Home
Greetings guest! members can rogu in here.
(hide this)
 
Danny's News (toggle comments)
Otaku and Japan news (subscribe) or (see more »)
Fire Cat
A man aged 21 died after running into an apartment that was blazing with fire trying to save a cat. The police later di... ( more » )
Fri 07/04 09:55 comments (5)
Alter Mikuru
This 1/8 scale figure of Mikuru by Alter just came out and you can get the reviews at FooBarBaz and ( more » )
Fri 07/04 09:06 comments (9)
Japanese Haircut
I used to cut my own hair when it was long - because it was long, one could not really notice the shoddy handwork ^^; A... ( more » )
Thu 07/03 21:02 comments (40)
Wonfes Hatsune Miku
Mikatan has more pics of the Hatsune Miku that will be on sale at the Wonfes next month. Love the triangle minamike-sty... ( more » )
Thu 07/03 17:30 comments (34)
Choose Your Destiny 2
Somebody has broken into your house and stole all your clothes. The burglar was kind enough to leave behind some underwe... ( more » )
Thu 07/03 16:27 comments (107)
Machine Gun in Akihabara
Knives are not the only thing you need to watch out for in Akiba... A man was given a spot check in Akiba after "lookin... ( more » )
Thu 07/03 09:53 comments (45)
NicoNico Douga
NicoNico Douga announced that it made an agreement with the likes of the Japan Animation Association ... ( more » )
Thu 07/03 09:36 comments (42)
日本語/Japanese  Mon 05/05 21:08 JST
The gorgeous Mikatan from Good Smile Company. Was there this week again to go over the final production stages of...
A Week in Tokyo 14 (click to enlarge)
Reading up on The Otaku market which is currently valued at 1.651 billion USD.
A Week in Tokyo 14 (click to enlarge)
On the way home from the Hobby Stock BBQ.
A Week in Tokyo 14 (click to enlarge)
Indy! Looking forward to this. Trailer below.
A Week in Tokyo 14 (click to enlarge)
Waiting for train. Most underground stations have barriers that open only when the train arrives. Wonder when JR are going to invest some money to do the same for their platforms - they should at least try to stop people jumping.
JR train fares are generally higher than underground fares too - greedy gits.

Do you have barriers between the platform and train on your region? I know they do in Hong Kong, Singapore and Shanghai. Not sure what its like back in London as I have not been for ages.
A Week in Tokyo 14 (click to enlarge)
Haruhi Wonton Ramen - 900 yen.
A Week in Tokyo 14 (click to enlarge)
A stroll in the local neighborhood. Its Golden Week this week which is why Tokyo is half empty.
A Week in Tokyo 14 (click to enlarge)
Haruhi n chips n burger - all for 800 yen.
A Week in Tokyo 14 (click to enlarge)
Ordering some sushi - 240 yen for two pieces.
A Week in Tokyo 14 (click to enlarge)
Haruhi n Yuki play in the lounge.
A Week in Tokyo 14 (click to enlarge)
Study time in lounge.
A Week in Tokyo 14 (click to enlarge)
Shopping for groceries.
A Week in Tokyo 14 (click to enlarge)
Gets me the Sanyo eneloop mobile booster so that I will have an extra 4 hours when I run out of iPod and NDS juice on the plane - 5,480 yen.
A Week in Tokyo 14 (click to enlarge)
Fauna and dinner at home - fish n veggies.
A Week in Tokyo 14 (click to enlarge)
Lunch with the Good Smile crew again.
A Week in Tokyo 14 (click to enlarge)
This restaurant is run by Max Factory - they do great nan.
A Week in Tokyo 14 (click to enlarge)
A few figures fall over after an earthquake - Good Smile offices.
A Week in Tokyo 14 (click to enlarge)
Behind Mikatans desk.
A Week in Tokyo 14 (click to enlarge)
Hair cut for 1,000 yen. I used to cut my own hair when it was long but chopped it all off when I started loose hair.
A Week in Tokyo 14 (click to enlarge)
A photo in a bookshop of old Tokyo.
A Week in Tokyo 14 (click to enlarge)
Another retro pic.
A Week in Tokyo 14 (click to enlarge)
Snapped in the Matsudo area in East Tokyo where the Good Smile offices are.
The rent here is dead cheap - two floors for 42,000 yen per month. No key money or deposit required and comes complete with furniture and a loft - very rare indeed.
The catch is that its a 19 min walk from the station.
A Week in Tokyo 14 (click to enlarge)
Prices of rent drop drastically based on the distance form the nearest train station. Folks who are thinking of living in Tokyo, have a look at my Tokyo Apartments article - learn what Key money is etc.
What is rent like in your region? I think I asked before but I didn't ask exactly how much you are paying. You is be paying how much per month?
A Week in Tokyo 14 (click to enlarge)
Relaxing for a change in the lounge with my SAFS - Suddenly Acquired FigureS for those who dont know ^^;
A Week in Tokyo 14 (click to enlarge)
A closer look at these two later this week ^^;
A Week in Tokyo 14 (click to enlarge)
Some new houses for sale. These are called Tateuri where you buy the house with the land - you are generally paying more if you buy property like this. I recommend that you buy land and then build the house yourself on top. if you are looking to buy property in Tokyo, you can read my previous experience of buying a house in my Tokyo Property Purchase article.
A Week in Tokyo 14 (click to enlarge)
These new houses cost 73,000,000 yen - there are two houses here.
A Week in Tokyo 14 (click to enlarge)
Mikuru and some Chinese lunch - 800 yen.
A Week in Tokyo 14 (click to enlarge)
Grabbing the latest To Love Ru manga. I should probably start to pick up Claymore too - 390 yen.
A Week in Tokyo 14 (click to enlarge)
Preparing my slides for Hamburg. I used to use Powerpoint all the time in Amazon and Microsoft and must say that Apple Keynote pees on Powerpoint from an extremely tall building. Never knew about Keynote until I saw a guy from Google presenting in Tokyo other other day.

The "Week in Tokyo" series will take a rest until I get back to Japan so next week will be "A week in Germany." Will still continue to post articles but most updates will probably be in the News Items in the left column which you can also RSS Subscribe too. Will post stuff from my iPod Touch when I sniff some Wifi. Dont forget to check the Member News Items too for some cool stuff being posted.
A Week in Tokyo 14 (click to enlarge)
Polls
sumomokotoko in Norwich, CT
U.S. Navy
Registered on 2008/05/04 01:52
I pay $1090 for about 1200 squarefeet, a cat and a dog.
(ID #181873) Posted on 2008/05/05 21:36
Saku in Toronto
Web Developer
Registered on 2008/02/07 23:38
I pay $400/month includes utilities and internet. It's on the basement of a house and I live with 2 other roommates which I have known since I was in school ^_^. I think $400 is pretty cheap and my landlord is really nice.

Would love to move to an apartment and have my own place one day.

Looking forward to 'A Week in Germany' post and have fun in Germany ^__^
(ID #182001) Posted on 2008/05/06 02:48
number1guy in United States
University Student
Registered on 2007/11/09 05:34
$200 USD a month. Includes water, electrical, washing machines, food, internet...almost everything...as it doesn't include gas.
(ID #182202) Posted on 2008/05/06 09:55
reggie in indonesia
uni student
Registered on 2007/11/10 18:19
want that pastel ink...
good luck next week
(ID #181880) Posted on 2008/05/05 21:46
Len-Vesper in Quebec City, Canada
Medical Research and Design
Registered on 2008/02/17 03:54
Wow, my rent is balls cheap compared to this stuff.  I pay about $550CDN a month not including extra bits like power/internet.  That's two bedrooms, at that.
(ID #181882) Posted on 2008/05/05 21:48
killswitch in Wiesbaden, Germany
Lasersword operator
Registered on 2008/03/22 08:03
yay "A week in Germany" x)
i'm curious about it
(ID #181883) Posted on 2008/05/05 21:53
Tempest in Germany
Student
Registered on 2007/11/07 06:56
Didn't see any barriers in London a week ago Danny. Can't wait for "A week in Germany", I suggest you visit the Black Forest, it's perfect for relaxing imo ^^
(ID #181884) Posted on 2008/05/05 21:55
Registered on 2006/12/24 23:42
"Haruhi n chips n burger - all for 800 yen"
Haruhi included there? ^^
btw hope you have fun in Germany.
(ID #181890) Posted on 2008/05/05 22:10
CrazyAnimeTuga in Portugal
Student
Registered on 2007/01/03 02:12
Don't pay a nickel, own house ^^.

I thought the Golden week had loads of people in Tokyo then again the people run away from the city on a vacation's week, probably one the best time to visit Tokyo or maybe I'm wrong. 
(ID #181902) Posted on 2008/05/05 22:37
Cyberchaos in Australia, Sydney
Student
Registered on 2008/02/17 19:31
YEAH!
FREELOADER YEAH!
(ID #181904) Posted on 2008/05/05 22:44
Kyoji-san in UK
IT Student
Registered on 2007/12/03 17:24
We know what your favourite figures are now XD
(ID #181906) Posted on 2008/05/05 22:45
Cavalock in Singapore
Copywriter
Registered on 2008/02/23 14:42
Is Keynote really that good? I think i hv it on my macbook but am still using PowerPoint on my pc.

have fun in Germany!
(ID #181907) Posted on 2008/05/05 22:48
student
Registered on 2007/11/16 21:18
Keynote is only one of the signs that Apple is taking over the world.

... one conference at a time.
(ID #182023) Posted on 2008/05/06 03:54
Edward in Michigan U.S.A.
Troubleshooter, Universal Exports
Registered on 2006/12/24 12:02
Keynote is great!  I use nothing but keynote now.  Powerpoint doesn't stand a chance...
(ID #182268) Posted on 2008/05/06 12:15
pinkchan in USA
Registered on 2008/04/28 10:18
Hey Danny- sorry, I'm kind of a n00b to this whole figure collecting thing, but I like reading your blog so I'm trying to understand it. (I'm not into figures, but I think they're pretty. :) Just too expensive and I dislike collecting things.)

Anyways, do you bring figures in your bag with you and pull them out for random photo ops wherever you go? When you do, do people look at you weird or anything?

I think it's really cute, a lot of my friends put their favorite figure in their photos, but they usually only take photos like that inside their home...so I was wondering if people outside think you're super creepy when you do that or anything.

Anyways, this is my first comment on your blog, so I might as well go ahead and leave a note that I really like your 'week in Japan' posts...they're very natural and informative rather than the "AAAAHHH I JUST SHOPPED IN AKIHABARA MOEMOEMOE!!!11" picture dumps I usually see on Japan-related English blogs. The info on Japanese living (house prices, etc) is really interesting, too!

Good luck with Trend Day, and have fun in Germany. :D
(ID #181909) Posted on 2008/05/05 22:56
Danny Choo in Tokyo
Director/代表取締役
Registered on 2006/12/11 11:06
Always have one in the pocket. Dont notice people looking.
(ID #183042) Posted on 2008/05/07 20:57
lsio83 in Boston
Student
Registered on 2007/11/25 06:34
have a good and safe trip, and good luck on your speech.
(ID #181910) Posted on 2008/05/05 22:59
pinkchan in USA
Registered on 2008/04/28 10:18
Oh! I forgot to mention.

In Paris, they have barriers on the newer lines. (The 14 line is the only one I know off the top of my head.) It's a deluxe glass barrier with automatic doors that only open after the train has arrived.

I did see one guy commit suicide on the 4 line...it was weird seeing them just carry the bodybag out with all the blood splatters on it and everything. They didn't even bother calling a doctor. (But I suppose that'd just be a waste of time.) The trains began running again in under 20 minutes.

I've been on the train when the train stops in the middle of the tunnels for a while, and I never understood why, but then I finally realized it's probably due to suicides. Kind of weird when I think about it. My friend was really shaken up by seeing it but I was kind of desensitized and didn't feel much for it either way.

Sorry for rambling a little in your comments!
(ID #181913) Posted on 2008/05/05 23:05
Tami in Germany - Cologne
WebDesign, Coding, Administration
Registered on 2007/12/16 10:42
I want figures to play with while eating tho. (^ω^)
Powerpoint isn't even compareable to Keynote... like you said, very tall building... weeehhh...
And it's easier to handle too!
If you get near Cologne (Köln) or Düsseldorf drop me a mail. :p
Though Düsseldorf could be rather boring, it's "only" our little Tokio here... once you had the real thing Düsseldorf only works as a band aid. ;)
(It's only one street which is really Tokio like too - Immermann Street)
Though on 14th June they hold the Japan Day again, which i will try to attend for matsuri feeling. ^^;
(ID #181916) Posted on 2008/05/05 23:18
D_Blade in Montreal
Non-profit org. volunteering work addict
Registered on 2006/12/31 22:48
Sorry, not really inspired to write anything regarding the article this time...
However the place where I live (a studio) has a rent of $375 Can., which includes hot water, electricity and heating. Internet and telephone not included though... "What about cable TV?" you'd ask? I completely gave up on television. ^^;
Not that bad of a deal if you ask me. 

(ID #181925) Posted on 2008/05/05 23:27
Meimi132 in Back end of nowhere, aka Norfolk, England
Student and Mcdonalds Grease monkey.
Registered on 2007/12/04 04:17
I'm not paying rent yet. But when I go to uni I will be paying bout £80 depending on where I get. (£80 is bout $160)

I cant wait for uni. It's gonna be AWESOME.
(ID #181938) Posted on 2008/05/05 23:43
lonetitans in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
Registered on 2008/04/25 00:49
yummy nan.. but the indian stores here in malaysia server nan which looks different.. =D
(ID #181949) Posted on 2008/05/06 00:10
theplayster in Gatineau, Québec, Canada
Integrator Multimedia and student in Art and Crafts
Registered on 2007/09/16 15:04
Mine is 250$ CAD per month with Satellite and Internet included.  But you have to buy your own food and it's quite dirty where I live...

The owner is quite lazy for the clean-up -_-', I wouldn't mind clean the house, but he insisted that I don't do nothing of some sort... ¬_¬'
(ID #181954) Posted on 2008/05/06 00:19
super rats in Philadelphia, PA (USA)
Everything
Registered on 2007/01/15 11:33
$890 USD per month.  1 Bedroom, 720 square feet.  Kitchen, bath, washer and dryer in unit.  Suburb of Philadelphia.
(ID #181962) Posted on 2008/05/06 00:53
melink14 in Cambridge, MA
Student
Registered on 2008/04/11 09:17
I used the underground trains all over the place in Tokyo last august and never saw a single barrier.

Are they a bit new?
(ID #181963) Posted on 2008/05/06 00:55
Rin in Canada
Student Otaku
Registered on 2008/01/04 16:17
It seems you had an awesome week!!! 
Hanging out with goodsmile and stuff!!! I see a ton of figure!!! Most I want!!! 
I see the Dengeki G's Festival!!! I so want that copy. Can't find it online...
I have to wait till I go to Japan...later this year >_<
(ID #181964) Posted on 2008/05/06 00:56
fireshaper in USA, Washington DC
Labor Union New Media Specialist
Registered on 2008/01/26 08:38
No gates on the metro here in Washington, D.C.  We actually had a guy jump on the tracks at my local metro station a couple weeks ago.

As for rent, the prices here in America vary drastically.  Right now, I'm paying $1350 or a 2 bed, 1 bath with a washer and dryer and a balcony, which is pretty much the cheapest you can get around DC, and I'm still stuck with an hour and a half commute to get downtown where I work.  My last American apartment was in Columbus, Ohio, and I was only paying $225 for a one bedroom within easy walking distance of my university.

When I lived in Taiwan (Taipei county, LuJhou city) last year, I was only paying $550 for a three bed, 2 bath with multiple balconies.
(ID #181968) Posted on 2008/05/06 01:00
Timotei in Sweden
NEET
Registered on 2008/02/17 09:28
Living in a big house for free is awesome, though I guess I have to move when the time is right. 

Awesome " A Week in Tokyo again ", looking forward for more. Oh, and have a nice trip to Germany. 
(ID #181972) Posted on 2008/05/06 01:19
gordon in 新加坡 Singapore
宅男 Otaku/ 工程师 Engineer
Registered on 2007/06/11 14:57
we have barriers only for underground train stations and none for he above grounds ones. last year there were quite a few cases of jump the tracks suicides. government is planning to install barriers soon.
(ID #181979) Posted on 2008/05/06 01:38
R-1 in the "Hagane" docking bay
Personal Trooper
Registered on 2007/07/05 20:49
Dude! $10 haircuts!?
(ID #181986) Posted on 2008/05/06 02:01
gregory_gdp in Boise, ID
Photographer
Registered on 2007/07/16 21:56
The total for the house that I share with a housemate is $875 and I pay $425 of that. Of course that is not including utilities and the such which adds another $250 a month that we split as well. 
(ID #181987) Posted on 2008/05/06 02:04
lostandfound in a UFO... catcher...
Part human, part student, 100% loser
Registered on 2007/10/22 02:10
*Coughs* I don't *Coughs* pay rent... *Coughs* Still living *Coughs* with my parents *Coughs*
(ID #181995) Posted on 2008/05/06 02:20
TurEXE in Brasil
University Student
Registered on 2008/02/14 09:27
train stations here dont have barriers.. must have because the accidents.. but too many vandalism maybe is this the cause to not put.
No pay rent.. live in my parents house.. 17 yrs ¬¬
Good luck on Germany Danny!
(ID #181998) Posted on 2008/05/06 02:28
Akiba-Kid in California, USA
Online Shop
Registered on 2008/01/17 11:35
I've seen barriers in station in Korea when I visited there last year, but not every station has it.  That seems pretty decent rent for Tokyo, wow.  My friend lived in Saitama area little outside of Tokyo and place was really small but rent was about 60000yen and it was 20 min. walk from the station!
(ID #182005) Posted on 2008/05/06 02:52
Deranged in London UK
Physics Student
Registered on 2007/02/18 04:47
Back in London, we have barriers along the parts of the Jubilee line only, the one which pass through canary wharf and such but only for the parts in central london and underground... All the other lines are as bad as they used to be... rat spotting on the London Underground is still a pastime. 
(ID #182010) Posted on 2008/05/06 03:03
soonkiong in Kuching, Malaysia
Student
Registered on 2007/08/22 12:50
still living with parents, but when I get to university in two months time, will be renting a room costing around RM700(~USD200-250). I want that Dengeki G's Comic Festival!!! already sold out in Amazon... 
(ID #182013) Posted on 2008/05/06 03:12
Benjamin Takeyo in Lieu de la batille decisive
ひきこもり/Hikikomori. Suits my current state more than a 大学生/University Student. ^^
Registered on 2007/12/04 23:16
*Smacks Danny on the head with a harisen*

Nande are! Hikageni seee!! Aho-chan ka!

At least Claymore volume 10 and up wards, around that volume's where the anime started to betray the manga. ^^
(ID #182014) Posted on 2008/05/06 03:14
meronpan in カリフォルニア
ソフトウェアエンジニア
Registered on 2007/12/30 07:26
dangit, yet again i'm soooooooo hungry now. 美味しそう。。。食べたい!
(ID #182027) Posted on 2008/05/06 04:02
keeylad in London
Registered on 2008/01/11 00:38
There are ticket barriers at all the tube stations in London, except for "Parsons Green" where one of the barriers is always semi open and u can slip by without having to pay.  
(ID #182030) Posted on 2008/05/06 04:06
technonewt in Talent, Oregon, United States
College Student
Registered on 2007/11/02 11:41
My rent just went down, I used to pay $153.00 USD but it went down to $138.00. That much for a one bedroom, one bath apartment including all utilities except electricity & internet.
(ID #182039) Posted on 2008/05/06 04:47
Crux in Toronto
University Student
Registered on 2007/11/13 07:35
aaaaaaaah! Saizeriya!!! I miss that place! so ridiculously cheap! and the hyaku-en baa is just monsterrrr! 

unlimited coffee, and carbonated beverages for 100yen FTW!
(ID #182040) Posted on 2008/05/06 04:48
tammie86 in Santa Clara, CA
Secretary
Registered on 2008/01/08 09:58
I can't beleive an apartment in Tokyo is so much cheaper than mine! As you can see I live in Santa Clara, CA (Silicon Valley/Bay Area) and I pay $1560/mo. for 800ish sq. ft. Although my place is a bit expensive for the are   (I can't wait to move in August)...it's not that expensive for the are. Average rent here is probably $1100-$1200. Ugh.
(ID #182044) Posted on 2008/05/06 05:05
tammie86 in Santa Clara, CA
Secretary
Registered on 2008/01/08 09:58
Forgot to mention, it's 1 bedroom...nothing included.
(ID #182049) Posted on 2008/05/06 05:13
PROXL in Costa Rica
Photography, Dealer,computer student
Registered on 2008/05/22 07:23
Hey Danny I'm moving to Tokyo like in 2 months I have seen some apartments options what you recommend for a good rent 1500-3000 USD?  
(ID #182045) Posted on 2008/05/06 05:06
Neil Duckett in Yoyogi, Tokyo
Software Engineer
Registered on 2007/11/06 13:37
Have a look at this article i wrote last week. I pay a little over USD$2000 a month.

http://neilduckett.com/cost-of-living-in-japan/
(ID #182188) Posted on 2008/05/06 09:35
PROXL in Costa Rica
Photography, Dealer,computer student
Registered on 2008/05/22 07:23
thanks I'll check the one
(ID #182568) Posted on 2008/05/07 00:49
Danny Choo in Tokyo
Director/代表取締役
[f]