Okonomiyaki Shop

Hey everyone!

So this time I'm writing about a little event in which I joined my lovely friend Katie at Gottsui (ごっつい) in Roppongi, a Okonomiyaki shop near Roppongi Station (六本木駅). To give you an idea of location, it's actually just around the block from Blue Theater. (Now here's a question for you, why would Katie want to introduce me to this restaurant in particular, given its relative location? I shall leave that to your imagination.)

Okonomiyaki (お好み焼き) is a Japanese Pancake (often associated with the Kansai area of Japan) meaning "What you like" and "Grilled" with various ingredients including flour, eggs, mayonnaise, cabbage, dashi, cheese, octopus, squid, shrimp, and sometimes noddles along with other ingredients. It is literally a pancake of what you like.

Gottsui is a small shop with an Osaka-like flair to it. In comparison to other places I've been to in Tokyo, it's much louder and closer together, but it is nice because it's non-smoking and if you go in a small party, you can sit at the counter and watch the chef cook your food. I wouldn't go there alone and at night, particularly because it is in Roppongi, which is not my favorite of places and not always very safe (in other words, if you're going at night, go with a friend like I did). However, I wouldn't mind going in the afternoon for a late lunch.

My experience eating at Gottsui was good. I enjoyed the attitude of the waiters and the food was delectable. Absolutely delicious and so big! When I went, I was starving, so I figured it would be possible to finish a whole Okonomiyaki by myself. No such luck. But it really was delicious and for dessert, actual pancakes with syrup stuffed inside them. Yum! The only downside to my experience was that on the other side the restaurant, I found myself unable to escape the gaze of a quiet drunk salaryman around the end of the evening (yes, uncomfortable). However, I can't say it really deterred me from having a good experience overall. The food was to die for and the waiters gave the place a great, fun atmosphere. It honestly made me want to try making my own Okonomiyaki!

Anyway, I hope you enjoy your day and eat something yummy!

The Alucard Show

Wow! Just wow! That was fantastic. Where to begin?

Alright, I'll begin with this. What on earth am I talking about? I'm talking about my experience last night seeing "The Alucard Show".

(Promo poster for the show; credit: Tumblr)

What is that you ask? "The Alucard Show" is a musical directed by Masahiko Kawahara with choreography by MIKIKO and music by Atsushi that has gained much popularity and a bit of cult following here in Japan, known as "Alucadnia". The demand to see it was so great after its first run back in 2013, that they brought it back for a re-run in 2014! Fans prior to the second showing all posted photos of themselves doing Alucard's pose (perhaps made even more popular due to Mangaka Yana Toboso's drawing rendition of Alucard back in 2013) to cheer on the cast and crew and thank them for coming back to give everyone another chance to see the show. So of course, when I heard that it was coming back for another run, I quickly bought my tickets as soon as I could! There was no way I was missing out on this.

(Vlad as depicted by Yana Toboso, "Black Butler" Mangaka, from her blog back in 2013) 

Starring names like Silvia Grab (シルビアグラブ), Takeshi Kongochi (金剛地武志), Yasuko Mitsuura (光浦靖子), Takuya Uehara (植原卓也), and Yuya Matsushita (松下優也) (and yes, the latter of which is why I wanted to go), Alucard tells the story of Maria, a pop idol attempting to make a comeback by hiring 6 new backup dancers, when all of a sudden her show is stolen from her by the mysterious "Vlad". Now with 7 members, the group "Alucard" is created.

(Alucard Pass with the seven members of "Alucard")

(2014 Commercial for The Alucard Show's second run)

At its core, "The Alucard Show" is a vampire story. But it's clear that the reasons for its popularity stem from far more than just that. I had a vague idea of what I was getting into when I went to see the Alucard Show (I was also once again the only foreigner in the audience and while I could go on about why that is a crime because the show is so good, I won't). I had pre-ordered the CD (available here) and had been listening to it since it arrived in early November, but that was nothing compared to seeing this musical live.

(CD Cover)

(Pre-Order Poster Gift; Envelope Reads "Dear Alucadnia)

Alucard is impressive for numerous reasons. The first of which that stands out to me though, is the dancing and choreography. With a moving stage, the dancers moved with such vigor and in such sync, it was hard to decide where to focus your attention at times. You wanted to see it all! Dancers back-flipped, rolled across the floor, and demonstrated various styles of dance through out the musical (I could pick out pop, hip-hop, and classic, to name a few). It was captivating with every turn.

(Check out the 2013 Commercial for some of the choreography work!)

The second reason that Alucard probably stands out is that its style, it's roots as a vampire story, something that classically speaking, derives to mind old decrepit buildings, the drinking of blood, monsters, and death, is woven so well into a "modern" world, where fans gather to meet their idols, posters of Alucard spread across the land, and the two music styles (classic and new) are combined so tastefully.

(Second depiction of "The Alucard Show" by Yana Toboso)

(Shot from the show; Credit to sumabo.jp)

Being a costume person, I also loved their costuming department for numerous reasons. The costume changes were quick and effective. While the character of Maria had some pretty fantastic costumes, in particular, the 6 members and Vlad perhaps had the best. The most stylish, the most in sync with the ampire feel, and incorporating the modern street flair that made their outfits so appealing and interesting to look at. They were something that any girl would love her boyfriend to wear. Vlad's were stunning as he goes from a random man on the street, to a pop idol and the leader of a Vampire legion, always maintaining that feeling of classic 'Dracula' in some form.

(Even their Premium Seat gift, a special rendition of Hello Kitty was decked out in Vampire gear! I'm not much of one for Hello Kitty but this thing is super cute!)

All of the characters had interesting personalities too. The first character that I greatly enjoyed was that of Maria. Maria makes a compelling character as she seems to be the only one unswayed by Alucard's beauty and appeal. While normally Maria's character might have annoyed me due to her sense of entitlement at the beginning of the story, watching her fall and feeling helpless and betrayed made her a much more intriguing character. You wanted to root for her, but at the same time, watching Vlad, you sat there wondering if she was fighting a loosing battle, if he was insurmountable, or even if he had somehow gotten you under his spell (or rather charmed you over to his side) as well.

(With a curtain like this prior to the show, how can you already not be charmed by it? And yes, those were candlesticks off to the sides.)

And speaking of Vlad, I must talk about his character for a moment. Vlad was a brilliant creation of a character (and definitely my favorite). Vlad maintains silence the majority of the time, save for when he sings. The only times he does talk, you can tell that he is holding all the cards, knowing and understanding everything going on. He holds a power unlike any of the other characters present. Matsushita's performance as him was also phenomenal, as he kept a refined, sophisticated air about him, while also maintaining an air of danger and mystery. Watching Vlad, you could tell he was amused by watching people follow him for reasons they could not understand. And while he was often aloof and mysterious, he had a personality that felt very real, like a young man holding the world in his hands and knowing it too.

(Mid-performance shot of Vlad; Credit to sumabo.jp)

I often felt that Matsushita's voice literally breathed life into the whole show as well, as in some ways, it felt like a medium for connecting the whole show, even the audience, together (probably intentionally so too). It took the show from a great show to a spectacular one. Take all of that and add in the stellar performances by Silvia, Takeshi, and Yasuko, and you really have a compelling story with music and dancing that takes the whole show to another level of entertainment. I won't spoil the ending, but needless to say, it's good. Really good.

(Check out the 2014 New Song here which features Matsushita's voice prominently)

The Alucard Show is currently showing at the AiiA Theater Tokyo until the 24th of November. As it stands, the show is now completely sold out (rightly so, might I add).  However, the DVD is available for pre-order on ASmart (here) and will be released in March of 2015.

(Sign Announcing the DVD Release at AiiA Theater)

The theatre itself was a good location between Harajuku (原宿) and Shibuya (渋谷) stations on the Yamanote line (山手線). It is well run and has a style that matches that of Alucard's. My only complaint was that the seats were not the most comfortable. They were okay, but not great like that of Bunkamura's Cocoon's or Blue Theater's. The pro of the seats? No matter where you were, you were sure to get a great view of the show. Literally.

(The entrance to the AiiA Theater Tokyo)

(Side view of the Theatre)

Goods were sold on location and it was honestly hard to show self control for most of the things available (I thanked my lucky stars that I only had cash on me).

(Goods Stand)

(Some of the Alucard Goods)

(Bromides of Uehara and Matsushita)

Anyway, if you have the chance to go to "The Alucard Show" you will not be disappointed and if you have the chance to view it on DVD, don't debate. Do it. Watch it. It literally is a work of art, appealing to both the classic lovers and new generation of Musical goers alike. Till next time!

(My shot for Alucard)

Eyebrow Waxing In Japan

Hello again!

This is going to be a post where there's more words than pictures, but I felt the need to write about it. In the States, it is common for women to go get their eyebrows done (waxed, plucked, or threaded) every 2 weeks to 6 weeks, depending on the individual. I did so about every 4 weeks and normally, I could find a place to get my eyebrows done within a Nail Salon. 

So imagine my shock and unhappy state when I found out that waxing is not as popular in Japan. People generally shave their legs etc. and tweeze their eyebrows, if they choose to tweeze at all. That being said, there were no nearby places where I could get my eyebrows done within my area. Thankfully, I lived right next to Tokyo, so I was able to do some hunting to find "Waxing Studios".

In my research I found this: the average cost of getting your eyebrows waxed is 4000 Yen. OUCH!! That's about the equivalent of $40 USD. Sorry, but when I pay $8 at home, 4000 Yen sounds (and is) outrageous. So what's a girl to do? 

Two Things: Through some digging I found a couple places with more reasonable prices (ranging in about the 2000 Yen range). How? They were privately owned and run by individuals. Now considering that I still wasn't sure I could shovel out 2000 Yen every month, since coming to Japan, I have resorted to tweezing more frequently. I generally tweeze about once to three times a week and that allows me to go through out my months only having to go get my eyebrows done bi-monthly. Whoot!

Now I want to recommend my favorite spot to get my eyebrows done. I have tried two places since coming here, but my favorite is Maris-Gina . Run by Kie Koike, it is in Akasaka, Minato-ku, Tokyo, Japan and is a gem of a place! In the States, I am used to the grab and go kind of thing, where they slap some wax on you, make sure your eyebrows are 'even' and then send you on your way. But Kie-san is an artist. 

Normally, I spend about 40 minutes at Maris Gina while Kie works on my eyebrows. She is gentle (so incredibly gentle; I don't ever jump when the wax comes off), precise, and gives me the best waxing jobs I've ever had in my life. Because of that, I am happy to pay the 2000 Yen for my eyebrows. They really do look FANTASTIC after she does them. Kie is also very fluent in English which is a relief for me as well, since when it comes to eyebrows and haircuts, I prefer English speaking locations, primarily because I can tell them more clearly how I want my eyebrows or hair done. Here is the finished product:

(悪くない、ね?)

(Not bad, huh?)

Maris-Gina offers a variety of waxing options as well, including leg and full body waxes. While I have not tried them, if it is anything like getting my eyebrows done, I'm sure it's worth every yen. Also, important, you do need a RESERVATION!! This is not a walk in salon (most places in Japan are not, but you can both call or book online. To find Maris-Gina, you have to go into Asakasa Residential (there isn't a sign out front) and up to the 9th floor to #917. While I normally go there by train, I know there is also paid parking nearby too.

(The outside of Asakasa Residential)

(The entrance to Maris-Gina)

You can also check out Maris-Gina's Facebook page for more information too. So I hope this post helps out another person somewhere in Japan find a good place to get waxing done.
Till next time.

Tokyo Skytree

Hello everyone!

I finally, FINALLY, went to Tokyo Skytree (東京スカイツリー) (after a good year and 10 months of a delay). So I wanted to compare it to other places I've been and talk about the experience.

(Skytree from below, clear view)

Tokyo Skytree (English Page Here) is the tallest tower in the world, reaching 634 meters tall, and the second tallest structure in the world. It was opened to the public in early 2012. Skytree is in the North East section of Tokyo and frankly, in what I consider the outskirts. It's past Sensou-ji (浅草寺) and the Edo Tokyo Museum (江戸東京博物館) and essentially once you reach Skytree, there is not much to do beyond that if you are coming from the center of Tokyo. For that reason, I had decided against going to Skytree for the past year (it was expensive and out of the way).

(Closer to the center of the tower)

BUT I finally went and I have to say I think I went at a pretty good time. It was not too crowded (I went mid-day, on a weekday), and the area itself was perfect for a relaxing afternoon. In addition to Skytree itself, a mall (essentially) was built surrounding it. While some parts of the mall are very touristy, other parts are interesting to go through and the food court is a perfect place for lunch (Takoyaki or たこ焼き for me, yum!).

(Asakusa; 浅草)

Another side thing I want to note, the official shops for Skytree are all within the structure itself. The surrounding mall has shops that sell Omiyage (おみやげ) or souvenirs, but none of it is 'official'. But what that essentially means, is that the shops within Skytree are the only ones that sell all the options of ("good") souvenirs available.

(Ueno; 上野 and Ikebukuro; 池袋)

While I went during a typhoon (the weather channels/websites said it was a typhoon, but it was more like a small rain shower), there was still a good amount visible from Skytree. I'd imagine that even more would have been visible if not for the rain. During the summer seasons, visibility from tall places in Tokyo are often restricted due to the humidity in the air creating a dense fog-like cover the higher up you go. However, in the winter and cooler seasons when less humidity is in the air, you can see things much further away (such as Mt. Fuji; 富士山).

(Northern Tokyo, Saitama, and Chiba)

From what I could see though, Skytree was incredible. You literally could see all of Tokyo as well as parts of Chiba (千葉県) and Saitama Prefectures (埼玉県). It was very cool to be able to see famous places that I had been to, but from way up above them. It also allowed me to have a better idea or vision as to what Tokyo's skyline and layout actually looked like. (Going through Tokyo, I often wonder where the Skyscrapers end and begin, so seeing it from above was very cool and insightful).

(Saitama)

There are two options for going up Skytree (a bit like Tokyo Tower). The first takes you up 350 meters to the Tembo Deck and is 2060 Yen. From there you can buy a ticket for 1030 Yen to go up to the 450 meter deck (the Tembo Galleria). I only went up to the Tembo Deck, so I can't speak for the Galleria, but the Tembo was impressive enough as it was for me. It was already taller than Tokyo Tower and the Tocho from that point, so you could easily see all of Tokyo from that level.

(The inside of one of the 4 Elevators, each with a different seasonal theme; this was the Fall themed one)

Within Skytree there is also a glass floor, where you can look down below. I did stand on this, but let me also note, there is a double layer here, one you stand on and one even farther below. I would assume that this is a safety feature too.

(The Glass Floor)

I was also impressed with a beautiful folding screen that depicted old Edo (江戸) from what would have been Skytree's perspective, had it existed back then. (Edo is the original name for Tokyo before the Meiji Restoration;明治維新 which took place in 1868. It is often associated with the Edo period, a time in Japan's history where it was cut off from the rest of the world and was allowed to flourish in the arts and culture). I was so impressed by it, that I choose a postcard replica of it as my souvenir. It was just so beautiful!

(Painting by Kuwagata Keisai in 1809)

(Description of above Painting in English)

Overall, I'd have to say that if you are visiting Tokyo and you have the time to go, it's worth the visit (if the weather is good, ie. very low humidity and not raining), especially if you're going to the near by Edo Tokyo Museum. Take a good camera too on good weather days as you're sure to get some beautiful shots. However, if you're on a limited time schedule, you can skip it, only because it is kind of out of the way and other tall structures like Tokyo Tower (東京タワー) and the Tokyo Metropolitan Government Office / Tocho (都庁) are probably more accessible (and at night give you an equally beautiful view).

(Roppongi; 六本木, Shibuya; 渋谷, Shinjuku; 新宿, and Asakusa)

I do hope you get the chance to go see the Tokyo Skytree if you come to Japan though. It's a really cool sight to go to and provides such a clear perspective on just exactly what is Tokyo. Till next time guys!

Curry Doughnut

A short little post today guys!

I wanted to share one of my joys over here in Japan: The Curry Doughnut. Yes. You read that correctly. A Curry Doughnut.

(Outside)

(Inside)

Essentially curry, wrapped in doughnut bread and then fried to perfection. The perfect grab and go lunch/snack. Seriously. No, this is not something made up for a random plot device. This is amazing and yummy and delicious. And I mean it, really.

Have a good day!

Ikebukuro Advertising "Book of Circus" and "Book of Murder"

Hey everyone!

So, since coming to Tokyo (東京), one of my favorite spots is Ikebukuro (池袋). While I will write more about Ikebukuro another time, I had to post the below about a giant ad that I ran across way back in July.

Three Ads for the wonderfulness that was (and is) "Black Butler: Book of Circus" (Season 3), "Black Butler: Book of Murder Part 1" (OVA), and "Black Butler: Book of Murder Part 2" (OVA) (the latter of which will be released November 15th in select theatres).

(Summary of Book of Murder's premise)

For those who don't know, Black Butler (黒執事, romanized as Kuroshitsuji) is originally a manga written by Yana Toboso (枢 やな). It follows the story of young Ciel Phantomhive, an Earl in the late 1800's England, who serves as the Queen's "Watchdog", alleviating her Majesty's worries, particular with the help of his demonic butler, Sebastian Michaelis. The "Book of Circus" Anime follows the "Noah's Ark Circus" story line within the manga (a fan favorite) and the two "Book of Murder" OVAs follow the "Phantomhive Manor Murders" story line which takes place directly after. The whole series is one I highly recommend and in my top favorites for Japanese Manga/Anime.

(Left: Ciel and Sebasitan)

(Right: Joker, a popular character in "Book of Circus" played by Mamoru Miyano 宮野真守)

(Left: Sebastian, Right: Ciel)

I saw this right after my first trip to Swallowtail Butler Cafe, so needless to say, the whole night had a Butler-theme going on. But I had to take some pictures of this because really: This was in the MIDDLE of IKEBUKURO station. And it was HUGE. HOW COOL IS THAT?! Answer: It's VERY cool.

Forgive my poor pose up against this thing. I couldn't resist. Anyway, it's just another reason I love Japan. Giant advertisements for awesome shows in the middle of the super busy Ikebukuro Station. 

Till next time guys! 

Shibuya

Hello everyone!

Today my subject is Shibuya (渋谷) Adventures! Shibuya is one of the more famous places in Tokyo. and one that is worth going to if one has the time. So what’s there to do in Shibuya? A few different things really and enough that anyone could find something to do there. To start, there are two big department stores called Shibuya 109 Women’s and Shibuya 109 Men’s (I haven’t really explored either, but they are there), among many others as well.

(Shibuya 109 Women's)

Bunkamura theatre is also located there (see my post "In The Heights" for more on Bunkamura) and has various shows there from time to time. Bunkamura Website Here: www.bunkamura.co.jp/

(Shibuya Softbank with Bunkamura in the Background)

If you live in Japan and don’t speak any Japanese, Shibuya also has one of the few Softbank stores where you can get English service (while I can’t endorse Softbank for internet services, their phone lines have not failed me).

I have heard that there is also a Butler Café in the area, but not one that anyone really recommends (people say it’s very touristy and not exactly what people are looking for when they hear the term “Butler Café”; I have an upcoming post about another one though in Ikebukuro that I do recommend, so stay tuned!)

 (A shot of one of Shibuya's Big Screens)

There is also the Shibuya Animate branch there. You have to hunt for it a bit (I was kinda lucky and just found it by accident). In the same building is a J Pop Café and a Mandrake Store. (It’s kinda one of those sketchy looking buildings that’s actually surprisingly safe since its Japan).

(shot of Shibuya Animate's UtaPri section)

Probably what Shibuya is most well-known for though is Hachiko (ハチ公). Hachiko, the Hachiko Exit, and the Square nearby are all very famous places and well known Tokyo spots. They are all right next to the Station. The Station itself has many lines connecting to the Shibuya area (including the famous and convenient Yamanote Line 山手線) , but after it’s reconstruction (I’ve been told), it is now, in my and many other people’s opinions, about one of the most poorly designed stations in Tokyo. At least it connects us to Hachiko though!

(Near the Hachiko Exit)

Wait, Hachi- who? For those who do not know who or what Hachiko is, Hachiko is a loyal dog that once lived in Shibuya. He and his master used to walk to the station, where they’d part and Hachiko would wait at the station until his master came home. One day, his master died at work. Hachiko didn’t know of course, so he stayed at the station. He stayed there for the rest of his life and that’s how he got the title of the most loyal dog in Japan. Today, there’s a famous statue of Hachiko that many people go to and take pictures by. (Hachiko is actually stuffed and his remains kept in the National Museum of Nature and Science in Tokyo, though I have not seen him there yet and personally, I think I’ll prefer the statue).

(Hachiko!)

My only thing about the statue and the area around is that a lot of smokers tend to congregate there. I don’t smoke and I don’t think I’ll ever get used to the smell (nor do I want to). So if there are too many there, I get a headache or find it unpleasant to stay there.

(General Shibuya Area)

The square though is worth seeing as giant screens and advertisements line the area. Think of it a bit like a smaller version of Times Square. One of my favorite ads that I saw there was the one for SHINee’s “I’m Your Boy” CD release. (Oh and behind that was a Big Bang Ad as well!) Near the advertisement though, a truck with a similar ad for SHINee’s new CD blasted music and made it’s way in rounds around the area. Way cool!

(SHINee's "I'm Your Boy" Ad in Shibuya's Main Square)

It’s also worth going into the Tsutaya across from the station. Tsutaya is a popular CD, DVD, and Book rental and sale store (something very popular here as if you live in Japan, your space is likely limited so people prefer renting items like CDs and DVDs over buying them). From inside, you can browse multiple DVDs, CDs, and books as well as look outside and see the Square from above. The Square is also one of those famous areas of Tokyo where they stop all roads of traffic so that the intersection can be crossed multiple ways by pedestrians all at once. So by going to Tsutaya, you can watch the crowds all crossing, much like a hive of bees suddenly set free to do what they need to do.

(View from Tsutaya)

Within the store itself, you can also listen to CDs too and see what’s popular. I liked seeing these popular titles in the Anime CD section as well as these popular singers having their owns sections too:

"Uta No Prince Sama" (うたのプリンスさま):

"Free: Eternal Summer!":

"Black Butler" (黒執事):

Mamoru Miyano (宮野真守):

Kalefina:

From time to time I’ve gone to Shibuya for various things. While I can’t say it’s my favorite place to go, I do not mind going there to run errands, chill, shop a bit, see a show, or visit Hachiko. If you’re visiting Japan, it’s a must see spot since it is so recognizable and has so much history. If you live here, it’s a great spot to relax and chill.

So in summary, whether you can go through all the Shibuya 109 shops plus some or only take a selfie with Hachiko, Shibuya is a worthwhile place to go and a memorable spot in this metropolis called Tokyo.