Anne in Japan 2013: Vacation Recap

Two weeks sure flies by when you’re having fun! As I mentioned in my last post, I’ve been off enjoying the wonderful land of Japan, where my days were filled with (mostly) eating and shopping. But I did manage to sneak in a couple of other activities, too! Thanks to all who followed my adventures on Twitter and Instagram, and I’m very sorry I wasn’t able to upload at least a post or two while I was away. Alas, the internet did not cooperate! But now that I’m back, I have all the resources I need to give many photo-filled accounts of my adventures… starting with this post!

My plan of attack is to publish a series of themed posts that will likely consist mostly of a few places I visited and items I purchased (you can expect a full Pokémon Center Osaka report, for example), but I wanted to start by doing a brief overview featuring a few of my favorite events and photos from the trip!

Waiting for the JR train to take us to Yasu after a long flight. Sure, it’s not the 24+ hour trip that was required to get to Japan back when I lived in the US, but it’s still tiring! The flight from Brisbane is nine hours, but luckily there’s only a one hour time difference. 

We had a relaxing first day seeing the sights in Yasu. This is a lovely cafe that looks right out onto Lake Biwa, Japan’s largest lake.

My host family’s new house is surrounded by beautiful rice and barley fields!

Japanese signs are always so fun. I don’t think you need to understand Japanese to get the meaning of this one!

First of many candy hauls. Check out the Funghi and Animal Crossing: New Leaf gummies! I was disappointed by the Kit Kat selection, but still managed to find a few interesting flavors. The yellow bag pictured is passionfruit “otona no amasa” Kit Kats. I’ll be sure to write full reports on all of these candies (and those not pictured) over the next few weeks.

I never thought I’d say this, but I actually went to a live-action Doki Doki! Pretty Cure show! Pretty Cure is a long-running series of magical girl shows for young viewers (think Sailor Moon, but for a slightly younger audience), and Doki Doki! Pretty Cure is the season currently airing in Japan. I wouldn’t say I’m really much of a fan, since I’ve never even watched the show, but as a massive Sailor Moon buff, I thought it would be a waste not to go see this local show where the performers act along to pre-recorded audio while wearing some ridiculously creepy masks that make them look like living anime characters. I even recorded some video!

Yep… creepy, but still fun!

I had to take a picture of myself in front of the famous Glico man when we got to Osaka. 
Shaun putting his Einhander skills to the test at a retro game shop in Den Den Town. 
Of course, seeing a Takarazuka Revue show was at the top of my list for this trip. I wasn’t initially excited to see yet another rendition of Romeo and Juliet, but I actually quite enjoyed it! 

It goes without saying that we ate lots of delicious food! I’m a big fan of grilled mackerel. 

Went to the Kyoto International Manga Museum to meet up with some ladies I met at a conference in Melbourne. Also got to see this amazing Katsuya Terada exhibit, including this piece that was drawn specially for the museum!

The big event of the trip was my host sister’s wedding. I’m so very happy for her! The ceremony was lovely. For a moment Shaun and I wished we did an all-out wedding like theirs, but it was a fleeting thought! I’m happy just to attend someone else’s.

I also met my Twitter pal @Zolbrod, who you may remember penned a great write-up of his Hello Kitty donut experience for me back in April. It was great to chat over lunch and play this whacky rhythm game together at the local arcade! It even had some Sonic songs.

What’s your guess for what this sign is trying to convey? 

And of course, Japanese signs still can’t manage to use anything resembling proper English. Are you even trying, Japan?! (let’s not forget the “duck meal tea“…)

Well, there’s definitely more to cover, but I’ll stop here before I overwhelm you all with too many asinine photos. I’m sad to be back in Australia, but I have high hopes that I will get back to Japan in the next year or two! In the meantime, I have plenty of games and manga to keep me busy…

The 2013 Adventures of Anne in Japan Starts Now!

If all goes according to plan, by the time this post goes live, I’ll be soaring over the Pacific Ocean! My destination? Japan, of course!

Since this is my first time back to my home-away-from-home in four years and I’ll be attending my host sister’s wedding while I’m there, this trip is a rather big event for me. You know, I always refer to the family I stayed with when I lived in Japan for a year as my “host family,” but more accurately, they’re my Japanese family – we may not be blood related, but they hold a very dear place in my heart, and not only did they make the trek down to Australia for my wedding, but we have kept in touch over these past four years, which I think says a lot! I consider myself very lucky to be able to call them my second family.

Host mom helping me put on a yukata

But enough of that! What else is on tap for my trip? Well, lots of shopping and eating and visiting all of my favorite places, of course! Here are just a few things I’m particularly looking forward to (all photos from my last trip, 08-09)…

A necessary pilgrimage for any fan! 
Awesome signage
My favorite local bar
Crazy tie-in merchandise and campaigns

Weird advertisements…
And, of course, good eats

Unfortunately, I haven’t planned any additional posts for while I’m away, but I’ll be posting pictures of our travels in real-time. If you want to stay updated, be sure follow me on Twitter and/or Instagram! I’ll be posting all pictures to Instagram for archive purposes, but everything will be cross-posted to both.

Finally, I hope to do a few round-up post throughout my trip of particularly noteworthy events, which will consist of photos taken from my Instagram feed and some additional commentary. Of course, I’ll also write up much more in-depth posts when I get back at the end of the month, so please look forward to them!

Time to add Culty’s Animal Crossing bag to my growing tote collection

If the search terms leading to my blog and my Twitter feed are any indication, people are excited for Animal Crossing: New Leaf. I’m certainly not complaining – it’s wonderful to finally be able to have my American, Australian, and European pals visit my town and gush about the game together!

The release of a game in new territories is always exciting for the new fan art and products it inspires, too. And it just so happens that the fine folks at Culty are celebrating Animal Crossing: New Leaf‘s NA release… with a new addition to their store: an Animal Crossing-themed “Hit the Tracks” tote bag!

Looks like they’re also celebrating with some wine! 

I absolutely adore the “earthy” feel of this design and how so many different aspects of Animal Crossing have been incorperated in subtle ways! The fact that the illustration is reminiscent of an Aztec calendar both evokes the fact that the game works in real time and the way the map itself is rounded, too! I also particularly like the little train cars along the edge and Mr. Resetti’s angry mug at the bottom.

Look at all that detail! Though K.K Slider’s DJ garb is specific to his appearance in New Leaf, the rest of the design encorporates familiar Animal Crossing icons such as the various tools and collectables in the game such as fish and everyone’s favorite gyroids.

Now that’s a tote bag! Any tote fan knows that having multiple bags in multiple sizes (including favorites such as “lunch bag” tote to “single book and maybe small laptop” tote) is a must. Wait, I’m the only person who does that? Moving on…

Seriously, though, the large size makes this tote perfect for shopping or the busy student! And the design is subtle enough that it would compliment a wide variety of outfits, if you’re the kind of person who likes to cordinate your tote bag with your outfit like me! (I’m the only one who does that, too? Oh…)

But Culty aren’t the only ones celebrating Animal Crossing: New Leaf with sweet new merchandise. Fangamer also has an amazing tshirt up for sale, and I’m sure there are many other great new products popping up for us rabit Animal Crossing fans to throw our wallets at. Is there any new merch that’s currently tickling your fancy?

Memos from Mamemura: Weeks 23-27

Look how the time flies! The North American release of Animal Crossing: New Leaf is but a week a way, meaning I’ll soon have a whole new bunch of pals to share this heartwarming game with! I know I mentioned that I wanted to have my town all decked out by the time others started playing so I could show off my digs, but unfortunately I’ve been lazy and haven’t really gotten my act together in that regard. The fact that Jenni of Siliconera has already built the café after having the game less then a month (through the mayor ambassador program) when it took me six is, honestly, a little depressing… But Animal Crossing is a series that’s meant to be played at your own pace, so I’ll just keep on enjoying it at my own speed! Even with that in mind, there’s still a lot that’s happened over the last month in Mamemura! 
Afternoon bulletin board viewing with Lobo
Donning the Children’s Day paper samurai hat (Boy’s Day in the western version)

Believe it or not, this was my first time making a custom item! This is a music box, which is made using one of K.K Slider’s songs and a white scallop shell.

This is, without a doubt, my biggest achievement for the month of May in Mamemura – Brewster’s café! Don’t mind the random fruit on the ground… I had to cut down a few trees to make room for it!

Sitting down for a cuppa with Lobo 

You may have noticed her in the café inauguration screenshot, but Britney (Pancetti in English, she’s new to New Leaf) here is one of two new villages to move to Mamemura this month. For some reason I’m not a big fan of animals that look like they have human-like hair on their heads, but I’ve never had a pig villager before, so the more the merrier, I say!

Rebecca the squirrel (Pecan in English) was the second villager to move in this month. She’s actually my 10th villager, making this the first time I’ve had the maximum 10 villagers at one time, I believe! Nine is the max that can move in “normally,” but if you have the campsite or visit other towns you can entice a 10th resident to move in.

As an aside, don’t you think it’s funny that both of the villagers I got this month have western names in the Japanese version, but names based off food in the English version? Too funny!

Here I am visiting @LachyStar, who was kind enough to hold on to a silver slingshot for me after I lost the only one I’ve ever found in my town due to forgetting to save (and I never forget to save!). Look at this awesome room! Cakes, coffee… I’m in heaven!

He also has this lovely snow-themed room. Check out that custom Kirby stained glass design!

But I didn’t just visit other towns… I also got a few special vistors who have early copies of the game. Here I am relaxing with none other than my Nichiest Podcast Ever co-host shidoshi!

Jenni also stopped by to give me some of her custom-made clothing designs in exchange for some of my fruit! Aren’t they great? I love the Yuna dress I’m wearing in the above screenshot, and the Boo t-shirt just to the left of my speech bubble is equally amazing. Of course, the rest are great, too! Hopefully she starts sharing her QR codes soon.

You can read all about her adventures in the English version of Animal Crossing: New Leaf over at Siliconera. I highly recommend you go check it out, especially since yours truly makes an appearance in the latest update!

“Are you in there? It’s me, Rocky!” (bonus: my messy house)

I also had another visitor… One of my own villagers! That may not sound all that exciting, but I’ve never had a villager come to my door when I was in my house before.

Well look at that, Rocky just invited himself in! It’s amazing how, after months of play, I’m still surprised by the occasional new event in Animal Crossing: New Leaf.

Finally, can you guess what dream village I visited? Why, it’s the Game Center CX town!

Unfortunately, there’s not a whole lot in the town itself that evokes the Game Center CX television show, but there are a few quirky references here and there. The real highlight, however, is inside…

Arino’s jacket! I want one! Unfortunately they weren’t sharing the design
Check out the scrolling banner!

And there you have it, my five minutes of Game Center CX hosting fame. It may not look like much, but the trained eye will recognize that this setup is a reproduction of Arino’s gaming room in the actual show! It’s definitely worth a visit for any fan of the series.

Well, by the next time I post a Mamemura update, the rest of the world will have their hands on the game! I’m so excited to finally be able to share Mamemura with all of you! If anyone who is planning on getting the game wants to swap friend codes, feel free to let me know in the comments. I look forward to seeing you in Animal Crossing: New Leaf!

Japan Envy: Funghi x Lawson food and folder campaign

In honor of the recent announcement that Touch Detective 3 will be coming to Nintendo 3DS sometime this year, I thought now would be as good a time as any to talk about more Funghi merchandise. Honestly, I never thought I’d say I’m a fan of Funghi, but I do think the phallic little mushroom is warming on me! There’s something charming about his lack of cuteness, I suppose, or perhaps I’m just morbidly fascinated by the fact that he’s so darn popular in Japan right now. Just like Hello Kitty or Rilakkuma, Funghi, or Nameko, as he’s known in Japan, has spawned numerous lines of stationary and other goods, mobile games, and even a puzzle game for the 3DS!

The official Funghi portal site also features some adorable comic strips, among other things:

Funghi planting rice

Anyway, the latest Funghi-related goodness comes from the convenience store chain Lawson, which will be stocking special Funghi food products from the 6th to the 17th of June. The campaign just happens to occur when I’m in Japan, so you can bet your cartridges that I’ll be seeking out a Lawson shop to try them out!

The first tasty treat in the series is Funghi-branded Tirol candies. I don’t believe I’ve actually had a Tirol chocolate square before, but I can tell you I’m already getting hungry looking at some of the delicious flavors shown on their website! The two Funghi flavors are mitarashi dango (a traditional Japanese desert that consists of three glutenous rice balls on a skewer, covered in sweet soy sauce) and strawberry. I think it’s safe to say I’ll go the mitarashi dango route, though the strawberry Funghi is pretty adorable!

Next up is the “neba neba” Funghi soba, which of course consists of a number of toppings including okra, seaweed, and some of Funghi’s nameko mushroom brethren. Try not to imagine you’re eating poor little Funghis when you dig in! “Neba neba,” by the way, means “sticky,” or “gooey,” which probably is an accurate description of what eating the above soba dish would be like. For a great writeup on “neba neba,” go here!

Finally, anyone who purchases two of the Funghi food products at once (you could get two Funghi neba neba sobas, but should you?) will get one of five exclusive Funghi x Lawson clear file folders. I have to admit, I’d probably make all sorts of weird food purchases if it meant obtaining limited-edition goods. I’m particularly partial to the yellow folder on the bottom left – I love all the different Funghi characters in the background and the fact that the Funghi in the foreground is carrying a Lawson bag!

Well, I know what I’m adding to my list of things to do in Japan!

Japan Envy: Nerdy Latte Art

You know what I like? Japan. Oh, wait, you already knew that? Okay, you know what else I like? Coffee. Oh… you knew that too? Well, what if I told you this Japan Envy post combines both of those things into one unprecedentedly awesome Chic Pixel update?! That was obvious from the title?? Okay, moving on…

Catbus and mini Totoros! (source)

Believe it or not, I don’t think I ever witnessed the standard heart or leaf drawn in a fresh frothy coffee drink until I went to Japan for the first time. That may be because I went to Japan for the first time when I was 14 and can’t imagine that I even drank coffee before that, but let’s pretend I come from the wilds of Vermont where we’re under the constant threat of being attacked by bears and barely have time to pour a cup of joe, let alone draw hearts and flowers in it.

Tonberry! (source)

Recently, I’ve been seeing more and more amazing “latte art” popping up on the internet, and let me tell you, the vast majority of it comes from Japan. Just one more reason for me to be envious of the land of the rising sun, I suppose. The pictures posted above are by my current two favorite latte artists, and I highly suggest following them on Twitter and Instagram if you can, as they update with new creations every day.

The first fellow, George (real name Kazuki Yamamoto), doesn’t use any color, but he crafts some amazing pieces that actually utilize the foam in some pretty crazy ways. He also does famous people along with anime, manga, game, and some Disney characters, which isn’t as common in the latte art I’ve seen.

Sugi, on the other hand, does mostly anime and game characters with a few cute mascot characters and other designs thrown in. Unlike George, she actually uses color, which really makes her pieces stand out (all edible, too!). She has her own YouTube channel where she’s recently started uploading videos of her making some of her creations, and it’s really amazing to see how she makes them. Check out this amazing Card Captor Sakura one, which took 15 minutes for her to make:

Now, join me in drooling over these awesome designs: 

Cobra by Sugi
Goldeen by George
Little green man by George
Sailor Venus by Sugi

Such talent! Now I’m inspired to make latte art of my own… But I’d have to learn how to make a proper latte first! 

Animal Crossing: New Leaf QR Code Extravaganza Part 3

I’ve decided that as long as I find cute QR codes for Animal Crossing: New Leaf, I might as well keep posting them! Luckily it’s been confirmed that QR codes will work cross-region, so international players can rest assured that these codes will all work with the game when it comes out in June. So, without further ado, here’s what I’ve been swooning over lately…

Head here for the full QR codes

I think I’ve worn the above outfit more than anything over the past few weeks! It’s beyond adorable, and goes quite well with the turquoise harvest furniture set pictured above, don’t you think?

QR codes here

I don’t think I’ve mentioned it before, but the designer for the two pieces above is one of my favorite QR code creators. I definitely recommend perusing her blog if you’re looking for some feminine additions to your wardrobe or cute tiles and signs for your village. The gardening outfit above is her most recent piece. I almost like the room decor as much as the outfit!

source

I really love when creators make a whole matching set with a hat to go along with it! This steampunk getup, complete with goggles, really takes the cake.

QR codes and alternate
styles here

I know I usually only post dresses, but that doesn’t mean there aren’t some great QR codes out there for those who have a male avatar or prefer to wear something other than dresses all the time, as well! Admittedly they’re a little less common, but I’ll make a point of getting more “male” garb in the future.

Anyway, I’ve never really understood the appeal of wearing a fanny pack over your shoulder, but I can’t deny its appeal in the ensamble above. Be sure to check out the link to see other shirt variations! Unfortunately, there aren’t QR codes for pants, so you’ll just have to match it with something from the game.

Get the dress here

You can also do umbrellas, as well, which is perfect for lolita ensembles such as the one above.

source (other Pokémon tshirts available at that link, as well)

Now it wouldn’t be a Chic Pixel Animal Crossing: New Leaf QR code roundup without some nerdy designs as well, right? The above Chansey tshirt may be rather simplistic, but it’s certainly iconic!

source

It’s Kiki from Kiki’s Delivery Service! I love how they added her pouch, and Jiji, her cat, is peaking out of it! This is definitely going to be my next outfit. I found the above piece via this link, and I highly suggest heading over there if you like Studio Ghibli films – you might find another QR code or two that’s up your alley!

Thanks for reading, and if you have any requests for types of QR codes you’d like to see in the future, let me know in the comments and I’ll see what I can do! If you’d like to see what QR codes I’ve shared in the past, click on the links to head to parts one and two of this series!

Note: I decided to change the title of this series from “My Design Extravaganza” to “QR Code Extravaganza,” as I think that will be easier for people to recognize. Also, whenever possible I do not post full QR codes, as many Japanese bloggers do not wish their work reposted on other sites.