A Week in Tokyo 14

   (94)
      
日本語/Japanese
Mon 2008/05/05 22:20
The gorgeous Mikatan from Good Smile Company. Was there this week again to go over the final production stages of...
Reading up on The Otaku market which is currently valued at 1.651 billion USD.
On the way home from the Hobby Stock BBQ.
Indy! Looking forward to this. Trailer below.
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.
Haruhi Wonton Ramen - 900 yen.
A stroll in the local neighborhood. Its Golden Week this week which is why Tokyo is half empty.
Haruhi n chips n burger - all for 800 yen.
Ordering some sushi - 240 yen for two pieces.
Haruhi n Yuki play in the lounge.
Study time in lounge.
Shopping for groceries.
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.
Fauna and dinner at home - fish n veggies.
Lunch with the Good Smile crew again.
This restaurant is run by Max Factory - they do great nan.
A few figures fall over after an earthquake - Good Smile offices.
Behind Mikatans desk.
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 photo in a bookshop of old Tokyo.
Another retro pic.
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.
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?
Relaxing for a change in the lounge with my SAFS - Suddenly Acquired FigureS for those who dont know ^^;
A closer look at these two later this week ^^;
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.
These new houses cost 73,000,000 yen - there are two houses here.
Mikuru and some Chinese lunch - 800 yen.
Grabbing the latest To Love Ru manga. I should probably start to pick up Claymore too - 390 yen.
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.
First time here?
If you are new here, you may want to keep up with more of the same via RSS or Danny's other networks. (dont show again)
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Another busy week in Tokyo running around like mad man. Photo taken outs...(more)
Sat 04/26 20:43 comments (79)
Spent a lot of the past week in the office focusing on a client launch. T...(more)
Thu 04/17 21:27 comments (92)
Another week in Tokyo. First up is a snap from the next office tour. Ther...(more)
Sun 04/06 13:49 comments (70)
Time seems to be speeding up at a tremendous rate lately. Last week seems...(more)
Thu 03/27 10:18 comments (58)
Polls
sumomokotoko in Norwich, CT (Registered on 2008/05/04 03:04)
U.S. Navy
I pay $1090 for about 1200 squarefeet, a cat and a dog.
(ID #181873) Posted on 2008/05/05 22:48
Saku in Toronto (Registered on 2008/02/08 00:50)
Wannabe Web Developer
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 04:00
number1guy in United States (Registered on 2007/11/09 06:46)
University Student
$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 11:07
reggie in indonesia (Registered on 2007/11/10 19:31)
uni student
want that pastel ink...
good luck next week
(ID #181880) Posted on 2008/05/05 22:58
Len-Vesper in Quebec City, Canada (Registered on 2008/02/17 05:06)
Medical Research and Design
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 23:00
killswitch in Wiesbaden, Germany (Registered on 2008/03/22 09:15)
Lasersword operator
yay "A week in Germany" x)
i'm curious about it
(ID #181883) Posted on 2008/05/05 23:05
Tempest in New Zealand (Registered on 2007/11/07 08:08)
Exchange Student
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 23:07
marvin (Registered on 2006/12/25 00:54)
"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 23:22
CrazyAnimeTuga in Portugal (Registered on 2007/01/03 03:24)
Student
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 23:49
Cyberchaos in Australia, Sydney (Registered on 2008/02/17 20:43)
AdvDip Network Security - CCNA - Ironport - Security+
YEAH!
FREELOADER YEAH!
(ID #181904) Posted on 2008/05/05 23:56
Kyoji-san in UK (Registered on 2007/12/03 18:36)
IT Student
We know what your favourite figures are now XD
(ID #181906) Posted on 2008/05/05 23:57
Cavalock in Singapore (Registered on 2008/02/23 15:54)
Copywriter
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 2008/05/06 00:00
Vinsuality (Registered on 2007/11/16 22:30)
student
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 05:06
Edward in SE Michigan/Osaka (Registered on 2006/12/24 13:14)
Troubleshooter, Universal Exports
Keynote is great!  I use nothing but keynote now.  Powerpoint doesn't stand a chance...
(ID #182268) Posted on 2008/05/06 13:27
pinkchan in USA (Registered on 2008/04/28 11:30)
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 2008/05/06 00:08
Danny Choo in Tokyo (Registered on 2006/12/11 12:18)
CEO MIrai Inc
Always have one in the pocket. Dont notice people looking.
(ID #183042) Posted on 2008/05/07 22:09
lsio83 in Boston (Registered on 2007/11/25 07:46)
Student
have a good and safe trip, and good luck on your speech.
(ID #181910) Posted on 2008/05/06 00:11
pinkchan in USA (Registered on 2008/04/28 11:30)
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 2008/05/06 00:17
Tami in Germany - Düsseldorf (Registered on 2007/12/16 11:54)
IT-Architect, SysAdmin, WebDesign and Coding, Virtualization (VMware + NetApp)
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 2008/05/06 00:30
D_Blade in Montreal (Registered on 2007/01/01 00:00)
Non-profit org. volunteering work addict
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 2008/05/06 00:39
Meimi132 in Leicester for Uni, Norfolk for Home. (Registered on 2007/12/04 05:29)
Student, Otaku, She-Geek(Sheek lol)
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 2008/05/06 00:55
lonetitans in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia (Registered on 2008/04/25 02:01)
yummy nan.. but the indian stores here in malaysia server nan which looks different.. =D
(ID #181949) Posted on 2008/05/06 01:22
theplayster in Canada (Registered on 2007/09/16 16:16)
Integrator Multimedia and student in Art and Crafts
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 01:31
super rats in Philadelphia, PA (USA) (Registered on 2007/01/15 12:45)
Everything
$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 02:05
melink14 in Cambridge, MA (Registered on 2008/04/11 10:29)
Student
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 02:07
Rin in Toronto (Registered on 2008/01/04 17:29)
Student Otaku (ITM Student) and ACG NA Staff
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 02:08
fireshaper in USA, Washington DC (Registered on 2008/01/26 09:50)
Labor Union New Media Specialist
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 02:12
Timotei in Sweden (Registered on 2008/02/17 10:40)
NEET
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 02:31
gordon in 新加坡 Singapore (Registered on 2007/06/11 16:09)
五〇一軍团 TK8316 Singapore Garrison Public Relations Officer
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 02:50
R-1 in a happy place. (Registered on 2007/07/05 22:01)
Personal Trooper
Dude! $10 haircuts!?
(ID #181986) Posted on 2008/05/06 03:13
gregory_gdp in Boise, ID (Registered on 2007/07/16 23:08)
Photographer/Night Auditor
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 03:16
lostandfound in Singapore (Registered on 2007/10/22 03:22)
Part trooper, part -timer, 100% loser...
*Coughs* I don't *Coughs* pay rent... *Coughs* Still living *Coughs* with my parents *Coughs*
(ID #181995) Posted on 2008/05/06 03:32
TurEXE in Brasil (Registered on 2008/02/14 10:39)
University Student
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 03:40
Akiba-Kid in California, USA (Registered on 2008/01/17 12:47)
Online Shop
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 04:04
Deranged in Loughborough UK (Registered on 2007/02/18 05:59)
Aeronautical Engineer
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 04:15
soonkiong in Malaysia (Registered on 2007/08/22 14:02)
soon-to-be 2nd year Civil Engineering student
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 04:24
Benjamin Takeyo in Lieu de la batille decisive (Registered on 2007/12/05 00:28)
ひきこもり/Hikikomori. Suits my current state more than a 大学生/University Student. ^^
*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 04:26
meronpan in カリフォルニア (Registered on 2007/12/30 08:38)
software manager
dangit, yet again i'm soooooooo hungry now. 美味しそう。。。食べたい!
(ID #182027) Posted on 2008/05/06 05:14
keeylad in London (Registered on 2008/01/11 01:50)
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 05:18
technonewt in Southern Oregon, United States (Registered on 2007/11/02 12:53)
College Student
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 05:59
Crux in Toronto (Registered on 2007/11/13 08:47)
University Student
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 06:00
tammie86 in San Jose, CA (Registered on 2008/01/08 11:10)
Secretary
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 06:17
tammie86 in San Jose, CA (Registered on 2008/01/08 11:10)
Secretary
Forgot to mention, it's 1 bedroom...nothing included.
(ID #182049) Posted on 2008/05/06 06:25
PROXL in Costa Rica (Registered on 2008/05/22 08:35)
Photography, Dealer,computer student
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 06:18
Neil Duckett in Yoyogi, Tokyo (Registered on 2007/11/06 14:49)
Software Engineer
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 10:47
PROXL in Costa Rica (Registered on 2008/05/22 08:35)
Photography, Dealer,computer student
thanks I'll check the one
(ID #182568) Posted on 2008/05/07 02:01
Danny Choo in Tokyo (Registered on 2006/12/11 12:18)
CEO MIrai Inc
Have a look at the links provided in the article.
(ID #183041) Posted on 2008/05/07 22:07
Huntz in Thailand (Registered on 2008/04/17 06:05)
Offshore Radio Operator
The subway stations (Operated by BMCL) here in Thailand also have barriers between platform and the rail only open when train is arrived.That prevent people to jumping in to the rail and also for save the electric power too.
Because the barrier can help keep cold air from A/C not escape through the tunnel.But the subway here in Thailand is really short we have only 18 stations and the lenght of 20 Kilometers.
(ID #182050) Posted on 2008/05/06 06:26
twilight in Greece (Registered on 2008/04/02 23:58)
Dreamer
I wish I could live off doing what I like like you do Daniel . But I can't because there's nothing I like to the point of wanting to learn it.
You have a point in your life, you made a goal and kept going towards it, I can't.
(ID #182051) Posted on 2008/05/06 06:31
Jorge Hinojosa in México (Registered on 2007/12/07 12:23)
freelance photographer
Ramen mmmmmmm want some.
(ID #182057) Posted on 2008/05/06 07:06
XSportSeeker in Brazil (Registered on 2007/08/22 06:42)
Dropping computers, starting all over again at Journalism
Maaawwww Danny, you got Moetan! T_T

I think I'll post her on my blog today only to torture myself up some more. :P

Nice stroll in old Tokyo... I'll dream some about that later today.
(ID #182067) Posted on 2008/05/06 07:54
cowboy4eva in New York, Osaka, Tokyo (Registered on 2008/01/29 08:40)
Leisure Consultant, Writer, Webmaster
If you plan on living in Tokyo for good, then it makes sense to buy land and property. Tokyo probably has better land and property than Osaka. 
(ID #182104) Posted on 2008/05/06 09:23
Henry in /usr/bin/ (Registered on 2006/12/25 20:29)
anime/cosplay events organizer
i don't pay any rent 'coz my family owns the land and the house ^^
(ID #182116) Posted on 2008/05/06 09:33
NOlo in Mexico (Registered on 2007/06/01 08:13)
Information Designer
I pay 330 dollars... for a house, 2 floors, 2 bed rooms, full kitchen, a living room, little office, washing machine and furniture included... oh and a parking space just in front of the house.

All of this in a closed neighborhood with security guards at the entrance.

Its pretty cheap I think :P
(ID #182129) Posted on 2008/05/06 09:46
theplayster in Canada (Registered on 2007/09/16 16:16)
Integrator Multimedia and student in Art and Crafts
It is! xD
(ID #182471) Posted on 2008/05/06 22:56
the great paul in Brooklyn, New York (Registered on 2008/03/14 10:14)
Extremely Poor College Student
[f] 
renting here doesnt come with anything except unmovable objects(fridge,toilet,etc...)

and its freaking expensive.over 1k a month
(ID #182159) Posted on 2008/05/06 10:18
Atrus in the land of Oz (Registered on 2008/02/21 09:49)
Student (for-ev-er)
I dunno, a 15 minute walk I might be able to stomach for a good deal.  
Dunno if it would be wise, but couldn't you ride your bike to the station an lock it?
(ID #182177) Posted on 2008/05/06 10:41
Danny Choo in Tokyo (Registered on 2006/12/11 12:18)
CEO MIrai Inc
Most people do that although some stations charge to park the bike.
(ID #183038) Posted on 2008/05/07 22:06
BeLe in Davao, Philippines (Registered on 2007/01/03 17:48)
.NET/Web Developer
I pay around $150 dollars for an apartment each month.  Rent is pretty cheap around here if you're talking about places to live.  Business offices though are another thing.  

Wish I could find the time to go to germany or paris.  I'm in sweden right now so its pretty close.  but work...bah!!
(ID #182179) Posted on 2008/05/06 10:42
skankywonders in California (Registered on 2007/08/09 06:48)
Student
Alright! Another great episode of A Week in Tokyo, Danny! Can't wait for A Week in Germany though, that's gonna be new. 

Anyways, yes yes Goodsmile makes great figures/products. I hope the new Indiana Jones movie will be as great as the originals. 

I just noticed Danny, do you bring Haruhi everywhere you eat or what? Don't worry, I'd do the same thing! 

Danny I love you!
(ID #182181) Posted on 2008/05/06 10:43
Danny Choo in Tokyo (Registered on 2006/12/11 12:18)
CEO MIrai Inc
Too cute not to carry around.
(ID #183036) Posted on 2008/05/07 22:05
Skye in Washington D.C. (Registered on 2007/12/22 01:56)
Student
I thought To-Love-Ru came out on Tuesdays. Is it chapter 99? Anyways, I have to wait 'till Friday-Saturday for translation? Lucky you. Also, anybody know where I can view/download it in tankoubon?  
(ID #182191) Posted on 2008/05/06 10:51
SG in 英国 (Registered on 2006/12/28 06:51)
Art/Media
From what I know, London underground still bare, no barriers.

Coming near the end of this month, I'd be heading into London. Theres a Expo held on 24th or something.

:D
(ID #182204) Posted on 2008/05/06 11:08
Ghost300 in salt lake city, UT (Registered on 2008/04/26 06:25)
engineer
Choo-rawk!  

Love the page and great job you're doing man...

just returned from a recent visit to Japan and you page really helped get me around and get some figures and capsule toys....

couldn't believe the price of a capsule toy here in the states, should have stocked up on them...NEXT YEAR!  muhahahahaha!
(ID #182213) Posted on 2008/05/06 11:16
milkham (Registered on 2007/03/06 17:08)
DAMN dude, you look really happy to be there.
(ID #182217) Posted on 2008/05/06 11:25
lin-da-kenobi in Lima, Peru ^^ (Registered on 2007/08/16 04:08)
medicine student & otaku
i don't pay rent ^^ hehe since i live with my parents XD but that doesn't mean i won't pay anything though, i usually buy the groceries so that'd be like 60 or 80 a week. they're paying $675 a week though for an apt with 2 bedrooms a kitchen and a bathroom
(ID #182232) Posted on 2008/05/06 12:26
Coco the Bean in SoCal, USA (Registered on 2008/01/06 06:53)
Pokemon master
Oh, you got pastel ink! Cute!
I wish it were golden week in my area.    Everyone in my school is freaking out over advance placement testing. T_T
(ID #182240) Posted on 2008/05/06 12:39
NekokoNeko in Long Beach, CA, USA (Registered on 2007/11/30 14:56)
computer business Infomation system
1100$ a month between me and 2 roommates. for a 3 room house.
(ID #182281) Posted on 2008/05/06 13:42
slimguy in Seattle (Registered on 2008/04/13 13:24)
Software Engineer
As Deranged mentioned, only the Jubilee Line from Westminster to Stratford has the barriers on the platforms on the London Underground. The good thing about it is that you know where the doors on the train are going to be. I do wish Seattle had an underground system though. We have to rely on buses here only :-(
(ID #182339) Posted on 2008/05/06 16:04
Neutrinos in Singapore (Registered on 2008/03/25 11:36)
Engineering research
<Was there this week again to go over the final production stages of...>

...of??? O.o
(ID #182345) Posted on 2008/05/06 16:12
jonhohx in adelaide (Registered on 2007/05/14 20:43)
filmaker
its the mirai figure isnt it?
(ID #182349) Posted on 2008/05/06 16:19
Fat Cat Lim in Malaysia (Registered on 2008/04/23 14:25)
Videogame Magazine Editor
20 minutes to the train station? That doesn't sound too bad. Walking is good exercise anyway.

The train platforms in Malaysia don't have any barriers, except the underground ones like at KLCC. But we don't get many reported suicides on the train tracks. Either it's a Malaysian thing, or it's hushed up by the authorities. :/
(ID #182357) Posted on 2008/05/06 16:43
FatBastard in directly responsible (Registered on 2007/11/04 19:28)
Hotdog Repairman
Moving soon. We'll have to see how this plays out.
(ID #182362) Posted on 2008/05/06 16:52
euphoria in Edmonton, Canada (Registered on 2008/04/28 17:56)
Student/Part-timer
Interesting barriers, guess thats a method to stop jumpers; cant stop all of them though, but at least it saves the other passengers at the station from the site...
(ID #182372) Posted on 2008/05/06 17:33
Katsuyoshi in Poland (Registered on 2007/11/11 04:32)
Perv
I don't know, but judging from peoples nagging here, it must be pretty expensive.
BTW could anyone tell me what the NSFW stands for?
(ID #182409) Posted on 2008/05/06 20:07
6pack (Registered on 2008/03/20 13:55)
[f] 
NSFW - not suitable for work
(may contain some nudity in images)
(ID #182414) Posted on 2008/05/06 20:30
D_Blade in Montreal (Registered on 2007/01/01 00:00)
Non-profit org. volunteering work addict
It's rather "Not Safe For Work".
But hell, it's the same indeed. ^^
(ID #182447) Posted on 2008/05/06 21:52
6pack (Registered on 2008/03/20 13:55)
[f] 
here rents can be from 50USD to about 1500USD depending on location. doesn't matter if its 1 hours drive from the station or 5 mins walk. Prices are have skyrocketed in last 2 years.

And building barriers in stations here is an impossible task, and also meaningless due to the high amount of traffic generated. People hanging out of the trains wont help in this cause too, since train doors dont shut automatically here.
(ID #182413) Posted on 2008/05/06 20:27
Chong Mizunaga in an Afro (Registered on 2007/12/15 11:09)
Afro-ed Student
Eh.. I'm gonna have to say- that roti naan looks.. deadly. ^^;
(ID #182501) Posted on 2008/05/06 23:53
Kilkrazy in London (Registered on 2008/04/18 03:31)
Producer
I don't rent but my mortgage is currently £941 per month = 193,000 Yen. On top of which I have to pay maintenance, utility and council tax some of which you might avoid by renting.

Basic message, you don't get accomodation for nothing except when you are a child or teenager.
(ID #182522) Posted on 2008/05/07 00:31
xcloude in Penang (Registered on 2008/04/30 01:29)
software developer
About 45 USD for a double storey house in Georgetown, Penang.
(ID #182527) Posted on 2008/05/07 00:35
gurugurutrex in Vancouver, B.C., Canada (Registered on 2007/11/08 04:49)
オタク all day long
There are ppl actually only pay less than USD$50 a month? Wow that's really cheap!
(ID #182606) Posted on 2008/05/07 03:56
jonske in stage 1-1 (Registered on 2008/03/21 22:25)
IBMer
interesting read.
(ID #182997) Posted on 2008/05/07 20:20
raptor_cZn in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia (Registered on 2007/12/12 23:05)
Pre-U Student
Hey Danny, what kind of output plug does that eneloop booster thing come with?
Is it only available in Japan?
Might be kinda handy for my PSP ^_^
(ID #183021) Posted on 2008/05/07 21:43
Danny Choo in Tokyo (Registered on 2006/12/11 12:18)
CEO MIrai Inc
A 5V power adapter and a USB cable. You can charge it vis only the USB cable too.
(ID #183033) Posted on 2008/05/07 22:02
raptor_cZn in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia (Registered on 2007/12/12 23:05)
Pre-U Student
Interesting. You have to use AA rechargeable batteries with it?
(ID #183181) Posted on 2008/05/08 01:56
SilverCross in U.K (Registered on 2007/08/12 04:54)
I honestly think that rent in england is way to much.... i pay around 400pound for a single room a month...
No Danny there aren't any barriers yet in the london tube....  There is a comedy that is coming out about people jumping down from the london tube..not suire i any one would actually jump down the track though.. its probably a culture thing.. since japanese tend to glorify suicide....
(ID #183034) Posted on 2008/05/07 22:03
radical anime fan in 2009 Singapore. (Registered on 2007/01/25 22:32)
Polytechnic Senior, Bronze Lifesaving Trainee, Mech Designer, Pokemon Indexer.
Barriers in Singapore train stations only apply to the underground ones. Maybe it's harder to clean up in the dark than in the light, but so far the above-ground stations do not have any barriers. Thankfully the "die-by-train" method seems to have lost its popularity...

Volume 2 and 3 of To-Luv-Ru just made their appearance in Singapore. 4 should be coming soon. It really cracks me up when I read it; haven't bought a good love-comedy to peruse after I finished Midori Days.
(ID #183071) Posted on 2008/05/07 23:08
JV3r8 in State College (Registered on 2008/04/22 11:13)
U.S. Army Officer
State College, PA has an inflated housing market due to all the students like myself who will pay to have a place in party central
(ID #183146) Posted on 2008/05/08 01:06
Merrick in Santa Barbara, CA (Registered on 2008/05/07 13:05)
Software Engineer
Santa Barbara, CA

1900-3000 / mo
(ID #183231) Posted on 2008/05/08 04:25
PudgyM29 in Currently Yoyogi-Koen, Shibuya-ku (Registered on 2008/03/30 10:35)
Fledgling repowriter
The subway and “L” stations in Chicago do not have barriers. I doubt the train engineers would be proficient enough to halt the train in the stations to line up the doors.
The _newer_ subway lines in Tokyo have the barriers. You won't find any on the Ginza line or the Hibiya line. The Marunouchi line has waist-high barriers in its subway portion.
The Toei Asakusa, Oedo, and Shinjuku lines do not have the barriers.
The house here has been paid off for a long time. So rent or condo payments are not on the ledger. 
The entries on the costs of living in Tokyo are very useful, Danny. Thank you for that. They shall help if and when I have to move there. !=)
(ID #183269) Posted on 2008/05/08 06:24
DrGUID in London (Registered on 2007/11/14 21:25)
Web Developer (i.e. Otaku)
Danny,

London's new(ish) Jubilee line underground extension to Canary Wharf has barriers to stop you falling onto the tracks.

Unfortunately, careless souls tend to get crushed to death by bendy buses instead. :-(
(ID #183656) Posted on 2008/05/08 20:20
Mugiwara Ceddy in Kathleen, Georgia (Registered on 2008/04/22 08:59)
Student/Tattoo Art
the price of that house is insane man
thats why im not moving to tokyo
somwhere outside of tokyo will do just fine lol
(ID #184069) Posted on 2008/05/09 11:43
Aphrodite Undercover in Sydney (Registered on 2008/05/15 12:18)
Writer
I pay AU$310 a week (yep, a week) for a 60sqm 1 bedder with a carspace in Sydney.  Housing cost is insanely inflated here.  
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