Tohoku - Where Japan's Past and Present Co-Exist

Above, the statue of Date Masamune at the ruins of Sendai Castle. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

One of my favorite places in Japan I visited was the coastal town of Matsushima in Tohoku.

There, many small islets dot Matsushima Bay, providing beautiful scenic views. Those small islets also helped to shield the town from the tsunami generated by the Great East Japan Earthquake in March 2011.

The Star Online (Malaysia) has an article on places to see in the Tohoku Region of Japan that inlcudes Matsushima and nearby Sendai.

It begins with:

This region is an intriguing mix of trainee geishas, vestiges of feudal Japan, fresh seafood and smooth saké! 

TRAVELLING north to Japan’s Tohoku region in the middle of winter might seem like the perfect opportunity to turn into a popsicle but, as I discovered, it is well worth a visit there in early January, as there is more to see than just the snow.

 To read more, go here.

"Hands On" Displays At Niigata Manga Animation Museum

Above, the JR Niigata Station.  The Niigata Manga Animation Museum is nearby.  Photo by Armand Vaquer.

Back in June, I reported on the new Niigata Manga Animation Museum that just opened (as I mentioned then, I apparently visited Niigata two years too early).

Malaysia's The Star Online reports that the museum now has interactive exhibits for visitors to "try their hand" in learning about key expressions of used in manga:

IN the fast-expanding field of manga and anime museums, an institution that opened in May in Niigata is aiming to take its exhibitions to a whole new level through a bonus element: interactivity. 

The city has produced many renowned manga and anime creators, and the museum hopes to make that a more visible part of the city’s identity, say those behind the founding of the new Niigata Manga Animation Museum. Among the big names that have hailed from Niigata are Shinji Mizushima, Rumiko Takahashi and Mineo Maya. Fujio Akatsuka also lived in the city during his teens. 

Located near Niigata Station, the museum is adopting an approach to programming that allows visitors to enjoy manga and anime through interactive experience. 

At an exhibit titled Manga Taiken Table (Interactive manga table), visitors can learn about key expressions used in manga by playing with characters created by Fujio Akatsuka. One example is Iyami from the comedy series Osomatsu-kun, who is best known for his flashiness and signature three large buckteeth.

For those of you who are fans of anime and manga, the Niigata Manga Animation Museum just may be your cup of tea. The ride to and from Tokyo to Niigata on the shinkansen is roughly a couple of hours long, but riders are treated to scenic vistas along the route. If you have a JR Rail Pass, you have even more reason to take a jaunt to Niigata.

To read the full article, go here.

Japan Tourism Tidbits

Above, the Godzilla statue at Toho Studios.  Photo by Armand Vaquer.

Here's a couple of tidbits on Japan tourism.

The first comes from the Daily Yomiuri:

The government is hoping to attract more tourists by seizing the chance to promote Japan at the annual meetings of the International Monetary Fund and World Bank Group in Tokyo from Tuesday. 

With the public and private sector acting together, the government aims to showcase the attractiveness of the nation's culture through various kinds of events. 

It also hopes such activities will lead to hosting more international meetings in the future, at a time when many countries have campaigns to attract similar gatherings.

The government also aims to restore the image of Japan, which was damaged following the Great East Japan Earthquake and subsequent disasters. 

The second comes from The Star Online:

ARGUABLY one of the most “committed” group of fans must be those devoted to Hello Kitty! If you are one of them, this will be real good news: it’s now possible to have the feline as your virtual tour guide when you visit Japan. 

The “Visit Japan with HELLO KITTY” application is now available at visitjapanapp.jp for iPhone users (downloadable till March 31, 2013). 

Once you’ve got it on your device, the kawaii (cute) feline – in a collection of more than 50 regional Hello Kitty in different themes, costumes or backgrounds – will guide you around Japan. As the application is also equipped with camera functions, visitors can take photos “with her” at the various places of attractions.

Could a "Hello Godzilla" application be far behind?  Until then, fans will have to settle for the ebook edition of The Monster Movie Fan's Guide To Japan.