Day 8 - All night Karaoke

I'd been trying to go to dinner with Aya for a few days, but she'd been busy because of work and prior plans, so finally on Tuesday she had time.  I agreed to meet her and "a friend" at Akihabara station around 7pm .  Easy enough.

So I sat around most of the day, saving my energy for the trip.  Aya gave me instructions on how to get there, but the trip said it would take three trains, and 310en....When I could walk 20 minutes for free.  Or take this other train, after a small walk.  So I chose the other train.

I headed out about 30 minutes before 7 to walk to the platform to catch the train there.  No problem.  Easy enough.  It was 2 or three stations away so I wasn't worried.

I got off the train, and didn't see the exit she was talking about... She said there were two exits, and gave me the name of the one I needed.

There were five exits where I was.  So I wandered, and found a map.  Of course there was a small walk to the actual station.  Thanks for telling me that Google Maps.

You're a pal!

So I went the direction I thought it was.  

...15 minutes later I turned around and went the right direction.

FINALLY I found the right station (There are three exits, btw.  Not two.)  I was only 30 minutes late.  No biggie. ><

I found Aya and another girl waiting.  Apologized profusely, and explained myself.  Aya introduced me to her co-worker Chiho.  She's a very cute and sweet girl!  Who speaks no English.  

Then we waited for Aya's other friend.  A nice guy named Takumi.  Okay.  Then we were off.

While they tried to call more people!

AKB48 Cafe + Shop.  We want to go!

We wandered, to find the electronics store Aya's friend Sayaka works at.  When we got inside...we wandered around looking for her for about 10 minutes.  Large store with lots of people.

Finally we found her, and Aya asked if she wanted to go to dinner with us.  She was off in 10 minutes so she said she'd meet us there.

Then we were off!  Aya kept telling her friends the same thing she told her family "Talk to her!  She speaks and understands Japanese~"  And I was like ">< no no no"  You know.  The usual.

We wound up at a cool little restaurant that served alcohol.  We weren't sure how many people would be there "Between 6 and 8"  so they gave us a 6 person spot, and we said we'd figure it out if it came to it.

They continued calling people.

Omnom Edamame.

We chatted and discussed food.  Me still being shy.  Eventually I came out of my shell.  Eventually.

Aya!

The cool touch screen ordering device.  We NEED these in America.

We sat around and ate food, drank a little, and talked.  Apparently I surprised them all by liking Momoiro Clover Z.  We all stated our favorite member, and again I surprised them.  Momoka, the green member, is my favorite.  Aya was shocked.  "She's not cute!"  PSH!  I had to defend Momoka's cuteness!  And I did.  And I have had to multiple times since...

Sayaka showed up, and shortly after another of their friends showed up.  Another nice guy named Takeo.  And we all continued chatting.  Ordering more food.  

I think we had, altogether....A Cesar Salad, Yakisoba, Yakitori, Salmon fried rice, Garlic fried rice, Edamame, Pizza, and...maybe something else.  I don't know.  It was delicious, though.  I've been craving the Yakisoba since.

Afterwards, we all headed to go do Print Club together.  I ended up chatting with Chiho and Take on the way.  It was kind of nice.  I think I only had one moment of "...I don't understand..."  So it was good!  

The first place we headed to didn't have what they wanted I guess, so we moved on.  

The girls took a bathroom break, and while we were gone somehow Takumi and Take had gotten 100en stuck in the side of an airhockey table!  I don't even know how!!!

So while they were getting help getting that fixed, all of us girls played a round of Mario Kart against eachother.  Everyone but Sayaka chose to play as Yoshi.  xD

I was doing pretty well, until the end.  I came in second, but Sayaka Peach won!

Oh well.  I still beat Chiho and Aya.

Then to print club!

The machine took photos faster than we were prepared for, so some came out distorted...  But it was fun!  I'll upload the photos when I get home, but Aya sent me two in my e-mail.  So here's one!

Afterwards we headed back to the train station.  I was prepared to say good night, and even told Aya I would walk home, so don't worry.

Sayaka ad Takeo left, and Chiho came up with a plan.

After a lot of planning and chatting...

We should totally go to Karaoke all night.

.....

So we did.  We hopped a train to Shibuya to go to karaoke!

On the phone on the train...Bad Aya!

Before we went into the Karaoke place, we stopped off at a store.  Looked around a bit, then headed up.

It was a lot of fun.  I actually sang songs, which I don't usually do.  I'm very nervous about it, because I'm not good.  So I usually don't participate.  But I did this time.  And it was great.

We sang for a long time.  

Eventually Takumi fell asleep.

Then not long after, Chiho fell asleep too.

I was drifting, but managed to stay up with Aya.  It was hard but doable.

At some point I decided to try a song in Japanese.  So I did Mail Me, which I know from the Suicide Club Soundtrack.  Aya and Chiho did not know it, so when I had a hard time they couldn't help.

Later though, I succeeded at Otakebi Boy WAO! by Berryz Koubou, and Forever Love by X JAPAN.  Accomplishments.

Sorry it's so dark.

Chiho asleep.

Eventually 5o'clock rolled around (When the trains start running again), so we decided to get up and go.  Takumi had work, but Chiho and Aya had the day off.  We were all tired, though.  So it was time to call it quits.

It's really something walking around Shibuya at 5am.  There are still people, but it is the deadest you will ever see it.

It's almost eerie.

Really big Japanese Crows roam the streets.  They're HUGE.  It's scary.  One was about two feet away from my face looking down at me.  I thought I'd die.

Now is our time.

We were all a little peckish, so we headed to a little restaurant for breakfast.  They had cheap specials, so it was a good deal.

You crack the egg open in the rice with some soy sauce and mix it up.

Unfortunately part way through my stomach started to hurt, and I had to explain to Aya that I don't eat breakfast usually.  It hurts me to eat so early, sleepless or not.

Eventually we headed out, and I decided it was as good a time as any to snap a photo of the wall by the Hachiko Gate.

Usually there are a lot of people blocking it, so it was a great opportunity.  Isn't it cool?

Then onto the train.  Aya and I were going to meet her friend in Harajuku at 11, but her friend canceled, so she said she'd e-mail me plans when she woke up.  I gratefully agreed, and we headed our separate ways.

On the train, as I looked in my bag I realized something bad.

I forgot my keys in my room at home.

And it was a weekday...so my room mate Kim left the room at 4am...and probably locked the door.

....Shit.

When I got home, sure enough...the door was locked.

So I sat in the living room, upset.  Til I youtubed how to pick a lock on my Ipod...

It took a couple tries, and the sacrifice of a hair clip...

But I am not a certified criminal~!  WoO!!

Then...I went straight to bed. 

♥ Myshappy

Teaser:  Yokohama

Day 7 - Lazy shopping in Shibuya

Day 7 started like any other day, wake up, do nothing, then get ready.  I actually skyped with Amanda and Syl.  So that was pretty cool.  I believe this was the day they were going to see the Avengers, and see if they could skype with me then so I could watch it too.

A no go, unfortunately.

So I headed out to Shibuya for fun times.  

I walked around a bit, exploring new areas.  I've seen the triforce a few places now.  I KNOW it's not supposed to be a triforce...but come on!  

I explored a few back roads.  And went into the H&M.... Not very Japanese I know!  But I like to look at things, and they have decent pieces.

Didn't end up buying any clothes...but I did come out with 5000en worth of accessories.  Yeah.  I'm cool like that.

(Later post of shopping finds.)

Looked entertaining.

I ended up at Shibuya 109 and went to the one store I knew was for me.  Glavil!  I chatted with the cute shop girl, and ended up buying a hoodie dress hybrid.  (Pictures to come.)

I also found a book off, and spent about an hour searching for a book.  Too bad I didn't know the author or print company...so it was a bust.  The store was also crazy busy.  But I'm glad, because Book Off is one of my favorites. <3

Then I headed home.  No room mate in site, I decided to try on my new earrings, and even finish what I'd started the other day....

Re-piercing my ear.

It was an effort, let me tell you.  I had originally taken out the jewelry from the lower part of my industrial piercing, because it was rejecting.  So I let that heal over, and it left the ugly bump.  The other day, just to be a smartass, I tried to see if jewelry would go in, and what do you know!   It went in through the back.  Halfway anyhow, but it wouldn't make it through the front where it had healed over.

So I tried it out.  It took two different earrings before it finally popped through.

Got my star earring through it.

After a bit I switched it out for one of my new pearl earrings, though it wouldn't go through the proper way.  I'm waiting til it heals before I switch the direction of it.  Don't want to deal with that pain.

Kim came home and asked where I got it done.  Then seemed very surprised that I'd just done it myself.  But apparently it's pretty "kakkoii" so that's good!

Another trip to the market for some dinner, and extras!

I may have to buy this later!

Kim headed out for the night (I don't think she came home.) So I grabbed some precooked food from the market and settled down for a night of computer videos.  I watched the DVD that came with the Yohio CD, and the MAD LM.C video.  Altogether a good night!

Takoyaki, Tuna Rolls, Croquet, and Shrimp tempura!

Sort of lazy day, but still fun!

♥Myshappy

Day 6 - Akihabara..

First I'm going to apologize for such late entries!  The internet wasn't working very well for a few days, so it wouldn't let me load very many websites.  I literally refreshed blogger about 40 times before finally giving up on it.  

I also didn't do a lot!

I look so enthused!

So the day started like any other.  I got ready, and decided (by the suggestion of Kim) to walk to Akihabara.  Kim said it was only about a 20 minute walk, very doable.  So I got dressed and headed out.

My butterfly spider earring!

Unlike the previous days, I knew I needed to eat something before I got going, so I stopped by the family mart and got an egg salad sandwich and some apple juice.  Not a terrible breakfast.

The walk wasn't bad, though it was pretty warm out.  Slightly uncomfortable so I walked on the shaded side of the road.

Random curry restaurant I passed!

Eventually I made it all the way to Akihabara!  It was kind of cool looking. So I wandered a little.  The streets were pretty crowded, though I could see it definitely being worse on busier days.

I saw some girl performing, though unfortunately I couldn't figure out who it was.  Oh well.

I didn't go into any shops though.  Unfortunately I had gotten to the point where doing things alone didn't seem very fun.  So I just window shopped until I came across a little grocery store.

Ever the shopper, I went in and looked around.  Some things were a lot cheaper at this store than the one back by the house, so I grabbed a basket and got some noodles and other items.

Did not buy, but it's so cute!

Large leg!

look at all the ume!!!

Finally I headed out, groceries in hand and headed home.

It reminded me of Cato from the Hunger Games...

Moomin at a random shop on the way home!  Very popular.

I want the Neko bus!

When I got home I bunkered down and ate some noodles, with some bean sprouts added (My favorite!) and even some kushidango I had bought.

It started to rain pretty hard.  I remembered there was a storm warning, so I just opened the window a little and watched.  Thunder happened occasionally, and it was pretty windy.  But I saw no lightning, so I was sad. : (

Eventually the storm subsided, so I headed out to go look at the Sumida river.

A lot of people decided to walk their dogs.  And a woman was even feeding a feral cat!

This pigeon thought I was out to get him...

I tried to take a video to upload, but my camera kept dying, so I didn't end up getting anything.

Once I got home I decided it was dinner time...and headed out to the grocery again.  I'm a shopper.

I got a few more noodles, some juice, and some random dinner items.

Discount tuna rolls, and takoyaki!

It was delicious.  I ended up sitting down in the living room, eating my food and watching the news.

As it turns out, the storm caused a Tornado about 40 miles from Tokyo!  I was so surprised.  I watched and learned that 1 boy (I believe a 14 year old) was killed, and around 50 people were injured.

So prayers go out to the families.

I'm sorry this entry isn't so great, it's hard to remember what happened a few days ago, and it's hard for me to write entries beforehand....

♥Myshappy

Teaser:  Shibuya again!

Day 5 - Impromptu Harajuku trip

The day started off waking up at 7am again!  Shocker~  Then getting up at 8, because I'm trying to say screw you to the man, and sleep.  Look how well it's going.

So I got up, eventually, and decided to sit around on the computer.  Like every day.  I really shouldn't have to write it any more.  If I'm not doing something specific, I'm online.  

Anyways!  I got hungry, so I put on a facemask, pulled my hair back, and headed down to the Family Mart for some breakfast.  Every morning, I swear there's a new employee in there.  Maybe I should start keeping count...

So badass, right? lmao.

I pondered around to figure out what I wanted, and settled on two salmon musubi, an apple creme danish, and some cocoa.  Cold cocoa, yum.

So I sat at home, and ate, while considering what to do for the day.  My mess of make up on the desk was bothering me, so I decided a trip to the 100en shop for some baskets was in order.  Not a bad idea, in retrospect.  So I headed out.

This was where my stomach started hurting, so I suspect I might actually be lactose intolerant.  Since the cocoa, I haven't had anything to drink with milk in it just in case.  No stomach pains yet.  But it might just be a coincidence.

Nothing really extraordinary happened on the way.  There was a long line to the Shrine because of the holidays.  Golden Week does that to you.

So I went to the store and got two baskets, and a little deco pen for my mirror.  It was boring and bland, so I just wanted to add a little something to it.  It's less boring now, but still needs work.  Will photography later.

I headed back home, and sat around talking to Amanda a little more before finally deciding to just head out. I wanted to go to the Tower Records in Shibuya, and maybe make a trip to Harajuku (I hadn't decided).  So I grabbed my things and headed out the door, down to the train.

It didn't take long to arrive.  Just a few minutes.  But I snapped a shot or two of the platform.

She looks like she's walking out off the platform!

It wasn't too crowded so luckily I got a seat.  I really hate it when I'm tired and the train is crowded. It's happened more than once where I walked around all day in heels, then had to stand on the train.  Not so much fun.  Doable, but not fun.  

Once in Shibuya, I headed out the direction I thought the building might be and went for it.  And lucky me!  I went the right way!  I knew it would be big, but I didn't expect so many full levels of a genre.  The J-indies floor was like heaven.  I wandered around that one for a while.

And I got some pictures of the Ebichu display!  Ebichu is short for 私立恵比寿中学 or Shiritsu Ebisu Chuugaku.  They're a newer Idol group from the same company as Momoiro Clover Z.  Like the cute little sister group!  I happen to really like idol groups, and have a lot of friends who keep me up to date with the idol world, so when I saw the awesome Ebichu display I had to take pictures~

My favorite, Aiai!

There were even signed cutouts~  So cute!

Lucky for me I wasn't the only one taking photos of it, so I didn't feel like a weirdo!  Then I went to find Yohio!

If you didn't know, Yohio is a 16 year old Swedish rocker who recently got his solo career started in Japan.  He's originally from the band Seremedy.  So far I think he's had very good reception in Japan!  His mini album came out last month, and it's really great~  So I had to find it. 

And buy it!  Dvd version go!

Even with a little signed message in front of the CDs!

I wandered around a bit more and bought another CD or two (picture at the very bottom of the post!)

Afterwards I wandered around for a WHILE.  Not really sure what to do.  I only went into a few stores, as it was very crowded and I was alone.  Next time I'll have to bring someone.  Shopping solo isn't as fun as it sounds.

Like a P I M P.

The entrance to a little food area.

Before all the people...

After all the people...

When I headed back down to the train station, there were to guys playing music on the stage.  Very cute and pop.  They're called Alma Kaminiito!  Go look them up, they have good voices and are crazy cute.  Especially the guy on the right.  When they finished they were like "Okay.  You have to remember our name.  So say it.  Alma Kaminiito! And...say it! Alma Kaminiito!  Thank you!!"

Very cute.

So, deciding why not, I hopped the train to Meiji Jingumae Station (Harajuku).

It was one stop away, so not bad.  I just didn't want to walk and get lost.  Don't judge me.  When I got there, I knew I needed to find the Laforet h.Naoto store.  Just because I love his clothes, and wanted to see an actual store.  So I picked a direction and went it. 

It was getting pretty hot, so I decided to take a left into a shopping center to get out of the sun...and what do you know!  Laforet!

I was surprised how quickly I found it, honestly.  I thought it would take me ages.

It was pretty busy too.  Being Saturday in Golden Week.  So I wandered around.  The lower levels are where it's at when you go in there.  But I felt really awkward. Mostly because I was alone.  Alone and boring casual, really.  

Only at one of the shops did anyone try to talk to me.  An accessory shop, which I didn't get the name of.   Both employees walked up to me and asked in Japanese if Japanese was okay.  I told them a little, so they explained the sale and told me to look around.  The female employee complimented my tattoo, and showed me here.  It was cool, and she designed it herself.  I was impressed.  I don't think I could get my own art tattooed on me.  I always hate it shortly afterwards!

I looked at the h.Naoto shop a little, but couldn't really because there was a group of girls standing in the way gossiping and looking snobby.  The designer Mint showed up while I was there, which surprised me.  By then though I was leaving, so I didn't get to talk to him.

Around the corner was the Like an Edison shop, and a Yohio poster on the outside~  So cool!  So I had to go in.  And I found a little spot dedicated to him.

Cool signed things.  How many things in Tokyo have your signature, Yohio?!

Cool things I just wanted to take home.

Heading out of Laforet, I just wandered aimlessly.  Making sure I stayed on line with the station, of course.  I wandered down and got a snap of the Forever 21.  Exactly the same as America.   Almost good for me,  but just not.

I continued wandering til I came across a side street with a sign hanging over it saying "Harajuku St."  so I figured why not try it.  I was overall just trying to find Closet Child, and maybe it would be down there.  I forgot to map it out before I left.  Mostly because I didn't expect to really go to Harajuku.  Just Shibuya.

I ended up finding the Atelier Pierrot, so I had to go in.  The clothes are so cute~  But I don't really wear most of the style, so unfortunately it's sort of lost on me.  But the accessories!  Oh the accessories!  There was a matching ring set, and earring set that I could die for.  I may have to go back and get them.  It's two connected rings with a diamond card suit on one, and the white rabbit on the other.  The same with the earring.  Red diamond and white rabbit connected by a chain.

Ungh.

It was almost too painful for me.  I did end up buying the most perfect for me earring ever.  It's a two piece connected by a chain, with a spiderweb on one side, and a butterfly with a red rose on the center on the other, connected by a red beaded chain.

Photos in my next post.

After leaving the store I started to wander and think about heading home.  I walked about 10 feet before glancing to the side and thinking "Hey, h.naoto + Harajuku!  Maybe I'll--"

And my heart stopped.  My feet kept walking, but my heart stopped.

I don't know how!  I really don't!  But Naoto himself was in that store.  

The store I accidentally found had the designer in it.  

Yeah.  I couldn't go in.  I had to calm down.  So I walked over to the puppy store.

They were cute puppies.  That one in the pictures jumped up and down like crazy and yapped every time someone walked by.  Also:  Puppy clothes!!!!

Look!  Grafitti!

Yes, that was me stalling.  In real life, and in the post.  I wandered for about 2 minutes before I decided I needed to go in.

So I headed in, and Naoto was helping a girl near the dressing room, so I wandered around and looked at things.  I really was just looking at things, I promise.  Not being a creep.  There were some gorgeous pieces that I really just adored.  I ended up trying on two of them later.

I tried very deliberately to stay out of the way, and not to go too close.  For all I knew he would walk by and be all "irasshaimase~" and leave.  So Whatever right?  Yeah.

I looked at the clothes, and got sort of ignored.  People just assume you can't speak Japanese, I guess.  Most of the foreign customers who come in probably just look and gawk and leave.  Understandable.

Eventually, while I'm looking at clothes, I head footsteps and a "Ah!" from beside me.  To be honest, I can't remember the entirety of the conversation, or how the words went....but he was surprised.  And he remembered me!  I was still in shock, and couldn't really do Japanese.  So we spoke in english. 

I told him I was surprised he remembered me, and he was like "It was only...two weeks ago?"  I told him that it was a month.  He asked why I was in Japan, and if I was alone.  I told him I was, but I was visiting friends.  Though I came to Harajuku alone.  He seemed a bit surprised by that.  He also seemed to think it was odd I was staying in Nihombashi.  Well sorry it's weird!

We chatted about a few things, like the stores.  How many he had, and where, and that this one was decently big.  I didn't realize there was a second story, so he took me upstairs to see the other clothes up there. Sixh and Hangry & Angry.  Some more chatting. 

At one point, a large group of girls came upstairs, loudly chatting away, laughing and being a little crude.  The made it all the way up the stairs before any of them realized that Naoto was there.  To which they were all surprised. and a little mortified that they had just done that.  I couldn't help but laugh.  

Eventually one of the women working there came to help me, trying her best at english.  She was very good!  She kept denying it.  But she was.  And we were wearing the same shirt!  I had worn my Gramm shirt, just because I like it.  

She was very nice, and very sweet, and told me things about some of the clothes.  Or what matched what.  She even helped my to the dressing room to try on a few dresses.

I even ended up buying one.  (Stay tuned to a later post of shopping goodies.)

Naoto disappeared for a while, so I didn't bother trying to say good buy.  

I even got to buy the dress tax free for being a visitor.  Score!  The woman, who's name I never got, informed me that Z8, one of the designers for Gramm was there, and I could take a picture with her if I wanted.  So of course I did!

I was so surprised!

I thanked them, and headed out.  Still a little amazed.

Naoto had explained to me that it was the one day he was in the +Harajuku store, because it was Golden Week.  So he had been doing in store visits every day.  The other designers too.  

How was it even possible that I accidentally stumbled across the store he was going to be in, on the day I randomly decided to go to Harajuku?

Well, I decided to go home.  Mostly because it was getting on in hours, and I wasn't feeling well.

I hadn't eaten in about 8 or 9 hours, and when I had before it wasn't too much.  I also walked around a lot, in the sun.  I was feeling rather bad, by the time I headed home.  When I was in the shop too, but I was determined not to pass out or anything, so I survived.  But as the time went on...

Guard doing his duty!

The second I got back to Suitengumae I headed up to go to McDonalds, and ordered some food.  Again, the girl spoke to me in english.  By then I was over it.

And I did something I haven't done in around 8 years...

I ate pork...

Teriyaki burger.

Messy!

To prove I did eat some of it.

I haven't eaten pork of beef since the beginning of High school.  But I told Yoko that I would try a teriyaki burger, so I got one.  

It was actually pretty good.  But in retrospect I should have waited til a day when I was feeling well.  Because it only made me feel a little worse.

So ill feeling that I couldn't eat any more of it.

I headed back to my room, where my roommate Kim was on her computer. She asked how my day went, and what I did.  So I explained.  We had a long conversation about shopping, and piercings, and all of that cool stuff.  She asked when I was leaving, and I told her the end of the month.  So she said we had to go out to eat some time.  Of course I agreed.

I didn't feel really well, but on twitter I saw Miyavi post a picture of the Super Moon.  So I looked out thw window and....nothing.  

So I got shoes on, and a new shirt, and headed out to go capture it on camera!

Making faces by the elevator.

It took a while, and I couldn't see it from my side of the Sumidagawa Ohashi, so I walked to the other side!

There it is!  Not so Super looking though....

When I got back home, I dinked around for a little, then went to bed.  

I was exhausted.  

It did start me on making sure I didn't drink milk products for a little.  Just to make sure.  So we'll see how that goes.

MAD LM.C!!!! YOHIO!!! EBICHU!!!!

♥Myshappy

Teaser: .....tornado?