Wednesday, June 3, 2015

Mega Japan Happy Trip '15: Day 5

Back in 2012, is when I first went to Utsunomiya to visit my college roommate, Jun. I stayed at the Richmond Hotel. Close to the hotel I had a really good breakfast called the American breakfast so I was curious if it was still there. Looking at the window display I couldn't find it. I went inside anyway. It was a breakfast buffet and slightly cheaper than the Chisun. Sadly it appeared that they no longer had the American breakfast.

Curry is always good, even for breakfast. Next to the roll is pear jam, which was good.
It was a lovely Friday morning so I decided to see the giant Gundam at DiverCity Tokyo in sunny Odaiba.

This was a big deal for me because I grew up watching Mobile Suit Gundam on VHS tapes in raw Japanese that I rented from Kotobuki, a Japanese market that used to be in South Tampa next door to Wright's. Kotobuki was the place to get anime that aired on Japanese TV without waiting for a sub or dub and they had a vast library of tapes.

Gundam is a long running series that is like the Star Trek franchise. Both have multiple series that followed after the original. However, Star Trek on TV ended with Enterprise and the recent reboot movies and in contrast Gundam is still current with the latest OVA called Gundam: The Origin released in 2015. As Star Trek fades out, Gundam is here to stay.

I got on the shinkansen and soon found myself at Tokyo Teleport Station. I was disappointed walking on the crosswalk because I couldn't see Gundam. Something told me to walk to the left and then I saw his large head off in the distance. At this point I started running. I had to see Gundam.

Looking at Gundam from the crosswalk I ran down the steps to get a closer look. Just watching the series, you don't get a sense of how massive a mecha Gundam is until you see it yourself. For the record the Gundam statue has been built to scale and is 18 meters, (59 feet,) and is the RX-78-2.

I had to get a picture with Gundam.
You truly get a sense of how large Gundam is when you walk underneath.


One shot from the back.
Now it was time to step into DiverCity mall to see Gundam Front, the museum for true mecha overload.

Taking the side elevator to the 7th floor I got off on the wrong side of the building and had to go back down, Then I saw the elevators in the center and found Gundam Front. I wasted no time rushing to the entrance and buying my ticket.



I stood in line to see the first short film called Gundam Dive. This was to be inside the Dome-G. Soon the door opened and I went inside. Dome-G is a 50 foot theater that reminded me of IMAX. You look up to see the massive screen.

First, I saw Gundam Dive a 15-miunte anime short about the RX-78-2 Gundam statue suddenly taking off to protect DiverCity. It was a great experience, just looking up and taking in all the rich details.

Then it was over and we all left and I took a few pictures before heading back inside Dome-G to see Mobile Suit Gundam UC: Neo Zeong Strikes Odaiba. This was a 7-minute short with what I was hoping to see and that was giant mecha combat. It was a thrilling ride and I can only imagine what watching Char's Counterattack would be like. Of all the many Gundam movies, Char's Counterattack is my long time favorite.

After that, it was time to have some fun inside the museum.

 Next to the formidable Char.

 RG1/1 ZGMF-X20A Strike Freedom Gundam Ver. GFT.

A Baoa Qu.
Gunpla Tokyo had over a 1,000 plastic models inside. Here is the one I liked.

The gift shop was amazing and I wanted to buy the Mecha and Weapons book but it was too heavy. I did get this Char pen instead.
I have never seen so many Gundam plastic models for sale in one location. The gift shop was well stocked. The main thing I wanted was Gundam: The Origin Collector's edition Blu-ray and I was politely told by staff that they didn't have it.

All the Gundam merchandise wasn't just for geeks, here is the official Gundam clothing line.

I couldn't leave without a trip to the men's room.

Inside the men's room, Char is watching.
Overall, I had a blast at Gundam Front and I'm already looking forward to my next visit.
So check it out the next time you are at DiverCity.

Leaving the mall I saw something that I never thought I would see in Japan.
Near the elevator I found a sign for Lum sake. I'm not sure how her sake would taste but I bet it would be sweet.
Leaving Odaiba.

I wanted to check on my friend, Jun, who had recently returned from his business trip to Vietnam so I decided to return. Back at the hotel I spoke with Jun on the phone and he told me he was sick and not to worry that we should be able to get together on Saturday. I was a little concerned.

Ok it was Friday night and I wanted to see what Utsunomiya had to offer. I wanted to see what was on the other side of the station so I went on a random walk.

On this walk I found Coco's and it looked like a fine place to have dinner.
I started with delicious corn soup.
I followed this up with beef curry.
Coco's has an all-you-can-drink beverage bar and I got Pocari Sweat.
I finished up with a yummy brownie parfait.
Time to pay the check and see what goes on in Utsunomiya on a Friday night.

I love solo random walks in Japanese cities. So peaceful and no one ever bothers you. Here are some shots from my long walk.





Then I stumbled on something truly amazing and something I love doing on any given Friday night.
Sega World is so much fun. Particularly on a Friday night when you don't care when you go to sleep and you can wake up whenever you want on Saturday.

First up for me was Taiko no Tatsujin. 

They had Super Mario Cart!!

I played this amusing game where you use a gun to shoot sharks in 3D. You start out on a boat and sharks jump at you. Should you get bit, you get sprayed with water, which is startling will you don't know it is coming and from what direction. I jumped the first time I got sprayed.
More Gundam fun with Kidou Senshi Gundam: Senjou no Kizuna aka Gundam; Bonds of the Battlefield in P.O.D. (Panoramic Optical Display.)

Hot Miku action.




Notice the American theme. Also how big Sega World is.


They had the latest Tekken game, Tekken 7 released in 2015.
I wish arcades would make a comeback in the US.



















I left Sega World satisfied with each 100en coin well spent. Tampa needs a Sega World.


 I took a nice and relaxing walk back and found some amusing things. I was happy tonight.


Next up find out what happened on Saturday, Day 6.

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