A week in Tokyo 3
This weeks installment of A week in Tokyo. If you know of anybody else doing the same sort of weekly life post then let us know as I personally would love to learn about life in other regions too.
First up is dinner meeting with Good Smile Company's staff members in Matsudo. This is Indotei restaurant just below the Good Smile offices. Tis no coincidence as the place is run by Max Factory - not only do they make great figures, they also make great curry too!
The boss at Good Smile told me to tell you that if you go for food at Indotei and mention dannychoo.com and also ask the staff to call Good Smile, they will give you a figure along with your meal.
A dish ready for eats at Indotei.
For those who were wondering - yes I do eat at home too ^^;
Some vegetable gratan (not sure how グラタン is written in English) and some crab flown in from Hokkaido.
On the road from meeting in east Tokyo.
Visit to Suitengu shrine.
First time I played with electric drums - these are awesome. Want.
Looking for office space in Tokyo. Plan to hire more staff next year and have the servers on site.
I'm also expanding my network of remote programmers. If you are seasoned at PHP, MYSQL, AJAX, CSS, familiar with the MVC model and are interested in working remotely part time for me then contact me at [danny at dannychoo dot com].
Am also looking for designers who are seasoned at Flash and UI work. Send me some examples of your work and your hourly rates. Payment will be into your paypal account.
Superstar programmers who are able to work well with my team may have an opportunity and be recruited to work in Tokyo for my company Mirai Inc (should you wish to). I will sponsor your visa.
The Pizza Hut pizza that we saw last week looks completely different in the flesh. No more Pizza Hut for me in Japan.
What the desk looks like just before I leave for an external meeting - the MacBook goes with me everywhere.
At a meeting with the folks at iKnow. iKnow is building the next generation language learning technology. Currently only English learning is available but Japanese should be available in the future. Is great for reverse learning Japanese although you need a certain level of Japanese to do that.
Dinner meeting in a Spanish restaurant.
Gundam Pachi Slot. I should go in and try it out.
Catching some of the autumn leaves.
Practicing cycling by going around the neighborhood.
Exploring the Hatanodai area. A ton of sailor fuku school girls can be seen going to and from class. Its like watching a 3D anime ^^;
More Hatanodai.
I was wondering why I see many Japanese kids on unicycles - its because they are taught to ride one in school!
Some Oyako don [親子丼] for lunch. After years of eating it I discover why its called Oyako don.
Oya [親] = Parent = in this case is chicken.
Ko [子] = Child = in this case meaning egg.
This dish is like a chicken omelet on rice.
More lunch and this time round its Salad Udon (noodles).
In my opinion is the best game on the Wii so far - No More Heroes.
The attention to detail in this game is amazing. Presentation is utterly cool and has extremely good use of the remote and nunchuck.
Travis is the character you control and from being a cool dude who goes around town slashing up his opponents with his beam katana, he is an otaku too and you may just be able to make out all the figures he has in his room here.
I didn't think sword action would be this good - much more fun than any of the previous Devil May Cry games.
If you own a Wii then try to check out this game - its really bloody awesome - and humorous too. Wallpaper and official site here.
Used to sit playing games for hours on end when I was a student. Tomb Raider and MGS on the PS2 immediately spring to mind.
How long do you spend playing games in one session?
Spent a sunny Sunday afternoon programming. Got data organization, detail page and comment threading done on figure.fm. Now need to work on the image upload and comments form.
BTW, thats Ginger Ale in the wine glass ^^;
Spend some time in Miura Hantou - a few hours drive from Tokyo going South past Yokohama. Forgot where this area is but it reminded me much of Laputa - it just like the anime - extremely silent with vines wrapping around what looked like ruins.
Was surprised to see how clean the water was so close to Tokyo.
If you are interested in reading about life in Japan, seeing photos taken daily around Tokyo, like Japanese subculture (anime, manga, figures, Dollfies) then you may want to start delving into the Japan or Figure categories for a start or have a gander at all photo articles.
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ひきこもり/Hikikomori. Suits my current state more than a 大学生/University Student. ^^
Wah, the shrine is so crowded and it's not even new year, what are they doing there?
By the way Danny, are you playing online games? Can hardly control your gaming session if you do... based on my experience ^^
anime/cosplay events organizer
http://www.cosplay.ph
srsly? you get a free figure from Good Smile? XDDD
i wish i have the web knowledge and work for Mirai Inc. :3
before i usually play games for hours (about 8 hours) but now i don't play much games but i still have time to play them for about 3-5 hours ^^
Being human/Student
Sweet! I don't really game, I just sot around, posting on forums and talking to people. Can't wiat for the next 'A week in Tokyo"! Thanks Danny-san
Troubleshooter, Universal Exports
http://funkyblueame.tumblr.com/
Didn't get to say so before, but I really do enjoy this feature Danny. I always feel like I was alone for the journey. Very nicely done...
Rats I wish I had programing skills now. I'm taking up a CIS minor, but the college doesn't emphasize programing. If I can get it, I will be at the local community college taking classes as well. Who knows, maybe I will become good enough to work for you.
You are doing work for the iKnow people. It has been big talk among some of my Japanese friends and my fiancee has been giving it a try. Very nice concept. I wish them well.
Always teasing you about not taking the DSLR along. I know it can be a pain in the you know what. You are getting great results with the Canon point and shoot. I really think I need to get one.
Would you add the Suitengu shrine photo to the wallpaper pool. I like that Laputa-like photo as well. Has a really mystical feel to it.
Don't say this to anyone often, but I'm really envious of you. ^^; You are living the life I'm trying so hard to make. Glad to see you doing so well.
Oh, gratin is the spelling you are looking for, I think. ^^;
Thank you to the boss at Good Smile!
Dirty Gentleman
http://cantstanzya.wordpress.com/
Whoa! Free figures and job openings. Danny is opening the flood gates for some of you that need just a little incentive to move to Japan. Tempting post indeed. Does that mean Danny wears Darth @ work while his subordinates wear stormtrooper armor? Good post Danny-o. Let you know if japan is in my future.
Troubleshooter, Universal Exports
http://funkyblueame.tumblr.com/
@FatBastard, Danny probably doesn't go to that extent in the office. Most likely they respond to his request with "Yes my master..." ^^; In their best Vader like voice of course. ^^;
Dropping computers, starting all over again at Journalism
http://xspblog.com
Hmmm nice week post.
I wonder how the monicycles class works. o_O
I'm interested on the job, though I'm on a moving process right now, and also doing a post-graduation course on game development (finishing next year)
Though I have dealt with a little PHP and some other stuff, I can't say I'm on a pro level... never worked professionally with it (one of the reason why I'm moving... no good opportunities in my city).
Used some PHP and mySQL when I was trying to setup a phpBB forum.
It's also on my plans to move to Japan sometime in the future... but not too clear right now... must finish my course first, and do a thorough japanese course...
銀河帝国五〇一軍团 TK/TD 8316 M.E.P.D. Police Sergeant
http://gordonator.com/
i usually spend 2 to 3 hours on games. can't afford to spend more as i have other things to do online.
btw, is the giving away of free figures for real when one mention dannychoo.com? i don't mind even if the figure is from the bin (with reference to a previous post) ('~')
Email & Network Support/Administration
http://badger11.animeblogger.net/
Figured out one of the reasons why I like this site. Danny posts pictures of the highway, the neighborhood and office buildings (among figurines, etc), while other sites I've visited just posts pictures of nice touristy things. Its always nice to see that there is real life going on past the places that travel shows and blogs take you. Danny, please keep 'em coming.
*sigh* I keep saying that I need to relearn PHP and Javascript as I'm tired of the admin/support track, though I've always enjoyed working with databases which has been some weeks since I did anything serious with a database
Student of Design Graphics
http://entodaslasesquinas.blogspot.com/
mmm.. nice photos...
I'm studyng Graphic Design, and i use some of Flash.. but i don't have examples to show it.
what is the level, and the use of the UI?
Coming son .. maybe i created my web site.
=)
student
http://animesugoi.animeblogger.net/
The dishes look different and less heavy compared to what I find here, better for the digestion system ^^. Gratin is the spelling you want, though I admit it is a bit difficult when trying to figure out the correct English/other language spelling through katakana.
medicine student & otaku
nice pictures Danny thanx for sharing!! most of the times i play 2 hours and then homework :(
Animator/ graphic designer
http://www.collateralds.com/
hey. that photo reminds me of the tunnel from spirited away...where sen and her parents drive thru...
High School student
interesting is no more heros out in US i'd like to get it, it seems kind of interesting and my type of game ^.^ your week in tokyo seemed more detailed this week, more to read :D
Labyrinth builder
Congrats Danny, your Website/Company/Business appear really good and hopefully will go skyrocket. I think you deserve it, looking on how much you work on it.
And thanks for the week summary diary, it is really enjoyable: exotic environment (from my point of view at least), nice peacefull pictures and otakuness. Keep the hard work !
Catgirl Trainer.
http://www.phenie.com
Great post... and maybe in a few years you'll need more workers again, ahe :P
It's times like this is sucks to still be working on your degree. :P
Design Consultant
Danny!
Thank you for posting some info on the Wii and its games.
I didnt vote because there is not option for less than 1. I used to do it all the time in College.. now, I dont even have a system connected to any of my tv's. Thats why Im asking about the Wii, it seems like it would be a good system with games that I could play and put down if I only have 30min to play. Which, is unfortunetly the case most of the time.
College Student
Good Smile is pretty awesome for that figure deal.
One of my friends actually has an electronic drum set similar to the one in your picture. Got it solely to play the PS2 version of Drummania, as the regular controller is rather... bad.
I'd love to work for you, but while I know my way around a computer, I'm no programmer or anything fancy like that. If you ever need someone with a (future) degree in math/economics, let me know. Hopefully I'll graduate this June.
As for gaming, I stuck with free MMORPGs in my college days and some arcade games, but no console games. Only recently did I get a broken hand-me-down PS2 from a friend, and the latest thing I had before that was the Dreamcast when it first came out.
Eternal Dreamer
I don't have any of the skills you need :( I'm only a nice guy, that's all :)
Gaming sessions last around 2 hours. It used to be 4 or 5 hours, back when I was young.. :)
Good Smile giving away toys by just mentioning DannyChoo.com? That's sweet. Makes me wish I were there to claim one. XD
But anyway, I love these kinds of post you make. Looking at all the scenery, the buildings, foods, people, etc is just amazing. Thank so much for sharing!
Student artist
http://www.requestview.wordpress.com
I only exceptionally good with Flash (cause my father taught me everthing he new) and html coding only. I'm begging my friend & father to teach me programming. But school is in the way
Non-profit org. volunteering work addict
A free figure with the meal? Wow. They sure are generous!
Like keats, I hardly play anymore and not for long now (about two hours each time), even if at the time I am writing this comment I am on vacations. With age comes seriousness, commitment but also some dullness. ;)
Still, If I ever was to get a PSP with Final Fantasy Tactics: War of the Lions, I think I would get completely giddy and play non-stop.
CEO MIrai Inc
http://www.dannychoo.com/profile/eng/
Gordon, Henry,
The dannychoo.com x free goodsmile figure deal is the real deal.
Edward,
here for you.
http://dannychoo.com/edward1.jpg
http://dannychoo.com/edward2.jpg
Benjamin,
Not tried although I should.
University Student.
http://www.hirito.blogspot.com/
Serious about the free figurines just by mentioning dannychoo.com? I'll be sure to drop in if I pay a visit in the area. Sadly, after checking out the address, it seems I'll not be going to the area. :( (Unless I change my schedule.)
Wished I had taken programming instead of engineering after seeing that offer of working with Mirai Inc. lol. Well it's okay I'll work on my "Mobile Suit" project instead.
Used to game at least 8 hours over each day, but now it'll be less than 2-3 hours for each session. Too long and I'll have a headache.
Administrative Assistant
http://bob-san.animeblogger.net
I'm usually gaming for about 2-3 hours post work. Usually before hitting the hay and starting the day all over.
And I only wish my brain could handle programming knowledge. I took mainframe programming back in college but I barely got through it. I place part of that blame though on the teachers. A lot of them were as helpful as a third leg.
As for the free fig, I've got a friend living in Japan. Maybe I could send her to eat there for the fig....*heh*
Eternal Dreamer
Danny,
If the Hatanodai area is so full of sailor fuku school girls, why in the hell didn't you take pictures of them for us?!?! Rent an office there and setup up a webcam for us!
And when is the next competition? I want to win something :) Like, say, DannyChoo merchandise :) GoodSmileCompany Figures would be awesome! :D
So stop eating and entertain us! :3
Studnet
ahh if only i knew more about programing than just just my java(just finished a course in it) but im mainly studying cisco computer networking at the mo.
yay for network engineer students.
Student
I normally would spend 4 straight hours playing but unfortunately the university is eating a lot of my free time and the only way i have to play a while is with my nintendo ds.
Post-Grad
http://www.ashper.co.uk
Man i love these things, i intend to move to Japan and its nice to see where i might end up :D.
Wish i had more programming knowledge though and i could get there earlier... While i can use PHP, HTML, CSS and photoshop well enough i doute you'd hire me :p.
Looking at all this food i'm wondering if i can find a japanese restuarant in birmingham...
Any one live in the U.K and know of any really good ones??
Ork Warlord
Very interesting post, Danny, the food looks delicious, and the places are amaizing. Uf, I wish even more see these things...
SAP Consultant
http://eyesofagamer.blogspot.com
how I wish I could visit Japan, but currently I have no money !
Polytechnic Junior, Bronze Lifesaving Trainee, Mech Designer In-training.
http://thehangerbay.wordpress.com/
Anything with sword action is cool. Times two if it's an energy sword (read: Halo)
Full-Time Otaku
I don't care waht the Pizza looks like; I still wanna try it anyway!! xD
IT, Programmer, Otaku, ...
http://blog.jpopdb.org/
That figure deal is quite interesting, does it last until april? ;p
Well I have about 5 years of experience with PHP & MySQL, and got a bachelor degree in IT. I know basic AJAX, but I'm learning a bit more about javascript to do some more with it (and it actually isn't that difficult). I'll send you an email.
I'm not that much of a gamer, but if I play, I usually play about 2-3 hours, and then leave it a few days.
I'm more of an anime-watcher than a gamer ;p But the occasional fun game is nice too ;p
Journalist
i love that's reportage about weekly life. Nice monitor! i've to change my....
Student
http://www.lsioblog.com
That is pizza???, and what is that next to it? By the way, does it taste good? If it tastes good, i think it doesn't matter how it looks.
IT monkey/consultant
I'm really enjoying these "Week in Tokyo" posts. It feeds my desire for information about Japan and my desire for pretty pictures, and will prove practical for when I'm actually in Japan.
I'm tempted to contact you about the web programming work, but I haven't spent enough time with my hands in lately to feel comfortable offering my skills for hire (I just spend too much time reading documentation to refresh myself, which makes me slow). And, really, I need to put my little available time into my own site projects. Maybe later.
"No More Heroes" is major motivation for me to buy a Wii, but... I just don't have much time to play these days. I don't reward myself with time for games or anime so much as I use them as "anti-burnout medication", which isn't conducive to long gameplay sessions. I don't mind working most all day and night throughout the week, but I try to take one day to myself. Ideally, I'd spend that day glued to a game console, but I generally spend most of the day recovering from the week, which has left me too fuzzy for that sort of reflex-oriented concentration.
--
I really want to go to Japan but the money...
Senior Software & Systems Developer
Wow I like these articles. Very interesting.
I see the highways are at least clearly marked in romanji as well.
.NET/Web Developer
http://scrumptious.animeblogger.net
Keep this up...I'm loving your week in Tokyo posts. I feel I learn a lot more through posts like this compared to the other ones. ^^
I'm guessing I need to brush up on my php since I left php to be a .net junkie 2 years ago. heheh!
Getting to Japan
http://raz23.1up.com
I don't see the "ton of sailor fuku school girls going to and from class. like watching a 3D anime." I wanna see the 3D anime too :(
Great Week in Tokyo post again, these are just the best, thanks ^^
Can we expect to see more Stormtrooper action any time soon?
@Danny, I've saved up 2 years of wages and love Japan, I have no responsibilites (bills,car etc) but don't really have any special skills yet either. What would you do in my position?
Study
Well i do like this series of post alot as it gives a very nice look of not so tourist fixated images of japanese life and places. I do also feel that i can reconice some of the areas from animes, but i suppose alot thing's would look like something you have seen in and anime if you really looked for it, though i know some anime's are set in real towns, with almost the same layout.
On gaming session, well i dont know sometimes i hardly game during a whole week and ohter times when im with my mates i can have gaming sessions of up to 60 hours straight.
(This is ofcourse lan parties with almost all platforms in existence from n64 to ps 3 and computers)
4th Year Business Economics Student
Now I really wish I was a superstar programmer. =_=
Quite interesting these "A week in Tokyo", now we get to see more things from your daily life. =) It's like Danny's digital diary, but without any secrets. ^^
My gaming time kinda varies, sometimes I play 2-3 hours, but yesterday I played almost 9 hours straight. ^^"
High School Graduate... Now what?
http://djet0.deviantart.com/
Why do I get this urge to rewrite my future plans to include living in Japan? @_@
Either way, these posts have convinced me to do so... Very nice.
University Student
http://emimilove.blogspot.com
I finally joined your site after reading it for 2+ years.
Let me know if you are ever in need of an English Major! I would gladly do work, even if it is just for experience.
CEO MIrai Inc
http://www.dannychoo.com/profile/eng/
Keats,
LOL
Hatix,
Sure does.
Lsio83,
Its tastes like rubber. next to it are potatoes.
Raz,
Figure out what you are most passionate about and learn skills related to that subject.
Emi,
Welcome!
Builder of Future
Hey Danny, are you involved with the development of iKnow? I am interested in knowing more about business partnership opportunities... I've sent you an email a few days ago but it must've been lost in your pile of spam. :P It was sent from my gmail, with my username here. See if you can find it, if not, I'll email u again. Thanks!
System Engineer
Just a lil' culinar precision :
グラタン is japanese for french word Gratin, which give Gratin too in english.
A gratin is usually a dish cooked in an oven with anything in it, the special part of it is about there's most of the time cheese on top, and the cheese is made crusty when the dish is cooked.
Like Gratin Dauphinois is sliced potatoes baked with milk and browned on top.
Hope Japanese グラタン is about the same definition
Danny, keep up the good work, your site is awesome, and i especially like the gastronomic part of it
(so much food, makes me hungry) ^ -,^
college student
http://otakuartist.wordpress.com/
i am like danny choo ^^ i would finish 1 level in a game than stop for the day ^^
Student
Code Geass pizza!
I use iKnow! Its pretty awesome
Student
that picture does remind me of laputa
=D
I love that movie
=]
alunmi student
wow makes me want to go to Tokyo even more now >< trying to cut down on gaming times ): any tips?
Student and manga fan!
I really like your video on youtube and yuor site Denny is the best:-)
Exostential mouse herder
http://www.yousaytoo.com/big65mopar?8530
Its strange to see any place in Tokyo or nearby thats deserted like the old ruins or the beach. You would think that more people would want elbow room to sit and take a deep breath.
High School Senior= D
http://www.myspace.com/crapitsatip
some parts of tokyo look very busy while some other parts look very relaxed. i wanna visit =]
Student
http://sashimi-san.blogspot.com/
Uoh! A spanish restaurant ^___^ I want taste my dear jamón in Japan :D teeheee