Mega Japan Happy Trip '15: Day 3

Woke up to a sunny Wednesday morning and I was happier than I have been in a long time. I am an early riser and have always been. This started due to Saturday mornings when I was up at 6am to watch Batman, the 60's TV series with Adam West, and my favorite childhood hero and show, Ultraman. There was something special about Ultraman because here you have an ordinary guy named Hayata who is given the unique ability to transform into the 131 foot tall Ultraman. As a child of the 70's this was mind blowing to me to see a human grow that big. I believe Ultraman perfectly captures the heart of children worldwide because children are used to be told what to do by larger parents and if you could only grow bigger than your parents, you could tell your parents what to do. There is that wish fulfillment to it. Also, all the monsters on the show were all so different, thanks to the genius of creator, Tsuburaya Eiji and he well trained crew. Tsuburaya was the Special Effects Director for the original Godzilla movie and subsequent films. He got into TV with Ultra Q and the next show in the Ultra Series, Ultraman. You can find out more about Tsuburaya in August Ragone's brilliant book called Eiji Tsuburaya: Master of Monsters.
http://www.amazon.com/Eiji-Tsuburaya-Monsters-Defending-Ultraman/dp/1452135398

So I began my day taking in a little Japanese TV and waiting for 7:30 to watch another episode of Kimba. Following Kimba, it was time for breakfast.

Now I could have just eaten at the hotel but I wanted to explore breakfast options in Utsunomiya so I headed to the station to see what was opened and there wasn't a lot. I did see a Starbucks and that seemed a fair options, I was hoping to find a Japanese bakery. Now, in the US I would never go to Starbucks because I prefer indies coffee shops that offer unique choices and I get tired of seeing Starbucks shut down the smaller coffee shops.

So I stepped inside not sure if this was a good idea. To my surprise Starbucks in Japan were really good. I ordered a Matcha Frappuccino, toast with raspberry and granola. Then I saw these wonderful cinnamon rolls and had to get one. Food Tip: in Japan don't worry so much about calorie count because you will be walking a lot.

The Frappuccino was good and not too sweet with real sweet green tea flavor with less sugar added.
The cinnamon roll, was freshly baked and so soft that it melted in my mouth.

After breakfast it was time to return to the shinkansen and see Tokyo. I was looking forward to another wacky adventure inside Tokyo Station.

The first order of business was to find Character Street. I saw signs for it and followed along and then I was suddenly at Tokyo Character Street, one of the happiest places on earth. There was only store luring me in with intense burning passion and that was Ultraman World M78 and a much needed return to childhood.

It was truly amazing!! The Ultra Series has so many different series much like Star Trek started with the Original Series and ended with Enterprise. Unlike Star Trek, a new Ultraman series is put out for the next generation of children and the same approach is used by Kamen Rider. I am in love with the second in the series called Ultraman. Ever since childhood I have wanted to join Hayata and become a member of the Science Special Search Party,that is generally wrongly called Science Patrol, and get to wear one of those cool orange uniforms and battle strange aliens.

 



So much Ultra goodness that I never wanted to leave. Lots of DVDs and Blu-rays that have special features not available back home and many series in the franchise that have never made it over. Quality HD transfers from the original Japanese film that are gorgeous and not like the shoddy Chaiyo releases from Thailand. Be careful buying Ultraman DVDs and Blu-rays outside Japan and make sure you don't get a Chaiyo release.

I bought a few things that were reasonably priced and didn't break the bank like this wonderful stainless cup, T-shirt, book with so many pictures, and my favorite alien, Alien Baltan who has the really cool laugh.

After making my purchase and expressing undying love for the series to the cashier, the cashier told me that I got to pick out some gifts from a grab bag. So I wound up with some really nice buttons.

I was perfectly content to remain at Ultraman World forever but it was time to leave and see the rest of Character Street. It took all my will power to sat goodbye. I took a few pictures on the way out.

Leaving Ultraman World and all those fun Tokusatsu series, it was time for some anime. Nearby I spotted the Sailor Moon store.

What trip to Japan would be complete without a trip to Pokémon Center?

Almost equal to my love for Ultraman is my love for Star Wars and the original trilogy only, but I will still go see Episode VII. Tokyo is in full gear in launching Star Wars merchandise.

 

You just have to love this next one.

Rilakkuma to the rescue.

Last but certainly not least was a special trip to the Shonen Jump store for Dragon Ball Z, One Piece, and much more.

Parting with such sweet sorry I was forced to say goodbye to Tokyo Character Street. I made a vow to return.

 

Now it was time to find the Chuo Line and today's destination, Nakano.

It was only a short 20 minute train ride and I was at Nakano Station for the second time in my life. Exiting the station, I walked over to the Sun Mall, which in all appearances is a typical shopping arcade. Then you finally see it off in the distance, that lovely Nakano Broadway sign.

Soon you get closer.

Only a short walk now and you are warmly inside Nakano Broadway, a treasure trove of vintage goods from anime, manga, toy robots, American toys, and even a store devoted to Happy Meal toys.

There are collector's showcases where people put their goods on display for a price and anyone can buy what's inside.

Your journey begins now.

Most of the stores are on the third floor but it still is worth checking out the first and second floors for stores selling items outside the norm.

I recommend checking out the vintage in Nakano Broadway before exploring the new in Akihabara.

So this is the first store that I checked out. No pictures are allowed inside so I did my best to take pictures outside the stores and the outside display cases.

A interesting blend of classic Japanese and American toys from Godzilla, Rodan, Gatchaman, Transformers, Star Wars, and I even found a Giant Robot toy from Johnny Sokko that was expensive so I couldn't take him home.

Mandarake has so many different stores inside Nakano Broadway, including the Mandarake flagship store for used manga. I was filled with joy to see the Mandarake movie poster store that had so many classic Godzilla posters and ran inside.

 I found another store selling old Godzilla movie souvenir books starting at 800en and up.

There are certain stores I always go to and Robot Robot is one. This is one of three stores located inside Nakano Broadway. They have tons of small toys from TV, movies, anime, manga, Tokusatsu, and more.

 If only I could take this guy home. For the record, I prefer Aliens over Alien. I need action.

For all lovers of indies and alternative art I recommend a trip to Taco Che for original artwork on postcards, manga that is outside the mainstream, and if your Japanese reading level can handle it, a selection of alt books that you can't find anywhere else. This is the store to go to for something beyond the expected.

Just look for this sign.

I picked up this postcard illustrated by Hideshi Hino.

While shopping through the many stores, outside on the wall, I saw this for all Kamen Rider fans.

Next, I stepped into the Mandarake used manga store on a mission to find vintage Maison Ikkoku manga. Sadly no number one but I did get number two and one other.

This guy was cool.

It was time to ascend to the fourth floor and see the Henya aka Weird Store.



This is my favorite store in all of Nakano Broadway with strange amusing kitsch never to be seen elsewhere. I found a doll that looked like Popeye that wasn't quite Popeye called Popa. It was here that I saw the Japanese robot with the TV in his chest that I remember seeing back in the 70's.

It was at the Henya that I spent the most time and talked to the very knowledgeable cashier. I was looking for a guidebook for the Osaka Expo '70 and he went in the back and brought one back. It was cheap so I got it.

This guide book has many photos from the Osaka Expo '70 with children worldwide banding together to make the world a better place. Artists renditions of people living in the future in dome shaped cities, pre-Epcot, and commuting by monorail in the future. It was such a good dream that many had that sadly didn't materialize.

The Henya had great music that made you feel like you were underwater. It reminded me of the old Nautilus ride that Disney foolishly got rid of. I tried to buy a copy but it was a sample.

I did check out Mandarake's used game store and got Dynamite Deka 2 for Dreamcast that was recommended to me by my good friend Colin.

Now it was time to leave Nakano Broadway and head to my second destination.

I stopped for lunch at McDonald's for the Japanese McDonald's exclusive, the teriyaki burger. A savory burger cooked in teriyaki sauce and topped with lettuce and mayo. McDonald's in Japan is so fresh and tasty and much better than America.

 Goodbye Nakano Station.

Heading for Shinjuku.

 

The next stop was the Robot Restaurant for an early dinner. I searched around Shinjuku looking for Kabukicho. Along the way I saw the Gracery Hotel with the special Godzilla room.

After finding the police box and asking for directions I was on my way with a quick walk down the street and a right turn at the fourth corner. If you do get lost in Tokyo, ask the police, the office I spoke with was very friendly and spoke perfect English.

I finally found it!!

I booked a reservation online and got a discount. Following a short wait, the restaurant opened and being first in line, I went inside.

I saw this interesting place nearby.

A small group of us were led across the street and told to walk down stairs painted bright psychedelic colors that had me singing Lucy in the Sky with Diamonds.

Then I sat in a big chair in the waiting area.

Soon a robot band arrived and they began playing Isn't She Lovely.

Next up was some robot bluegrass.

It was a cool musical performance and we walked over and entered the theater. Some cool stuff for sell like the Robot Restaurant T-shirt. I have heard some people complain that the food is just a cheap bento but the sushi was amazing.

The big Robot show is about to start.

Allow me to switch to video here to capture some highlights.

 

Mothra!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

The Finale was breathtaking and sheer magic.

Exiting the Robot Restaurant I still had energy to burn thanks to Japanese healthy cuisine. So I found a maid café called Maidreamin and went inside mainly to seat down after a full day of walking.

The maid serving me was curious about the manga and Ultraman toys I bought and was very interested in the Osaka Expo '70 guidebook.

It was a funny and entertaining experience and I got to wear bunny ears.

 

I took the train all the way back from Tokyo to Utsunomiya and I didn't take the shinkamsen. Bad idea that took a very long time. I was so tired getting back and when I was back in my room, I got in bed and was fast asleep.

Day 4 showcases the magic of Akihabara.