Comments for Jeff's Japan Blog

Comment on tokyo’s got game by pawlusiak

pawlusiak — Fri, 27 Jun 2008 02:32:44 +0000

I really liked iNis for a couple of different reasons. It seemed like the workplace was pretty laid back and easy to work at. The game Elite Beat Agents was shown to us. I had never seen this game before, but it looked pretty cool in concept. It was similiar to the game Guitar Hero. I will definitley play it when I get some free time.

Comment on sounds futuristic by blackbr4

blackbr4 — Thu, 26 Jun 2008 21:14:37 +0000

As with most of the places we went, the demonstrations were awesome, but the lecture was long and boring. I think the thing that blew me away the most was the headphones that were hooked up to that widescreen cell phone. I’d never experienced a true surround sound experience with headphones?! It legitimately sounded like I was sitting inside of a big movie theater watching a movie. The technology was incredible.

Comment on holy arcade, batman! by blackbr4

blackbr4 — Thu, 26 Jun 2008 21:09:05 +0000

yes! the arcades were awesome! we visited a few arcades, including a sega one in Osaka. we also played the mario kart game hahah. it was so sweet, the levels were new AND you got to race each other! when we sat down, the camera took pictures of our face and put it on our character. it was completely ridiculous seeing my face on princess! I wish we had more cool arcades around here… the only one’s ive saw recently have been in big cities, really expensive, and way too advanced. It seems like the ones around now are getting way into virtual reality crap – i love the old school games. at the sega arcade you could play the original street fighter, mortal combat, etc

Comment on the last samauri by pawlusiak

pawlusiak — Thu, 26 Jun 2008 21:02:37 +0000

I actually liked this little visit. The rain aspect of it kind of brought it down a little for me, but not to the point where I couldn’t stand it. One thing that kind of confused me was that it seemed almost like Lord of the Rings walking around there, not Japan. Seeing where the Last Samurai was filmed the effect was lost on me because I have never seen that movie, but as soon as I do (and I see that scene) I will definitley get a kick out of it knowing I was there in person.

Comment on sea monsters (a food review) by kingofbreaker

kingofbreaker — Thu, 26 Jun 2008 03:56:19 +0000

The food was definitely something you have to get used to but if you don’t try anything you’ll never know if you would enjoy it. I totally agree that you need to go to Japan with an open mind because the food, well you’re not in Kansas anymore Dorothy. While I did try all the food that was available I found myself retreating to the golden arches more often than I like to admit. Octopus balls, squid heads, shrimp with the eyes still in it, not my idea of a great dining experience. But hey, I’m glad I tried everything I did.

Comment on storming the castle by toranosuke

toranosuke — Wed, 25 Jun 2008 00:26:38 +0000

Hiya.

You say there are “only four ancient castles remain standing from the imperial eras of Japanese history.”

I am curious which four castles you’re referring to. I’ve been to a number of castles in Japan, but have never been fully clear on how many there are, or how many remain from what period of time. From what I hear, Himeji is by far the best one to visit – the largest, most intact, most authentic – but alas I have not gotten a chance to go out there.

I’ve been to.. let’s see… Kanazawa Castle, Hiroshima Castle, Shuri Castle, all of which were rebuilt in the late 20th to early 21st centuries. Fukuoka Castle is in ruins – not much to see, but a bit more than I expected. And then there’s Nijo Castle in Kyoto, parts of which have been rebuilt and maintained, but it’s still missing the main keep. Haven’t been to Osaka at all yet.

Anyway, curious to hear all about your castle adventures. Thanks for the post!

Comment on one-winged angel by mikeinjapan

mikeinjapan — Tue, 24 Jun 2008 03:37:26 +0000

This is one place I would have really like to have gone to. It was unfortunate that I didn’t have enough time to do it all, but It was great of you guys that went to take pictures, and that figure of Sephiroth embedded in the floor most look awesome. Plus, the stuff you bought there was pretty cool looking.

Comment on yakitori by schebork

schebork — Tue, 24 Jun 2008 00:53:51 +0000

I too enjoyed the dumplings… until I realized they were made of octopus! I’m glad we visited this restaurant on our first night. The food was great, the atmosphere was spectacular, and those LCD menu computers were some of the coolest devices I had ever seen! After a 13 hour flight, this was definitely a great way to kick off the trip.

Comment on one thousand paper cranes by schebork

schebork — Tue, 24 Jun 2008 00:50:54 +0000

Visiting the Hiroshima memorial was truly a moving experience. I was deeply saddened throughout the day but at the same time, I felt an amazing sense of peace. Peace that now exists between the United States and Japan. Peace that one day all the nations of the world will live in harmony.

Comment on tokyo’s got game by schebork

schebork — Tue, 24 Jun 2008 00:47:41 +0000

I really enjoyed the laid back environment of iNis. The people we met were all very down to earth. I remember Elite Beat Agents being one of my most favorite games back in the day. They created a fantastic way to interact with music on the Nintendo DS. I look forward to a sequel in the near future.