Mistakes of Youth: The Blog (Powered by EXCELLENCE!)

Evangelion 2.0 YOU CAN(NOT) ADVANCE (ヱヴァンゲリヲン新劇場版: 破,) UCC coffee promotion. Set me back 700 yen. Bought in AsoBitCity Akiba.

I can’t keep it a secret for any longer. Those who have a keen eye kept on my Flickr feed, or those who have the unfortunate knowledge as to what my face looks like and have seen it in photos taken by others will know that yes, I did find my way into one of Danny Choo’s swanky blogger parties.

I’m going to be honest here–I haven’t been reading Mr. Choo’s blog lately. I’ve become a busy guy–I don’t have much time to read blogs. As such, much like most of the other blogs livebookmarked in my Firefox Bookmarks Toolbar Folder, I only click on things if a title on the RSS feed catches my eye. Because of this, I wasn’t really fully aware of the details of these parties Mr. Choo was holding beyond the fact that they existed until a friend of mine tipped me off. After some research, I came to the conclusion that an event like this could be fun, and summarily begged Danny for an invite.

CGM Night 5, held on the 15th of June was the first of these parties that I attended. Me, along with a friend went to see just how much trouble we could get into. Turns out there was a lot of trouble we could have gotten into, but we didn’t really get into it. We’re too good for that.

There was lots of geek-swank going on at this party. You couldn’t look anywhere without running into a Google or Firefox employee, along with a slew of other IT pros. The party was mostly a stage for networking and general socializing with other nerds, but there were some games and giveaways. I played janken for an eroge I’d never play, but it’s fine since I lost anyway. There was no one there that I really knew, but the atmosphere alone was interesting.

I did however know two people–Patrick “Son Goku” Galbriath, and–the man of the hour–Danny Choo. I exchanged some words with Patrick, and exchanged a bit more with Danny. They’re both cool guys, and probably better people to meet in real life than, say, me.

My friend and I came out rather satisfied with the experience, and both agreed that we wouldn’t mind going again. Of course, it’d probably be better if I could run into more people I know.

Once the party was done, we went out for Hoppy.

While I’ve done the odd event report and some bits of poor Gonzo journalism, during my–at this point–two and half months in japan, I’ve yet to lay down any solid opinions about this place on my–sadly neglected, as of late–weblog. I plan to change this now. Not the sadly neglected part, though.

So yeah, it’s been two months. The bright and clear shimmer of being in Japan has long since faded, and I have eased into a normal routine. The first thing I’d like to bring up is my distinct lack of culture shock. I mean sure, some things did take me by surprise–like just how crowded the “crowded Japanese train” can get, and the fact that men wear purses–but overall, nothing thus far as phased me too much, and forced me into hating this country. In fact, I like most of the things about this country that are different from America. To be quite honest, being in Japan has made me really not like America. I am not like one of those whiny, annoying, and absolutely stupid American kids who misses their pizza and hamburgers–I couldn’t care less for that shit. I love a lot the things here, and quite frankly I’ll miss them when I return to America. That said, I do kind of miss grapes, but that’s it.

As you can gather, I really like this place. When I first landed, I really liked this place. Some of that love was in part driven by the intense amount of Japanophile inside of me, but once everything balanced out, I still came out liking this place. The first couple of weeks are pretty rough though, especially if you’re a dumbass American whose image of Japan is painted entirely by Naruto and J-Rock bands, and your pristine image of this country is destroyed right when you realize that yes–you have to use fucking Japanese, here! Even if you’re not like that, and, say, like me, it’s still rough, but mostly because of jetlag, and just adjusting to the pace of the country.

One thing that probably really helped me settle into this country was that I already knew a good amount about it. In fact, I’ve probably collected too much information about Japan throughout that years that I’ve wanted to go, to the point that nothing phases me here. I actually wanted a bit more culture shock. I wanted stuff like, say, casual racism to blow my mind, but I went in fully expecting every single Japanese person to always, at all times, look at me with a strong look of disdain. In fact, my negative expectations were so high that the fact that they haven’t been met surprises me more than anything else. This isn’t to say that I wasn’t totally fucking excited about coming here, but I also came fully ready to despise this country. That hasn’t happened.

Anyway, I think I’ll dispense you all from the intense amounts of elitism and take on a more humble tone. While I do love this place, the language barrier is an issue. Yes–I know basic Japanese–but listening and speaking can still be a challenge. For one, I can’t really effectively communicate with my peers. I do have conversations with a lot of the people in my manga club, but they slow down their speech when talking to me, and even then I sometimes misunderstand. I’ve slowly been improving, but it is something an annoyance. I came in knowing all I’d be able to use with people was Japanese, and I knew my Japanese was bad, but I didn’t realize it was this bad. Practice in the field does help, though. I can now have pretty casual–albeit slow–conversations.

In the previous paragraphs I’ve mentioned that I really liked this place, but I haven’t expanded upon the whys. There are many whys, so I’ll just cover a few of them. One of them is something really simple, but I love the design work in this country. By that I mean, I love the way buildings look, and the way towns are arranged. I love how close together everything is, and how small the living space is. I suppose most Americans would hate this, but I can’t help but love it. I also love being swept away with the waves of people in the hot spots in Tokyo. Once again, I can’t explain why, but I just like it. Another thing I like are the service people–they’re just so nice! Except at hole in the wall places–in those places, they’re charmingly grumpy, and make some damn good food.

One big thing that surprised me was that I actually care about the real culture here. I love the otaku culture, yeah, but the fact that I actually like the real culture is quite surprising. Before I came I had little interest in Japanese culture, but when one’s surrounded by it–especially as an American–you kind of get the feeling of, “Ah, so this it what it feels like to be in a country that actually has culture.”

When all is said and done, I really don’t want to leave this country. In fact, I’d be happy living here forever, never to return to America. I love the people here, I love the food, and I love the life style. This place is great.

—

Here’s all of the photos I’ve taken so far. There’s about 2000, but they’re all not that interesting. One may notice that I didn’t really cover otaku things here–I plan to do that in forthcoming posts, which may or may not happen. I’m sorry for the snooty tone of this post, but one develops a lot of pent up anger when around some of the stupider not-Japanese people.

I’m 21, which makes me nine years closer to death according to Daryl Surat’s “30 is the otaku expiration date” theory.

I went out a with buddy to Akiba. We hit up Mandarake and Coscha. Apparently it was sukumizu day. Again. When I came in I was like “wow, it’s sukumizu day…AGAIN”, and the maid was line “YES, SUKUMIZU DAY (v sign)”

Pictures

(more…)

First off, here’s some background music.

Anyways, >>1, please listen to me. That it’s really related to this thread.
I am in Japan right now; you know, Japan?
Well, anyways, there was insane number of foreigners there, and I couldn’t get in.
Then, I looked at the poster on the wall, and it had “Cool Japan” written on it.
Oh, the stupidity. Those idiots.
You, don’t come Japan just because you think it’s cool, fool.
It’s only cool, C-O-O-L for crying out loud.
There’re even entire families here. Family of 4, all out in Japan, huh? How fucking nice.
“Alright, daddy’s gonna order a giant hamburger at McDonald’s.” God, I can’t bear to watch.
I’ll give you a giant hamburger if you go back to America.
Japan should be a bloody place.
That tense atmosphere, where two guys wanting to buy the same 30000 yen Touhou Mahjong set can start a fight at any time, the stab-or-be-stabbed
mentality, that’s what’s great about this place.
Women and children should screw off and stay home.
Anyways, I was at Shinjuku station, and then the American bastard beside me goes “I hate Japan, why does everyone speak Japanese? I want to go home.”
What kind of foreigner in Japan really wants to go home nowadays, you moron?
I want to interrogate him . I want to interrogate him for roughly an hour.
Are you sure you don’t just want try killing yourself?
Coming from a Japan veteran such as myself, the latest trend among us vets is this, going to Nakano Broadway.
That’s right, Nakano Broadway. This is the vet’s way of going to Japan.
Going to Nakano Broadway means more rare goods than mainstream goods. But on the other hand the price is a tad higher. This is the key.
And then, it’s amazing. This is unbeatable.
However, if you go there then there is a danger that you’ll be looked down upon by some Japanese people from the next time on; it’s a double-edged sword.
I can’t recommend it to amateurs.
What this all really means, though, is that you, >>1, should just stay the fuck in America and never come to Japan, ever.

(SDS reminded me that the Yoshinoya Rant exists)

I was kind of staying away from posters in my Japan place because a) I wasn’t sure if the walls could handle it, and b) too much work. However, having just gotten my hands on the old December 2008 issue of Megami (with poster) I couldn’t help myself.

It can only get worse from here.

First, let us open with a story told in pictures along with some not-very-witty commentary.

It took me longer than I thought it would to get there. Not too long, but longer than expected. Resulted in me arriving 30 minutes late, but I knew I was running late right as I walked out the door.

There were a few other events in here as well, and one of them happened to be a Touhou event. There were people lined up all around the block. All of the events were rather small, but had enough people so that it wasn’t totally crowded. This Touhou event was the same size as the others, but about 100 times the amount of people wanted to get in.

The beginning of the massive Touhou line. You can’t really assess its size from this photo, though.

After some wandering around the Tokyo Trade Center for about 15 minutes, I finally found my way into the event space.

I would steal Shingo’s old joke about Japanese people having a horrible disease which causes their faces to get blurry whenever photographed, but he’s not around to call me on that.

Not quite Comiket. More like an Otakon artists alley.

Since I arrived late, I missed Bolze’s book. I had only found out that he was going to be in attendance hours prior, so I didn’t really care. He was nice enough to let me photograph his sexy Nagi illustration. Still can’t find his new book in doujin shops, though. I wonder if it was even a new release or just a reprint of old stuff. Since he was sold out, I’m guessing it was a new book but I’m too lazy to check.

I left after about 90 minutes, if I recall correctly, and the Touhou line was still alive and kicking. To make things even better, it had started raining while I was inside. Good thing I brought my umbrella, because when it rains in Japan, it’s always for the whole day, and it’s never, ever a light drizzle. I met up with kransom and penguinman a few moments later, in said horrifying Touhou line. After waiting for them to do their run, we went and acted like nerds in Akiba for a bit.

Here’s an ad for a DVD box only 2000 people bought.

My modest loot pile. I only bought that HinaxHamsterxTrapHayate book because the circle selling it had a free file you could take. I had forgotten my bag, so I needed something to hold my books, but I didn’t just want to take her file without buying anything, so I bought her book after some thought. If anyone wants it I’ll sell it to them for what I bought it for.

And now, some brief impressions.

Golden Week is prime time for otaku events. In fact, in the days prior to this one both Comic 1 and Comitia happened. I didn’t go to those–I didn’t want my first doujin event to be something big and scary. Thusly, I decided to skip those, and instead check out this small “Only”–as they call it in Japan–event for my (somewhat, season 2 is grating on my nerves) beloved Hayate no Gotoku.

The event was as small as I expected it to be. The quality of the books was generally fine, but there was some real homely stuff being sold. The best example was–and I really should bought it, in retrospect–was this horrible Hinagiku-centric copy-bon. The art was completely done in pencil, and looked as if it was drawn by a third grader. I think it was ero, too. Not sure. The guy was so desperate, yelling “please, take a look” at anyone who passed by. As such, his book was the first I looked at.

There was a line forming for something popular, so I just got in it on a whim. When I was about half-way into the line the big “our new issue is sold out” announcement was made, and everyone dispersed. I really had no idea what it was, but it looked fine from when I caught a quick glance at it earlier.

One thing that’s interesting about an event like this is that you get to the see the faces of people who make the books you buy. Well, that is if they’re not wearing a kaze mask. Whether this is a good or bad thing is up to you. What surprised me is how many not-horrible-looking women were behind some of the booths. Actually, a good number of the people I bought from were women. I’m not sure if they were actually the artists, though. On the same vein, some people I follow on pixiv were there, so it was cool to see what they looked like.

Overall, I had a fine time. It wasn’t the vigorous Comiket experience, but it was still nice in its own, chilled out way. As my first event, I thought it was good, but I really feel like tackling bigger events in the future. However, I think the only real big event coming up next is… Comiket.

Monday, May 4th. 11:30. First day of Golden Week. Generally establishments are closed during this series of holidays, so as a precaution I ring up SHAFT’s “Filming and Digital Division.” After just one ring, a man answers.

“Yes, this is SHAFT.”

His voice is heavy with fatigue–as if he had just woken up, and this ringing phone had disturbed his much needed rest. Nothing but death comes through the receiver. I almost think it’s an answering machine.

“Uhh, yes. Is SHAFT open today?” I ask.

“Yes, we are,” he replies.

“Thank you,” I say in my horrible, horrible Japanese accent. Of all the words I can’t say correctly, it has to be 「ありがとう」.

After a quick errand in Ikebukuro, I find myself in the meandering maze that is Shinjuku Station. After exiting from some exit I’ve never been through before, I start searching for buildings that kind-of-sort-of look like the Prince Hotel. After being lead in the wrong direction more than few times, I finally find a public map to reorient myself. The course is now clear, and my sights are set on the Prince Hotel.

After a ten minute walk and a can of Grape Soda, I finally appear below the grand shadow cast by the Prince Hotel. Beneath its ritzy, five star rooms lies the Seibu Shinjuku Station. After walking around in a circle like moron upon buying my 200 yen ticket, I finally find my way to the trains.

Being used to JR’s typical setup, the Seibu Station is a touch off-putting. After some intense kanji reading, I manage to find my way onto the right train. It’s a rapid, so I have to switch to local somewhere along the line, since Iogi station isn’t really a happening destination, sad as it may be.

After about twenty minutes of sitting along with one train transfer, I am suddenly within walking distance of illustrious Studio SHAFT.

Once out of the station, I try my best to orient myself so the map provided on SHAFT’s site can at least be somewhat useful. The site only gives you their office address, but with the power of the internet I found out where their actual studio is, as well. As you can see, it does look like it may be some old guy’s garage.

Despite wanting to go towards the office, after about ten minutes of walking I notice I’m actually heading in the direction of the studio. Me being anal about the order in which I do things, I turn back and head towards the office. However, I do get a good opportunity to see the neighborhood in which SHAFT is located. Lots of nerd locations, such as this one. Their prices kind of suck, though. My dudes at SHAFT probably know where all THE GOOD SHIT is.

Once back on track, I find the Family Mart noted on SHAFT’s map, and moments later I manage to find the building itself. I am in awe. I can’t speak. My animal tendencies take over. I whip out my camera and take as many pictures as possible.

While snapping a shot of their information desk, and I hear a man’s voice coming from behind me.

“Uhh… who are you? What are you doing?” he asks in a puzzled, but not angered tone.

“Oh… this is SHAFT’s office, correct?” I respond.

“Yes.”

“Oh, I am a big SHAFT fan!” I say with a touch of enthusiasm.

“Oh… is that so.” He still sounds puzzled.

“Is Shinbo Akiyuki in?”

“He hasn’t come in yet.” Still, sounds puzzled.

“Ah, thanks!” I run off. Partly out of fear, but mostly because my next target is the studio.

With the aid of SHAFT’s map in conjunction with some scribbles to help me find the studio, I walk about twelve blocks until I come across the seedy garage pictured on Google maps.

While blown away by the idea that SHAFT may just be run out of some guy’s garage, accepting it as reality is yet to set in. I approach the building slowly, and once I walk past the first door I hear a man screaming in rage, then a crying baby.

I leave.

I walk about two or three more blocks looking for similar garages, but none are as dead-on as the first one. That has to be STUDIO SHAFT.

I go further in than I did last time into what appears to be an apartment building. I take a quick look into an empty studio with some slippers on the floor, and then look towards the mail boxes.

I see it.

「シャフト」, written in marker on the oldest, most disgusting piece of paper I have ever seen, against a stupidly rusty mail box. I lack enough guts to actually ascend the staircase, and instead decide to head back to the office.

I am lot more worried on this second visit–it’s around 15:30, and the building looks way more active. People are walking in and out. I suppose they just woke up. Furthermore, I’d feel awkward if the same guy who caught me taking spy photos saw me again, so I retreat to the park right across the street to think things over.

After about thirty to forty-five minutes of sitting, pacing in front of the studio, walking up and down the street, then sitting in the park again, I finally decide that I have nothing left to lose and push open the doors of heaven.

Once in, I hit the bell after some more seconds of hesitation. A man approaches.

“Excuse me,” I utter in a small, worried voice.

“Yes,” replies the man. He looks fairly young–probably in his late twenties or early thirties.

“I am a big SHAFT fan!” I exclaim once more.

“O-ok.”

“Do you know when Shinbo Akiyuki will be coming today?”

“Oh, sorry. He’s not coming in today.”

“Oh, is that so. One more thing–can fans like me go into SHAFT?”

“Ahh, sorry that’s a little…” He makes a cross with his fingers.

“Oh, ok. Thanks!” I rush out.

While somewhat anti-climatic, upon reflecting on it I’ve found the trip to be worth while– I got see where SHAFT works, and interact with two random staff members. Sure, I didn’t get my Tsukuyomi DVD signed, but maybe I’ll save that for when I appear in front of Shinbo’s apartment. Also, during that forty-five minutes of indecision, I noticed a SHAFT staff member photographing some of the swings in the park, so… look out for swings in Bakemonogatari, or something.

Found on the way to Shinjuku.

Place was packed.

Guy: Yeah, I like Nanoha. Fate is my favourite character.

Me: Oh, I have a friend who really likes Fate as well.

Guy: She’s really cute. I… bought her dakimakura.

Me: You like dakimakura too??

Guy: You like them??? NAKAMA!!

We then shook hands.

I was young. I was naive. She took advantage of me.

I woke up dazed and confused. She was laying down next to me. In her hand was 30000 yen. 30000 yen that was once in my wallet.

I didn’t talk to her for a day after that, but today I sat down and had a quick chat before I had to go. She seems nice, but just a tad bit forceful.

—

I don’t “like” Akiba yet. To me, liking Akiba right now is like liking the person who just viciously raped me.

But I’m warming up to it.

Freshman week. Lots of people.

Can’t see a thing. Crowded. This scene is right out of Genshiken.

None of these clubs look interesting. I’m searching desperately the one.

I turn right and see…

The Strongest Fairy.

This can be no other club but…

The Sophia University Comics Society!!

Akihabara is not a paradise. It is not a wonderland. It is not heaven.

Akihabara is rape.

Even now, the events that transpired between 13:00 and 20:00 are fuzzy at best. At some point I bought a bunch of shit, and at another point I noticed I was down 30000円. I have no clue as to how any of this happened. It just did.

Akihabara exceeded all expectations. In the same way that no one really articulated to me just how crowded the “crowded Japanese train” can be (note: it’s crowded), no one really articulated to me just how much one can spend in Akihabara. My seven hours there were dream like–I was lead around by the eroge peddling Hen Da Ne guy, along with some other denizens from the internet, being taken on a tour of multi-coloured moé madness. I recorded some things for a potential podcast, but instead of anything funny or interesting the whole thing more or less turned into “AKB for dummies.” I’ll probably post it up anyways.

I’m sure subsequent visits will be less scaring, but this initial visit was too much for me. I had no idea so many great things could exist in such a small area. Once I get my wits about me, I can see myself visiting on a weekly or bi-weekly basis.

My head hurts. Ever since I’ve gotten to Japan, the misguided and borderline retarded cries of English language anime fandom have driven me crazy. I need to let off some steam.

In an attempt to clear my head, I take a walk. Even though I’ve been in Japan for under a week, the walk from my dwelling to the train station already feels familiar. There’s a bunch of vending machines on the way, and one thing I’ve noticed about Japan is that I’m using them way more than I do in the States. It’s mostly because the selection is so varied, and the products are pretty good.

The first stop on my walk is the local DVD and game shop. The name is rendered entirely in kanji, so I’m unable to read it. I am however able to read “パソコン　DVD　ゲーム” so I knew this place would be my hangout right when I got here. First stop: used DVDs. I spot two volumes of the first Hayate series sitting around for 15 dollars a piece, each DVD containing 4 episodes. I’d consider this if the show wasn’t already being released in the US. Or should be. There’s a whole host of other titles, and there are surprisingly a few that I have not heard of. Only a few, though.

I quickly scan the game section–it’s littered with tons of Gundam games which never saw the light of the day in the US. Whether they’re good or not is your call, but it’s a sad state of affairs nonetheless.

After a cursory scan of PS2 and PS3 games, I head to the narrow 18+ section. One side is lined with AV DVDs, while the other is lined with eroge. I spot Shuffle! sitting around for about 40 bucks. My main aim, however, is a good loli-centric yarugee, but I can’t find anything that meets that description here. Perhaps the trip to Akiba tomorrow will be more fruitful.

I spend the rest of my time just aimlessly wandering around, and while doing so I come across a poster advertising the DS release of Really? Really! I’ll snap a picture of it tomorrow on my way to AKB.

Next stop is Kogo Books. I’ve come across two bookstores in my area, and this one is by far my favourite. The manga selection is larger, and they actually have Megami on sale. I’ve yet to buy it, though. I’m saving my first otaku purchase for Electric Town. The first thing I see when I walk in is a complete run of Gundam: The Origin. Along side that is a bunch of awesome looking Gundam spinoff manga that I had no idea existed. I doubt I can read Operation Troy, but the cover art is positively amazing.

In my time browsing through the manga section, I notice a whole bunch of adaptations of light novels and popular anime. I had no idea so much of this junk existed. I wonder if any of them are good?

Kodomo no Jikan finds itself under three or four shelves of porn featuring busty women, which I find a little hilarious. Opposite that is a whole smörgåsbord of more 18+ comics, just sitting out near the entrance of the store. None of it interests me, though. The only loli stuff is poorly drawn. Across from this island is another, and on it is the infamous Comic LO, just sitting out for anyone to look at it. My small gaijin head can’t get around the fact that this positively dirty publication is just sitting out for anyone–even an old lady–to see.

Truly, this is the greatest country.

I’m getting closer to the station. Nearby is a game center. I’ve been in once before, but I’ve yet to take a good look. I first head upstairs to all the gambling games. Beyond all the slots is a fleet of Gundam 0083 card battling machines.

Once again: Truly, this is the greatest country.

There is a display case filled with figures of sexy anime girls, but among them the figure I’m most interested in is a no-nonsense 3D rendering of the great Inspector Zenigata. That one Misato figure is pretty hot, too.

Heading back downstairs now. The place reeks of smoke, but I don’t mind. In any other context I would, but here it just feels natural. There are a number of UFO Catchers, one of which has a some nice Haruhi figures, and the other has some awesome Gundam toys. I’ll try my luck eventually. The selection of games is great, and at some point I’ll have to at least give that one Gundam game a spin, since it looks totally sweet.

I exit the joint stinking of smoke and loving it, only to move on to another smoke-filled joint–a local slots parlor. Evangelion is the big game here, with Eva-themed machines lining the entrance. Most of them are just playing the intro, but one screen had a picture of Rei in some bloomers. A woman who works there welcomed me, and at that point I left because I felt as if I had to play something.

The final stop on this walk was the other book store I mentioned earlier. There’s not really anything of note, except for SUPER MEGAMI DELUXE, which just may contain every Megami Poster ever, printed in artbook form.

Very tempting indeed.