Gundam Front Entertainment Center Now Open

Gundam fans now have a place to go to in Tokyo.

From Kyodo News:

Many fans flocked to a facility to experience the world of the Japanese robot animation series ''Mobile Suit Gundam'' as it opened Thursday in a waterfront area in Tokyo's Koto Ward. 

An 18-meter-tall Gundam statue stands in front of the DiverCity Tokyo Plaza commercial complex housing the Gundam Front Tokyo run by Bandai Co. and other organizations. 

The new entertainment spot features ''real-scale'' attractions, including Dome-G for dynamic images of famous scenes in the past series and computer graphic images of new works projected inside the dome of 16 meters in diameter. 

At the Experience Field area, visitors can view such models as the 1/1 Core Fighter Ver.GFT of the first series and the 1/1-size bust of Strike Freedom Gundam Ver.GFT in the Seed Destiny series as well as the 1/3000th scale space fortress A Baoa Qu. 

They can also take photos with their favorites among many characters from the series at Character Photo Spot of the Experience Field. 

People who visited the facility on the first day expressed enthusiasm.

Tokyo's Sky Tree Built With Anti-Earthquake Technology

Above, the Sky Tree under construction in December 2010.  Photo by Armand Vaquer.

When it was announced that the new Sky Tree tower would be built in Tokyo, some people I know expressed apprehension about going up in it fearing that an earthquake may hit while they were inside.

An article by BusinessWeek.com should put to rest those fears as new anti-earthquake technology was used in  the tower's construction.

They wrote:

A Tokyo developer took visitors up the world's tallest freestanding broadcast structure on Tuesday, a 634-meter (2,080-foot) tower with special technology meant to withstand earthquakes that often strike Japan. 

The Tokyo Skytree is the world's second-tallest structure behind the 828-meter (2,717-foot) Burj Khalifa in Dubai, according to owner Tobu Tower Skytree Co. 

The tower was constructed with extremely strong steel tubes surrounding a central concrete column that are structurally separate from each other in the tower's mid-section. In the event of an earthquake, the concrete core and steel frame are designed to offset each other to reduce the building's overall motion. 

The Skytree has been built to stand firm even if a magnitude 7 quake were to strike beneath the building, said Sho Toyoshima, a spokesman for Tobu Tower. He said the tower sustained no structural damage from the magnitude 9.0 quake that struck off Japan's northeastern coast last March, even as it was being built.

The March 11, 2011 earthquake did cause the tip of Tokyo Tower to bend a bit.

If Toho Studios should resume production of Godzilla epics, it would be interesting to see if the Sky Tree could withstand a kaiju onslaught.  (Probably not.)

The Sky Tree is set to officially open on May 22.

To read the full article, go here.

A Visit To Kinokuniya Bookstores In Little Tokyo, Los Angeles

Above, a view of Kinokuniya's Little Tokyo bookstore from the courtyard of Weller Court.  Photo by Amber Vaquer.

Recently, my daughter Amber visited Little Tokyo near downtown Los Angeles and paid a visit to Kinokuniya Bookstores located in Weller Court.

She sent along the photos at top and below.

Above, "The Monster Movie Fan's Guide To Japan" in Kinokuniya's Japan travel section.  Photo by Amber Vaquer.

Kinokuniya Bookstores' Little Tokyo store is located at 123 Astronaut E S Onizuka #205,  Los Angeles, CA 90012 (in Weller Court).  Phone (213) 687-4480.

U.S. Burger Chains With Unusual Items In Japan

Above, an Asakusa, Tokyo toy shop with some familiar golden arches next door.

Okay, chow-hounds!  Japan Today has an interesting article on American burger chains who are also in Japan.

The article starts with:

TOKYO —
Famous American hamburger chain restaurants such as McDonald’s, Burger King and Wendy’s have had varying degrees of success in Japan over the years. Many foreign food chain restaurants have flopped (Nathan’s, Arby’s) because they have not been able to adapt their menus to suit Japanese consumers. 

The hamburger chains generally have had better success than most. While their menus are predominantly the same as in the U.S., they are also selling original items for Japan.

What are the "original items"?  Take a gander at the article and find out!  Go here.

Another Good Month For "The Monster Movie Fan's Guide To Japan"

Above, Armand at the 2011 Monsterpalooza.

April is turning out to be another good month as far as sales of The Monster Movie Fan's Guide To Japan are concerned.  The sales are keeping up a good pace with January, February, and March.

That, plus the upcoming write-ups in the Comics Buyer's Guide and Japan Times, bode well for the travel guide.




Monsterpalooza at the Burbank Marriott Hotel and Convention Center begins this coming weekend.  I bought ad space in the program booklet.  The ad is above.  If you've never been to a Monsterpalooza, you should make an effort to go!

Watchlater Picks Up Monster Japan Travel Guide Video

Above, Miki Hayashi with "The Monster Movie Fan's Guide To Japan."  Photo by Armand  Vaquer.

Watchlaterapp.com picked up the YouTube video on The Monster Movie Fan's Guide To Japan.According to Watchlater:

This video was shared via watchlater, an app for bookmarking and downloading videos. Watch videos anytime and anywhere with both our iPhone and iPad App.. It’s free

To view the site, go here.

Monster Japan Travel Guide Videos Picked Up By Global Oneness

Global Oneness, which is a part of ExperienceFestival.com, picked up the YouTube slideshow video on The Monster Movie Fan's Guide To Japan and the promo video on the travel guide by Karlos Borloff and the gang at Monster Madhouse (below).











 Left, Yuu Asakura with "The Monster Movie Fan's Guide To Japan." Photo by Armand Vaquer.

Above, Karlos Borloff (Jerry Moore) and Vixxa Violet from the Monster Madhouse promo video.

Global Oneness covers a wide range of subjects from philosophy/religion to acupuncture and travel.

To view the site, go here.

Bungee Jumping At The Sky Tree

Above, the Sky Tree under construction in December 2010. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

Kaiju fans will have another reason to visit Japan if arrangements are finalized.

According to The Japan Times:

Tokyo's newest and biggest visitor attraction, the 634-meter-high Tokyo Sky Tree in Sumida Ward, will open to the public on May 22. And if 11th-hour contract negotiations bear fruit, visitors to the Sky Tree may soon have the opportunity to plummet 430 meters (over 1,400 feet) toward terra firma, in what is claimed to be the world's highest commercial bungee jump.

The new service, it was learned, has been quietly undergoing safety tests late at night. If arrangements can be finalized within this month, the first customers may be able to take death-defying dives from the Sky Tree from around mid-June.

There is one person under my roof who may be quite interested in this. I don't like heights, so this is out of the question for me.

I may be able to talk my roomie into a trip to Japan either at the end of this year or early next year. I'll have to show her this article!

To view the full article, go here.

Japan Aims At 18 Million Tourists By 2016

Above, the Landmark Tower in Yokohama. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

Jiji Press reported that a new basic Japan tourism plan was adopted:

Tokyo, March 30 (Jiji Press)--Japan adopted a basic plan for national tourism promotion on Friday at a cabinet meeting that set a goal of boosting the annual number of foreign tourists to 18 million in 2016.

Under the five-year plan through 2016, Japan aims to rebuild from the March 2011 disaster and boost tourism consumption to 30 trillion yen.

To read the full article, go here.

Monster Japan Travel Guide Newspaper Review In The Works

A writer for The Japan Times, "the most widely read English-language newspaper in Japan," has requested a review copy of The Monster Movie Fan's Guide To Japan. It is now in the process of being sent.


In the request email, it was noted that two other books were under consideration for review, but were passed on. The Japan Times was very much interested in the travel guide.

Once the review article is published (in newspaper and online formats), I will post a notice at this blog.

"Gamera," Guardian of Japan's Airspace

Gamera is widely known as a giant turtle monster who is "the friend of children" and a protector of Japan in the movies. But "Gamera" is also known in real life as the "protector of Japan's airspace."

"Gamera" is based on a tiny island in the East China Sea at the Shimokoshikijima Sub Base of the Air Self-Defense Force.

To see "Gamera," Guardian of Japan's airspace, go here.

Atami City's Islands

Above, Atami Castle overlooks Atami City from its hilltop perch. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

About an hour from Tokyo via shinkansen is Atami City. Atami's claim to fame were the final moments of the battle between Godzilla and King Kong in 1962's King Kong vs. Godzilla. Atami Castle was demolished by both monsters.

Atami was also featured Monster From A Prehistoric Planet (1967) when the Gappas first came ashore.

Atami means "hot sea" and is noted for its hot spring onsens.

Above, Oshima Island can be seen on a clear day from Atami. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

There are two islands visible from Atami. The biggest one is Oshima Island. It is noted for its volcano. It was here that Godzilla was lured to and ended up falling into the cauldron in Return of Godzilla (1984) (a.k.a. Godzilla 1985). There is a Godzilla statue at the Hamano Hot Springs Resort on the island. Oshima is 27 miles from Atami.

Above, Hatsushima Island as seen from from Atami Harbor. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

Closer to Atami (about 7 miles) in Sagami Bay is the island of Hatsushima. It has hot spring resorts along with camping, cabins, aquarium, beaches, pool, surfing and diving. It is the closest island to Tokyo.

Atami is featured on page 35 of The Monster Movie Fan's Guide To Japan.

Whether for an overnight stay or just a day-trip, Atami City is a great place to visit.

Hiroshima, A Tourism Oasis

Above, the A-Bomb Dome. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

Hiroshima was an interesting Japanese city to visit. Going there now one would not know that an atomic bomb was dropped there in August 1945 leveling the city. I visited Hiroshima in 2004.

Today, Hiroshima is a thriving metropolis with few reminders of that August day.

The National has posted an article on Hiroshima, "Its Grim Past Left Far Behind, Hiroshima A Welcoming Tourism Oasis."

The article begins with:

When an event of the magnitude of August 6, 1945, happens, it's hard for a place to ever shake off the association. But a visit to modern-day Hiroshima shows that even if the name evokes images of nuclear annihilation, it's possible to not only survive catastrophe, but thrive into the future. The city, located at the western end of Honshu, Japan's biggest island, is today as healthy and happy as any in the country, famous for its food, scenery and love of sports. In truth, unless they wanted you to, you'd never know that the world's first nuclear bomb was dropped here. And for many people in today's Japan, the city's ability to rise again gives hope to the rest of the country after the great earthquake last year.

The article then highlights some of the features of Hiroshima, including meeting the locals:

Hiroshima's residents are famously gregarious, and if you don't mind fighting for elbow room, then the best place to meet them is Okonomi-mura (www.okonomimura.jp), a hodgepodge of 25 food stalls spread over three floors. As well as having the chance to chat to the locals - those under 30 will generally speak more English - you'll have the chance to try Hiroshima's famous okonomiyaki, often misleadingly referred to as Japanese pizza. It's actually more like an omelette with almost a dozen ingredients, all fried together in layers and served hot from the communal grill in front of the diners. Hiroshima and Osaka constantly bicker about whose version is best, but the former has a good deal more vegetables and less mayonnaise, so is at least comfortably more virtuous.

Besides the features that the article mentions, there is also nearby Miyajima Island to explore.

Above, the famous torii gate at Miyajima's Itsukushima Shrine. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

The Monster Movie Fan's Guide To Japan devotes a page on Hiroshima due to its inspiration for Godzilla (it was also featured in 1991's Godzilla vs. King Ghidorah).

I consider Hiroshima a must-see Japanese city.

To see the full article, go here.

As Japan's Tourism Industry Recovers, Travel Guide Sales Increase

Above, "The Monster Movie Fan's Guide To Japan" in the Japan travel section of Kinokuniya Bookstores' Little Tokyo store.

Recent reports on the recovery of Japan's tourism industry (many of which I've written about here) seems to coincide with the uptick in sales of The Monster Movie Fan's Guide To Japan.

There was another such report today from DFNIonline.com.

As I mentioned sometime back, the sales of the travel guide has been moving upward for the first couple of months of 2012. And, so far, March is no exception.

I recently requested payment from ComiXpress. Before doing so, I generally wait for the amounts owed to accumulate. Several orders came in immediately following my payment request. It appears that the amounts are accumulating at a faster pace which will lead to more frequent payment requests. No complaints here on that score!

As we get nearer to this year's vacation season, it will be interesting to see if the trend continues.

Monster Japan Travel Guide Banner Ad In JREF

Above, the home page of Japan Reference containing the banner ad for "The Monster Movie Fan's Guide To Japan" (upper right corner).

The Monster Movie Fan's Guide To Japan now has a banner ad at Japan Reference (JREF) website. Clicking on the ad will take you to the "About The Monster Movie Fan's Guide To Japan" page. I've been a JREF member since 2004.

JREF is a Japanophile's paradise. It has many features, including a forum (containing a wide rage of topics to choose from), photo galleries, news, job information, JREF Friends (relationships), classified ads and others.

To visit Japan Reference, go here.

Sumida River Cruise

Category: Travel

Above, the Asahi Beer Hall and the Tokyo Sky Tree under construction in 2010. The water taxi station is just behind the building with the blue roof.

When visiting Tokyo, Japan, there are always plenty of things to see and do in the city.

One of the most pleasant activities I undertook during a visit to Tokyo was a cruise down the Sumida river to Tokyo Bay.

The cruise boat was comfortable and offered great views on both sides. The water taxi station is located at Asakusa, directly across the river from the Asahi Beer Hall with its gleaming "Golden Flame" sculpture.

Above, the Asahi Beer Hall in 2005.

After leaving the water taxi station, the cruise boat passes docked Yakatabune dinner/party boats (below).



The cruise passes under several bridges as it heads towards Tokyo Bay. Along the way, it passed an encampment of Tokyo's homeless under an overpass (below).



As the cruise boat makes its way to Tokyo bay, it passes both commercial and residential buildings. The photo below is of a large riverside apartment building (some call these "rabbit hutches").



Tokyo Tower can be seen in the distance as the cruise boat gets closer to Tokyo Bay (below). Tokyo Tower was featured in several Japanese monster movies including Mothra (1961), King Kong Escapes (1967), Gamera, Guardian of the Universe (1995) and Godzilla x Mothra x Mechagodzilla: Tokyo S.O.S. (2003). Tokyo Tower is spotlighted on page 30 of The Monster Movie Fan's Guide To Japan.



Along the way, the cruise passes the famed Tsukiji Fish Market. It also passes under the Kachidoki Bridge (the bridge that was toppled over in Godzilla (1954)). The Kachidoki Bridge is spotlighted on page 29 of The Monster Movie Fan's Guide To Japan.

When the cruise boat enters Tokyo Bay, passengers are treated to a view of the Rainbow Bridge and Odaiba (below). Both the bridge and Odaiba were featured in Godzilla x Megaguirus (2000) and are spotlighted in The Monster Movie Fan's Guide To Japan on page 25.



As the cruise boat turns to dock at the Hama Rikyu Gardens, the passengers are able to see an upriver view of the Kachidoki Bridge (below). The bridge is dwarfed by many commerical and apartment buildings.



I highly recommend taking a Sumida River Cruise. It is relaxing and kaiju fans can see several monster movie landmarks during the cruise. There are several Sumida River cruise boat companies to choose from. For more information on Sumida River cruises, go here.

The Nation: "Japan's Rebirth Is Vital To The Rest of The World"

Above, salarymen waiting for their shinkansen train at a Kyoto Station smoking area. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

The Nation posted an interesting editorial on Japan, "Japan's Rebirth Is Vital To The Rest of The World."

Part of the editorial reads as follows:

One year after the triple disasters of earthquake, tsunami and nuclear crisis, Japan and its people have done a remarkable job in keeping the country great. Of course, there are still lots of challenges ahead before Japan can once again achieve the success it used to enjoy. But suffice to say, today's Japan is much more resilient, flexible and open.

In the years after the Second World War, Japan rose to its feet rapidly, with the assistance of the US. During that period the Japanese people endured all kinds of hardships, but they seldom complained as they rebuilt their war-shattered economy and landscape. Within two decades after the war, Japan's economy was one of the largest in the world. That success continued until very recently. As the world's third largest economy, whatever happens to Japan's economic health will have a direct impact on many countries. For those in Southeast Asia, the stakes are even higher because Japan's economic ties to this part of world remain vital in stimulating development and growth.

Visitors going to Japan after the quake and tsunami will find the country is much more open than before. The government has realised that Japan has a lot of friends overseas. The outpouring of assistance and sympathy in the aftermath of the tragedies encouraged the government and people to increase engagement with the outside world.

To read the full editorial, go here.

“Japan. Thank You”

Japan's tourism industry had a rough year due to the Great East Japan Earthquake and resulting tsunami and radiation problems of the Fukushima nuclear power plant. But indications are that the industry is recovering.

According to eTravelBlackboard.com:

Marking the one year anniversary of the Japan Earthquake, Japan Tourism Agency and Japan National Tourism Org have launched a new campaign called “Japan. Thank You.”

The aim of the campaign is to express the people of Japan’s appreciation to people around the world who have given their support to the region since it was severely affected by the earthquake and its aftermath.

According to JTA the country's recovery has been more rapid than previously expected, with international tourist arrivals for January 2012 at about 700,000, representing only a 4.5 percent decrease compared to the same time last year.

Through the new design logo “Japan. Thank You”, Japan wishes to show their sincere gratitude to all the tourists from overseas for their continued support.

Some of the main activities include a special logo “Japan. Thank You.” and a special poster to be displayed in various parts of the world.

To read the full article, go here.

Dollar Is Inching Up vs. Yen

The dollar is performing a bit better against the yen.

According to Jiji Press:

Tokyo, March 12 (Jiji Press)--The dollar traded on a firm note above 82 yen in Tokyo Monday, but its topside was heavy due to position adjustment selling and a wait-and-see mood ahead of monetary policy decisions by the Japanese and U.S. central banks.

At 5 p.m., the dollar stood at 82.22-23 yen, up from 81.63-63 yen at the same time Friday.

While this is a small step in the right direction, the time for celebration is when the dollar hits 90-100 yen.

MDHut.com Picks Up "Japan Safe For Monster Fan Tourists"

Already, my article re-visit at the Godzilla 3D News and Info blog, "Japan Safe For Monster Fan Tourists" was picked up by MDHut.com.

To view it, go here.