Hey minna-san! ^-^

Sorry for the absence, but I'm in the studio and busy working.. ( Tenipuri work..... )

Anyways, my real reason for posting right now, other than to explain my absence: Can anyone recommend me some good Jdramas? Especially recent ones! I really have no idea what's popular, but I'm not really into the ikemen scene at the moment... what I want is good stories and good acting! Everyone helped me immensely with tv shows (more about that later), so any Jdrama recs? I'm really only looking for Japanese ones (not korean or chinese, etc), so that I can listen to it while I'm working and not have to concentrate (I would have to read subtitles for other languages.. ^^;;). ( Further.... )

This is the last of my posts for the day! =D

So, the final stop for Saturday (it was a full day!) was the Vampire cafe! Yeah... the Vampire Cafe.

Which is... exactly like it sounds! A kitchy cafe decorated to look all dracula and bloooooooood. Something a lot of people I know back home would like XD

Honestly, it was interesting, but.. well, too smoky. I would gladly go back if it was nonsmoking, but since that isn't going to happen and it was utterly miserable from the smoke of the drug-addicted girl behind us (they ARE drugs), and the chain-smoking guy next to us, I won't be going back.

However, whenever Tokyo is made smoke-free, I am so coming back! Here's to the future!!

( But some pictures Dracula himself would (not) be proud of XD )

You know how you hear about all of those random strange vending machines in Japan? Well, this one sells canned soups.

Canned ramen, oden, curry, chicken soup.... all sorts of strange things!!

( Read more... )

It's in Akihabara, by the way... Think you can find it? It's kind of hiding in plain sight ^_~

I wouldn't have even known about it myself if it wasn't for my friend Patrick, from Otaku2.com! He introduced it to us when he guest starred on Pop'n Press! I HIGHLY recommend his book, too!! The Otaku Encyclopedia!! It's full of nearly everything that an Otaku would want to know! I really loved it!! (I'll do a really good review of it eventually!)

I was volunteering in Akihabara, and we had a reservation for a place in Ginza that evening, so Adele and I decided to walk.... I took a lot of great pictures of the city!!

Sorry in advance, but I have a lot of posts to make and only tonight to make them (studio from tomorrow on), so I'm going to make a lot of posts all at once! ^^ Sometimes I don't like doing that, because it discourages people from commenting, (I love comments!!), but I've gotta post while I can! ^^

( +10 pictures of buildings and pretty sights in the city ^__________^ )

I'm starting a new tag, Conbini Life, just to post about weird things or just things that I find in japanese convenience stores (and of course, other ones when I travel!). I'd really like to post more about the "normal" (as much as my life is) parts of living in Japan... at least what I experience living in Japan, since everyone is different!!

So without further ago, a few more pictures of convenience store-ness! Guess I'd better take as many as I can right now, in case I suddenly get my break and am too famous to get away with taking pictures! (lol, well you never know! It would be nice, ne? ^___^)

( +6 conbini pictures, +5 berry cafe... )

I'm glad that everyone likes the random pictures! ^___^ I've been taking a lot more so that I can post them on my lj soon. =^-^=

But in the meantime, I went volunteering again the other day! This time, Adele came with me, so it was easy to get into things, and as always (lol, this is only the second time), I had a fun time!

We volunteered for 2HJ, which is basically a food bank, and on Saturday they have people come in and help and go feed homeless people in the park. We only helped for the preparations, because there were too many people signed up for the park part (which was my favorite part before, too bad). That's the only bad thing, I suppose... that to sign up to help, you have to be kind of competitive! I'd rather just help out in a more relaxed manner.

But at least we got into a rhythm, and so 'work' went fast. We met a lot of really nice people, too. I always love talking to volunteers!! I'm going to look for more places to volunteer, if there are any (let me know if you know of any!), and see if I can find something that really matches my personality. ^^ I don't want anything that has to do with money, or asking for money. I'd rather work directly with people or animals that need help. We'll see!!

I did take a few pictures, though not many since I can't show the volunteer's faces without permission (aside from mine and Adele's) ( Read more... )

Thanks for all of your suggestions on tv shows, guys!! I haven't even finished reading all of the comments, but I will definitely get through them!! Lots of good suggestions in there! ^-^

But.... BIG NEWS!!!!! I GOT MY NEW VISA TODAY!!!! It was kind of a struggle and I had to go over and over to this government institution or that office over the last two months, and get this form from the city office or that thing from Sensei or wait for this receipt or that proof-of-something. Only to have an immigration officer give me the most dubious look in the world a few days ago and talk to me in a tone of voice that said, "You are crazy, this visa is never going to fly." But it did!!!!!! I got the notice that I was approved today and changed all of my plans immediately and spent the rest of the day picking it up and taking care of other legal things! I'm now all set for the next three years!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! *throws a party* I really, really am considering digging into my savings to buy an ipod touch (in celebration). Or not. BUT I AM HAPPY!!!! *dances*

So, while I was in the immigration office I went to the convenience store downstairs and saw some cute things.. I was wondering, is anyone interested in random pictures of things like this? Truth be told, convenience stores ('conbini') are huge parts of life in Japan. At least, life in the city. Without them, I think that a lot of people would die for lack of food, bandages, or even shampoo. Funny because I never went to a convenience store in the states unless it was to get gas for my car (they don't have gas at conbinis here) or slurpees or those delicious do-it-yourself nachos (also not here)!

( +3 pictures )

(I should be sleeping because I need to get up early tomorrow, but I am totally watching the Star Trek movie because it just came out on DVD in Japan today... couldn't help myself and had to buy it!!!! And who knew my DVD player was region-free! Not me!! =D)

I'm just wondering, but... what current TV shows am I missing that are just too awesome to pass up? Any recommendations? There is a lot of TV that I follow, so I might be watching it alread/have seen it already, but let me know what you all like! ^^ ( Stuff I like right now.. )

I still have to get back in the habit of taking pictures!! I guess that it comes with being tired all of the time, that I just don't have the energy to find my camera. Maybe I should start putting it into the front pocket of my bag!! But I do have a few pictures to share!! ^__^

Yesterday, after I finished the very last of the MUSTDO errands during this time off (and this means that I'm niow officially on vacation for a few days!), I went over to Ikebukuro. There is a new electronics store that just opened, and I heard that they had sales on everything, so I thought that I might go and pick up the new Ipod touch.. Despite that I want apple to just stop making computers, I actually am really interested in this product ^^;;; But while the signs said SALE SALE SALE!, the prices were actually the manufacturers suggested prices. The same prices that everyone has.. (aka 30,000 yen for a 32gb) How is that a sale, exactly? They did say that they would match anyone else's prices, but I checked and can't find it for any cheaper anywhere else. Sad. T-T But I just don't want to pay that much.. it's the principle of the thing. And who doesn't like a good deal? ^^ (not to mention that I don't actually need one) So anyways....!

After that I met up with Aloni and Michele and went to the prison-themed restaurant, The Lockup! (http://r.gnavi.co.jp/g528911/)

Maybe it's because they redid the interior recently (It does resemble a giant prison, but you don't get handcuffed or anything), but I wasn't overly impressed... It was kind of barren (not that it's a bad thing to have less people in a restaurant.. that means we only had to deal with 20% death-by-secondhand-smoke). But it wasn't all that I was expecting, really. I might head to the one in Shibuya sometime to see if it's any better!

( A few pictures.... sorry it was dark so not too many! )

Ahhh, today I mainly slept and ate. I'm not sure what happened! And now it's 2am and I can't sleep. I suppose that I will read a little bit of Fushigi Yuugi and try to go to sleep. I really want to have a few productive last days before work starts again!! So I'd better rest up!!

PS: If anyone knows of any Ipod touch sales in Tokyo, let me know! I'm thinking a 32gb for ￥25,000 or less, or a 64gb for ￥30,000 or less ^^ Also if you know of any place to get a new Nintendo DS for less than ￥ん12,000 let me know too! ^^ Online is okay, but I'd rather in a real store so that I know for sure what I'm getting!

I was getting set to update, when I realized that I hadn't posted Thanksgiving pictures yet!! It's not yet Thanksgiving for me (yay America?), but it is for my Canadian friends (or it was), so we got together last month and had a big homemade dinner at Adele's house!

It was a big ball of fun, and so great being able to kick back and hang out with people (and meet all sorts of new fun people, too!!). Not to mention, food!! =D My favorite!!! ^___________^

Anyways, I'll just share a few pictures and let that tell any story (such as there is).

( Read more... )

It was an interesting night... populated by The Bulge (Adele's pear pie), Bobby Helen (our turkey-stand-in), and cranberry boobs (I might have had a hand in that..), among other things!

Oh, the memories.. I hope that I can make it to the American version next month! It depends on work and other stuffs, of course... ^^

My internet suddenly works at home!!!!! I'm gonna start crying!!! ToT

And now to get ready for filming Pop'n Press tomorrow. It should be a lot of fun, I'm looking forward to it!!! I will also update my lj the day after or so... since I have internet now!!! (for the moment at least) ^^

Anyone who read my twitter regularly knows that I (barely) managed to catch the giant Macross Crossover live concert last week!! I say barely as in Adrian invited me at the last second since he had two tickets, and I thought that I would have to work. But since it takes place just a few minutes away from the studio and sensei let us go home about an hour before it started, I made it!! It's a miracle!! XD Weonly had a day and a half off, and I spent the first half day (err, night) going to this 4-hour live!! ^-^;;

It was really fun!!! Well, at least the parts where Sheryl and Ranka's singers sang. May'n has such a great voice, I'm really excited for her first full-album debut next month!! Although I get the impression that she's a bit like a certain former Tenimyu singer who just happens to be really elitist just because he thinks that he 'made it', despite that most people have no idea who he is (Sorry, Kimeru... well, not that sorry). But who really knows what May'n is like? Hopefully I'm not right... but if I am, they sure picked the right girl to play Sheryl!

After Sheryl and Ranka, they sang Happy Birthday to May'n and brought out a giant taiyaki with candles on it! Well, Sheryl's seiyuu did! I didn't know that there was a different person doing the voice.. Speaking of Frontier.... Nakajima Megumi, who does Ranka's voice and singing, was dressed in the most hideous yellow dress and 80's side ponytail EVER... ^^;; VERY VERY Ranka. Or 6 year old girl. Both, I guess.. ^^;; Though I love her speaking voice!

They also had the singer/seiyuu for Minmay (she looks a lot younger than she is!), the band people from Macross 7 (um, I don't remember the name.. Firebird or something like that? I never watched 7and honestly, couldn't stand this part of the live), and some other people from other Macross series that I can't remember... LOL, I'm not a very good fan, am I? I LOVED Macross Frontier, and that's enough for me. ;D So I really enjoyed that part of the live (the firsthour and a half or so). The live was 4 hours long though, so I just relaxed while people rocked out around me. XD

Now what I'd really like to see.... a concert with real Sheryl and Ranka singing!! Or even just Sheryl. ^__________________^

TIRED!! *clonks out* I need some time off, but no time off for the weary!! Work to do! I should be able to leave the studio in a few days... at least I hope so! Not that I'll have any time off because I have filming coming up and gads of things to work on. But just gonna work work work hard until I make my dreams happen!!!!!!!!!!!!! Promise!!

A few days ago... actually on my only day off in weeks but I digress... I was out with Mami and we went looking for cinnamon sticks (my new health food of choice, lol).

And we found these----> Apples!! Mini apples!! Granted, my hand is a little bit bigger than most girls, but it's smaller than most guys... and look how tiny the apple is in comparison!! They're so cute!!!!

They are called Hime-ringo ("Princess Apples") in Japanese, and according to Mami they are very popular! I don't know how I've managed to go so long without seeing one but.. ^o^;;

Anyways, they taste... drumroll.... exactly like apples! =D Yum!!! I like the little package.... cute and bite-sized! (If they used this apple on the cover of Twilight, what would that say about B&E's love? LOL don't listen to me!)

I love talking about new (and/or weird) food! Not to mention, it makes for a short and easy psot while I'm at work! So I don't fall into the habt of neglecting my lj. Plus, I love to let my friends know I'm alive.. and I get to know the people that comment on my lj that I've never met. I wish that I could meet all you guys one day! Promise me you'll come to my concert if I ever have one by some chance! =D

When I saw it, I grabbed it right away.. and then put it right back.

Then I grabbed it again. I had to try it!

But in the end, what was I thinking? It was a waste of calories... I don't even like azuki very much! Okay, it didn't really taste like Azuki, but oh well... ^^;;

One more wacky Pepsi flavor down for the count! I'd personally like to see a fall Pumpkin-spice flavored variety... What flavor would you like to see?

*goes back to work*

By the way, this place: Tokyo Metropolitan Government building
has the best free view in all of Tokyo.

I go there every once in a while, and I highly recommend it. ^-^
( +1 picture )

They have a nice, large, comfortable cafe in the center of the viewing areas on either tower.

I've found my Tokyo Inspiration Spot #1. I'd really like to find more.... anybody have any ideas? Basically places that I can go and write for a long time that I might find especially beautiful or moving. ^-^

More on my "wtf Japan??!?!" posts, lol.

A few days ago, I was en-route to Shinjuku and passed through Harajuku (NOT on the way, don't ask, lol) on my bike, and I saw this ad on the side of La Foret (a huge clothing mall).

Is it just me, or is there something.. odd.. about the model's dress?

My first thought was, "who would ever wear that?"

My second thought was, "....but I kinda want one...."

What's your first (and second) thought? XD

(Yes, it is a giant monster mouth on the dress there..) XD

I haven't been writing in my journal a lot... Sorry about that! I always mean to, and then get off doing something else. There is a lot on my plate, and it's sometimes hard to get it done without a desk! =D Yeah, you heard me! I need to buy a desk, but I'm so picky. I want something unusual, so I guess that it's really up to me to build myself one (when I have time). That said, anybody have any good examples of cool desks?

Honestly, I want to post a bunch of pictures before I go back to the manga studio tomorrow. Maybe it will help clear my mind so that I can use my last night before work on my own projects!! (^o^)/ ( That said, pictures.... )

Well, there is a lot of work to get done!! When I get pictures from people, I will post Thanksgiving goodness!! *^-^*

....Even better, there is (real) Thanksgiving next month! =D I can't wait!! It's likely that I will be at work again, but I'll make sure to get together with someone at some time and at least eat out if not at home!

I saw this in a random store a few weeks ago.
--------------------------->
( Up close... )

I mean, err.. I wonder what they were trying to say with this display, lol.

(temporarily screening comments because I am getting TONS of porn spammers commenting recently)

So, where is everybody from?? Click on the map and let me know! (^o^)/



Create your own visitor map!

Today I stepped out for a little while to relax, and ended up hitting the Indian festival in Yoyogi Park with Lindsay. Which may have been the best decision of my life!

Because I found these ------------>

Documented in the Guiness book of world records as the hottest chili in the world, Naga Jolokia peppers are a challenge that I can't back down from!!

Oooooooooooooooh man, just the tiniest nibble and it was by far the spiciest food that I've ever had!!!! I LOVE IT!!!!! I definitely need to find a regular supplier.. I want to use them in everything!! In fact, I think that I will make an omelette tomorrow with them!! My mouth is watering already in anticipation!!!! *wiggles*

Now, the best part is.... trying to find a spicier pepper (they may be out there!), and better yet, a spicier food!!!!!!! I'm so excited!!!

Would you try this pepper?

LOL, as usual, my week off of the studio has been completely packed! Today I managed to snag some time, and what did I do? Slept. Yesterday, too.... I've been sleeping so much! To be honest, I really don't like sleeping. It feels like such a waste of time. But yet, if I had a perfect person in whose arms I could wake up in, I suppose that I might not feel so biased against it. ^-^ (That not being the case, I will continue to dislike sleep, lol)

But the good part is... I am finally feeling recovered!! I feel energetic and ready to work on my own things! Finally, the lethargy from working so hard at the studio and TV and paper without a break is gone! At least, I hope so... ^^ ( While I'm at it, update on prints... )

Continuing on the life update.... When I left the studio, I went out and looked for furniture with a few friends (I have an apartment but no furniture! Ehh...). I still haven't found anything that I like for a reasonable price, though... so I suppose that I will remain largely furniture-less for a while. I hit up an oxygen bar though for the first time!!! It was... weird. I took a course that was supposed to release stress and help you relax, but I got a headache from it instead. I wonder what it means! Eda felt the same, but Will really enjoyed it. I wonder why the difference. Well, it's really cheap, so I will give it another try sometime and see if I feel any differently! Maybe my stress level is just too high at the moment, lol. I really wouldn't be surprised!!

( Continuing, and pictures.... )

Now, am I in for a relaxing few days of working, or is something going to happen? I wonder.... but at least life isn't boring! ^o^/

PS: LOL--> http://aalfonso.livejournal.com/285480.html
P(P)S: I am trying out the new Google Adsense feature at the bottom of my lj. I wonder if it will be worth anything, really... let's see!

Hey everyone!
Remember those prints that I offered preorders for a while back?
Sorry I've gotten so busy! It's a long story (mainly having to do with hectic insane work in the studio), but basically they had to be put on temporary hold for a while.. (hence the delay)

But next weekend, I will put up a post with more detailed information (barring some natural disaster)! Including the number of prints in the series, what they are, dimensions, prices (the preorders got it at a discount), and more! I have a lot of off-time coming to me after this week, so expect them to be finished within the next few weeks (my goal is before the end of the month)! If you have any questions before next week, then please email me at the same address I used for paypal! I will be in the studio this week so respones may be slow but I'll get back to you! In other cases, please stay tuned for the update next week!

Yoroshiku!

And last but not least.... some random photos and thoughts from today/this weekend!!!

So we left the studio Friday night and I slept like crazy once I got home... Saturday (yesterday), I went out with an old pal, and we had a special spa treatment, then dinner and dessert!! It was fun hanging out! I rarely get to see her, we're both so busy working on our careers!! But we did make a promise that I'll make a famous manga that has a character like her, and when it becomes a movie/drama, will cast her as the star! We both have to work really hard!! ^^

Today, I went for karaoke with Aloni, and then Eda, Sarah, and Ale joined us! We had a blast!! I haven't really gotten out and sung in a long time! It's a great way to let out the stress!! Especially when you pick stupid and fun songs to sing to! Again, no pictures of that, but I do have some odd ones from right after.....

( Cardboard people?! )

And that pretty much catches me up! Now to work out, sleep, and get on with tomorrow!!

Last weekend, as part of work we had to attend the firstTenipuri Festa!! I went with a few friends and looked around at the outside booths (mainly goods stalls, themed food booths, and banners and the like). It was pretty hot, but it was actually a relaxing time!!
Then I had to join my coworkers and attend the actual show (which was a giant seiyuu concert basically, featuring Konomi-sensei of course!). I took along my friend Ale also, who was pretty happy. Sensei was thrilled to get to meet some of his other foreign fans, too. He's such a ham ^^

It was such a great concert!!!! I couldn't take pictures inside (and it's not that interesting anyways... even his dressing room was just a stark normal room). The concert was GREAT though! I especially loved Suwabe's performance for "Suki sa suki sa suki sa", and the final group song, "We Love Seigaku, Ariake coliseum version". By the way, the entire thing was held in the same location that the Japan finals were held in the manga. Love the tie-ins!! =D =D =D

If you want to see any of my notes about the event, make sure to check my posts on twitter ^^ (http://www.twitter.com/jamieism) I wish that I could write more (I have some great stories!!!!) but I'm not allowed to post about them, so if you ever meet me, be sure to ask me! I could probably go on for hours at this point ^o^;;

( Some pictures of the outside.... )