view large at Flickr

More curry. With chicken this time.

Takoyaki | Flickr photostream | New tab | Click photo to view large at Flickr

Takoyaki in Osaka.

Kebab | Flickr photostream | New tab | Click photo to view large at Flickr

Kebab in Kobe.

Water melon icecream | Flickr photostream | New tab | Click photo to view large at Flickr

Summer in Japan is very hot and humid and requires large amount of drinks and ice cream.

Mos Burger | Flickr photostream | New tab | Click photo to view large at Flickr

Mos Burger.

NMB Pocky | Flickr photostream | New tab | Click photo to view large at Flickr

NMB Pocky I traded for some pics at a handshake event in Osaka. They will remain unopened until my grandkids are curious what snacks that expired 50 years ago taste like.

HKT in the super market | Flickr photostream | New tab | Click photo to view large at Flickr

In Kyuushuu, a super market called Daiei were filled with these HKT posters.

Ramen | Flickr photostream | New tab | Click photo to view large at Flickr

Ramen in Saga.

Sandwich | Flickr photostream | New tab | Click photo to view large at Flickr

Sandwich for breakfast at Hakata Station before heading out for the day.

Nasty hot dog | Flickr photostream | New tab | Click photo to view large at Flickr

A nasty hot dog from the AKB Cafe in Osaka. The staff here were much more friendly and open compared to the Tokyo cafe.

Mos Burger | Flickr photostream | New tab | Click photo to view large at Flickr

More Mos Burger.

Hokkyoku icecream | Flickr photostream | New tab | Click photo to view large at Flickr

Ice cream from Hokkyoku in Osaka. Hokkyoku means the North Pole.

NMB curry | Flickr photostream | New tab | Click photo to view large at Flickr

In Kansai (or possibly only Osaka area, I'm not sure), Cocoichibanya had a collaboration with NMB for a about a ten days. Eat as much of this as NMB curry as possible, collect stickers, and try to win pillows or concert tickets.

NMB Curry | Flickr photostream | New tab | Click photo to view large at Flickr

And this is the meal itself. Did you know NMB actually stands for Negi Mayo Beef cutlet? (Negi means spring onion.) There were four kinds of stickers to collect, and you would rip off the triangle at the corner to send in.

NMB Curry | Flickr photostream | New tab | Click photo to view large at Flickr

I wasn't the only one in my party who had NMB curry...

Katsudon | Flickr photostream | New tab | Click photo to view large at Flickr

Katsudon again, this time with some side dishes.

Nikusui | Flickr photostream | New tab | Click photo to view large at Flickr

I had to try this nikusui that Fuuchan had at this place in Namba. Nikusui is a local dish in Osaka, in which they have simply taken out the udon from a udon with meat dish.

551 icecream | Flickr photostream | New tab | Click photo to view large at Flickr

Ice cream from 551, another famous place in Osaka and Namba. Then head to Wakayama for an NMB concert.

Burger | Flickr photostream | New tab | Click photo to view large at Flickr

Dinner at a family resturant with other weirdos after the concert. All the side dishes were all you can eat and free refills for drinks and soups.

hotto motto bento | Flickr photostream | New tab | Click photo to view large at Flickr

When I stayed at a friend's place in Utsunomiya I had way too much Hotto Motto, but there was basically nothing else to choose from other than Domino's home delivery pizza and crappy bentos from the super market.

hotto motto bonus | Flickr photostream | New tab | Click photo to view large at Flickr

The good thing with Hotto Motto was that they had an AKB campaign, so I could collect these stickers and pins, and sell them online or give to friends.

Mos Burger's Taco Nan | Flickr photostream | New tab | Click photo to view large at Flickr

Mos Burger does not only have burgers, but also this tacos on nan bread.

Gyudon with cheese topping | Flickr photostream | New tab | Click photo to view large at Flickr

The dinner before heading into to Tokyo Dome to watch the AKB concert the first day. The whole area was full of people geeked out in idol gear and swag.

AKB Events Summer 2010

2012-04-25T07:20:00.001+09:00

IMG_0251 | Flickr photostream | New tab | Click photo to view large at Flickr

In summer 2010 I went on a trip to Japan to see as much AKB as I could. This is the results.

IMG_5817 | Flickr photostream | New tab | Click photo to view large at Flickr

First event was with Watararouka and their new single Seishun no Flag. This was held July 4th at Laqua, which is located in the Tokyo Dome area. This is a few hours before the event started, and the stage is located behind the trees in the middle. I had 6 tickets, but only got to use up 4, because in the middle of the handshakes, it started raining heavily. A few weeks later, they made up for it by holding a smaller event where you could use the tickets you still had left. For each ticket, I got a handshake with all them (Mayuyu, Rabutan, Nacchan, Harugon, Ayarin), plus a few more members who were there (CinDy, Komorin, Wasamin, Nattsumi, Miccha). So 10 handshakes for only one ticket! That wouldn't happen today anymore.

IMG_6707 | Flickr photostream | New tab | Click photo to view large at Flickr

Then I was lucky to get a ticket to the third performance of the Yoyogi concert "Surprise wa Arimasen". This is still the best concert I have been to so far in my life. The Seibu Dome concert was bigger, but, in my opinion, not better.

IMG_6844 | Flickr photostream | New tab | Click photo to view large at Flickr

After the concert when everybody was getting out, they were handing out a newspaper-like flyer about the big surprise that had just been announced inside. Here it is together with my ticket. I had a seat down at the arena, in the A-block.

IMG_7511 | Flickr photostream | New tab | Click photo to view large at Flickr

Next up was SKE48's Gomenne Summer Zenkoku minilive and handshake event. For these kind of events, called "全国握手会" (zenkoku akushukai - handshake events all around Japan), you simply just have to buy the CDs, in which a ticket is included. Many people come with 20 or more tickets. At this event I only used 1 ticket, and went to meet Rena.

IMG_7535 | Flickr photostream | New tab | Click photo to view large at Flickr

The following day, it was the same event, but in Nagoya. This day I met Jurina, Rena, Haachan, Yukko and Kanakana.

IMG_7536 | Flickr photostream | New tab | Click photo to view large at Flickr

Got there about an hour or two before the event and got entry ticket number 1493.

IMG_8245 | Flickr photostream | New tab | Click photo to view large at Flickr

After doing some regular sightseeing on the trip, I went up to Sendai to see AKB48 perform Ponytail to Shushu and get a few more handshakes. Photographing is strictly forbidden inside so you'll have to do with outdoor shots.

IMG_8326 | Flickr photostream | New tab | Click photo to view large at Flickr

Following day was the same event, but in Sapporo. There's a reason these events are called "zenkoku" after all. Getting from Sendai to Sapporo was a little bit of struggle, since the event ended late in Sendai (around 17:00), and the one in Sapporo started in the morning. Had to take a terrible night train and try to sleep in the seat. I'm not sure who I met in Sendai and who in Sapporo, but both altogether I got to see: Moeno, Yuko, Rabutan, Ayarin, Reinyan, Kitarie, Tomochin, Sae, Miichan, Umechan, Yonechan, Suuchan x2, Yukirin x2, Sayaka (Akimoto) x2, Harukyan x3, Mayuyu x3. Yes, things were better and easier at that time.

IMG_6734 | Flickr photostream | New tab | Click photo to view large at Flickr

At closing hours of every event, there will be people outside on the street trying to sell different things. These are bootlegs, and should be avoided at all costs. Sure, if you're not a collector and only want a nice fan or poster, it's easy and cheap to buy one here. But remember that no money is going to AKB for buying bootlegs. This man seems happy to be making money. This is in Harajuku, near the Yoyogi Stadium.

IMG_6670 | Flickr photostream | New tab | Click photo to view large at Flickr

This is inside a bootleg shop in Harajuku. It is easy to tell bootlegs from original goods. Mostly the pics are from live performance, and made out of cheap material. You will find the "(C)AKS" mark on official goods, and often a glimmering seal of approval. Unlike official goods, stuff will be sold at a distance from the event, never inside or just outside the building where the event is being held.

IMG_6727 | Flickr photostream | New tab | Click photo to view large at Flickr

Here's a long line to the official goods shop that was set up right outside the Yoyogi Stadium. Another hint to tell real from fake is the queue line. If it's long like this, it is definitely real. You can see the line go all the way to the corner, and then continue to the left. I asked a staff member who were holding the 最後尾 sign (saikoubi - end of queue line) how long the wait was - about 3 hours.

IMG_9897 | Flickr photostream | New tab | Click photo to view large at Flickr

Near the end of the trip in late August, AKB48 had a campaign going on at the Tokyo Dome amusement park area. If you watched Shukan AKB at that time you might recognize it. Each member had their own "day", and this day was Nakatsuka Tomomi's day. Not sure what you could actually do anything more than the stamp rally, and use their purikura photo machines.

IMG_0242 | Flickr photostream | New tab | Click photo to view large at Flickr

IMG_0288 | Flickr photostream | New tab | Click photo to view large at Flickr

And that concludes the events that I got to go to in 2010. In other words, I didn't get the chance to see them at their homeground in Akihabara. Altogether I got 67 handshakes, and attended 8 events (two not listed here: the make-up event for when it started raining, and a personal handshake event with one member of Watarirouka - I met Rabutan). I will try to make a similar article for 2011 sometime.

Cave Matsuri 2008 "Rakuen Baby"

2012-04-22T09:40:00.000+09:00

DSCN0338 | Flickr photostream | New tab | Click photo to view large at Flickr

Cave is a Japanese gaming company focusing on shoot 'em up games, more specifically "bullet hell", for the arcade gaming scene. The fan base is not that big, but very devoted, so every year since 2006 (I think), they have been holding festival days once or twice a year. Basically they sell limited goods, not available anywhere else than at these festivals, show new and modified games, and have a talk show. First years it was held at the top floor of HEY in Akihabara, the game center next to Club Sega. But the venue is very small, and there were simple too many fans who wanted to line up and buy limited goods. This was the first time they held the festival at a bigger place - Akiba Square, close to the station. The event was held August 15, 2008.

DSCN0290 | Flickr photostream | New tab | Click photo to view large at Flickr

The previous time I went, I missed out on a lot of stuff because I got there a little late. This time I wanted to come prepared so I took the first train in the morning.

DSCN0301 | Flickr photostream | New tab | Click photo to view large at Flickr

Not that many people on the train, but there will always be some.

DSCN0302 | Flickr photostream | New tab | Click photo to view large at Flickr

I arrive in Akihabara 4:39.

DSCN0305 | Flickr photostream | New tab | Click photo to view large at Flickr

Even so, there's already a bunch of people here lining up. I went to the first guy and asked when he got there, he said 4:20.

DSCN0307 | Flickr photostream | New tab | Click photo to view large at Flickr

4:45 - The sun rises over Akihabara.

DSCN0314 | Flickr photostream | New tab | Click photo to view large at Flickr

6:23 - It's getting hotter and hotter as the sun keeps rising.

DSCN0324 | Flickr photostream | New tab | Click photo to view large at Flickr

I had no clue how many people were behind me at this point. But suddenly there's a long train of people coming around lead by another guy who are relocating the queue line for them. In Japan, queue lines are almost always very organized, to avoid disturbing other people. It may be split at some point so people can walk through. And there will always be someone holding up a sign saying 最後尾 (saikoubi - end of queue line), and this is where you will enter the line.

DSCN0326 | Flickr photostream | New tab | Click photo to view large at Flickr

It is only 7:36 but it feels like it's 30°C+ already.

DSCN0332 | Flickr photostream | New tab | Click photo to view large at Flickr

Finally we can move to the shade and get our entry tickets soon.

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Finally got my ticket at 8:01. Sometimes at these kind of events, you will get a ticket like this so you can go do something else while waiting the last two hours. This is also to prevent people from cutting the line later. If you didn't get one of these earlier, you simply won't be let in. No exceptions. You can also not ask for two numbered tickets at once (i.e. for a friend).

DSCN0343 | Flickr photostream | New tab | Click photo to view large at Flickr

Most people have now got their numbered ticket and line in front of the event space has cleared up.

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Here's the table with the goods that they will be selling. Rather measily when you think about it.

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The posters. Originally these only came with the PCB kit of a game, which cost a bomb.

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The dakimakura case. Not as popular as last time.

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At every event, they are selling these one-of-a-kind wallscrolls, each with a famous quote from a game. Price is 50,000 yen or so. They only sell one or two different each time, and it's first come first serve. Took about 30 minutes for this one to be sold. It's a lot of money after all.

DSCN0356 | Flickr photostream | New tab | Click photo to view large at Flickr

They improved the queue line system and added a ton of cashiers this time.

DSCN0394 | Flickr photostream | New tab | Click photo to view large at Flickr

There will always be girls handling your stuff.

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After getting my stuff, I line up to get a signed fan. You would only get one if you bought the pillow case.

DSCN0398 | Flickr photostream | New tab | Click photo to view large at Flickr

It is artist Inoue Junya who will be signing it. He is the character designer for many of Cave's games, and is also doing some manga (currently one called BTOOOOM!).

DSCN0399 | Flickr photostream | New tab | Click photo to view large at Flickr

Specifically for this event, he had drawn a portrait of the director of Cave - Ikeda Tsuneki (IKD). Ikeda previously worked for Toaplan until they went bankrupt. After I was done getting my stuff I took a cab home to drop it off and went back.

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When not buying swag or playing games, you can chill with the booth babes...

DSCN0373 | Flickr photostream | New tab | Click photo to view large at Flickr

...or try fishing games.

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The line up of games. Most were loaded with their latest game Daifukkatsu.

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One of the were few girls that were at the event.

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Finally, it is time for the talk show.

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From left to right: Sakai, Ikeda, Mihara. Not sure what Sakai's role is, but Mihara is the vice president of Arika, the game company that makes the console ports for Cave's games.

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Last on the schedule was the competition in which anyone could enter. I think the bald guy here is a famous hi-scorer, and his team won. There was also a rock-paper-scissor game where you could win a Espgaluda 2 kit. I came second. :/

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And this is the swag I got. Some duplicates for selling to other people later. People overseas will have a hard time finding these.

DSCN0472 | Flickr photostream | New tab | Click photo to view large at Flickr

Japanese tea cups with the names of enemies in the games Dodonpachi Daioujou and Daifukkatsu. These cups with a bunch of kanji on them are called 油のみ (yunomi), and you may see them at sushi resturants. Those are usually decorated with the kanji of fish names.

DSCN0473 | Flickr photostream | New tab | Click photo to view large at Flickr

This 3D crystal is pretty cool. The thing printed inside is the point block that you want to collect in the game Ketsui.

DSCN0474 | Flickr photostream | New tab | Click photo to view large at Flickr

The stand includes a mirror and lights which change color.

Nakeru Basho

2012-01-27T19:57:00.001+09:00

vlcsnap-2012-01-24-21h59m34s111 | Flickr photostream | New tab | Click photo to view large at Flickr

The coupling song for Beginner, Nakeru Basho, by the first incarnation of the sub unit DiVA, was filmed in Konosu, Saitama prefecture.

IMG_5022 | Flickr photostream | New tab | Click photo to view large at Flickr

BINGO

2012-01-27T19:53:00.004+09:00

vlcsnap-2012-01-24-22h06m08s203 | Flickr photostream | New tab | Click photo to view large at Flickr

The beach and house that appear in the PV BINGO is located in Onjuku, Chiba prefecture.

IMG_4985 | Flickr photostream | New tab | Click photo to view large at Flickr

Full PV here.

Handshake Event - Everyday, Katyusha

2011-07-13T00:06:00.008+09:00

Tokyo Big Sight | Flickr photostream | New tab | Click photo to view large at Flickr

So when a new single comes out from AKB48, there's a theater version of it which you can preorder within specific dates. When you place that order, you get to choose a member to shake your hands with for 10 seconds for every CD you buy. You also get a pciture with each CD, which people will trade at the event. We'll get back to how things works later on. The events will not always be at the same location, but for the last events, they've been shifting between Tokyo Big Sight and Makuhari Messe. This one was at Tokyo Big Sight, spread out on two days - July 3rd and July 10th. The next one, for Flying Get, will be at Makuhari Messe.

アイスの実 | Flickr photostream | New tab | Click photo to view large at Flickr

It's best to start the day with some Kagome juice and Aisu no Mi, sponsored by AKB. You should also grab a can of Wonda coffee for a morning shot.

Kokusai Tenjijo Station | Flickr photostream | New tab | Click photo to view large at Flickr

The easiest way to get to Tokyo Big Sight is probably by taking the Yurikamome Monorail that runs from Shiodome. But I like to the Rinkai Line from Shin Kiba since it's cheaper. This is the station you want to get off at, Kokusai Tenjijo Station.

Tokyo Big Sight in sight | Flickr photostream | New tab | Click photo to view large at Flickr

When you step out of the station, you will spot the Tokyo Big Sight building right away. Just follow the mass of people heading for the event.

Tokyo Big Sight | Flickr photostream | New tab | Click photo to view large at Flickr

You will eventually end up at the main entrance which is located between the west and east halls. I have never been to the rooms that are in the upside-down pyramids, and I don't think they are used for events, but rather administration.

East halls | Flickr photostream | New tab | Click photo to view large at Flickr

Finally arriving at the corridor between east halls 1-3 and 4-6. This event used the halls 1-3.

East halls | Flickr photostream | New tab | Click photo to view large at Flickr

This is the entrance to east hall 2. There are usually no walls separating the halls inside 1-3 or 4-6.

Free Space Area | Flickr photostream | New tab | Click photo to view large at Flickr

While you're not shaking girls' hands, you can mingle or rest in the free space area. In the free space area the staff won't bother you, but if you try to sleep on the floor outside of the free space area or even just sit down, the staff will come and shoo you away. You're not allowed to take photos inside, and the staff guys and guards are everywhere. So I had to take this shot from a low angle to avoid getting spotted.

There is also an official shop, with items that sell out quickly. And then there is the trading area, where people put up their pics they want to trade. If you want to set up your own little space, you need to get there early, when they open at 9am, and grab a space. Otherwise you have to walk around looking at pics you want and propose pics you want to trade away. Most of the people who has grabbed a space will have a small sign stating who they are looking for, and sometimes who they want to trade away. The staff doesn't like that fans use money to buy and sell pics among each other, and talking about money can be alittle taboo. So instead the letter "K" (as in "thousand") is used when asking if the buyer or seller can use money. Usually people answer with just a number, which would be in thousands, instead saying the full amount like "3000 yen". It's easy to start up conversations with random people about AKB, oshimens, events, experiences and so on. We all have the same interests after all.

Getting back on how things works at these events, when you order your tickets, you can order three tickets (at different time blocks) at most within one order. You can however place how many orders you want to. There are 6 time blocks during the day, so if you can only go late in the evening, you should only place orders on the later time blocks. An example for an order: Maeda Atsuko (9/10) - block 5, Maeda Atsuko (9/10) - block 6, Takahashi Minami (9/11) - block 3.
That's one order, and if you want to add more time blocks, more tickets for a member in the same time block, or just more members, you have to place a new order.

The thing is that if you will actually get to meet the member of your choice, is chosen by a lottery after the time limit for the preorder expires. The preorders goes in rounds, so after the first round ends, everybody gets to know who they won. When round 2 starts, all of the top members will be sold out, so that's when you should go for less popular members, if you are interested in them. So if you only put in one or two tickets of a member you would like to meet, the chance that you will win is small. That's why a lot of people put in a bunch of orders. But then, if you actually do happen to win all of them, you really have to pay. One CD is 1000 yen.

You will then get your CDs with handshake tickets, together with a receipt which you need to bring to the event. Everytime you enter a member's line for a handshake, you need to show the receipt, the ticket, and an ID card. For foreigners, a passport or an alien registration card is essential. Japanese people can show their national ID card or driver's license.

All of the above cards have a photo of the cardholder. If you want to mix/trade/sell/buy tickets with friends, you can use a bank card and a credit card instead of an ID card, since those kind of cards don't have a photo of the cardholder. You also need their receipt of course. You don't want to sell or trade this to people you don't know, since you'll giving out your credit card.

For each time you get on the line, you get the chance to use up to three tickets at one time. One ticket means 10 seconds with a member, so that would be 30 seconds. The staff has a stopwatch and check the time very precisely.

ヲタ芸 | Flickr photostream | New tab | Click photo to view large at Flickr

Some poeple still hang around after closing hours. Here a group of wotas are performing some wotagei.

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Stairs | Flickr photostream | New tab | Click photo to view large at Flickr

Still hanging around | Flickr photostream | New tab | Click photo to view large at Flickr

More people near the station mingling.

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Keiyo Line from Shin Kiba on the way back home.

松井玲奈 | Flickr photostream | New tab | Click photo to view large at Flickr

This is my most valued picture that I managed to trade at the event. I gave away a little too much, but I wanted it badly.

Tokina 11-16mm f/2.8

2011-07-10T01:24:00.000+09:00

Don Kihote | Flickr photostream | New tab | Click photo to view large at Flickr

Finally decided what do with new camera gear, and decided to stick with my current body and for now just get a new lens. So today I got the Tokina 11-16mm f/2.8. Shooting wide is fun! Not satisfied with photos yet, but I'll guess I have to take it for a proper photo walk soon.

Sofmap | Flickr photostream | New tab | Click photo to view large at Flickr

ねぎ玉牛丼＋サラダセット | Flickr photostream | New tab | Click photo to view large at Flickr

Skyscraper | Flickr photostream | New tab | Click photo to view large at Flickr

Tunnel | Flickr photostream | New tab | Click photo to view large at Flickr

角 | Flickr photostream | New tab | Click photo to view large at Flickr

Pics | Flickr photostream | New tab | Click photo to view large at Flickr

5F | Flickr photostream | New tab | Click photo to view large at Flickr

8F | Flickr photostream | New tab | Click photo to view large at Flickr

Local 商店街 | Flickr photostream | New tab | Click photo to view large at Flickr

Coin lockers | Flickr photostream | New tab | Click photo to view large at Flickr

A day in Tokyo - AKB is everywhere

2011-07-05T23:00:00.003+09:00

Wonda Coffee | Flickr photostream | New tab | Click photo to view large at Flickr

This day I went out to do some shopping. My main targets were new shoes and an iPad. AKB48 is everywhere.

ASBEE | Flickr photostream | New tab | Click photo to view large at Flickr

SKE48 members Matsui Jurina and Matsui Rena (not relatives in any way) are campaign girls for ASBEE, a shoe store.

SKE tag | Flickr photostream | New tab | Click photo to view large at Flickr

I'd want to believe that this is a tag from some SKE48 fan, but maybe not.

唇触れず... | Flickr photostream | New tab | Click photo to view large at Flickr

At Meiji Street in Harajuku there are several signs advertising AKB48 sub-units and solo artists.

でかいあっちゃん | Flickr photostream | New tab | Click photo to view large at Flickr

唇触れず... | Flickr photostream | New tab | Click photo to view large at Flickr

うたスキ | Flickr photostream | New tab | Click photo to view large at Flickr

Utasuki is a service you can try in a karaoke box. I think you "compete" with the campaign girls who can sing better. I have yet to try it, but I know for sure I would fail.

渋谷SKE48ショップ | Flickr photostream | New tab | Click photo to view large at Flickr

SKE48 recently opened a shop in Shibuya. It's very small and doesn't have a lot of goods - mostly pictures and some leftover goods from concerts etc.

AKBがいっぱい | Flickr photostream | New tab | Click photo to view large at Flickr

Shibuya Tower Records store is plastered with huge AKB posters.

AKBがいっぱい | Flickr photostream | New tab | Click photo to view large at Flickr

Tower Records | Flickr photostream | New tab | Click photo to view large at Flickr

Tower Records AKB Corner | Flickr photostream | New tab | Click photo to view large at Flickr

The CD corner. Most famous groups and artists have their own little corner at Tower Records, with a small monitor playing the latest PV.

Tower Records AKB Corner | Flickr photostream | New tab | Click photo to view large at Flickr

AKB has something a little special though. This is the AKB corner of Tower Records. There are costumes to look at closely, DVDs, more CDs, magazines and a listening area.

Tower Records AKB Corner | Flickr photostream | New tab | Click photo to view large at Flickr

One girl relaxing while listening to some AKB.

Tower Records AKB Corner | Flickr photostream | New tab | Click photo to view large at Flickr

ちゅり | Flickr photostream | New tab | Click photo to view large at Flickr

Churi (Takayanagi Akane) is my SKE oshimen.

ポニーテールとシュシュ衣装 | Flickr photostream | New tab | Click photo to view large at Flickr

Ponytail to Shushu.

ヘビーローテーション衣装 | Flickr photostream | New tab | Click photo to view large at Flickr

Heavy Rotation.

Beginner衣装 | Flickr photostream | New tab | Click photo to view large at Flickr

Beginner.

渋谷 | Flickr photostream | New tab | Click photo to view large at Flickr

At the big crossing near Shibuya Station. Can you spot the two big AKB billboards?

モモイロクローバー | Flickr photostream | New tab | Click photo to view large at Flickr

Momoiro Clover is another idol group currently growing in popularity. Here at Yodobashi Camera in Akihabara they use one of their concerts as a 3D movie sample for people to try out the 3D effect. Pretty mind blowing watching a concert in 3D.

でかいともちん | Flickr photostream | New tab | Click photo to view large at Flickr

A huge Tomochin is on the wall of the main Sofmap store.

ともちん | Flickr photostream | New tab | Click photo to view large at Flickr

She's currently the mascot girl for Emobile, a cell phone service in Japan.

うたスキ | Flickr photostream | New tab | Click photo to view large at Flickr

Another karaoke place with the Utasuki service.

衣装 | Flickr photostream | New tab | Click photo to view large at Flickr

At a costume shop there are some copies of AKB costumes. I'll check out the prices next time, but I would assume around 20,000 yen. The left one is from Banzai Venus, and the right one from Ponytail to Shushu. The middle one I'm not so sure of.

Bootleg cases | Flickr photostream | New tab | Click photo to view large at Flickr

At the electronic small part devices mall near the station they have set up a few show cases with bootleg items. Not my cup of tea.

Overprice | Flickr photostream | New tab | Click photo to view large at Flickr

Even at a ticket shop, they have a special little AKB corner. Their prices are ridiculous though.

てぃ | Flickr photostream | New tab | Click photo to view large at Flickr

I finished the day with watching some of the SDN show on the screen at the theater. This day was one of the members' birthday stage.

Arriving in Japan

2011-07-02T23:01:00.003+09:00

Narita Airport | Flickr photostream | New tab | Click photo to view large at Flickr

I've arrived safely in Tokyo. Much of it went smooth, but a few things bugging me that I won't rant about here. It usually feels like that the first day, because I am always tired and easily annoyed. The next day I have forgot most of what annoyed me.

This is just outside the airport. It's kind of far away from Tokyo; with the rapid express it takes 1 hour and 20 minutes to Nippori where you can change to the Yamanote Line, and costs 1000 yen one way. Last year they introduced the new Skyliner which only takes 39 minutes to Nippori but the fare is 2400 yen.

Arlanda Airport | Flickr photostream | New tab | Click photo to view large at Flickr

First took the night flight from Arlanda airport in Sweden to Beijing. Air China is one of the cheaper airline companies, and I've flew with them before, so I knew I couldn't expect much of service. But it's cheap, and it gets me where I want.

Air China | Flickr photostream | New tab | Click photo to view large at Flickr

Air China beef | Flickr photostream | New tab | Click photo to view large at Flickr

Beef for dinner.

Air China breakfast | Flickr photostream | New tab | Click photo to view large at Flickr

Some mixed stuff for breakfast.

Beijing Airport | Flickr photostream | New tab | Click photo to view large at Flickr

Beijing Airport is however incredible clean and beautiful. The main halls are huge, and the halls with the gates endless. And it's all sparkling. They even have staff members working constantly at the toilets, cleaning up as soon as you've done you're thing.

Fishes | Flickr photostream | New tab | Click photo to view large at Flickr

At the pond at one of the "temples" they have some fishes.

Fuji welcomes you | Flickr photostream | New tab | Click photo to view large at Flickr

Finally landing at Narita Airport, large pictures with the words "Yokoso! Japan" greets you as you walk to the immigration control.

ADA Nature Aquarium Gallery

2011-06-18T21:13:00.010+09:00

Roots | Flickr photostream | New tab | Click photo to view large at Flickr

The ADA Nature Aquarium Gallery is a museum with beautifully arranged aquariums for domestic use. ADA stands for Aqua Design Amano, a company created by photographer, designer and aquarist Amano Takashi. He is one of the most influential people in the freshwater aquascaping community.

Niigata Station | Flickr photostream | New tab | Click photo to view large at Flickr

The easiest way to get to the museum from Tokyo is by taking the Shinkansen to Niigata Station, and then switch to a bus.

Niigata | Flickr photostream | New tab | Click photo to view large at Flickr

Niigata tracks | Flickr photostream | New tab | Click photo to view large at Flickr

Event | Flickr photostream | New tab | Click photo to view large at Flickr

There was some kind of event going on right outside the station.

Niigata bus | Flickr photostream | New tab | Click photo to view large at Flickr

Most buses in Japan works so that you step on at the back of the bus, and grab a ticket with a number on it from the machine. When you're steping off, you look at your number and at the board to tell how much you need to pay. Then you step off at the front door, putting money into the machine next to the driver first.

Fields | Flickr photostream | New tab | Click photo to view large at Flickr

Paddies as far as the eye can see.

Bus stop | Flickr photostream | New tab | Click photo to view large at Flickr

The bus stop seems to be in the middle of nowhere.

Bushes | Flickr photostream | New tab | Click photo to view large at Flickr

The ADA Nature Aquarium Gallery is located behind the bushes in the middle of this picture. The bus ride is about one hour from Niigata Station.

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ADA | Flickr photostream | New tab | Click photo to view large at Flickr

The sign to the aquarium is all faded and very hard to see.

Entrance | Flickr photostream | New tab | Click photo to view large at Flickr

The entrance to the ADA Nature Aquarium Gallery. The entrance is free, but they ask you to fill out a form of what you think about it. It's only open on weekends.

Entrance aquarium | Flickr photostream | New tab | Click photo to view large at Flickr

The first aquarium that greets you when you enter.

Aquascape | Flickr photostream | New tab | Click photo to view large at Flickr

Filter | Flickr photostream | New tab | Click photo to view large at Flickr

ADA makes some kind of special filters and powders which make the water better in some way.

Cliff | Flickr photostream | New tab | Click photo to view large at Flickr

Aquascaping isn't so much about the fishes that you keep in the aquarium. It's more about the arrange of aquatic plants, rocks, stones, caves, and driftwood. It's like gardening under water.

ADA Hall | Flickr photostream | New tab | Click photo to view large at Flickr

Anyone who likes aquariums and especially aquascaping will find this museum interesting and inspiring.

Rocks | Flickr photostream | New tab | Click photo to view large at Flickr

Corals | Flickr photostream | New tab | Click photo to view large at Flickr

Aquascape | Flickr photostream | New tab | Click photo to view large at Flickr

Tools | Flickr photostream | New tab | Click photo to view large at Flickr

A few of their tools on display. ADA tools aren't cheap.

Aquascape | Flickr photostream | New tab | Click photo to view large at Flickr

Smaller aquariums | Flickr photostream | New tab | Click photo to view large at Flickr

Small ones along the windows, and different tools on display.

ADA Overview | Flickr photostream | New tab | Click photo to view large at Flickr

Niigata Station | Flickr photostream | New tab | Click photo to view large at Flickr

Back at Niigata Station.

Niigata | Flickr photostream | New tab | Click photo to view large at Flickr

One year of AKB48 shopping

2011-06-17T01:10:00.011+09:00

AKB48 - 神曲たち | Flickr photostream | New tab | Click photo to view large at Flickr

Getting into AKB48 - the world's biggest idol group, and currently Japan's most popular - literally means that you will spend more money than you can afford. I don't buy everything, actually far from it. And I'm always trying to cut down and think what I actually need and don't before buying. I still try to buy at least one version of most of the CDs, since I don't like downloading music. To give you an idea of what it means to be a fan of AKB48, I put together the photos of stuff I got in my first year, from April 9, 2010, to April 9, 2011. I didn't take photos of all the stuff I got through the year, but most of it.

My very first AKB48 item was the second album Kamikyoku-tachi, meaning "the godly songs." Was happy to get Mayuyu bonus picture! Unfortunately I missed out on the external bonus from CDJapan, because I asked to them to conceal the package in an envelope. That usually lowers the risk of the package getting stuck in customs, but the downside is that CDJapan can't add any external bonuses. A mistake I will never do again.

渡辺麻友 | Flickr photostream | New tab | Click photo to view large at Flickr

Started to frame some of my pictures and get other types of goods.

Kamikyoku-tachi singles | Flickr photostream | New tab | Click photo to view large at Flickr

These were all included in the Kamikyoku-tachi album, but as it had no DVD with the music videos, I decided to get the ones that I missed. Japanese CD singles usually always come with a DVD containing the music video, or as they say in Japanese - MV or PV (promotional video).

AKBINGO! | Flickr photostream | New tab | Click photo to view large at Flickr

Official book to one of the most awesome variety TV shows ever.

ポニーテールとシュシュ | Flickr photostream | New tab | Click photo to view large at Flickr

16th single - Ponytail to Shushu. You might wonder why there is so much for just one single. At the bottom left is one of each type of the CD, type A and B. Each type has two songs plus one unique song. Above that is the obi (帯 - spinecard) for the CDs.

In the upper right corner is two handshake tickets (握手会イベント参加券). If you bring these tickets to the event, you get to shake the hands of one or two members. The event itself is free for anyone to go to, and they perform about three songs and talk abit. There are also two voting tickets for the yearly election, where the top members are decided by votes of the fans. Top 1-21 gets to be in the next single, and 22-40 gets to be in the coupling song. Top 1-12 will also appear in media promoting the single and represent AKB48.

Finally, at the bottom right corner is a bonus picture, one for each CD. Different stores have different bonus pictures, so if you don't want doubles you should order each type from a different store. Or you can just trade one with your friends.

渡り廊下走り隊 Madness | Flickr photostream | New tab | Click photo to view large at Flickr

Getting into AKB48 made me want to return to Japan sooner than ever, so I booked my flight and went. On the second day I bought Watarirouka Hashiratai's single Seishun no Flag. They are a sub-unit of AKB48. They also held an event at Tokyo Dome City Laqua on the same day.

Seishun no Flag poster | Flickr photostream | New tab | Click photo to view large at Flickr

The poster that I got with the Seishun no Flag single.

ごめんね、SUMMER | Flickr photostream | New tab | Click photo to view large at Flickr

I like SKE48 as well - their sister group residing in Nagoya, Sakae.

マジすか学園 DVD-BOX | Flickr photostream | New tab | Click photo to view large at Flickr

Majisuka Gakuen was the thing that got me hooked on AKB48. Even before Majisuka Gakuen, I had a liking to yankee (delinquent youth) themed dramas, which is why I picked this drama up. With cute girls everywhere and songs that I liked, I just had to know more about this big group of idols.

アキチャ学生証 | Flickr photostream | New tab | Click photo to view large at Flickr

Got Akicha's student notebook as the bonus for buying it from the official store.

生写真 | Flickr photostream | New tab | Click photo to view large at Flickr

Trio2 in Nakano is a dangerous place. They sell second-hand 生写真 (namashashin - pictures) which just about every fan of AKB48 collects. Most people only collect pics of their favorite members, and trade away all the others that they don't want. As these pictures go out of sale in the official shop as soon as they're released, Trio2 is a convenient but expensive place where you can easily browse pics sorted by member. Some pics only come with first press editions of CDs and DVDs.

AKB Goodies | Flickr photostream | New tab | Click photo to view large at Flickr

There are plenty of different goods to get. Here, towels, chewing gum, plastic bag (from 7 Eleven filled with candy), photobook, DVD, trading card and pictures.

Concert loot | Flickr photostream | New tab | Click photo to view large at Flickr

Concert loot from the Yoyogi live - Surprise wa Arimasen (July 10th & 11th, 2010). The best concert I've ever been to.

Moeno Nito | Flickr photostream | New tab | Click photo to view large at Flickr

Nito Moeno (仁藤萌乃) has been one of my favorite members since the start. So I just had to have this glowstick with her name inprinted on it. Other favorites are Kojima Haruna (Kojiharu), and Takayanagi Akane (Churi) of SKE48. And of course the captain of AKB48, Takahashi Minami (Takamina), but I don't collect her pics. Heck, I like most of the girls (as you can probably tell). Just a handfull of them that I'm not very fond of, but they still tend to charm me from time to time.

AKB Concert Newspaper | Flickr photostream | New tab | Click photo to view large at Flickr

After the concert they handed out a newspaper-like article about the big surprise. There are always surprises at their concerts.

More 生写真 | Flickr photostream | New tab | Click photo to view large at Flickr

More pictures from Trio2. In the bottom right corner are pics from the Yoyogi live.

逃した魚たち | Flickr photostream | New tab | Click photo to view large at Flickr

Re-release of their first album and music video collection of their first songs. Kinda useless now as a blu-ray edition of all the music videos up until now is coming out soon.

Studio Recordings & シュシュ | Flickr photostream | New tab | Click photo to view large at Flickr

Studio recordings of B4th and K5th stages, and scrunchies. Yep, they even have scrunchies! To go with the theme of their 16th single - Ponytail to Shushu (shushu means scrunchie).

アイドルの夜明け | Flickr photostream | New tab | Click photo to view large at Flickr

Bought an iPod Nano from the Apple Store Japan, with free engraving. アイドルの夜明け (Aidoru no Yoake) is my favorite stage.

Team Dragon & SKE48 2nd 公演 | Flickr photostream | New tab | Click photo to view large at Flickr

A temporary team, Team Dragon, was formed to make the new theme song for Dragonball Z Kai, a shortened version of Dragonball Z. Also SKE48's S2nd stage on DVD.

スカジャンetc | Flickr photostream | New tab | Click photo to view large at Flickr

The jacket is the same model that Yukirin has in Majisuka Gakuen. They are called Yokosuka jumper, or sukajyan for short. Thinking that they only sold these in Yokosuka, I went to find a store and have one ordered. The other stuff I picked up at the Ponytail to Shushu events in Sendai and Sapporo.

July 2010 Theater Pics | Flickr photostream | New tab | Click photo to view large at Flickr

I happened to be in Akihabara on the release day of these. Saw a long queue line outside Don Quijote, where the theater and official shop is. Asked what it was for, and they said AKB pics, so I joined the line. Had to wait two hours, and they only had Team K pics left when it was finally my turn. I took a picture of the ones I didn't want to keep, and put them up for sale.

K6th & B5th | Flickr photostream | New tab | Click photo to view large at Flickr

Another bunch of pics and two studio recordings.

佐江 Be@rbrick | Flickr photostream | New tab | Click photo to view large at Flickr

Be@rbricks are collectible toys designed by a Japanese company, and often do collaborations with artists and designers. In the summer of 2010, 7 Eleven had a campaign where you could win one of these 48 Be@rbricks - one designed by each girl. If you bought items for more than 700 yen, you got to draw a lottery ticket. All I ever won was a can of coffee...

生写真 | Flickr photostream | New tab | Click photo to view large at Flickr

These pics came with the theater version of Ponytail to Shushu. Got them all from Trio2. They are designed just like the politicians election posters, but over 9000 times cuter. Each girl try to appeal to the fans with comments.

Wanted Ucchi | Flickr photostream | New tab | Click photo to view large at Flickr

A shirt of Ucchi, who later became the center for the 19th single through a janken tournament (rock-scissor-paper).

Be@rbricks | Flickr photostream | New tab | Click photo to view large at Flickr

A pic of what the Be@rbricks looks like unboxed.

More Be@rbricks and 生写真 | Flickr photostream | New tab | Click photo to view large at Flickr

More Be@rbricks and 生写真.

Last Japan 2010 loot | Flickr photostream | New tab | Click photo to view large at Flickr

The last goods I got in Japan last year before heading back home. 17th single - Heavy Rotation, which made their popularity skyrocket even more. I also got Perfume's single Voice.

ずっと前から | Flickr photostream | New tab | Click photo to view large at Flickr

French Kiss is another sub-unit of AKB48. This was their first single Zutto Mae Kare, including a drama.

Japan batch | Flickr photostream | New tab | Click photo to view large at Flickr

Thanks to a friend I could get some items that are not available for sale outside of Japan - even at web shops.

生写真 | Flickr photostream | New tab | Click photo to view large at Flickr

Most of these bonus pictures I got for free together with DVD, CD and book releases.

CD collection | Flickr photostream | New tab | Click photo to view large at Flickr

The CD collection before it started to quickly grow in size.

Shii-chan | Flickr photostream | New tab | Click photo to view large at Flickr

I usually don't do stuff like this. The original plan was that I would send this photo of the spicy food and Shii-chan (she's eating spicy food in the pic) together with a short letter to someone who was organizing a happy birthday project for her. I never got around to writing that letter... And I still haven't sent or given anything to a member as a birthday present.

New pics 11/01/03 (1) | Flickr photostream | New tab | Click photo to view large at Flickr

I wanted to try to get as many of those election pics as I could. I was also collecting pics of Krisu at this time.

New pics 11/01/03 (2) | Flickr photostream | New tab | Click photo to view large at Flickr

Pics for Chance no Junban and others that I bought through forums. The kimono ones are especially nice!

New pics 11/01/03 (3) | Flickr photostream | New tab | Click photo to view large at Flickr

Pics for Beginner. There are usually two or three different themes of pics with each single. In this case, the above is the one for the senbatsu members, the middle row for undergirls, and the bottom row for the theater girls. Of course prices vary depending on were they are placed.

Sakippe poster etc | Flickr photostream | New tab | Click photo to view large at Flickr

Some of the members are featured in other musicians music videos. They don't sing, they're just there. I felt that I was missing a Japanese hip-hop album in my music collection, so I got Pengin's album Family, which came with a poster of Sakippe. She appears in of their music videos.

CDs | Flickr photostream | New tab | Click photo to view large at Flickr

CDs started to grow quickly as I started to get the sub-units CDs as well. They may look unopened, but I just put the plastic sleeve back on after ripping the music into iTunes, and putting the DVD in a folder. I did this because I prefered that the CDs would be displayed with their obi. I later threw away all the plastics and now I don't display them with their obi.

Close-up of AKB toys | Flickr photostream | New tab | Click photo to view large at Flickr

Close-up of the Be@rbricks and Pucho toys. I need to dust them off more often.

New loot 11/3/28 | Flickr photostream | New tab | Click photo to view large at Flickr

Another batch of goods from Japan. In the middle is a chocolate bar with deco art, from Watarirouka Hashiratai 7. I tried to make something with the extras that I got, but it didn't turn out too well.

Not yet & 仁藤萌乃 | Flickr photostream | New tab | Click photo to view large at Flickr

Not yet's first single. Yet another sub-unit that formed recently. And a good one! Moeno was a birthday present. Thanks!

Answer & バンザイVenus | Flickr photostream | New tab | Click photo to view large at Flickr

no3b's single Answer and SKE48's Banzai Venus, with bonus pics as usual. no3b (read No Sleeves) is my favorite sub-unit, and Answer one of my all time favorite songs.

AKB Shrine | Flickr photostream | New tab | Click photo to view large at Flickr

The above photo was taken soon after April 9, 2011, showing a part of my showcase. This concludes my first year of AKB48 shopping. I'm trying not to think about how much I spent all together. And there are still far more crazier fans than me out there.

Food in Japan 3

2011-06-16T01:15:00.000+09:00

さしみ | Flickr photostream | New tab | Click photo to view large at Flickr

Going to put the remaining resturant food pics from last year here. Next time will be covering the convenience store food and bentos. Then I'm all set for this year's food! Above is sashimi with beer snacks at a local pub.

唐揚げ定食 | Flickr photostream | New tab | Click photo to view large at Flickr

Kara-age set meal, near Yodobashi in Akihabara.

牛タン | Flickr photostream | New tab | Click photo to view large at Flickr

Gyutan, a local speciality in Sendai. It means beef tongue.

陳健一麻婆豆腐 | Flickr photostream | New tab | Click photo to view large at Flickr

Mabodofu, spicy tofu from China.

陳健一麻婆豆腐 | Flickr photostream | New tab | Click photo to view large at Flickr

Just look at all the spices. Can't wait to eat this again.

ロースカツカレー（３辛） | Flickr photostream | New tab | Click photo to view large at Flickr

Roast katsu curry, with spice up level 3. At CoCo Ichibanya, you can add spiciness up to level 10. Level 3 was about perfect for me. Yokosuka is the town of curry.

ロシアンかつ | Flickr photostream | New tab | Click photo to view large at Flickr

Russian katsu in Tokawa, at the very far west end of Chiba prefecture.

ローストビーフ | Flickr photostream | New tab | Click photo to view large at Flickr

Roast beef at the top floor of Kyoto Station.

Japanese sweet | Flickr photostream | New tab | Click photo to view large at Flickr

A Japanese type of sweet that I got with the roast beef. Not sure what it's called.

Pizza Hut | Flickr photostream | New tab | Click photo to view large at Flickr

They have Pizza Hut in Japan too, very popular to order for home parties like this.

スパムむすび | Flickr photostream | New tab | Click photo to view large at Flickr

Spam-tied Hawaiian food in Odaiba.

チョコレート・シェイク | Flickr photostream | New tab | Click photo to view large at Flickr

Chocolate shake for dessert.

Pepper Lunch | Flickr photostream | New tab | Click photo to view large at Flickr

At Pepper Lunch you get to fry your meat in the way you like. The plate comes in burning hot, and is ready to eat after about 2-5 minutes.

Teppan chef | Flickr photostream | New tab | Click photo to view large at Flickr

My personal chef making my okonomiyaki. You eat it directly from the iron plate. Near Hiroshima Station.

広島風お好み焼き | Flickr photostream | New tab | Click photo to view large at Flickr

True Hiroshima-style okonomiyaki.

Chinese Chicken Burger | Flickr photostream | New tab | Click photo to view large at Flickr

Chinese chicken burger from Lucky Pierrot in Hakodate.

てんぷら定食 | Flickr photostream | New tab | Click photo to view large at Flickr

At Tendon Tenya, you can add 1-200 yen to split your tendon into a meal where everthing is separated.

Doutor Lunch | Flickr photostream | New tab | Click photo to view large at Flickr

Sausage with sallad and yoghurt at Doutor in Hakodate for lunch.

てんぷら | Flickr photostream | New tab | Click photo to view large at Flickr

Tenpura meal in Nagasaki. I need a wider lens!

カツカレー | Flickr photostream | New tab | Click photo to view large at Flickr

Another katsu curry, this at Hakata Station.

Beef Kebab Plate | Flickr photostream | New tab | Click photo to view large at Flickr

Beef kebab from Star Kebab located on the street behind Sofmap Mac Center in Akihabara.

回転寿司 | Flickr photostream | New tab | Click photo to view large at Flickr

Rotating sushi in Akihabara.

Family Resturant | Flickr photostream | New tab | Click photo to view large at Flickr

This was at a family resturant in Nagasaki. I can't remember exactly what I had, but it looks like a hamburg steak, fish and something crispy.

Italian Cuisine | Flickr photostream | New tab | Click photo to view large at Flickr

Italian pasta somewhere in a back alley of Nakano.

エスカルゴ | Flickr photostream | New tab | Click photo to view large at Flickr

Snails on bread for appetizer.

オムライス | Flickr photostream | New tab | Click photo to view large at Flickr

Omuraisu - omelette on top of rice. Demiglace sauce on top.

トンデミーナピザ | Flickr photostream | New tab | Click photo to view large at Flickr

A pizza with a sausage at Fuji Q Highland.

たこ焼き | Flickr photostream | New tab | Click photo to view large at Flickr

Takoyaki at Fuji Q Highland. They are fried ball-shapes with octopus filling.

Food in Japan 2

2011-06-15T21:28:00.010+09:00

冷し中華 | Flickr photostream | New tab | Click photo to view large at Flickr

Next up in the Food in Japan series is all the noodles (麺 - men) from last year. There are many types of noodles, with different primary ingedients and thickness, all with different names. For example, soumen and hiyamugi looks and taste exactly the same. The only difference is that soumen is up to 1.3mm, and hiyamugi is 1.3-1.7mm thick. Chinese cold noodles at Shiodome above.

うどん屋 | Flickr photostream | New tab | Click photo to view large at Flickr

Take a plate, say what you want to the chefs, and you're ready to eat within 30 seconds. And this was at rush hour.

とろ玉うどん（冷、並） | Flickr photostream | New tab | Click photo to view large at Flickr

Udon, a type of extra thick noodles. You can usually choose if you want them hot or cold.

かま玉 | Flickr photostream | New tab | Click photo to view large at Flickr

Another type of udon. Tenpura shrimps on the side.

爆発ラーメン | Flickr photostream | New tab | Click photo to view large at Flickr

Bakuhatsu Ramen - meaning Bomb Ramen. The spiciest ramen I've ever had.

坦々麺 | Flickr photostream | New tab | Click photo to view large at Flickr

Tantan-men is another type of spicy ramen, near Chinatown in Yokohama. Still nothing compared to the above.

びえいラーメン | Flickr photostream | New tab | Click photo to view large at Flickr

This is Biei Ramen I had in Biei, Hokkaido. Not exactly sure what was special about it.

Food in Japan 1

2011-06-14T20:52:00.004+09:00

スタミナ丼 | Flickr photostream | New tab | Click photo to view large at Flickr

Food in Japan will be a returning series with all types of different food available in Japan - from Japanese, Chinese and Korean to American, French, Italian and Swedish. I want to bring back some of the pics from last year, starting with all the don (丼) I had. Don is basically a bowl with rice, and something on top of it. Above is stamina-don, filled with stuff to regain and increase your stamina. This is at Takadanobaba, which has many cheap resturants for all the students going to Waseda University and other colleges.

天丼 | Flickr photostream | New tab | Click photo to view large at Flickr

Tendon from Tendon Tenya, a resturant specializing in tenpura. You can add side dishes to your meal as you like.

うな丼 | Flickr photostream | New tab | Click photo to view large at Flickr

Unadon is a speciality in Sapporo. Unagi means eel.

牛丼 | Flickr photostream | New tab | Click photo to view large at Flickr

Gyudon from Yoshinoya. Their motto is "yasui, hayai, umai!" meaning "cheap, fast, tasty!"

カツ丼 | Flickr photostream | New tab | Click photo to view large at Flickr

Katsudon at Hakodate Station before leaving Hokkaido. Tonkatsu is pork cutlet.

Yokohama by night

2011-06-13T04:46:00.002+09:00

Three landmarks | Flickr photostream | New tab | Click photo to view large at Flickr

Yokohama is lovely to visit by night with all the colored illuminations. Here we see the three most famous landmarks that represents Yokohama. To the left is Landmark Tower, Japan's tallest building until Tokyo Sky Tree is completed. In the middle is the ferris wheel at Yokohama Cosmo World. To the right is the Yokohama Grand International Hotel.

Harbor | Flickr photostream | New tab | Click photo to view large at Flickr

I've never been up to the observatory tower, and I don't really see a point in doing so. Landmark Tower is just so much taller.

Yokohama by night | Flickr photostream | New tab | Click photo to view large at Flickr

When it gets pitch black, the lighting reflects nicely in the water.

Yokohama by night | Flickr photostream | New tab | Click photo to view large at Flickr

Playing with dollfies | Flickr photostream | New tab | Click photo to view large at Flickr

I am not the only one who likes to take photos in Yokohama by night. These guys were fiddling with their tools and lighting to get good shots of their Dollfies with Yokohama in the background. Dollfie is a special type of doll from Volks, very popular (and expensive - around 100,000 yen for a plain body) among anime fans. These Dollfies are dressed up as characters from Magical Lyrical Nanoha.

Yokohama by night | Flickr photostream | New tab | Click photo to view large at Flickr

Looking out towards Osanbashi Pier.

Party boat | Flickr photostream | New tab | Click photo to view large at Flickr

This is a typical party boat which groups of people can rent, with staff and food included.

Landmark Tower | Flickr photostream | New tab | Click photo to view large at Flickr

Yokohama by night | Flickr photostream | New tab | Click photo to view large at Flickr

Kanpeki Gu~no Ne

2011-06-12T02:07:00.015+09:00

Sign pointing at Minato-no-Mieru Oka Park | Flickr photostream | New tab | Click photo to view large at Flickr

The music video for the sub-unit Watarirouka Hashiritai's Kanpeki Gu~no Ne was mostly shot in Minato-no-Mieru Oka Park, in Yokohama. It means "the park on the hill where you can see the harbor".

Motomachi-Chūkagai | Flickr photostream | New tab | Click photo to view large at Flickr

Take the Minato Mirai Line to Motomachi-Chukagai, and follow the signs. It's a steep climb of stairs to get to the park, but once you're up, you'll have a view of the Yokohama bay harbor.

Outlook | Flickr photostream | New tab | Click photo to view large at Flickr

Yokohama Bay Bridge | Flickr photostream | New tab | Click photo to view large at Flickr

The view wasn't that great this day, but I don't think it would have been much more interesting on a clear sky day.

渡り廊下走り隊 - 完璧ぐ～のね | Flickr photostream | New tab | Click photo to view large at Flickr

港の見える丘公園 | Flickr photostream | New tab | Click photo to view large at Flickr

渡り廊下走り隊 - 完璧ぐ～のね | Flickr photostream | New tab | Click photo to view large at Flickr

港の見える丘公園 | Flickr photostream | New tab | Click photo to view large at Flickr

渡り廊下走り隊 - 完璧ぐ～のね | Flickr photostream | New tab | Click photo to view large at Flickr

港の見える丘公園 | Flickr photostream | New tab | Click photo to view large at Flickr

渡り廊下走り隊 - 完璧ぐ～のね | Flickr photostream | New tab | Click photo to view large at Flickr

港の見える丘公園 | Flickr photostream | New tab | Click photo to view large at Flickr

大佛次郎記念館 | Flickr photostream | New tab | Click photo to view large at Flickr

This is a commemoration building for Osaragi Jiro, the pen name of a historical fictions writer from the Showa period.

港の見える丘公園 | Flickr photostream | New tab | Click photo to view large at Flickr

渡り廊下走り隊 - 完璧ぐ～のね | Flickr photostream | New tab | Click photo to view large at Flickr

港の見える丘公園 | Flickr photostream | New tab | Click photo to view large at Flickr

渡り廊下走り隊 - 完璧ぐ～のね | Flickr photostream | New tab | Click photo to view large at Flickr

港の見える丘公園 | Flickr photostream | New tab | Click photo to view large at Flickr

Watch the full PV. Lyrics can be found at Studio48.