All Japan Hobby Show 10/12-10/13

[Real G]

It's been 4 years since my trip to Shizuoka got abruptly scuttled by the pandemic, so I'm looking forward to attending the All Japan Hobby Show in Tokyo next week Saturday.  The trade show is an annual event like Shizuoka, but a bit smaller.  It's kind of like the show that the manufacturers use to announce products that didn't make the Shizuoka show in May.

While they don't have the huge and crazy model club exhibition like Shizuoka, they do have a "Flea Market" (or is it "Free" Market?  I dunno), where a bunch of regular guys sell their wares.  Back in 2002, one of my friends picked up some exquisite 1/700 ships and subs that easily matched the best commercially available resin kits.  I got to meet Kow Yokoyama, the artist behind MaK, which was thrilling!

This time around, I'm taking a friend and his wife for a "Japan Tour", so the emphasis will not be on models - well at least not every day!  We fly into Kansai International in Osaka next week Monday and are staying in Kyoto for a few days.  We'll do a pared-down, curated version of the "Temples of Doom" tour and attend a private tea ceremony which I hope is not kitschy or geared to stupid foreigners.  We'll head into Osaka for a day, exploring the Mino-o Falls area in the morning and then doing a dive into two of my favorite Osaka hobby shops Kansuke Hobby and Hobbyland.

Kansuske specializes in old, OOP kits.  Their selection is as astonishing as are the collector's prices.  There were a lot of kits I have never seen or heard of for sale.  The last time I was there I only bought a small kit that they were selling at retail price - a lucky find!  Hobbyland specializes in unusual exotic aircraft, armor and ship models - NO CARS OR GUNDAMS!!!  The store is cozy and the man who ran the place, Mr. Taizo Kawabata, was super friendly.  But the last time I was there was over 15 years ago, so I'll need to find out who is currently running the shop.

When we go to Tokyo, we'll be meeting a friend staying in Yokohama.  We'll head to the hobby show on Saturday and then descend into the madness of Akihabara.  I've done the "Google Maps Scrub" for hobby shops in the area and found a few I have never been to.  There is this Specialty Gundam Shop that some western Youtubers declared is the Gundam shop to end all Gundam shops.  I have a challenge then: I'll be betting I won't find the old 1980s 1/100 MSV Prototype Dom and Tropical Test Type Dom.  If I do, I'll make a public apology.  Pinkie promise.

We'll also head out to the Tamiya Showroom in Shimbashi, which I have never been to.  I was planning on visiting the place back in 2016 but ran out of juice while in Akihabara.  I just cut the day short and went back to the hotel and took a nap.  I know, so lame.  If I could have donated the day to someone more energetic and willing, I would have gladly done so!

The rest of our Tokyo days will be filled with museums, temples, and death marches through various enormous gardens.  The weather is supposed to change next week and resume normal 75F temperatures vs the 85F in the past few weeks, so fingers crossed.

I'll be sure to take photos at the show and report on anything interesting.  But these days with the internet, any breaking news is out almost immediately!

[tcoat]

[Real G]

Oct 1, 2024 13:14:43 GMT -5 tcoat said:

I'm not sure if they sell event T-shirts.  They DO give everyone a huge swag bag filled with advertisements though!

[406 Silverado]

Oct 1, 2024 13:05:36 GMT -5 Real G said:

It's been 4 years since my trip to Shizuoka got abruptly scuttled by the pandemic, so I'm looking forward to attending the All Japan Hobby Show in Tokyo next week Saturday.  The trade show is an annual event like Shizuoka, but a bit smaller.  It's kind of like the show that the manufacturers use to announce products that didn't make the Shizuoka show in May.

  You know you're gonna have to take plenty of pictures......right?

[Real G]

Oct 1, 2024 13:38:19 GMT -5 406 Silverado said:

Oct 1, 2024 13:05:36 GMT -5 Real G said:

It's been 4 years since my trip to Shizuoka got abruptly scuttled by the pandemic, so I'm looking forward to attending the All Japan Hobby Show in Tokyo next week Saturday.  The trade show is an annual event like Shizuoka, but a bit smaller.  It's kind of like the show that the manufacturers use to announce products that didn't make the Shizuoka show in May.

  You know you're gonna have to take plenty of pictures......right?

Absolutely.

Mochiron.

Zehi.

Zettai yarimasu.

I'll need extra batteries and coolant to prevent my brain from overclocking while in Japanese Mode.  It takes a lot out of me to have to speak and think in Japanese.

[tcoat]

Oct 1, 2024 14:14:22 GMT -5 Real G said:

Oct 1, 2024 13:38:19 GMT -5 406 Silverado said:

  You know you're gonna have to take plenty of pictures......right?

Absolutely.

Mochiron.

Zehi.

Zettai yarimasu.

I'll need extra batteries and coolant to prevent my brain from overclocking while in Japanese Mode.  It takes a lot out of me to have to speak and think in Japanese.

I really think so

[greg]

I remember when the pandemic ruined your planned trip, G. Scary, but it seems like yesterday in a way.

I hope you have a great time, and yes, please do keep us posted.

[Real G]

Oct 1, 2024 16:07:06 GMT -5 tcoat said:

Oct 1, 2024 14:14:22 GMT -5 Real G said:

Absolutely.

Mochiron.

Zehi.

Zettai yarimasu.

I'll need extra batteries and coolant to prevent my brain from overclocking while in Japanese Mode.  It takes a lot out of me to have to speak and think in Japanese.

I really think so

But I’m already Japanese! Maybe I’ll run around the block while singing a Japanese superhero song. Maybe that will help. 😜

[Real G]

Oct 1, 2024 16:44:50 GMT -5 greg said:

I remember when the pandemic ruined your planned trip, G. Scary, but it seems like yesterday in a way.

I hope you have a great time, and yes, please do keep us posted.

Thanks Greg! No worries, pics will follow! I just hope I don’t get lost. I have a really bad sense of direction, and there will be no one to help me this time!

[greg]

Oct 1, 2024 17:27:35 GMT -5 Real G said:

Oct 1, 2024 16:44:50 GMT -5 greg said:

I remember when the pandemic ruined your planned trip, G. Scary, but it seems like yesterday in a way.

I hope you have a great time, and yes, please do keep us posted.

Thanks Greg! No worries, pics will follow! I just hope I don’t get lost. I have a really bad sense of direction, and there will be no one to help me this time!

You're welcome and no worries, you'll do just fine.

Besides, as much as it pains us fellers, you can always ask for directions.

OH NO! NOT THAT!!!!

[Real G]

Oct 1, 2024 18:02:03 GMT -5 greg said:

Oct 1, 2024 17:27:35 GMT -5 Real G said:

Thanks Greg! No worries, pics will follow! I just hope I don’t get lost. I have a really bad sense of direction, and there will be no one to help me this time!

You're welcome and no worries, you'll do just fine.

Besides, as much as it pains us fellers, you can always ask for directions.

OH NO! NOT THAT!!!!

A friend recently told me a funny story related to that very thing:

There was a mutual friend who went on a tour in Japan. He didn’t make it back to the bus on time and got left behind. He asked a policeman for help, and received a hand written note from the officer. He was instructed to show a bus driver the note and was told he should be able to get back to the hotel.

Showing the note to various people, he got funny looks and laughter. But they gladly helped him and he boarded a bus and safely returned to his hotel.

The note was written in Japanese, so he had no idea what it said. Curiosity got the better of him, so he showed the note to the hotel concierge and asked what was on it.

It read: “To whom it may concern. I am an idiot and cannot follow instructions. Please help me get back to my hotel.” 🤣

My apologies Andre, if you are reading this!

[project510]

So how many empty suitcases are you bringing, and where do we send you $$

[Real G]

Oct 1, 2024 18:56:10 GMT -5 project510 said:

So how many empty suitcases are you bringing, and where do we send you $$

Ha ha, I buy less and less kits as the years go on. I am bringing two suitcases, one nested in the other, but most of the stuff I plan on bringing back are non-model related, like a “My Neighbor Totoro” clock and a noren (a short curtain hung between rooms).

Sorry but no helmet-mounted go-pro camera and live feed during the trip!

[greg]

Oct 1, 2024 18:37:38 GMT -5 Real G said:

Oct 1, 2024 18:02:03 GMT -5 greg said:

You're welcome and no worries, you'll do just fine.

Besides, as much as it pains us fellers, you can always ask for directions.

OH NO! NOT THAT!!!!

A friend recently told me a funny story related to that very thing:

There was a mutual friend who went on a tour in Japan. He didn’t make it back to the bus on time and got left behind. He asked a policeman for help, and received a hand written note from the officer. He was instructed to show a bus driver the note and was told he should be able to get back to the hotel.

Showing the note to various people, he got funny looks and laughter. But they gladly helped him and he boarded a bus and safely returned to his hotel.

The note was written in Japanese, so he had no idea what it said. Curiosity got the better of him, so he showed the note to the hotel concierge and asked what was on it.

It read: “To whom it may concern. I am an idiot and cannot follow instructions. Please help me get back to my hotel.” 🤣

My apologies Andre, if you are reading this!

Ok, then don't ask directions.

Great story!

[project510]

Oct 1, 2024 19:50:38 GMT -5 Real G said:

Oct 1, 2024 18:56:10 GMT -5 project510 said:

So how many empty suitcases are you bringing, and where do we send you $$

Ha ha, I buy less and less kits as the years go on. I am bringing two suitcases, one nested in the other, but most of the stuff I plan on bringing back are non-model related, like a “My Neighbor Totoro” clock and a noren (a short curtain hung between rooms).

Sorry but no helmet-mounted go-pro camera and live feed during the trip!

 

[handiabled]

Sounds like a great trip! Looking forward to seeing many pictures!

[TJ]

Oh man I would definitely need a bigger return suitcase then the one going

[kyledehart5]

Oh boy!! This sure sounds like it’s going to be a blast. Fun fact, my small city in Indiana is sister cities with Shizuoka. For various reasons other than model building I would love to visit Japan someday.

[Tojo72]

Sounds like a great trip,enjoy yourself

[Real G]

Oct 2, 2024 7:36:21 GMT -5 Tojo72 said:

Sounds like a great trip, enjoy yourself

Thanks Tojo!

You know guys, going to Japan on a model buying spree is not as far-fetched as you might think.  My friend staying in Yokohama will be returning to the Plamo Show next year, with some SoCal AMPS guys in tow!  Stik (Carlos), did you hear about that one?  Sign up guys!  Bring the wife and you can write off the junket, I mean cultural experience, as a proper vacation with sightseeing.  I am taking just one friend with his wife this time, and we are really getting a lot of non-model activities packed into the itinerary

If you go with someone who can get you around, it's not hard at all.  And for people who have never been to Japan, it's a crazy bazongas experience!  So remember, it's NOT impossible.  

The only thing my friend and I realized was that there is not much in the way of armor museums in the central Tokyo area.  There is the Tokyo Maritime Museum (with RC ship-jousting on the roof!), the Yasukuni Shrine (the place where the annual visitation by the prime minister creates outrage in China), the Tokyo National Museum of Nature and Science in Ueno (watch out for the "rats" in the marine dinosaur exhibit!), and the Mikasa Historic Memorial Warship in Yokosuka.  There is the JGSDF Narashino Proving Grounds in Chiba, close to where my relatives used to live, but I'm not sure they welcome visitors.  They have what looks like an AFV driving course as well as a small airfield.

OK, exploiting my Google-Fu, there is the JGSDF Camp Nerima Museum.

www.mod.go.jp/gsdf/eae/1d/special/siryou.html

And now even I know something new!  

So anyway, thank you gentlemen for the well wishes, and I'll have a report upon my return after 10/16!

[super_average_gunpla]

Nice! I'll be there Saturday as well. Can't wait.

[Real G]

Oct 3, 2024 4:44:54 GMT -5 super_average_gunpla said:

Nice! I'll be there Saturday as well. Can't wait.

Excellent! We are also going on Saturday! Do you want to meet up somewhere? We will probably get there around 10:00 am or so. Maybe meet at the Bandai area? Do you have Line? It would be cool to meet another MSC member.



I'm the guy with the (upside-down) map.

[Real G]

Oct 2, 2024 5:29:29 GMT -5 kyledehart5 said:

Oh boy!! This sure sounds like it’s going to be a blast. Fun fact, my small city in Indiana is sister cities with Shizuoka. For various reasons other than model building I would love to visit Japan someday.

And Shizuoka is host to the Big One, the Shizuoka Hobby Show!  That is the hobby show to go to if you go to Japan.  Maybe do a home stay?  

I know that there are "anime tours" that are organized by people in the US, so it would not be a stretch to think that there are similar tours for the scale guys.  Like I had mentioned earlier, one of my friends has offered to take some AMPS guys next year.  He's not going to get a tour bus though and will not be wearing a little hat nor carrying a flag.  He's just meeting some guys in Japan and taking them around.  While this will result in more walking, I think it is a lot more enjoyable as plans can be changed to fit the situation, and there is time to stop and enjoy anything you might fancy.

As a side note, until one of my other friends went to Japan on his honeymoon in the early 1990s, I had never learned to navigate in Japan.  I had always relied on my mom (my mommy ).  And even though he and his wife didn't speak a lick of Japanese, he figured out the rail system really quick.  Remember, this was before Google Maps and tablet computers with wi-fi hotspots.  Upon his return, he taught me how to navigate the railways, took me to Japan a few times, and now with Google Maps I can go just about anywhere!

Just don't bring a compass.  I did that once to see if it would help finding the right exit at massive underground train stations.  The compass won't work with all that steel and electricity surrounding you!  Just be prepared, know the correct exit beforehand, and use the station guides for reference.  Ha ha, lesson learned.

[super_average_gunpla]

Oct 3, 2024 10:26:50 GMT -5 Real G said:

Oct 3, 2024 4:44:54 GMT -5 super_average_gunpla said:

Nice! I'll be there Saturday as well. Can't wait.

Excellent! We are also going on Saturday! Do you want to meet up somewhere? We will probably get there around 10:00 am or so. Maybe meet at the Bandai area? Do you have Line? It would be cool to meet another MSC member.



I'm the guy with the (upside-down) map.

Sounds good! I'm PM you my Line.

[Real G]

Awesome! You are flying in from Okinawa? That’s pretty far away from Tokyo! When I was younger, I thought Okinawa was a short hop from the Japanese mainland. Boy was I surprised at how faw away it actually was. Google Maps IS your friend!

[super_average_gunpla]

haha yeah Okinawa is way south of mainland Japan, it's about a 2.5 hour flight. We're closer to Taiwan (1 hour flight) than Tokyo. 

[kyledehart5]

Oct 3, 2024 13:14:48 GMT -5 Real G said:

Oct 2, 2024 5:29:29 GMT -5 kyledehart5 said:

Oh boy!! This sure sounds like it’s going to be a blast. Fun fact, my small city in Indiana is sister cities with Shizuoka. For various reasons other than model building I would love to visit Japan someday.

And Shizuoka is host to the Big One, the Shizuoka Hobby Show!  That is the hobby show to go to if you go to Japan.  Maybe do a home stay?  

I know that there are "anime tours" that are organized by people in the US, so it would not be a stretch to think that there are similar tours for the scale guys.  Like I had mentioned earlier, one of my friends has offered to take some AMPS guys next year.  He's not going to get a tour bus though and will not be wearing a little hat nor carrying a flag.  He's just meeting some guys in Japan and taking them around.  While this will result in more walking, I think it is a lot more enjoyable as plans can be changed to fit the situation, and there is time to stop and enjoy anything you might fancy.

As a side note, until one of my other friends went to Japan on his honeymoon in the early 1990s, I had never learned to navigate in Japan.  I had always relied on my mom (my mommy ).  And even though he and his wife didn't speak a lick of Japanese, he figured out the rail system really quick.  Remember, this was before Google Maps and tablet computers with wi-fi hotspots.  Upon his return, he taught me how to navigate the railways, took me to Japan a few times, and now with Google Maps I can go just about anywhere!

Just don't bring a compass.  I did that once to see if it would help finding the right exit at massive underground train stations.  The compass won't work with all that steel and electricity surrounding you!  Just be prepared, know the correct exit beforehand, and use the station guides for reference.  Ha ha, lesson learned.

I’d be the one not speaking a lick of Japanese and hoping for the best. 🤦🏻‍♂️🤦🏻‍♂️. Should’ve tried to learn from my grandma before she passed. She was from Hokkaido. Still want to do the trip one day!!

[Real G]

Kyledehart5,

I know what you mean! I had the opportunity to learn Japanese in the 9 years I got sent to J-Skool. But all I did was squeak along just enough to pass, then promptly flushed it all out upon entering high school in 1980. I should have taken the Japan trip that summer as foreshadowing of things to come. But kids are stupid, so I clearly could not read the writing on the wall (because it was in kanji).

BTW my mom was from Akita, just south of Hokkaido!

[kyledehart5]

Oct 5, 2024 13:00:13 GMT -5 Real G said:

Kyledehart5,

I know what you mean! I had the opportunity to learn Japanese in the 9 years I got sent to J-Skool. But all I did was squeak along just enough to pass, then promptly flushed it all out upon entering high school in 1980. I should have taken the Japan trip that summer as foreshadowing of things to come. But kids are stupid, so I clearly could not read the writing on the wall (because it was in kanji).

BTW my mom was from Akita, just south of Hokkaido!

😂 described me to a T. Stupid kid. lol. And Akita! That’s pretty cool.

[Real G]

Touched down at Kansai International yesterday afternoon. It was gray, rainy and super humid. But it’s a lot better today, so we’re off to do some sightseeing in Kyoto. I hope it doesn’t pour!

Oh and hey, I didn’t get lost yet!