VR Gaming at Sega, Akihabara

Virtual Reality (VR) gaming is still a very new gaming medium.  Even at events such as Tokyo Game Show, VR is still in the minority, seen as an intriguing and exciting way to play and experience a game but not reaching its potential.  One of the barriers I can see right now for VR really taking off is the infrastructure required, and I don't meet just the electronics.  Just looking at some of the VR games in action from the outside, you realize that VR requires considerable real estate to work.  Whether it's a VR "vehicle" or one of the games where you walk around, more space is required than the console or even typical arcade game.  In today's world where the majority of our electronics are getting smaller, VR is a step in the different direction.

Still, the idea of getting immersed in the game environment is a new and exciting one.  So, early in 2018, several of us had our first experience with VR gaming at Sega, Akihabara.  The game was Mortal Blitz, set in outer space, and the objective of the game was to survive attacks from hostile, nasty looking aliens who'd invaded the space station.  The player is armed with an automatic rifle (equipped with a laser sight to ensure you get your target) and would need to gun down the attacking aliens, walk around the space station while opening doors and navigating the base order to reach your allies.

Your humble blogger, shooting at some virtual baddies

Unfortunately, it is a one player game.  Though you can play at the same time as others, you're each in your own game.  But that was the only bone I could pick with this game; it was truly fun, exciting, and definitely an experience I'd recommend to any gamer who'd never tried VR before... or even any non-gamer.

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It's also very cool/funny to observe your friends in battle from outside of the VR 

On another occasion, some of us tried Tower Tag, one of the other VR offerings at Sega Akihabara.  Unfortunately no photos from that experience, but it is a multi-player (2 or 4) shooting game where the objective is to eliminate other players while traversing towers.  Not too much walking here, as you'll be swinging from tower to tower, but some evasive maneuvers are needed to emerge victorious.

Without going too much into detail, (and believe me, any attempt to describe what we seen and experienced through those VR headsets is quite a challenge), for all of us the VR experience was totally fun and immersive, and highly recommended to gamers and non-gamers.



Recommendations:
- Wear clothes/shoes comfortable for walking (no high heels!)
- Make reservations online before going.  Walk-ins are okay, as they will take you in if there's a slot available, but if none are available soon be prepared to wait at least a couple of hours until you get your chance.
- Though Mortal Blitz is a one player game, go with a friend or more, so that you can have someone take the essential photo of you in the VR gaming gear.



Specifics:
VR Gaming at Sega Akihabara
Cost: 1500 yen per game, per person for Mortal Blitz, 1000 yen for Tower Tag

VR Zone Shinjuku: As (Virtually) Real As It Gets!

Having some degree of familiarity with Virtual Reality gaming in the form of the Mortal Blitz game at Sega, Akihabara, we sought to experience more of that flavor of fun.  So, we progressed towards visiting what seems to be the biggest virtual reality arcade in Japan: VR Zone Shinjuku.

The price of admission and gaming is pretty steep (4000 yen gets you in and playing four games) but as the games are very unique and so immersive, it is definitely worth considering if you love video games, and especially if you're among others who have fun playing video games as well.

The biggest pull for my friends and I was the Evangelion VR game.  We're all fans of the anime, and the idea of getting to pilot an Eva was too good to resist.

And it truly lived up to all the hype we had for it, and then some.  From the moment we stepped into the entry plug and had ourselves submersed in LCL, to getting to battle several of the Angels at Tokyo-3, it was awesome!  Also, we were seated not too far from each other but communicating with each other through the mic/headphone system made it seem like we were coordinating from kilometers apart in the battle field.

Once we wrapped up our experience as Evangelion pilots, we moved on to give the Mario Kart game (also very fun) and another game (can't recall the name) where we rode on scooters to escape some prehistoric reptiles in a jungle, similar to Jurassic but not quite.  Still, very fun and enjoyable among good friends.

For our last act, we went a bit away from the "traditional" VR route and opted to try their rock climbing experience, called Trap Climb.  Virtual and real obstacles were there, making for a pretty unique type of rock climb.

There were, indeed, a few "traps" which I won't give away, but nothing that scary or dangerous, I think.  Hands and arms got kind of sore at the end but it was a good time!

For a great time out in Shinjuku and in the virtual reality world, give the VR Zone a try!

Recommendations:

- Go with friends; one could conceivably go on his/her own here but it's so much more enjoyable playing alongside friends/family who will share the experience with you.

- You can ask staff to take photos of you with your camera/phone while you're busy playing, some examples of which are seen on this post.

- Wear comfortable clothes and shoes.  You'll move around a bit, and depending on the games you choose to play, wearing tight clothes or skirts might not be the best here.  For the rock climb, if you choose to do it, they will lend you a pair of climbing shoes.

Specifics:

VR Zone Shinjuku

Location: 

CoCo Ichibanya: Japan's Finest (And Most Famous) Curry

I've been meaning to put in some time/space on this part of the internets to share some of my/our favorite places to find fuel and energy for our many adventures in and around Tokyo... so here's a start.  And it's an easy start, as I'm going with one of my longtime favorite places.

CoCo Ichibanya, also known as CoCo Ichi to many locals, CoCo Ichiban to some, and "CoCos" to many Americans in Japan, is a popular and well loved curry rice restaurant chain in Japan, and has some footholds outside of Japan as well (such as in Singapore, and the United States).

The curry is very palatable, delicious, and relatively easy on the budget.  But how is it so popular, above all other places that serve curry?  Being a fan and frequent diner at CoCo Ichi, I've tried to brainstorm the reasons:

-It's everywhere (trying searching for it with your iPhone; any sizable city or semi-sizable city has at least a couple of CoCo Ichi restaurants within a few minutes drive or a short train ride away.

-Customizable to your exact tastes/moods:  from the spice levels (from mild to number 10 level spicy) to the type of curry sauce (default is pork, with options of vegetable/beef and possibly more) to the toppings (meat/vegetables/seafood/etc) you will undoubtedly be able to order something that suits you.

-Service: friendly/professional to Japanese standards, and the food comes to you within just a few minutes of completing your order.  Need to bring some home for the family/crew?  Takeouts are a regular occurrence and easy to do at CoCo Ichi.

But to me, having been to several places, with several different people ranging from family to friends and everything in between, I'd have to say that the warm curry combined with the additional warmth brought about by the spice level and the warmest memories of all I've shared a curry lunch/dinner with, it is one of my comfort "places" in Japan, not just food.

An added bonus for tourists are the take-home "boxes" you can buy; they are actually pouches of curry sauce which can be prepared by microwave heating or dropped by the pouch into boiling water for heating (5 minutes).  They aren't exactly like what you'd have served in the restaurant but the taste is definitely there.

While you're in Japan, don't miss out on CoCo Ichi.  And take some home with you if you love it as much as we do!

CoCo Ichibanya
Location (nearest to Camp Zama):

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

A post shared by akiba16 (@akiba16) on May 28, 2016 at 7:04pm PDT

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: