Toy Sales In Japan Top ¥1 Trillion

Above, an Asakusa toy store in Tokyo. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

Buying toys in Japan is one of those pastimes that many foreign visitors indulge in. 

I and many others in Godzilla/kaiju fandom collect Japanese toys of their favorite monsters in the U.S. in stores that specialize in them or at conventions such as the annual G-FEST conventions. The biggest draw at G-FEST, for example, is the dealers room where toys of every size and description can be found. Most dealers price them reasonably. 

Above, I got this 1968 Godzilla toy during my 2015 Japan trip in Asakusa. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

Those same toys are available in Japan at considerably lower prices. One popular stop for foreign visitors is Mandarake in the Nakano section of Tokyo. I found some good deals there over the years.

Since Japan has reopened to foreign visitors, toy sales there have skyrocketed. It it likely due to pent-up demand from the pandemic closure of the country. According to an article in The Japan Times, toy sales in Japan topped ¥1 trillion for the first time. 

They wrote:

Japan's toy market topped ¥1 trillion ($7 billion) for the first time in the financial year that ended in March, driven in part by solid demand for goods of anime characters and franchises like Pokemon from foreign tourists, an industry body said Thursday.

Sales of card games, stuffed toys, model vehicles and other types of toys totaled ¥952.5 billion, up 6.7% from a year earlier, according to the Japan Toy Association.

Sales of "capsule toys," or miniature toys sold in plastic capsules from vending machines, amounted to ¥61 billion, up 35.6%.

To read more, go here. 

Nakano Broadway: Pop Culture Wonderland

Above, the Nakano Broadway entrance from JR Nakano Station. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

When foreign tourists can finally travel to Japan unhindered and without overbearing rules as was the case before the pandemic, one must-see location in Tokyo to visit is Nakano Broadway.

Nakano Broadway is considered a "mecca" for otaku shoppers while in Tokyo. I made it a point to stop in whenever I am in Japan. I've purchased a number of items there including Godzilla figures and, if you can believe it, "Nipper", the RCA Victor dog.

Above, RCA Victor's "Nipper" I purchased at Nakano Broadway. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

Nippon.com posted an article on Nakano Broadway that is well worth a thorough read.

They start it off with:

At the end of the Nakano Sun Mall shopping arcade outside of JR Nakano Station can be found a holy ground for otaku: Nakano Broadway. Packed with stores selling anime figurines and other ephemera, it even attracts fans who make pilgrimages from abroad. An exploration of the past, present, and future of this iconic Tokyo shopping space.

From Success to Shutters

The year 2022 marked the fifty-sixth anniversary of the opening of Nakano Broadway. A long shopping promenade called Sun Mall extends from the north exit of JR Nakano Station; Nakano Broadway, a 10-story building with three basement levels, sits near the north end of this arcade. The fifth through tenth floors are residential, and residents have access to a rooftop pool, a playground, and a garden plot.

The bottommost two floors are mechanical facilities, but the first basement floor through the fourth floor are jam-packed with a huge variety of shops—as many as 350 tiny outlets. The number isn’t precisely known, for the turnover of shops is constant.

To read more and see some tantalizing photos, go here. 

Shinjuku Station Is Getting A ¥72.8 Billion Makeover

Above, commuters cataching a Yamanote Line train at Shinjuku Station. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

Shinjuku Station in Tokyo, I've been there several times to catch trains to Nakano (where Mandarake stores are located at Nakano Broadway) and Setagaya (where Toho Studios is located). The most recent time I've used it was in 2015.

Shinjuku Station is reputed to be the busiest in the world and not easy to navigate. I've never had a problem with it.

But, according to Time Out Tokyo, Shinjuku station is getting a makeover to make it more user-friendly.

They wrote:

Getting lost in Shinjuku Station is an emotional experience. With 12 different train lines and 36 platforms, it’s officially the world’s busiest train station, with an estimated 3.59 million people passing through it every day. As if the sheer number of commuters didn’t make things disorienting enough, Shinjuku Station has over 200 exits that even locals have a difficult time navigating. 

There might be an end to the chaos – at least, in the distant future – with renovations underway to improve the station’s layout and make it more hospitable for those of us passing through. New features will include a footpath allowing for people to cut through the station from the east side to the west side without having to go through any ticket barriers.

Above, the walk from Shinjuku Station to see Godzilla peering over buildings is an easy one. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

To read more, go here. 

Mandarake at Tokyo's Nakano Broadway

Above, the Nakano Station entrance to Broadway Nakano. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

During the pre-COVID19 days, a vacation trip to Japan was possible for people who could afford and have enough dough to indulge in their collectibles hobby.

I have traveled to Japan eight times over the years since 2001 and one of my frequent stops while in Tokyo was the Nakano Broadway shopping mall, which contains several Mandarake stores that specializes in differing genres of otaku culture collectibles. 

Mandarake is a good source for new and used Godzilla and other kaiju toys.

Live Japan had posted an article on Mandarake in March 2019, but has updated it this month. Therefore, it is worth a look.

They begin it with:

Located in Nakano, just a 5-minute train ride from Shinjuku, Nakano Broadway is well known as a mini Akihabara and has been a haven to otakus and their culture for many years. This huge complex that spans over several floors is home to a multitude of shops all catering to all game, anime, and manga lovers!

Within Nakano Broadway there is one chain that clearly sticks out among the rest: Mandarake. This shop's everywhere in this shopping center and is impossible to miss! And the best part? You don’t even need to be really familiar with this otaku culture to be able to appreciate it and join in on the fun!

To read the full article, go here. 

Savvy Japan: A Guide To Nakano

Above, the entrance to Nakano Broadway. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

One of the "must-do" places for fans of kaiju and other Japanese pop culture genres is a visit to the Nakano Broadway in the Nakano district of Tokyo.

The first time I visited the Nakano Broadway was during my first trip to Japan in November 2001. I visited it a couple of times on that trip (once while sick with a 24-hour flu) and several times thereafter and have purchased some kaiju toys and a porcelain "Nipper" of RCA Victor fame. Mandarake has several shops in Nakano Broadway.

For those who have been to Nakano before or for those who have never been to Japan, Savvy Tokyo has a guide on what to see and do while in the district.

They begin with:

Although a seemingly local and residential area, anyone heading West on the Chuo line will find much to explore in Nakano. Beloved by fans of video games, anime, and manga for offering a quieter version of Akihabara within its multi-floor department store Nakano Broadway, the neighborhood also suits anyone who loves to dig into the local side streets and seek out some gems. Nakano hides over 50 ramen restaurants (some of which are known to be the best in the city) which can mostly be found nestled around the energetic station exits and along the restaurant and bar strip of Rengazaka Street. Although Nakano is one of the most highly populated districts of Tokyo and surrounded by lively neighborhoods such as Koenji and Shinjuku, it’s easily accessible, retains a local, retro vibe and exudes charm.

To read more, go here. 

The Rare Tokyo Gem Called Nakano Broadway

Above, the entrance to Nakano Broadway from Nakano Station. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

Whether or not you've ever been to Japan, most undoubtedly you have heard of Nakano Broadway.

It is a mecca for otaku, whether it is manga, books, anime and toys (for kaiju fans, there's Godzilla toys to be found there).

JAPAN Forward has an article on what people will find at the Nakano Broadway.

They wrote (in part):

Nakano Broadway is also the secret otaku paradise, and it’s this specification that makes the area so compelling. Above the grocery market and ice cream parlor obscured in the basement are an array of stores selling vintage toys, manga, anime merchandise, and art books. Mandarake, a company whose flagship store began in Nakano Broadway which focuses on the culture of anime and manga, expands throughout nearly every floor in the shopping complex. The walls of these stores tower high with specialty goods and books. Even their entrances are like something out of a steam-punk, sci-fi fantasy, with corroded pipes and larger-than-life robots grafted into the walls.

 To read more, go here.

Japan's Shotengai

Above, the entrance to Nakano Broadway. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

Hardcore Godzilla (and other kaiju) fans have known about buying collectibles in different places in Japan.

One of which is Nakano Broadway in the Nakano section of Tokyo. It is a Japanese form of shopping mall, but it has a specific name.

According to CNN Travel:

(CNN) — Tired of buying all your vacation gifts for the folks back home at the same old touristed-out temples and corporate malls when you're in Tokyo? 

Then try some of the most unusual, storied and just plain odd shopping streets -- called shotengai.

To see Nakano Broadway and other shotengai, go here. 

Nakano Broadway Turns 50 This Year

Above, the entrance to Nakano Broadway. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

A special place in Tokyo marks 50 years this year.

It is the mecca for otaku shopping: Nakano Broadway.

The Japan Times reported:

Nakano Broadway turns 50 this year. The shopping complex in Tokyo’s busy Nakano district remains popular with enthusiasts of pop culture, boasting dozens of manga, anime and collectors’ shops. 

The scruffy but vibrant building, housing some 300 shops and restaurants across its five floors, sits at the end of the Nakano Sun Mall shopping street, which is adjacent the north exit of JR Nakano Station. 

Since the opening of Mandarake Inc. stores at the center in 1980, Nakano Broadway has evolved into a center for enthusiasts of pop subculture, offering everything from cosplay items and old movie posters to figurines, plastic models, toys and used books. There is, of course, a good dosing also of manga publications and anime goods.

Along with the various Mandarake stores, Nakano Broadway has other, but smaller, stores who cater to your "inner fanboy" (or "inner fangirl") such as Robot Robot.

It is a must-visit place in Tokyo.

To read more, go here.

For an "ultra-short" history of Nakano Broadway, go here.

What To Do On A Tokyo Rainy Day

Above, the entrance to the Nakano Broadway. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

If you are in Tokyo and it starts to rain, there is no cause for alarm as the good folks at Tokyo Cheapo have several suggestions on what to do, while also staying dry at the same time.

Their article begins with:

Put away that teruterubouzu (a Japanese rain repelling charm) and embrace the drizzly day. Due to Tokyo’s densely packed buildings, you can do almost anything in the rain with one umbrella. But everybody knows opening and closing your umbrella every time you enter and exit a building is a hassle, so take this opportunity to try some activities that will keep you dry and entertained. Here are three recommendations of what to do and where to go.

Actually, they have six suggestions, one of which is pictured at top (a place for shopping for kaiju and other otaku goodies).

To see what they suggest, go here.

50 Things To Do In Harajuku

Above, Harajuku Station. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

Suppose you, as a major Godzilla/kaiju fan, want to go to Japan to buy up all kinds of toys for your collection, but you're married and have daughters and they are balking at making such a trip.

How do you convince them to go along so you can feed your passion?

Well, Tsunagu Japan has a list of 50 things for them to do in Harajuku so that they can shop to their heart's content while you are doing your own shopping (at the Nakano Broadway or other meccas of monster toys). The list may just convince them that they can shop on their own, leaving you in peaceful bliss.

To see the list, go here.

Tsunagu Japan: "50 Things To Do In Tokyo"

Above, yakatabune cruisers (right) moored on the Sumida River in Tokyo. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

Tokyo is one of the most populous cities in the world. It also has many things for visitors to see and do.

Tsunagu Japan has posted a list of "50 Things To Do In Tokyo." I have probably seen or done about half of them. For you Godzilla fans, they also include shopping at Nakano Broadway at the Mandarake stores (number 41).

They begin with:

Tokyo is where Japan's melting pot sits. While Tokyo has an image of being a huge city, one of its biggest charms is actually that it has plenty of hidden areas. While it's fun going to all the famous sightseeing areas, you can also experience the way Tokyo-ites truly live.

 To see the list (3 pages of them), go here.

Mandarake At Nakano Broadway

When kaiju fans go over to Japan to see the locations and landmarks shown in their favorite movies, they also make it a point to gather up all the monster toys they can get their hands on (as long as they are affordable). 

The biggest mecca for buying new and vintage monster toys is the Nakano Broadway mall. Here, they will find stores in the upper floors that cater to their collecting desires. The biggest are stores of Mandarake.

Above, "Nipper," the RCA Victor mascot figure bought at Mandarake. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

Mandarake has several stores, each specializing in different aspects of Japanese pop-culture. They have 25 stores in Nakano Broadway alone.

Metropolis magazine has a spotlight article on Nakano's Mandarake. They begin it with:

Mandarake (pronounced “man-dah-rah-keh”) is a chain of stores that specializes in buying and reselling Japanese pop culture merchandise. Starting from its humble beginnings as a used comic store in Nakano Broadway, Mandarake has grown to 11 branches around the country, an international online store and a mind-bending 25 individual stores in Nakano Broadway itself. 

Each store targets a specific niche and is staffed by people who are active members of that niche, sharing their customers’s passions and providing more personalized service. There are also international staff who speak English, Chinese and other languages.

Above, the entrance to Nakano Broadway. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

Most of what Godzilla (and other kaiju) fans are looking for can be found in Mandarake's "Special" stores.

The Metropolis article states:

Mandarake’s most popular stores with both Japanese and international customers are its Special stores. Each store caters to specific types of figurines and models. On the second floor, Special 4 delivers doe-eyed damsels to collectors of bishōjo (beautiful girl) figurines. Special 5 stocks a selection of Japanese and Western superhero and movie-themed action figures and statues. The original Special has an assortment of classic toys, including Transformers and that quintessential Japanese pop culture icon, Godzilla. On the third floor, Special 2 serves up Japanese Tokusatsu series, including Kamen Rider products. Special 3 sells Japanese manga representative of modern pop culture, such as Dragon Ball and Saint Seiya.

So, if you are a serious or casual collector of monster toys, a stop at Nakano Broadway is a "must-do."

To read more, go here.

To read Metropolis magazine's Nakano Special Guide, go here.

Remembering Tom Dougherty

Above, Christmas Day 2010 in Ginza with (from left) Kenji Sahara, Hiroshi Koizumi
Diane Dougherty, Tom Dougherty and Akira Takarada. Photo courtesy of Clawmark Toys.

In any fandom, there are the good guys and there are the not-so-good guys (for various reasons). In the case of Tom Dougherty of Clawmark Toys, he was definitely one of the good guys.

I learned this evening from Loren Portillo's posting at Facebook that Tom passed away.

About two or three years ago, I contacted Tom about sponsoring a Godzilla celebrity for an appearance at an upcoming Stan Lee's Comikaze Expo in Los Angeles. Tom replied that he was unable to do anything at the time. He said he was recently diagnosed with Lou Gehrig's Disease (ALS).

This came as a big shock as Tom was one of the most enthusiastic and active Godzilla and kaiju toy dealers around. Not long before, Tom sent me several photos of an event held in Ginza by the Godzilla Fan Club that he and Diane attended to post on this blog that featured Godzilla actors Kenji Sahara, Hiroshi Koizumi and Akira Takarada. Tom looked like his usual enthusiastic self in one of the photos (it is posted above).

With the news that Tom gave me, I knew then that it was a matter of time when the neuro-degenerative disease would eventually claim his life. So when Loren Portillo posted the news on Tom's passing, I was not too surprised. But it was tough news nonetheless.

He and his wife Diane lived in Japan (off and on) and he would regale us at G-FEST with stories of their roadtrips around Japan in their search for toys to sell though their Clawmark Toys business.

I probably first met Tom at a G-FEST convention around 1999 or 2000. We had a great time in Japan in 2001 when Godzilla, Mothra and King Ghidorah: Giant Monsters All-Out Attack premiered at the Tokyo International Film Festival. Following the movie, several of us (we must have had a group of 30), including Tom and Diane, then headed to Nakano for a dinner party at a Chinese restaurant at the Broadway Mall. The dinner party included Kenpachiro Satsuma (the Heisei Godzilla), among others. It was a night that I, for one, have never forgotten.

Tom's Clawmark Toys was one of the best dealers in Godzilla/kaiju toys and other collectibles. He was fair in his pricing and one can always rely on fast delivery from Clawmark.

His presence at fan events will be greatly missed. A big void has been left behind by his passing.

My condolences go out to his wife Diane and the Dougherty family.

Tokyo Cheapo: 3 Cheapo Ideas For A Rainy Day In Tokyo

Above, one idea is to visit a mall. The Broadway Mall in Nakano
should be on your itinerary anyway. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

With my last trip to Japan earlier this year, I have now visited the country in each of the four seasons. In every season, I have encountered rain there at one time or another. It is just the way it is.

But, as an article posted by Tokyo Cheapo points out, one shouldn't allow rain to dampen one's activities in exploring the city.

They have three suggestions for things to do should the city be hit with a rainstorm. One of their suggestions is what a kaiju fan should include in their itinerary anyway.

They begin with:

Put away that teruterubouzu (a Japanese rain repelling charm) and embrace the drizzly day. Due to Tokyo’s densely packed buildings, you can do almost anything in the rain with one umbrella. But everybody knows opening and closing your umbrella every time you enter and exit a building is a hassle, so take this opportunity to try some activities that will keep you dry and entertained. Here are three recommendations of what to do and where to go.

To see what they suggest, go here.

Best Local Bookstores In Tokyo

Above, the entrance to the Broadway Nakano. One bookstore on
the list is located there on the third floor. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

One of my favorite activities is to rummage around in used bookstores. That is one thing I hadn't done in Japan (well, maybe once in Sendai), but if I wanted to rummage around in bookstores, Time Out Tokyo has a list of several of the best ones.

It begins with:

In a world where Kindles are killing the bookstore, it's refreshing to realise that, in Tokyo, paper is still very much alive and trending. It's nearly impossible to stroll around any neighbourhood and not come across a secondhand bookstore, and there are new stores popping up all the time too. Just in Jimbocho, known as Tokyo's 'book town', there are over 176 secondhand bookshops, covering everything from rare collectors' titles to books featuring ukiyo-e paintings. 

Recently, there's been renewed interest in the world of printing, evident in the opening of independent bookshops that focus on the paper and the art of binding. In comparison to the one-dimensional gratification of e-books and online bookstores, these shops offer a more holistic experience by hosting exhibitions, workshops and author interaction. Here we introduce the top 10 local bookshops – from well-known to niche shops specialising in a particular field. They may not all offer books in English, but there are plenty of art, photography and comic books for your visual pleasure.

To see the best local bookstores in Tokyo, go here. 

Nakano Broadway

Above, the entrance to the Nakano Broadway. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

For the past 15 or so years (maybe even longer) the Nakano Broadway Mall has been legendary for being the place to go to buy new and vintage kaiju toys of all makes and sizes.

I first visited the Broadway Nakano in 2001 and was impressed by the number of shops catering to the Japanese pop-culture collector.

Mandarake has several stores in the mall with each one targeting to differing interests. Another great store for finding kaiju items is Robot Robot.

Tokyoing.net has a picture article on the Broadway Nakano. They have several photos of different shops (oddly, no shop names are provided except for Print Mouse). Most of the photos appear to be of Mandarake shops.

They begin with:

Are you interested in manga and anime? And, are you going to Japan for the first time?
If you are so, I recommend you to visit NAKANO BROADWAY. 

Even though Akihabara is famous and attractive town for fans of anime, this town is too big for first visit. 

On the other hand, NAKANO BROADWAY is not crowded with people, and easy to look for products of anime, manga.

I don't know when the writer of the pictorial article went there, but the Broadway Nakano has always been crowded whenever I've been there. But since the mall has four floors, the upper floors have fewer people to have to contend with.

To view the photos, go here. 

ANN: Nerd Tour Japan Day 4

Above, the entrance to Nakano Broadway. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

Anime News Service (ANN) posted "Day Four" of the Nerd Tour Japan 2014 and this time Zac Bertschy and Hope Chapman visit several otaku-oriented places. They have plenty of photographs to show for it.

First, they stop at the Ghibli Museum. Then, they head over to the Nakano Broadway, where Mandarake, Robot Robot and other collectible stores are clustered. Afterwards, they head over to Harajuku to the Bunny Café, where rescued rabbits can be adopted or, for a fee, can be cuddled. Across from the Bunny Café is a cat café where people can hang out with the kitties.

Their next edition will be Osaka and Disneysea.

To see the photos and read about them, go here.

The Other Otaku Heaven: Nakano Broadway

Above, the entrance to Nakano Broadway.  Photo by Armand Vaquer.

Ever since I first stepped foot inside the Nakano Broadway mall in 2001, it has been a "must" stop each time I've been to Japan ever since. Sometimes I've found some items I was interested in, sometimes not.

Nakano Broadway is a haven for those who are collectors of kaiju toys, anime, manga and other items of Japanese pop culture. Mandarake dominates the floors where collectibles are found. There are other stores of interest that are also worth checking out. Robot Robot is another favorite.

Japantravelinfo.com's "Only In Japan" has an article on the Nakano Broadway that collectors should read.

It begins with:

Any visitor to Tokyo interested in anime and manga will surely have Akihabara high on their to-do list. However, on the other side of Tokyo, Nakano Broadway is just as much a must-see for fans of Japan pop culture. A short walk north of Nakano Station, Nakano Broadway is a four story shopping mall whose second and third floors are entirely dedicated to anime, manga and collectibles. It can be easy to lose your bearings once inside, but the shops listed below are all notable for the range and quality of their merchandise.

Above, a RCA-Victor "Nipper" figure I picked up at Mandarake
at the Nakano Broadway mall.  Photo by Armand Vaquer. 

 To read the article, go here.

Ridiculous International Travel Fees

Above, the entrance to the Broadway Mall in Nakano,
Tokyo.  Wouldn't you rather spend your money here
instead of on the outrageous fees the airlines charge?
Photo by Armand Vaquer.

Although oil prices have been creeping down, the airlines are still charging ridiculous fees for overweight and oversized baggage.  Along with that, some even charge (get this) $107 for printing a boarding pass (the average charge is $10)!

Booking by phone and changing tickets are two more examples at how some airlines will gouge the traveling consumer.

While these fees are bad enough on domestic routes, international flights are much worse.

Moneytalksnews.com has an article that is useful in keeping yourself from being gouged at the ticket gate at the airport.

They begin with:

When you’re traveling abroad, there are lots of things to worry about — safety, language barriers, not getting food poisoning — so getting slammed with an extra $750 in airline baggage fees shouldn’t be one of them. 

If you pick the wrong airline and fail to read the fine print, you could rack up hundreds of dollars in unexpected fees and kiss your travel budget goodbye. 

TravelNerd recently released a report on absurd fees collected by airlines for international travel, like a $150 fee for checking a bag 1 pound over the weight limit, or a $25 fee for booking via phone.

The TravelNerd article is one that should probably be permanently bookmarked as a handy reference when you are purchasing your airline tickets so you can avoid airlines who are the worst offenders.

They have great tips on avoiding fees and they do point out the airlines who are reasonable in their baggage policies:

Fee-weary travelers may rejoice when they find that most international flights allow one free checked bag. However, baggage fees for the second checked bag are much higher than baggage fees on domestic flights. Domestic flights typically charge around $50 for a second checked bag. On international flights, the second checked bag starts at $75 for short-haul flights, and baggage fees on long-haul international flights will set travelers back $100 – $200 per bag. Prices hike up even further with the third checked bag. Prices for additional checked baggage start at $100 and easily rise to $250 per bag. There is some hope: most Asian carriers, like ANA, Cathay Pacific and Singapore Airlines, allow two free checked bags for every passenger.

Wouldn't you rather spend your hard-earned dollars on enjoyable things (such as souvenirs, meals, activities, etc.) instead of enriching the air carriers?

Notice that ANA (All Nippon Airways) and Singapore Airlines (both are carriers to Japan) allow two free checked bags for every passenger?

To read more, go here.

Tokyo International Film Fest Turns 25

Above, Godzilla entertains TIFF attendees in 2001.  Photo by Armand Vaquer.

This year the Tokyo International Film Festival hits the "ripe old age" of 25.

The Japan Times took note of the anniversary.  They wrote:

This year, Tokyo International Film Festival (TIFF) celebrates its 25th edition and will hold commemorative programs, including a three-day screening of six Japanese films from the Showa Era (1926-89) in the very Showa-esque district of Nihonbashi. 

The origins of the film festival go back to the years immediately following World War II. "People wanted to celebrate peace, to bask in its glow and steep their minds in the greatest escape hatch known to mankind — the cinema." Famed director Akira Kurosawa said that in 1994, and it's an admirable description of a film festival's function.

My first trip to Japan (in 2001) was to attend the Tokyo International Film Festival's premiere of Godzilla, Mothra and King Ghidorah: Giant Monsters All-Out Attack, that was directed by Shusuke Kaneko.  I was invited to the festival by Toho Co., Ltd. and I covered it for G-Fan. 

It was fun event and the after-party at a Nakano Chinese restaurant was also a lot of fun (including the wild ride in a taxi zig-zagging through rainy streets of Tokyo get there). 

This year's TIFF takes place takes place Oct. 20-28 at various locations. For more information on films, schedules and ticket prices, visit 2012.tiff-jp.net .

To read the full Japan Times article, go here.