Castlevania Dungeon Forums

Off Topic => Off Topic => Topic started by: Shiroi Koumori on January 20, 2013, 01:42:49 AM

Title: Japan gets all the good stuff!
Post by: Shiroi Koumori on January 20, 2013, 01:42:49 AM
This is a place to post all things great about Japan.


McDonald's 60 Second Campaign
McDonald's Japan's new 60-second campaign (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=owtyOxjQ1pg#)

Title: Re: Japan gets all the good stuff!
Post by: Abnormal Freak on January 20, 2013, 02:16:39 AM
I can't help but want to post all the stuff that's NOT so great about Japan. :p Such as...

http://kotaku.com/5484581/japan-its-not-funny-anymore (http://kotaku.com/5484581/japan-its-not-funny-anymore)

and...

http://www.cracked.com/article_20118_5-things-nobody-tells-you-about-living-in-japan.html (http://www.cracked.com/article_20118_5-things-nobody-tells-you-about-living-in-japan.html)



But they sure make some good animooz, that's for sure.
Title: Re: Japan gets all the good stuff!
Post by: Donvermicelli on January 20, 2013, 11:30:12 AM
The low amount of fat in their food? They use a minimum of oil to prepare food resulting in less greasy food!
Title: Re: Japan gets all the good stuff!
Post by: P/\/\\/o on January 20, 2013, 12:10:29 PM
Japan gets some good stuff, indeed. But they also miss a ridicilous amount of stuff, we 'westeners' take for granted. Just look at the majority of devs and pubs of Xbox and western PC-games. They actually have import-shops there, and the games similarly cost a tons more there.

But the stuff Europe misses, now THAT'S a blasphemy!  ;)
Title: Re: Japan gets all the good stuff!
Post by: Laina on January 20, 2013, 12:48:44 PM
I hear it's next to IMPOSSIBLE to find vegetarian food there. Everything has a little dash of pork bone marrow, or beef stock, or something. If I were full on vegetarian (I dine on seafood on occasion) sounds like I'd be hard-pressed to find a good meal.

Seems like this wasn't always the case though-

http://gaijinass.com/2011/12/13/6-things-japan-gave-up-to-be-civilized-that-we-civilized-cultures-now-do/ (http://gaijinass.com/2011/12/13/6-things-japan-gave-up-to-be-civilized-that-we-civilized-cultures-now-do/)
Title: Re: Japan gets all the good stuff!
Post by: P/\/\\/o on January 20, 2013, 12:56:14 PM
I hear it's next to IMPOSSIBLE to find vegetarian food there. Everything has a little dash of pork bone marrow, or beef stock, or something. If I were full on vegetarian (I dine on seafood on occasion) sounds like I'd be hard-pressed to find a good meal.

Seems like this wasn't always the case though-


It's always been the case. And if not beefstock, fishstock is like most crucial thing in the whole cuisine. So there's no way you can avoid it, if you do not have cash and some major knowledge about trendy cuisine there. But hey, at least there's tofu! God bless tofu!  ;D
Title: Re: Japan gets all the good stuff!
Post by: Laina on January 20, 2013, 03:55:05 PM
Tofu is fucking delicious when done right. Paavo, come to America & let me cook for you! If spending thousands of dollars flying halfway across the globe to the middle of nowhere so an anemic looking blonde girl can cook for you sounds a little less than practical, just say it was a life experience. You went on a soul searching sabbatical in the wilderness (I have bears wander through my backyard on occasion, no shit) & wanted to experience a different way of life from a simple, yet strong & dignified people...wait, that sounds a bit too much like what folks say when they try to cover up a sex tour to a developing country. Ne...never mind.

Anyway, let's get things back on track-Japan gets this while we don't & I'm all butt-hurt over that.

http://www.puroland.co.jp/english/welcome.html (http://www.puroland.co.jp/english/welcome.html)
Title: Re: Japan gets all the good stuff!
Post by: P/\/\\/o on January 21, 2013, 03:05:57 AM
Haha, sounds sweet!  ;D

Also, Puro-land rocks! Even when it's a glorified shopping mall to all things Sanrio! I got TONS of pics from there, anyone wanna see?  :)
Title: Re: Japan gets all the good stuff!
Post by: Laina on January 21, 2013, 03:13:48 AM
Also, Puro-land rocks! Even when it's a glorified shopping mall to all things Sanrio! I got TONS of pics from there, anyone wanna see?  :)

Paavo, Paavo...why would you even ask that? Post them, NAO!
Title: Re: Japan gets all the good stuff!
Post by: Shiroi Koumori on January 21, 2013, 03:14:41 AM
Please post them Paavo!
I love Sanrio products!
Title: Re: Japan gets all the good stuff!
Post by: TheCruelAngel on January 21, 2013, 09:49:41 AM
Yeah, Japan is freaking sweet. I love going there and visiting my family.

And if you think McD's in Japan is good, wait until you try Moss Burger. And you think that's crazy? Check out the menu for Denny's in Japan! http://www.dennys.jp/dny/menu/index.html (http://www.dennys.jp/dny/menu/index.html)

UNGPH, god I love family diners like that in Japan. Always so good! And the customer service, oh lawdy the customer service is to die for (compared to here in the good ol' US of A!). I wish people here were HALF as courteous and polite as the Japanese working in service industries (getting gas is a whole other experience SAMPLE: http://www.topgear.com/uk/videos/gtr-vs-train-1 (http://www.topgear.com/uk/videos/gtr-vs-train-1)).

Though if I'm honest, I also really love visiting the cultural heritage site (Yasukuni shrine, Osaka Castle, Golden Pavilion, etc.), and even the more touristy sites like the Ramen theme park (http://www.bento.com/phgal3.html (http://www.bento.com/phgal3.html)), themed cafes (the Gundam one is seriously delicious) and maid cafes are an interesting experience.

But...if I'm really honest...I love the super otaku places where I can buy my nerd paraphernalia for the cheap.  :-[

And now some pics!
Me and the Missuz in front of the 1/1 scale Gundam when it was in Shizuoka.
(https://castlevaniadungeon.net/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fsphotos-b.xx.fbcdn.net%2Fhphotos-snc6%2F168933_10150131908780351_7659195_n.jpg&hash=d3a3fb825173dce324788d882e609354)

Me, the Missuz and our buddy in front of the Kenta-kun (Kentucky-kun, get it?!) in Akihabara.
(https://castlevaniadungeon.net/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fsphotos-b.xx.fbcdn.net%2Fhphotos-ash3%2F164705_10150131910230351_8033890_n.jpg&hash=40697ffeb45c60684b56e193db802957)

Me and the Missuz in front of Osaka castle!
(https://castlevaniadungeon.net/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fsphotos-b.xx.fbcdn.net%2Fhphotos-prn1%2F164857_10150131911465351_2016571_n.jpg&hash=c5faefd1b7a2e99d365ab0d28ed81f83)
Title: Re: Japan gets all the good stuff!
Post by: Laina on January 21, 2013, 10:24:59 AM
...I hate you, you lucky sonofabitch.

Seriously though, nice pics, thanks for sharing them. I've always wanted to see the Gundam statue myself along with good ole Kentah-kun considering I'm from Kentucky.
Title: Re: Japan gets all the good stuff!
Post by: Shiroi Koumori on January 21, 2013, 10:46:07 PM
Me, the Missuz and our buddy in front of the Kenta-kun (Kentucky-kun, get it?!) in Akihabara.

Kenta-kun looks better in Kyoto since he is wearing a Kimono. I had a picture of the Colonel somewhere. But since I am lazy, I'll just get a pic from the internet.
http://simonhiggins.net/wp-content/uploads/2008/07/jj22.jpg (http://simonhiggins.net/wp-content/uploads/2008/07/jj22.jpg)

Akihabara is one of the places to shop for otaku goodies! I love the little second hand stores with competitive prices and yes all of them are cheap!

There are a lot of cheap places to eat really delicious food. Even convenience store food is good.
But one of the best restaurants to eat is Kani Doraku. Ahhhh Japanese spider crab dinners are awesome.....
http://douraku.co.jp.e.at.hp.transer.com/ (http://douraku.co.jp.e.at.hp.transer.com/)

Ikebukuro, Tokyo is also a great place for sightseeing and shopping. http://www.infomapjapan.com/sight_Ikebukuro.phtml (http://www.infomapjapan.com/sight_Ikebukuro.phtml)
I love the ice cream city and gyoza stadium in Namja Town.
But the main store of Animate is the main attraction for Otakus! This area is less crowded than Akihabara but most of the shoppers here cater to the female crowd. Males might prefer to just stay in Akihabara because Ikebukuro is well known for its Otome (female otakus) road.
Title: Re: Japan gets all the good stuff!
Post by: TheCruelAngel on January 22, 2013, 10:05:58 AM
The one in Akiba usually gets dressed up in cosplay, like Eva unit 01, we just happened to catch him in normal clothes that day.  ;D

Source: Internetz
(https://castlevaniadungeon.net/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi.imgur.com%2FTk7M3.jpg&hash=8466261daa977123519fdab80725079a)

I haven't hit up anywhere in Ikebukuro yet, Otome stuff doesn't really phase me (I think it comes with the territory) so I'll have to check it out sometime! I think I like DenDen Town in Osaka a little better than Akihabara, if only because I don't have to climb super tiny staircases up 4 stories to check out some weird shop. And I found more Gunpla dedicated stores in DenDen Town as well.  ;D

My recommendation for good eats would be (other than Denny's and Moss Burger) Curry House CoCo! But I am a fiend for good Japanese style curry...oh oh! And if you haven't tried it, definitely get some sushi from one of the local sushi bars by the Tsukiji fish market, so gooooooooood.  :D
Title: Re: Japan gets all the good stuff!
Post by: Shiroi Koumori on January 23, 2013, 01:17:44 AM
I haven't hit up anywhere in Ikebukuro yet, Otome stuff doesn't really phase me (I think it comes with the territory) so I'll have to check it out sometime! I think I like DenDen Town in Osaka a little better than Akihabara, if only because I don't have to climb super tiny staircases up 4 stories to check out some weird shop. And I found more Gunpla dedicated stores in DenDen Town as well.  ;D

My recommendation for good eats would be (other than Denny's and Moss Burger) Curry House CoCo! But I am a fiend for good Japanese style curry...oh oh! And if you haven't tried it, definitely get some sushi from one of the local sushi bars by the Tsukiji fish market, so gooooooooood.  :D

Osaka DenDen town is better organized than Akiba. Yeah Osaka has a lot more plamodel shops but the Gundam Shop there takes the cake! Speaking of Gundam? Have you eaten at the Gundam Cafe near Akihabara Station? http://g-cafe.jp/ (http://g-cafe.jp/) It is a must experience for die hard Gundam fans. The lines are long by nightfall because they are serving Gundam themed cocktails.

Oh yes... I remembered Curry House CoCo! I used to eat there a lot since it was beside the university I was attending!

Tsukiji sushi bars are the best! Really fresh seafood straight out of the market.... ahhhhhh......
Title: Re: Japan gets all the good stuff!
Post by: Jorge D. Fuentes on January 23, 2013, 07:56:25 AM
Me and the Missuz in front of Osaka castle!
(https://castlevaniadungeon.net/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fsphotos-b.xx.fbcdn.net%2Fhphotos-prn1%2F164857_10150131911465351_2016571_n.jpg&hash=c5faefd1b7a2e99d365ab0d28ed81f83)

Needs more Shotokan.
(https://castlevaniadungeon.net/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fbp0.blogger.com%2F_RBBZ1h6j3Cc%2FSGRRCj044lI%2FAAAAAAAAAUg%2FpDm9-7OgMQc%2Fs400%2Fsuper-street-fighter-ii-turbo-hd-remix-20080625042442605.jpg&hash=76a30833e7e6f3e4d2d9a970c41fecc0)
J/K :P
Title: Re: Japan gets all the good stuff!
Post by: TheCruelAngel on January 23, 2013, 08:36:34 AM
Needs more Shotokan.
http://bp0.blogger.com/_RBBZ1h6j3Cc/SGRRCj044lI/AAAAAAAAAUg/pDm9-7OgMQc/s400/super-street-fighter-ii-turbo-hd-remix-20080625042442605.jpg (http://bp0.blogger.com/_RBBZ1h6j3Cc/SGRRCj044lI/AAAAAAAAAUg/pDm9-7OgMQc/s400/super-street-fighter-ii-turbo-hd-remix-20080625042442605.jpg)
J/K :P

I used to practice shotokan... o_O

Speaking of Gundam? Have you eaten at the Gundam Cafe near Akihabara Station? http://g-cafe.jp/ (http://g-cafe.jp/) It is a must experience for die hard Gundam fans. The lines are long by nightfall because they are serving Gundam themed cocktails.

YES! That food is DELICIOUS! Drinks were pretty good too. It was heavily Gundam 00 themed since the Gundam 00 movie had just come out on Blu-Ray there. Also yeah, those lines were long. I think we waited for about an hour and got stuck in the smoking section, which was fine for my bffl, but the rest of us were gagging. XP

Also; proof because what's the point of a good story on the net without pics?
My buddy, my bffl and myself infront of the cafe, my missuz was takin' the shot.  :P
(https://castlevaniadungeon.net/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fsphotos-a.xx.fbcdn.net%2Fhphotos-ash4%2F183835_611145881983_6753349_n.jpg&hash=28b27460e42d1902d551c9e8bc625b7e)

What I ordered
(https://castlevaniadungeon.net/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fsphotos-b.xx.fbcdn.net%2Fhphotos-snc6%2F184971_611145971803_2910925_n.jpg&hash=6184ee6094d0cfdaf64b8a27b81c3cd6)

What the missuz ordered
(https://castlevaniadungeon.net/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fsphotos-b.xx.fbcdn.net%2Fhphotos-ash4%2F183771_611146026693_8027114_n.jpg&hash=e041bdda4fa280ba763794d72bf98be1)

Our drinks!
(https://castlevaniadungeon.net/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fsphotos-b.xx.fbcdn.net%2Fhphotos-ash4%2F387730_736695509523_405585282_n.jpg&hash=d78024b73eb8f853f9aabb6317811c6b)

We even went to the little cafe in Shizuoka when the Gundam was there!
(https://castlevaniadungeon.net/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fsphotos-a.xx.fbcdn.net%2Fhphotos-ash3%2F182043_611151505713_2720087_n.jpg&hash=6891ebc9f8c9f0a058bd6ada15925558)

Though this place was really legit! It was a little bar in Osaka where the bartender had been living in the states for the past few years and finally came back to Japan. He was so excited to have American guests he started to play "Team America" on his tv there.  ;)
(https://castlevaniadungeon.net/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fsphotos-b.xx.fbcdn.net%2Fhphotos-snc6%2F166444_10150131913890351_4378806_n.jpg&hash=2192d256224cef448b801110cd802132)

We actually kind of got really drunk, convinced a young Japanese guy (about our age) to go do Karaoke with us (with a lot of persuasive help from the bartender)...and had a blast!
(https://castlevaniadungeon.net/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fsphotos-a.xx.fbcdn.net%2Fhphotos-ash3%2F164339_10150118623710351_4334560_n.jpg&hash=4163d4301b12674aa66ffb8664e05fc3)

Though since we drug him out of the bar to hangout with us, we decided to cover his Karaoke expenses as well. Also, we didn't want him to completely cover the bill. Remember kids, Japanese people will try to cover the bill entirely, even if they can't afford it! Once we were done he was starting to make a beeline straight to the cashier so we had our buddy distract him by showing him where the toilets were, mwa ha ha ha. I can be a jerk sometimes.  :rollseyes:
Title: Re: Japan gets all the good stuff!
Post by: Shiroi Koumori on January 24, 2013, 07:30:18 AM
Has anyone tried Sweets Paradise?
http://www.sweets-paradise.jp/guide/index_english.html (http://www.sweets-paradise.jp/guide/index_english.html)
Title: Re: Japan gets all the good stuff!
Post by: Donvermicelli on January 24, 2013, 08:39:34 AM
Yes me! I've lived in Kyoto for about a year and even though I only went there once the food was awesome. Only sweet stuff there (like the name implies) My teeth died through the experience though and were relieved to meet my toothbrush soon after.

Also has anyone been on the hunt for the KitKats? They have like a million different flavors, each town/city has it's own.
(https://castlevaniadungeon.net/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fkimonobox.com%2Fwp-content%2Fuploads%2F2009%2F09%2F3789936929_878080c373_b.jpg&hash=c48e0b46a4d9a6ef5d29ce323bc12458)

(would post my own pictures but an overview one like this is just more convenient)
Title: Re: Japan gets all the good stuff!
Post by: Lashen on January 24, 2013, 10:44:38 AM
I used to practice shotokan... o_O

CHESTO!
Title: Re: Japan gets all the good stuff!
Post by: Neobelmont on January 24, 2013, 09:28:18 PM
What about the gamecenters since america does not give a flying freak about the arcade scene anymore in fact the I use to go closed down after thirty something years it was called family fun arcade which is very ironic since that place was a hardcore fighting game community just my cup of dang freaking tea now it's gone forever... forever!!!  >:(
 :'(
In a way it makes me feel like this but with arcades

The Crying Indian Commercial (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=m4ozVMxzNAA#)

The natural beauty that was once the arcade  :'(
Title: Re: Japan gets all the good stuff!
Post by: Donvermicelli on January 25, 2013, 01:21:11 AM
True, Japan's arcades are numerous and amazing. In fact I think the sole reason they exist is because it's considered to be socially awkward if you stay at home to play video games.
Title: Re: Japan gets all the good stuff!
Post by: Shiroi Koumori on January 25, 2013, 07:09:50 AM
True, Japan's arcades are numerous and amazing. In fact I think the sole reason they exist is because it's considered to be socially awkward if you stay at home to play video games.

Yeah. You get associated to the hikikomori group.
I love their UFO catchers. It is really easy to grab *ahem* push those goodies!
Title: Re: Japan gets all the good stuff!
Post by: TheCruelAngel on January 25, 2013, 08:52:35 AM
The arcades are pretty awesome. A lot of Gundam Extreme Vs (I suck at them, but bought it for PS3 anyway) but always fun air of competition and comraderie around.

I don't know about you guys, but I leave near Seattle, so we still have our Game Works...I think I'll need to make a trip out there again.

KIT KATS! slkdhjfralkjfa

I just bought a bag of Green Tea Kit Kats (my favorite) from the local Japanese grocery store here (http://www.uwajimaya.com/ (http://www.uwajimaya.com/)). I also really like the milk tea flavor.

Speaking of milk tea, JAPANESE VENDING MACHINES!

(https://castlevaniadungeon.net/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.kevblog.co.uk%2Fblog%2F85%2Fvending_machines_boss.jpg&hash=1e1dfc1eaa234671712b5811fa7e6ae9)

(Yeah I'm a big Boss Coffee fan...) I love these things! Deceptively easy to spend all your money here...but so convenient! I was never without beverage, even if I was dropping $1.50 each time. But I could have cold coffee, hot coffee, juices, tea, sports drinks, though surprisingly kind of hard to just find a Coke. o_O
Title: Re: Japan gets all the good stuff!
Post by: Shiroi Koumori on January 25, 2013, 06:41:28 PM
Coke is rare since Japan is a Pepsi country. Finding Dr. Pepper is a treasure hunt challenge!

I am a sucker for tea so all those very convenient vending machines are heaven sent.
I also love the freebies usually keychains that are with the drink bottles in the convenience stores. I collected those Gundam pepsi caps when i was there!  :)
Title: Re: Japan gets all the good stuff!
Post by: TheCruelAngel on January 28, 2013, 08:21:55 AM
I got a can of Kamen Cider (Ichigo!) while I was there.

Note: Not my actual can, but just an idea of what it looks like.
(https://castlevaniadungeon.net/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fimg12.imageshack.us%2Fimg12%2F4197%2Fdsc00271py.jpg&hash=51edc0f172fdb3fc3cf2830cfbbc0155)

I also love New Years in Japan! Going down to the shops and getting the little grab bags? Win! (Also don't forget to visit your local/favorite shrine!)
Title: Re: Japan gets all the good stuff!
Post by: Laina on January 28, 2013, 04:08:17 PM
One of my favorite clothing/cosmetic lines. I has a sad that I missed their one American appearance at J-Pop Summit Festival 2012. I'm not sure if they'll be nack this year or not, but I can't afford to go anyway.

http://www.lizlisa.com/en/ (http://www.lizlisa.com/en/)
Title: Re: Japan gets all the good stuff!
Post by: Pfil on February 02, 2013, 04:49:30 PM
So many good JRPG's only in Japan...
I was hoping Toki To Towa was translated to english, but it seems it won't.
Title: Re: Japan gets all the good stuff!
Post by: Ratty on February 09, 2013, 07:15:41 PM
This seems to be the most appropriate topic for this, I found out that at least in the USA you can watch the 1970s Japanese Spider-Man series (in which he gets his powers from aliens, fights the evil "Professor Monster" and has a giant robot) for free on Marvel's website
http://marvel.com/videos/watch/563/japanese_spiderman_episode_01 (http://marvel.com/videos/watch/563/japanese_spiderman_episode_01)
Unfortunately it's probably region blocked outside the US.
Title: Re: Japan gets all the good stuff!
Post by: TheCruelAngel on February 11, 2013, 08:18:31 AM
You can also watch the Australian interpretation of Ultraman on Hulu!

http://www.hulu.com/ultraman-towards-the-future (http://www.hulu.com/ultraman-towards-the-future)

I remember I used to watch this as a little kid every Saturday morning.  ;D Though I think I prefer Ultraman Tiga, because J-Pop.
Title: Re: Japan gets all the good stuff!
Post by: son_the_vampire on February 11, 2013, 08:53:44 AM
Uncut fist of the North Star. I like the gore that gets left out everywhere else
Title: Re: Japan gets all the good stuff!
Post by: Shiroi Koumori on February 11, 2013, 11:18:07 PM
You can also watch the Australian interpretation of Ultraman on Hulu!

http://www.hulu.com/ultraman-towards-the-future (http://www.hulu.com/ultraman-towards-the-future)

I remember I used to watch this as a little kid every Saturday morning.  ;D Though I think I prefer Ultraman Tiga, because J-Pop.

Oh boy, the Ultraman series! I couldn't remember all of them, but the most memorable one for me was the movie with the Ultraman King voiced by former prime minister Koizumi. hehehe.