The Japan Thread

[Polident Hive]

Actually saw a pretty neat fold out sofa bed that minimalists are supposedly into. Some Australian company selling the rare memory foam mattress. Their sofas use the mattress as cushions and turn into a bed in 3 seconds. Notably, they aren’t terrible sofas unlike most.

Well there are other memory foam mattresses. But spending upwards of $6000 for a tempur brand is nuts.

[Polident Hive]

For better or worse I’m going to be in Tokyo for a couple years. Thankfully a quiet area, to the confusion of everybody I’ve talked to. On occasion I need to go to Shibuya for work stuff during the week, which to be blunt, makes me want to die. Otherwise a nice setup. Peaceful.

Really need to focus in on learning the language properly. Had a moment where I wanted to buy carrots and didn’t know the word. Then I remembered the Ninjin Loves You Yeah jingle from Macross Frontier and felt deep shame. But I enjoyed the shockingly large carrots they sell here.

[bork]

One of the first things I bought when I moved there was a pocket electronic dictionary- there was one for the Nintendo DS that was pretty popular among people I knew there at the time too.

But now you can just whip out your phone and use a translator!  Still worth studying the language if you're going to be there long-term though!

[Polident Hive]

Call it misplaced pride or whatever but I’ve only now used the translator app when making larger purchases to know I’m not messing something up. It’s easy to figuratively and literally eat the mistake at a restaurant. When I’m looking for a laundry machine, and typically refer to it as a washing machine, and get shown dish washing machines. Yeah. Not a headache I want to deal with.

One thing I’ll add. This came together somewhat sooner than expected. Initially the aims were August/September. Tried delaying it to avoid summer. Out of my hands. Still need to head home for a week or two to bring some stuff. But it’s mid May and already 28c. Trying to strategically plan when best to. Mid June last year was hitting 35c regularly…

[chronovore]

“Already 27°C…”

Buckle up, buttercup.

[Bebpo]

For better or worse I’m going to be in Tokyo for a couple years. Thankfully a quiet area, to the confusion of everybody I’ve talked to. On occasion I need to go to Shibuya for work stuff during the week, which to be blunt, makes me want to die. Otherwise a nice setup. Peaceful.

Really need to focus in on learning the language properly. Had a moment where I wanted to buy carrots and didn’t know the word. Then I remembered the Ninjin Loves You Yeah jingle from Macross Frontier and felt deep shame. But I enjoyed the shockingly large carrots they sell here.

Don't have anything to add other than this has been my go to online dictionary for 20 years:

http://nihongo.monash.edu/cgi-bin/wwwjdic?1C

[Polident Hive]

“Already 27°C…”

Buckle up, buttercup.

I’ve complained about heat quite a lot over the last year. Somewhat prepared by buying a new array of lighter clothes. Envious of the old guys I see comfortably wearing sharp three piece suits, as I’m in a t shirt looking like I stepped out of a sauna.

An aside. Rare times I’m around either Mikado arcade, I like to see what new stuff they added. One of them added Silent Scope Bone Eater. I had a vague recollection of reading about it ten years ago. It’s by tri ace of all developers. Kind of strange. More cinematic and rail shooter than the older Silent Scopes. The main screen is so zoomed out you can’t no scope. And I kept wanting to because the cabinet is so low to the ground you have to hunch over to aim. The other Silent Scopes and Golgo 13 are playable standing. Still, silent scope is really fun.

[Polident Hive]

A regular sight this past month: signs saying “please don’t sit on steps and block path,” in multiple languages, about two feet away from a group sitting on steps blocking the path.

[bork]

A regular sight this past month: signs saying “please don’t sit on steps and block path,” in multiple languages, about two feet away from a group sitting on steps blocking the path.

[Polident Hive]

Think Japan is the only place that would make corn flavored protein powder to go with their cheese cracker flavored protein bars.

[chronovore]

Think Japan is the only place that would make corn flavored protein powder to go with their cheese cracker flavored protein bars.

One suspects these two items could be effortlessly repurposed into NACHO PROTEIN by !Live Más! marketing endeavors.

[Polident Hive]

Going outside actually feels like this

[chronovore]

Yup, this is correct.
It's just July's first week.
August is worse, yo.

A haiku response for your Japanese summer.

I had a walk at 08:30 yesterday, thinking it would be the last good weather of the day. But after lunch, it still seemed pretty decent, so I went for a walk to the convenience store to get a snack — 500m out, I realized:

:ive_made_a_terrible_mistake.gif

The humidity is at 80% so any more than that and we will have to swim.

[recursivelyenumerable]

I need to remember to say "meccha" more, all the cool people seem to say "meccha" a lot

[Polident Hive]

When I overhear younger guys, I think you only need to know “magi” and “honto” to have full conversations.

Yup, this is correct.
It's just July's first week.
August is worse, yo.

A haiku response for your Japanese summer.

I had a walk at 08:30 yesterday, thinking it would be the last good weather of the day. But after lunch, it still seemed pretty decent, so I went for a walk to the convenience store to get a snack — 500m out, I realized:

:ive_made_a_terrible_mistake.gif

The humidity is at 80% so any more than that and we will have to swim.

I’ve spend extended periods in Italian coastal locals during peak summer. I don’t know how it’s more humid and sunny in the cities. Likewise, I used to feel like rain was a reprieve from the heat. Less sun and all. The intense humidity makes you feel heavy. The five minute walk to the gym, I’m already drenched. At least I don’t need to warm up. Silver lining is they finally turned on AC for trains and indoors.

[Polident Hive]

Accidentally got one of those new notes and hadn’t realized until a shop refused to accept it. I don’t know when the new 500 yen coins were introduced, but to this day I encounter incompatible coin machines. Also been told I shouldn’t bother paying with a 2000 yen note.

Takes me back to the growing pains of the euro.

[chronovore]

¥2000 notes are accepted, just unusual.
If a machine didn't take the new ¥1000 note, that's just adoption lag. If a register clerk didn't take it, that's a problem.

I've been exhausted for 2 weeks now. It's just so oppressive, thinking about going outside. I wish I had a good excuse to visit the west coast USA right now. Historically I could escape for a few weeks, these past few years. I don't even remember what 2020 and 2021 were like, when Japan was in lockdown. I guess it was like now, where I'm just hiding indoors with the A/C on.

[Polident Hive]

Wouldn’t say I’m okay with it, but I’m handling the heat. Think the gradual shift helps rather than jumping in like last August. At the same time, my body sensed I was doing okay and decided I needed allergies. That’s fun.

[chronovore]

Make sure you go to a doctor and get an actual allergy medicine rather than the bullshit over-the-counter stuff. I finally found the right meds for me, and there is no going back.

[Polident Hive]

Whining about heat again, but the humidity. Good lord. Days when it gets bad, even at home the AC can’t keep up. I’ve never used a dehumidifier before and now I understand why they’re vital.

It’s my understanding in places with tatami rooms, you have to contend with mold and silverfish.


Edit to prevent double post:

Had the misfortune of going to Shibuya after many, many months. Maybe it’s the heat, the overwhelming tourism, or some combination. The smell is aggressive. Like rotting garbage. I think even the rats left. And some areas were, no exaggeration, more tourist than Japanese. You’d see some go into stores for AC and sit on the floor.

Despite the reputation, first time I’ve felt people were cold in Tokyo. I don’t blame them.

[chronovore]

The tourist agencies for any group tour should be giving lessons before departure, during the flight, and after landing before being turned loose on the population. Even before the pandemic, Chinese tourists made American ones look like angels, but with the current raging torrent of incoming tourists, and COMPLETE and FLAGRANT disregard for local manners, they're managing to really test the limits of Japanese patience.

It doesn't take much: look around, and if no-one else is doing it, don't do it.

Don't sit on the floor in a shop.

Don't block the entire sidewalk.

Don't drag your check-in baggage around town with you.

Jesus fucking christ, they suck.

…as for the weather, we've got one more month, and then it'll cool off. We're looking at mid-september before it starts to wane. The humidity is nuts. I went upstairs from my airconditioned living room, and as I ascended the stairs, it felt like walking upward into an inverted bowl of soup.

[Polident Hive]

Is it controversial to say sweet potato and its seasonal flavors aren’t good? Savory, sweet, or plain roasted. Can’t find the appeal for my tastes.

America wins on sweet potatoes.

[chronovore]

I'm sure there are plenty of Japanese people who agree with you, but quietly.

[Polident Hive]

Yet again I’ve considered going to TGS. I thought it was at Big Sight, but it’s in Chiba? Looking at trains, if I were to go as a day trip, it’s about three hours to and from. Maybe. Maybe not.

Read Ken Kutaragi will be there. Maybe that’s reason enough.

[tiesto]

Honestly, TGS wasn't really worth it for me apart from getting to see the Falcom JDK Band and taking a pic with Mishy, and scoring some cool t-shirts (like a Zuntata tee).

The line to get in was ridiculously long, and every single game had a long-ass wait to play, apart from the indies. Was fun walking around and admiring the booths and seeing the cosplay, however.

[chronovore]

Cosplay is fun and usually immaculately executed, even if the player is not in supermodel shape. When I first saw Chun-Li at the Capcom booth on my first trip, I was surprised that Capcom had gone with a plus-sized (for Japan!) model. LOL

There are collectibles which premiere at TGS, and those can be fun to be first-to-get, if that's your thing.

The crowds are insane. There is absolutely no way this year isn't a superspreader for COVID19, so no fank yuu.

In non-TGS news, we are approaching the equinox on the 22nd, so this fetid, moist hellhole will soon turn to lovely fall weather. The respite granted by Typhoon 10 was truly lovely, but we're back to 33ºC this week, with 75% humidity, so my taint has been reclassified as a WMD.

[Polident Hive]

Had a visitor from abroad about a week or two ago and they were dying. Coming off of months in the mid 30s, the low 30s or even high 20s felt downright pleasant. Mostly survived the summer. I can say that. For next year I’m already planning an extended time away for July. 

[chronovore]

Had a visitor from abroad about a week or two ago and they were dying. Coming off of months in the mid 30s, the low 30s or even high 20s felt downright pleasant. Mostly survived the summer. I can say that. For next year I’m already planning an extended time away for July.

Absolutely fair.

If I can figure out how to be in California for the entirety of next summer, I think I'll do it. Even working 2AM PST local for parity with Japan feels smarter than just holing up and hiding next to my air conditioner for 4 months.

[chronovore]

The afternoons are strangely more humid than the evenings, and it's briefly uncomfortable, but the mornings and evenings are really great right now. The best kind of weather Japan ever has: warm but with cool breezes. Just perfect right now.

If I was able to flush the tourists out of downtown Osaka, I'd be lined up for a great weekend!

[Polident Hive]

Yeah. Past two days were very pleasant. Low 20s. Some people were saying it’s cold and wearing layers. I was just glad to wear anything without sweating. Now apparently it’ll rain for a week straight. That’s fun.

Also, this past week or two I’ve noticed price jumps for some regular items and restaurants. It’s interesting insofar as no major market changes and maybe they tried holding out. I know of that brief rice shortage but I don’t know if it’s relevant. Not complaining. I’d rather some of these smaller restaurants and cafes survive when I’ve seen a number go away.

[chronovore]

Are the price jumps listed on the menu, or are they just prices you notice at the register? I’ve seen some new specials where places are charging different prices for tourists than locals. Any chance they are mistaking you for a tourist?

[Polident Hive]

Ticket machine, in this case. Like an automaton I had exact change ready but got tripped up by the price jump.

Also kept considering TGS up until Saturday night. Saw tickets were sold out. Then the next day saw the lines online. Yeah. Don’t regret sitting it out.

[Polident Hive]

Sometimes the not gambling, gatcha, lottery, whatever you call it stuff is excessive. Saw a keychain and wanted to buy it. No. The shop’s gimmick is buying a ticket to have a one-in-eight chance for landing on the category. The item itself is another one-in-six gamble.

I suppose that’s how those second hand stores are filled with junk items people didn’t want.

[chronovore]

Yeah, it's ridiculous.

A friend in the USA found some cute logo for a brand of souivenir in Japan, said, "Man, I'd love a T-shirt of this logo!"

So… I GIS'd the logo, found the shop, website is only in Japanese, I navigate to the "Goods" section. There are pages of consumable goods, but nothing for apparel. Eventually I find the logo is printed on a notebook. The price for a notebook is 100 points. Not yen, loyalty points. So if I bought like $300 worth of crackers, I can get this notebook with the logo on it.

I wrote my friend about the scenario, he LOL'd. I'm like, just download the logo, run a vector pass on it in Illustrator, and send it to a print-on-demand shop in the USA. Japan has yet to figure out people will always pirate if it's easier than doing something legitimately.

[chronovore]

Ah, excellent. Temperatures are dropping. 27ºC high today, something like 15 or 16 tonight. I can cover myself when I sleep now.

Excellent! Now to enjoy two glorious weeks of Japnese autumn weather before it becomes winter!

[Polident Hive]

They already turned on indoor heating in many places lol.

Heard people complaining it's too hot indoors now

[chronovore]

[Bebpo]

I was talking to someone about fine dining in Japan and I think one of the best memories in my life was dinner at the ninja restaurant with an ex.

Like it's gimmicky and pricey, but the food's very good and the atmosphere is amazing. If it still exists (I think it was near Asakusa) and anyone hasn't done it, I'd recommend doing it once.

I've definitely had better meals in Japan (I really love I think it was called Hakushu in Shibuya if it's still there, small family run teppan steakhouse) and Ike (chronovore and bork knows who this is) took me to this really great tempura place right over the canals in some station I think near ginza (maybe Shinsaibashi?) where they fry a single piece at a time and it was the best tempura I've had; but the atmosphere at the ninja place was very memorable.

[Bebpo]

Also I'm planning to get back over and visit y'all again soon. Hadn't flown since covid (and went to Japan in late 2019 right before it) since I'm immune suppressed and being careful in the post-pandemic, but did my first flight last month to Quebec and managed to not catch covid despite being the only person on the entire airplane wearing a mask. So feel comfortable flying to Japan and will be next trip.

Thinking of going around late February/early March, before the Sakura season crowds come in. Seen that, done that, just want to go when the crowds are minimized and it's not summer mushiatsui.

[chronovore]

I can’t remember where I read it, but I recall reading that Covid changed airplane air circulation policy to return to the type of air circulation from when smoking was allowed on planes. When flights went no-smoking, they were able to recirculate more air, which of course circulates the virus. By returning to greater air circulation and discharging More air it remains cleaner.

I’ve been to one of those “one piece at a time” tempura places, the place I went to I think had a Michelin star but I’m not positive. It was insane.

It would be great to see you again here in Japan. I hope you can figure it out!

[Bebpo]

I can’t remember where I read it, but I recall reading that Covid changed airplane air circulation policy to return to the type of air circulation from when smoking was allowed on planes. When flights went no-smoking, they were able to recirculate more air, which of course circulates the virus. By returning to greater air circulation and discharging More air it remains cleaner.

Yeah, that makes sense. Probably worse was the bus tour I took where all the windows were forced closed for 4 hours in a packed bus.

The ironic thing is that I managed to make it through that trip of flights, trains, busses and bars without catching anything, and then like 10 days later I went to a birthday party and caught something that might've been covid and have been sick for the last two weeks (though like 98% over it and just some lingering issues remaining).

It would be great to see you again here in Japan. I hope you can figure it out!

Yeah, will definitely reach out when I have concrete plans. Always great to see you.

[Polident Hive]

If you’re doing the typical flying into Haneda, train to Shinagawa, the crowds are excessive and packed together. Every time I need to pick someone up or drop them off, it’s a lot. Too much. More than once I’d get a call saying “we landed” and two hours later “we’re just grabbed our luggage.”

In general I’d say if there were any areas you remember being crowded in the past, imagine at least double that.

[Bebpo]

If you’re doing the typical flying into Haneda, train to Shinagawa, the crowds are excessive and packed together. Every time I need to pick someone up or drop them off, it’s a lot. Too much. More than once I’d get a call saying “we landed” and two hours later “we’re just grabbed our luggage.”

In general I’d say if there were any areas you remember being crowded in the past, imagine at least double that.

In all my years in Japan I don't think I've ever been to Haneda, actually. I always fly in Narita and take the Narita express and have never flown within Japan itself as I've always used trains and buses to get around the country.

[chronovore]

Trains are the business here. The bees’ knees!

[bork]

I have flown from Ishikawa to Tokyo and back again before.  It's pretty nice since it's like a 40 minute trip!

[bork]

Ike?

[Polident Hive]

During one of the times I had to hang around Haneda, I took the shuttle to Terminal 2 to kill some time. It’s the “Place… Place, Japan!” meme, but it was novel for me to see how normal and quiet it was compared to the international airports I deal with.

Nicest part of Haneda is the outdoors deck where you can watch planes. Spent much time waiting around there. Especially lately when going indoors you have hear the awful new Don Quijote song.

[bork]

During one of the times I had to hang around Haneda, I took the shuttle to Terminal 2 to kill some time. It’s the “Place… Place, Japan!” meme, but it was novel for me to see how normal and quiet it was compared to the international airports I deal with.

Nicest part of Haneda is the outdoors deck where you can watch planes. Spent much time waiting around there. Especially lately when going indoors you have hear the awful new Don Quijote song.

If it's the Bruno Mars song, that's a plus

[Polident Hive]

I only recognize Miracle Shopping as the one true theme. Anything else is fraud.

…actually outside of the Yakuza games, I try not to spend time in Don Quijote. Not claustrophobic but those stores make me think I might be.

also, back on the gambling thing. I saw a capsule machine with Metal Gear Solid PS1 codec themed items. Eight options. Decided to give it a go. Got Natasha. This is why I don’t gamble.

[Bebpo]

I only know the Don Quijote theme from the Yakuza games. I don't think I ever stepped into one until post Yakuza 1 and then it was more "oh, cool this is from that game"

[Polident Hive]

Thinking about long term is not exactly on my mind, but got into a conversation with people who import cars, and it’s surprisingly reasonable to rent a shipping crate. Less than a business class flight. Comparable to, hypothetically, rebuying the stuff I miss. Downside is for two weeks you’re a bit paranoid about your stuff… unless you opt to travel with the crew and personally defend against potential pirates.

[chronovore]

Don Quijote is a sensory overload on almost every level.

Visually, the combination of narrow isles packed with promotional signs in front of every label known to man, being lit, harshly by fluorescent lights, that’s already too much for me.

Combine with the personal space problems endemic to foreign tourists in narrow Japanese spaces, brushing against me, and we have a non-starter.

I never go into Don Quijote if I can avoid it.

[Polident Hive]

Unfortunately they have some items I can’t find anywhere elsewhere. Nothing regular and especially none of the stores near crowded areas.

The one near Shimbashi station… I don’t know how to say it delicate or inoffensive. You will get trapped for minutes by Chinese tourists who don’t understand flow of traffic. The entire store is two floors. One narrow path on each through the length of the store. They will dead stop and block both directions of traffic. People literally shove and argue. There’s no way to turn back. It’s nuts.

In general my tolerance for crowds and lines has dropped dramatically. On a number of occasions I’ll wait for the next elevator before getting crammed in.

[chronovore]

You're in Tokyo - any chance of finding a different DonKi?

[Polident Hive]

Most are pretty bad. That in particular is interesting because, my guess is, people want to say they bought whatever in Ginza without spending too much.

Editing to prevent double post.

Something I find interesting, that’s actually not interesting at all, are the humidifier selections. In the states, the option I’d always go for used wicks and fans. Hard water meant the ultrasonic sort left mineral residue everywhere. So in anticipation of winter, I’m looking at their options and those don’t exist here. Everything is ultrasonic, at various price ranges. Or, and it seems wildly impractical, a water boiler with vent holes.

I’m under the assumption hard and mineral rich water isn’t an issue. At the same time, I think about how those water delivery services are incredibly in depth about mineral content in water. Once this museum I went to had a big chart of which brands and prefecture had specific minerals. But then I also recall reading that foreigners tend to see hair loss living in Japan and one recommendation was to have a water filter in the shower.

tl;dr theres probably a humidifier called The Humidifier and it sells for ¥50000

[bork]

Don Quijote is a sensory overload on almost every level.

Visually, the combination of narrow isles packed with promotional signs in front of every label known to man, being lit, harshly by fluorescent lights, that’s already too much for me.

Combine with the personal space problems endemic to foreign tourists in narrow Japanese spaces, brushing against me, and we have a non-starter.

I never go into Don Quijote if I can avoid it.

Can't say I ever really had a problem going there and found some good stuff sometimes too. But these are stores in ishikawa and I have no idea if they're more low-key or not

[Transhuman]

Was talking to a cute Japanese goth girl last night, is Blackpink really "the Beatles of South Korea"?? How come i've never heard of them before

[chronovore]

Don Quijote is a sensory overload on almost every level.

Visually, the combination of narrow isles packed with promotional signs in front of every label known to man, being lit, harshly by fluorescent lights, that’s already too much for me.

Combine with the personal space problems endemic to foreign tourists in narrow Japanese spaces, brushing against me, and we have a non-starter.

I never go into Don Quijote if I can avoid it.

Can't say I ever really had a problem going there and found some good stuff sometimes too. But these are stores in ishikawa and I have no idea if they're more low-key or not

The DonKi in Shinjuku was moderately crowded most of the time. The one in Osaka's Shinsaibashi district is not navigable due to the customers, mostly non-residents. The closest one to me in south Osaka where I live is nowhere near a train station or anything interesting, and never has much of a crowd. Still built the same ridiculous way though.

Was talking to a cute Japanese goth girl last night, is Blackpink really "the Beatles of South Korea"?? How come i've never heard of them before

They are the Spice Girls of South Korea.

[Polident Hive]

New giant Gundam dropped

[bork]

Don Quijote is a sensory overload on almost every level.

Visually, the combination of narrow isles packed with promotional signs in front of every label known to man, being lit, harshly by fluorescent lights, that’s already too much for me.

Combine with the personal space problems endemic to foreign tourists in narrow Japanese spaces, brushing against me, and we have a non-starter.

I never go into Don Quijote if I can avoid it.

Can't say I ever really had a problem going there and found some good stuff sometimes too. But these are stores in ishikawa and I have no idea if they're more low-key or not

The DonKi in Shinjuku was moderately crowded most of the time. The one in Osaka's Shinsaibashi district is not navigable due to the customers, mostly non-residents. The closest one to me in south Osaka where I live is nowhere near a train station or anything interesting, and never has much of a crowd. Still built the same ridiculous way though.

Ah.  Yeah the ones out in Hokuriku aren't crowded from my experience at the stores.  Still has a maze-like construction though.