Darts: Hitting The (Social) Bullseye in Tokyo

Darts aren't something unique to Japan, but in my recent years as a Tokyo area resident, it's found it's way into my social "repertoire", thanks to my friends here.

It actually occurred as more of an afterthought at first, a way to kill about 20 minutes of time before attending a scheduled event.  We walked into an arcade and saw the darts game area and it was suggested to me to play a game or two.  I hadn't actually picked up a dart and threw it towards a board since my high school days; in those times the game was very much analog in nature compared to the digital breed seen everywhere nowadays.  And back then I didn't know how to play or keep score in any of the different types of games (Cricket, Count Up, etc) and now playing with Japanese friends who might be challenged in instructing me on the rules of the game seemed a bit daunting at first...

It was a fun time, as it turned out!  Rules, or scoring, you could pick up as you play for the simpler scored games.  With Cricket, the board would light up for the areas you need to hit, so I didn't require any tutoring from my friends at all!

And, it made for a nice friend photo op.  Or video op, whatever your preference may be.

The interesting/useful aspect of darts here in Japan is that it's found at arcade and some bars, much like it is outside of Japan.  Except, there are waaaaay more arcades in Japan than anywhere in the world from what I've seen.  So, you're never too far away from a darts game, should the urge/need arise to play a game or two with friends.

Curious?  Take a shot at darts in Japan!



Cost: 100 yen per game, per player

Batting Centers: Swing Swing!

Baseball is arguably the most popular sport in Japan.  Given its status, you can understand the number of batting centers (perhaps known to Americans more as "batting cages" but essentially the same thing) you'll find in Japan.

Because of the large area needed for these facilities, they aren't too widespread, but you definitely won't need to search too hard for one, especially in the cities.

The controls all tend to be in Japanese; it isn't terribly hard to figure out how to adjust pitch speed and height, but having a local friend with you definitely helps with the learning curve.  And, having a friend with you definitely increases the fun factor and gives you someone to compete with, whether announced or understated between the friends.

A favorite one for me, my family, and friends to go to is the batting center at Yodobashi, Akihabara.  It's located at the top of the building (yes, it is actually at the top of the building, ninth floor).  Aside from its unique location at the top of a popular department store, it's also located in a pretty fun area for various other activities (shopping, dining, gaming, etc).  And as you can see from the video below, the pitchers are professional Japanese players in digital form!

Additionally, there is a pitching game that has a good spectator location for doing photos/videos, with many examples below.  I've been able to capture many of us in spectacular/forgettable form making our pitches towards the target.

And one in slow motion, for effect!

For a good time brushing up (or even learning) hitting and pitching skills, or just a good time, the batting centers are a great unique experience here in Japan.



Recommendations:
- Bring/wear gloves if your hands easily blister (for batting)
- Stretch a bit beforehand as much as possible (especially arms/upper body) to prevent longer term pain, especially if you haven't hit/pitched in a while
- Buy a drink outside at one of the many vending machines before heading in, to quench your thirst during/after the fun


Specifics:
Batting Center at Yodobashi, Akihabara
Location:

Karaoke, and the Unexpected Education Behind Closed Doors

Karaoke... not just for fun but for learning about yourself and others!

Karaoke... I'm sure you've heard of it before (pun intended) but have you given it a try yourself?  If not, may I suggest giving it your best in the birthplace of karaoke, Japan?

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#karaoke #kanagawa #japan #asia #lights #sing #song #music #instagram #igers #igram #webstagram

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And even if you've tried karaoke elsewhere, as I have... Japan just takes it to another level that you've never experienced before.  From the high tech machines (selection/control is made from an iPad/Nintendo WiiU-like device) to the studio room and its lighting effects in sync with the song, it will not disappoint and you'll remember the experience, especially the first time.

On top of that, you can order drinks/food, or serve yourself from a drink bar (depending on the location and its available refreshments) to keep the singing party energized.

There are several karaoke chains in Japan, such as Karaoke Kan, Big Echo, and others.  They are pretty much everywhere, because of their immense popularity in Japan as social venues, entertainment, stress relief, etc.

The Educational Experience of Karaoke

So, you may wonder what things you could learn from a karaoke outing with friends?  So many things, really!  But I'll list the ones you'll most likely learn:

- You own singing/voice capabilities: singing along with a favorite song in the car/bathroom is one thing, but can you actually carry the tune by yourself?  Karaoke gives you that opportunity to truly test yourself.

- Your friends music tastes: as an adult you won't find yourself in a friend's ride/house as often as, say, your high school days.  Here, you actually learn a lot about the music tastes of your friends and perhaps a glimpse into their hidden personalities (did he/she just sing a song that was the theme of that anime/movie?)

- How their songs relate to each other... and possibly you?  If he/she sings a particularly moving song and looks/points at you...

- Breaking the icy exterior.  I've seen people (well, males really) who've been stoic/serious all the time, get behind a mic at karaoke, and it's like a different person.

- New songs.  I've learned of and developed a liking for songs I first heard sung by a friend at karaoke.  It's a cool and very personal way to expand one's playlist.

Go for the fun of it, and don't be afraid of the learning experience (it's fun as well)!



Recommendations:
- Go alone to practice if you feel like you need it, or if you really don't have anyone who shares the interest.  Go with others for a much better time!
- Go during the "off-peak" hours to save money (varies but this is usually from 1100 to 1800)
- If language is an issue for yourself and your companions, go to a location in a tourist-heavy area (downtown Tokyo, near US installations, etc) to maximize ease of communication, as those places would more likely have someone who could communicate/understand English better
- If you're at Camp Zama like myself, there's the BOXZ karaoke room available for a bargain at $5 per two hours at the Community Club)

Nadeshiko: A Unique Sushi Experience

In Japan, and especially Tokyo, you won't have to go very far to find a place to enjoy sushi.  Nadeshiko Sushi in Tokyo's Akihabara district, though, is unique in that it is the only one in Japan where the sushi chefs are women.

Dressed in kimonos and headscarves, the Nadeshiko sushi chefs are prominent here even amidst the nice looking, traditional Japanese décor and bar.  In a neighborhood dominated by maid cafes and other similar themed restaurants/cafes, Nadeshiko fits right in while being one of its kind, ironically and beautifully so.

If, like me, your only previous experience was with "conveyor belt" sushi chains, then Nadeshiko will be a new, cool, and eye-opening experience.  It was my first time to actually see the chef prepare what I ordered (salmon avocado rolls, and snow crab nigiri) with my own eyes.  The videos I'm sharing here capture the vibe of the place, and a bit of the imagery/process of the actual sushi making.

And the food was delicious!  I ordered menu items I don't typically see elsewhere, and really enjoyed it.

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Nadeshiko Sushi, Japan’s only all-woman sushi chef restaurant #nadeshikosushi #sushi #akihabara #japan #gopro #goproherosession5 #japanese

A post shared by akiba16 (@akiba16) on Jan 3, 2019 at 8:40pm PST

If you love sushi and want to try something unique and different from the sushi chains, Nadeshiko is definitely worth a visit.

Recommendations:
- As is the case with many "themed" restaurants, especially in Akihabara, the prices can be steep for the typical tourist (though still cheaper than many of the more "traditional" sushi restaurants.  If tight on money, an option is to go here for an "appetizer" and drop by one of the more mainstream places for your real meal (many ramen/steak places around Akihabara).
- Photos are okay here, in contrast to many of the other places in Akihabara.  Feel free to Instagram-away here!

Specifics:
Nadeshiko Sushi
Hours: 1700-2200 on weekdays, 1200-2200 on weekends
Location:

CP+ : Be A Pro (Or Take Photos Like One) at Japan's Premier Photography Event

Your camera will get a great workout at CP+, Japan's premier (and free!!!) photography event in Yokohama.

CP+ (Camera and Photo Imaging Show) is not the typical big event for the Tokyo area, though it certainly is a big event which occupies all of Pacifico Yokohama's event space.  For one, it's held at Pacific Yokohama; though located in Japan's second biggest city, it's not at the places synonymous with big events in the area (Tokyo Big Sight and Makuhari Messe).  Also, it's free (remember that as you go along reading and seeing what's offered here).

Regardless, CP+ is a truly wonderful 4-day event that will captivate and entertain beginner-level photographers, seasoned professionals, and everyone in between.  Many companies in the photo/video industry and related industries are represented here, in typical Japan event fashion.

The latest in cameras, lenses, and all associated hardware/software are showcased at CP+.

For me though, the highlight of the event are the companies' test shoot areas, where you can test/practice use of cameras (yours and/or theirs) with models on a set:

"Test-driving" the latest and best equipment is a fun and memorable experience, even if only a tease for a few minutes (like test driving a brand new car would be).  But, getting those shots on your own SD card, you'll have proof of that experience and perhaps, some high quality images to look back on as your own, as you dream on about spending more $ on a newer, better camera... below are some of the images I took home from the companies' cameras:

Look at all the awesome photos you can take with the newest and most powerful cameras!

Almost makes my skills look professional?  Maybe not, but CP+ is definitely a wonderful experience for any level of photographer, or even those on the outside looking in to the hobby of photography.  And, for the price (free) it truly makes for a great bargain as you take in the joys of photography at CP+ in Yokohama.

Recommendations:
- Register in advance for your free admission!
- Bring a camera!  I can't emphasize this recommendation enough... this event is all about photography and it will inspire you to put your skills to use and take them to the next level.  I'd recommend having a camera in hand when that happens!
- Be mindful of the respective booth/company rules on photos: some only want you to use their cameras at the shooting sets, some are okay with either yours/theirs.  Watch what others do, or ask if you want to use your own camera.
- Bring a spare/extra SD card, or be prepared to remove yours from your camera (to insert into another camera): you'll love your work with the newest cameras, so why not take it (the photos) home with you?
- There is an abundance of restaurants/convenience stores within a short walk (5-10 minutes to Yokohama Queen's Square); leaving the event area and returning after having a meal is not a problem here.

Specifics:
CP+ (Camera and Photo Imaging Show)
Held annually in March, at Pacifico Yokohama
Cost: Free, with advance registration online
Location:

Ramen Is Life in Japan!

Ramen: Japan's beautiful dish (or is it bowl) best enjoyed with others!

I think it's safe to say that my favorite Japanese food is ramen.  And I'm not talking about the instant hot water stovetop stuff, but the kind you'll find at ramen places just about anywhere and everywhere in Japan.  From the business districts, restaurant areas, the Japan Ministry of Defense (!), and the shopping mall food courts, you can find ramen... and each place, each bowl, has a warm lovable a delicious charm to it.

Actually, rewinding the tape of the story of my life a bit, I thought I knew all about ramen, but until I tried it here in Japan, I didn't know what I was missing out on.  And for anyone who hasn't tried ramen in Japan, well, I'll say you haven't really had ramen in its true, fine form.

I won't go into the different types of ramen, or specifically into the ramen shops, but there's several reasons I love this dish, "easily":

- Easy on the wallet; unless you're getting a huge bowl with a huge amount of toppings, it won't cost you much more than, say, 600 yen.  That's cheaper than the typical fast food combo meal nowadays.  And while it might not completely "fill you up", it will keep you satisfied for a while.

- Easy on the palate; there's a definite taste to ramen but it doesn't come to you as "too strong", there are a few exceptions depending on the place and type of ramen, but usually it comes with just enough to satisfy your taste buds.

- Easy to find; as previously mentioned and as you'd discover here, ramen is everywhere in Japan!

- Easy to get into;  even at peak lunch/dinner hours if you're on the outside looking in, ramen tends to be relatively quick to prepare and consume, so unless it is a very popular place with a very long queue, the wait should not be too long.

- (Relatively) easy to enjoy with others.  I say relatively because since pork tends to be a staple of most ramen varieties, it does prevent some from enjoying this with you.  But otherwise, who doesn't look a good bowl of noodles with tasty broth?

And speaking of enjoying with others... I am not ashamed to admit that I love ramen and love all that I've ever shared a ramen meal/experience with.  The photographer in me never fails to capture my "ramen with friends" memories.  So I share those with you as well as some recommendations from the guy one of my friends calls "ramen boy"!

Recommendations:

- If you haven't quite mastered the skill required to eat with chopsticks, try to brush up on this!  If not, be prepared to either ask for a fork or bring one with you every time, which is not as uncommon here as you might think.

- Ramen is more enjoyable in the colder times of the year than the hottest ones, but I wouldn't recommend shying away from ramen in the summer, it's still good!

Ramen Slurping; customary but not mandatory!

- Regarding the "slurping" that is known/perceived to be a Japanese thing, even among Japanese not everyone slurps loudly.  Among everyone I go to ramen with I'd say about 60% are loud slurpers and 40% are not, and contrary to stereotypes not all women are quiet either.  So feel free to slurp in public (or not), either way you'll enjoy this heart and stomach-warming Japanese dish!

My Time With The Aomori Nebuta at Furusato Matsuri 2019

Through a local network/classifieds site called Guidable, I lucked out on the opportunity to participate in the performance by the Aomori dancers at Furusato Matsuri.  From what I understood, the Aomori dancers needed reinforcements to help with the Nebuta, a large and very heavy "float" which very few have the privilege/opportunity to carry in an event.

And, what an opportunity it was.  I love dancing among other things, but to be able to become part of the Aomori performance, help carry the Nebuta, and be part of something big at Tokyo Dome... the feeling and experience is indescribable.

One eye opening perk of the experience was getting to walk through the tunnels and by the locker rooms of Tokyo Dome, places where presumably only employees, athletes, and performers have walked.  I guess I now qualify as a performer, two times on that day anyway!

And after the first performance, I was insanely hungry... moving around and carrying a 4 ton float and dancing, while not being trained for such activity, does that to me.... lucky for me this happened to be Furusato Matsuri, where food from everywhere in Japan was offered!  I needed fuel for the second performance later, so I had Hokkaido snow crab, Hokkaido ramen, Hokkaido ice cream, and Okinawa soba, all in one afternoon!!!

I do feel very, very, fortunate to have landed this gig.  As a "gaijin" it's natural to have some fears/hesitation to join a group/event such as this one, and I didn't even know I'd be the only gaijin in the group.  I know others would love this type of experience, though, and I can only offer the advice of "keep your eyes open" for these types of opportunities, especially on Facebook of all places... and "fortune favors the bold".  Even I tend to be antisocial/shy to new settings/people, but I put that away for the sake of assisting others, as well as for my own wonderful experience as a Furusato Matsuri performer.  And I had the privilege of sharing the experience with some very cool people...

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. . . 毎年テレビで見てて行ってみたかったやつー！ おいしいものいっぱい😋 . . . #ふるさと祭り #ねぶた #竿燈まつり #十勝牛とろ丼 #名古屋コーチン #東京ドーム #ふるさと祭り東京

A post shared by @ hotasan_t on Jan 18, 2019 at 6:52am PST

For now my achy tired body will rest, while the mind reminisces that unique experience from yesterday... and I still have a weekend ahead of me to enjoy!

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For one afternoon I had the honour of performing with Aomori dancers at Tokyo Dome! #furusatomatsuri #japan #tokyo #yolo

A post shared by akiba16 (@akiba16) on Jan 18, 2019 at 4:33pm PST