Silicon Valley in Tokyo
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96)
Tue 2008/11/11 15:45
Included in the photo is Joi Ito (CEO of Creative Commons and board member of a zillion other web properties - check his LinkedIn), Andrew Huang (Vice President Hardware Engineering at Chumby), Ellen Levy (Vice President, Corporate Development and Strategy LinkedIn), Jean-Marie Hullot (responsible for core parts of Mac OSX and CEO of Fotonauts), Loic Le Meur (CEO of Seesmic), Matt Flannery (CEO of Kiva), Fumi Yamazaki (Internet Journalist), Hector Garcia (Chief Technologist of Mirai Inc) and Danny Choo (Representative Director of Mirai Inc).
Hector and I geared up in armor and met up with a few reporters and TV crew to take the Silicon Valley crew around Akihabara for the evening.
The SV folks are running a bit late from a day of meetings and will have the next two days packed with talks at the New Context Conference which I will cover soon.
My makeshift sandtrooper binoculars - does anybody know where I can easily get hold of one?
Vader: "Where are those stolen plans?"
Cameraman: "?......"
Cameraman: "?......"
The dangers of wearing armor - the boys like to touch your booty from time to time and you don't realize because you cant feel anything.
The usual photo sessions with citizens before heading off.
Geass n Oppai.
NDS Avalon Code.
Escape in the Imperial Shuttle for a while.
Meeting up with the SV team who arrive.
Take them around to a few spots including the electronics passages by the station.
Enough electronics to build 4 C3P0's.
Then its back out on the streets and we head off to the Akiba live house.
Trying to sell a PS3 which nobody seems to want.
Meet up with a maid handing out fliers.
Filming in the streets.
Andrew and Danny discussing an interesting project.
A brief break in the backstreets of Akiba.
The live house is in sight.
Through the window we see a load of Otagei masters.
One has some nekomimi. Wondering if my armor needs some too.
The SV team head inside.
Dear Stage is run by some comrades - the place was supposed to be closed that day but opened up for a few hours to entertain us.
Mmmmm. Angelic.
Crowded and very lively inside.
They serve drinks and food too.
Vader peeks through the side of his helmet.
A few photos before the performance begins.
We need another trooper to be on the other side.
A few more pics in a previous article.
The filming was for a major net broadcast. The site will probably be brought down with the incoming traffic ^^;
Hmmm. This project sounds interesting.
The girls start to sing n dance.
Its the first time for the SV team to see stuff like this - must have been a great experience for them - it was my first time too and I loved it.
The Otagei masters are whipped into a frenzy.
The guy at the back is jumping with joy.
Cameras all over the floor.
The girls drag me on stage.
Vader cools off with some beverage.
The girls teach me Otagei which is an Otaku form of dance - see video below.
Still remember the moves but not sure when they are supposed to be done.
Photo time.
More photos at Nikkei BP.
The Dark Lord cant resist the force of the ladies and joins us.
Our prisoner Loic Le Meur.
A few hours later and we are knackered - need to get up early for the conference the next day.
Tiring but a load of fun - just love working in the internet. Tokyo has legions of talented Internet folks and meeting up with them is always inspiring.
Didnt expect to be working in the Internet though - especially considering that I was brought up without it. It all started when I was at Japan Airlines working as a Computer Engineer - spent free time at work learning HTML to build the company website. I wasn't asked by anybody and took the initiative to learn for myself and contribute to the company at the same time.
At Amazon, we rewarded employees who "just do it" - folks who just went ahead and done something that contributed a great deal to the company in terms of cost or efficiency savings.
The thing is, when you are doing something good for the company, you are actually doing a lot of good for yourself at the same time. If you are working for others, take the initiative to make the most out of your position - not just for the company but for yourself too.
And if you feel that you have accomplished all then its probably time that you move on.
Tiring but a load of fun - just love working in the internet. Tokyo has legions of talented Internet folks and meeting up with them is always inspiring.
Didnt expect to be working in the Internet though - especially considering that I was brought up without it. It all started when I was at Japan Airlines working as a Computer Engineer - spent free time at work learning HTML to build the company website. I wasn't asked by anybody and took the initiative to learn for myself and contribute to the company at the same time.
At Amazon, we rewarded employees who "just do it" - folks who just went ahead and done something that contributed a great deal to the company in terms of cost or efficiency savings.
The thing is, when you are doing something good for the company, you are actually doing a lot of good for yourself at the same time. If you are working for others, take the initiative to make the most out of your position - not just for the company but for yourself too.
And if you feel that you have accomplished all then its probably time that you move on.
- Akihabara News - Gadgetry from Japan (Subscribe)
- Japan Probe - Japan news and entertainment (Subscribe)
- Kirainet.com - A geek in Japan (Subscribe)
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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Fri 11/07 19:50 comments (142)
student and blogger
I'm very interested in working in the internet field and I would like to someday to reach the high level of success like the people you met at that event.
(ID #367011) Posted on 2008/11/11 15:50
I'd just like a job
(ID #368338) Posted on 2008/11/12 16:53
*Votes Yes for neko mimi on armor, with tail.... XD
(ID #367012) Posted on 2008/11/11 15:54
Multimedia Technology Student, eLearning software developer, Skateboard coach, Filmer, Editor
Looked like heaps of fun. Must have been super hot in the storm trooper armour.
(ID #367015) Posted on 2008/11/11 15:56
It would be fun to have a nekomimi storm trooper~ It looks fun to otegai....
(ID #367033) Posted on 2008/11/11 16:07
I'm not interested about working on the internet side of things, but who knows, maybe that'll change.
(ID #367042) Posted on 2008/11/11 16:13
system garbage collector
I've been working on web applications ~ but it's mainly used internally by companies XD
(ID #367063) Posted on 2008/11/11 16:23
Hmm... Stormtrooper is aim blaster at Loic Le Meur's nuts. Found a couple of droids?
(ID #367071) Posted on 2008/11/11 16:33
marvin (Registered on 2006/12/25 00:30)
lol on Geass and oppai, I laughed my geass off on that. ^^; looks like you guys had loads of fun.
(ID #367073) Posted on 2008/11/11 16:34
marvin (Registered on 2006/12/25 00:30)
just noticed it, but is Hector really tall! (image ID#23107)
(ID #367093) Posted on 2008/11/11 16:46
Student
Oh. I'm a student of networking field. :D Though it seems I need to retake it since, I feel confused. BUT I WILL LEARN IT >D (is it OK with caps?)
(ID #367077) Posted on 2008/11/11 16:36
I always thought of Danny's cosplay antics as a sort of Otagei ^^ And no, even though I spend all day in front of or next to computers, I'm not a tech guy at all (even though I've built all of my computer rigs except my 2003 rig by myself since the late 90s). Don't need another reason to be near a keyboard!
(ID #367079) Posted on 2008/11/11 16:37
club sensei / student
My lurking at 2:40am US eastern pays off. Working for the internet would be nice but my passion is in making games. favorite line "Escape in the Imperial Shuttle for a while"
(ID #367084) Posted on 2008/11/11 16:39
wow, i'm at the point where im just beginning to forge a path in life (18yrs), but if i could grow up to be half as happy as danny and enjoy what i do, id be content. Looks like you really had fun danny!
(ID #367086) Posted on 2008/11/11 16:40
Think Hector suits the Darth Vader role really well. He's built for it! Angelic indeed ^^ Is Hector really drinking through the straw with his helmet on???
(ID #367089) Posted on 2008/11/11 16:41
Yes, he is pretty well built & tall enough for the suit. :)
(ID #379675) Posted on 2008/11/21 04:18
TK-8316 / 宅男 Otaku / 工程师 Engineer
ring me up if u need another trooper. ^^;
(ID #367108) Posted on 2008/11/11 17:07
man that looks like one heck of a way to spend a day...tiring but satisfying...and surrounded by girls...well almost everything revolves around the internet so why not join in?...
(ID #367109) Posted on 2008/11/11 17:08
Now that's cool!!!!!! Maybe you should do another video of Dancing Stormtrooper with Hector in Akihabara!!!!!! Your job allows you to do a lot of good stuff!!!!! Maybe I should pick up an HTML book at my book store and learn it so I can build websites and stuff too!!!!!!!
(ID #367114) Posted on 2008/11/11 17:11
CG Artist wannabe / Figure Collector / Deadman
Damn right Rin. Building websites is fun.
(ID #367134) Posted on 2008/11/11 17:26
Project Contractor
Look like Danny & Hector had a great time with the Silicon Valley guys there ^_^ I always wanted to be in the internet field. Ever since I read about Bill Gates saying that in the next 10years, there are only 2 types of business will still exist in this world, 1 is internet business, another 1 is No-Longer-In-Business. I did tried to start my own E-Commerce business by retailing & distributing Video Eyewear/goggle about a year ago, but the proposal failed as I can't secure any investor, & most my capital had been wasted in research, companys' background due diligence & product samples....... However, I'm still willing to start my E-Commerce anytime soon.
(ID #367144) Posted on 2008/11/11 17:38
website designer (currently assist. graphic designer)
Maybe you could sell your research instead? =o Another idea would be drop-shipping. Good luck with any future ventures, it's better to try it and fail than to never know.
(ID #367445) Posted on 2008/11/12 00:38
Project Contractor
With the limited resources & capital, I was indeed headed for drop-shipping ^_^
(ID #368317) Posted on 2008/11/12 16:27
Professional Bum
Most people wear business suits, danny wears armor. Oh seeing stuff like this makes me so envious. Good fun is Great Fun. I hope in the future I can find something I can do that gives me the ability to just go out and enjoy life and take in everything, without taking away the even further future. You got 1 shot at life after all, it's best lived with smiles and enjoyment. You truly are an inspiration to all of us Danny. (and Hector) Otagei looks fun.
(ID #367160) Posted on 2008/11/11 18:05
Student; wants a job T_T
Hooray for more trooper! Those girl's outfits are soooo cute. :D
(ID #367161) Posted on 2008/11/11 18:07
I predict i would be working in the internet field or the designing field after i grad. thou what i'm studying now isn't related to it field at all. ^^; Had a couple of part time job before but all of them are in the designing field cept for the most recent one.. But it would be best to work in the area which you are interested in no?
(ID #367164) Posted on 2008/11/11 18:10
Internet Media
Awesome Pics! I'm definitely interested in working in the internet field, but I don't know a bit of code. I'd love to eventually be working in online video production & distribution (video podcasts, internet TV shows, etc.), because I feel that I could use the knowledge I gained from working in Hollywood, and apply it to this rapidly-growing field! Great post as always, Danny!
(ID #367166) Posted on 2008/11/11 18:12
Student - CCNA
Well, i guess i'm already heading into the industry anyway. But not as a programmer. But i always liked doing html, it always felt awesome when links worked, tables were merging properly, etcetc. But i guess will be supporting those who work in the internet field. Without people like me, you'll all be stuck localised to you workstations!!!!!! MUHAHAH~~
(ID #367175) Posted on 2008/11/11 18:21
I wonder what aliens would say if they decided to come to earth and just happy to see a bunch of otaku doing otagei.
(ID #367191) Posted on 2008/11/11 18:41
Computer Technician, Kita-Kon Chairman
Hopefully one day i plan on working in a field on the internet. I'm slowly learning my php, sql is easy enough for now. Looks like you all had an awesome time :3
(ID #367198) Posted on 2008/11/11 18:47
former Emperor of Britannia
the Otagei dance is really funny. Lots of japanese really do love Star Wars characters. Internet field or programming field is my choice at the moment but i prefer the internet field since i really don't have a huge striving for programming at the moment.
(ID #367202) Posted on 2008/11/11 18:52
resident caffeine junkie
already am though I still have a ways to go.
(ID #367211) Posted on 2008/11/11 19:06
Lurker, and part time super-villian.
Working in the internet aint for me, I like to work with animals, so am concentrating on getting a job in that industry (Zoo keeper, breeder, shelter owner etc).
(ID #367212) Posted on 2008/11/11 19:07
website designer (currently assist. graphic designer)
First line Danny, did you mean --> check 'his' LinkedIn) ? And "just done it" or is it "just do it" ? Hehe~ Looks like you guys had an awesome time though, would love to have been on that tour with you and Hector leading it xD. I do website design, but I haven't gotten around to getting my own business number so I haven't promoted myself ^^;; currently doing it on a per project basis for a local print shop though, used to work part-time for them :3 Actually, all my previous employers keep in contact with me xD;
(ID #367225) Posted on 2008/11/11 19:52
Director/代表取締役
Thanks for the typo check ^^;
(ID #367228) Posted on 2008/11/11 19:55
hey danny, i think you mean :"Jean-Marie Hullot (responsible for core parts of Mac OSX and CEO of Fotonauts)" instead of "Jean-Marie Hullot (responsible for core parts of Max OSX and CEO of Fotonauts)" the mac os x part =P
(ID #367255) Posted on 2008/11/11 20:19
Director/代表取締役
Max OSX sounds good though ^^;
(ID #367288) Posted on 2008/11/11 20:51
website designer (currently assist. graphic designer)
No worries~ *salutes* (^o^), Firite spotted another one, nice~
(ID #367270) Posted on 2008/11/11 20:30
website designer (currently assist. graphic designer)
(Cheif Technologist of Mirai Inc) --> Chief You've also missed a few apostrophes in words that are littered across your article, like it's, didn't, etc And that's it from me, sorry to spam ^^;;
(ID #367280) Posted on 2008/11/11 20:42
Director/代表取締役
Muhaha. Thanks for the chief but im not to bothered about the missing apostrophes to be honest.
(ID #367286) Posted on 2008/11/11 20:49
What's this? An English class? Haha well done for noticing people but i'm sure we would find loads of mistakes in all your posts and comments, give danny a break haha ^_^
(ID #367636) Posted on 2008/11/12 05:06
Mechanical Engineering student
Lucky you Mr Danny to get surrounded by those girls! I'm so jealous XD BTW Hector is TALL O_o I'm kinda interested in being in the Internet field but that's just probably because I'm addicted to the Internet right now. I don't exactly know what to do when I'm in the Internet business x_x
(ID #367254) Posted on 2008/11/11 20:19
Unemployed, boooo
I think working in something to do with the internet would be great, but I don't have the imagination or skills to make something out of it personally. I have huge respect for those that do though.
(ID #367264) Posted on 2008/11/11 20:23
I would love to work in the field that I spend time on everyday ^^
(ID #367272) Posted on 2008/11/11 20:33
So if we went to Japan. I'll look for Stormtrooper with SOS Brigade armband to find you.
(ID #367281) Posted on 2008/11/11 20:44
Application Developer
-- We need another trooper to be on the other side. -- Trooper reporting sir, atleast next year augustus if i can get a trooper outfit (money spending before holidays is not a smart thing ;p) and if i can get it into Japan somehow without using all my luggage space xD
(ID #367317) Posted on 2008/11/11 21:33
Lover of Akiba!
I'm living in Japan, is more easy hehehe ^^
(ID #367322) Posted on 2008/11/11 21:36