Godzilla T-Shirt

Here's a Godzilla t-shirt my daughter Amber spotted at a store called Hot Topic:

Why Does Airline Food Taste So Bad?

Above, an Air China jet at Narita Airport. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

Why does airline food taste so bad?

This is a question that some people ask. I raised the issue of lousy airline food recently after my trip to Japan in February. I stated that the food United Airlines served on that trip was mediocre at best.

The Huffington Post's travel blog has an article from Condé Nast Traveler on the subject of airline food and the conclusions they arrived at are surprising. Some I agree with, some I don't.

They start the article with:

It's a question every traveler has asked themselves at some point: Why does airplane food taste so bad? No matter what it is--fish, chicken, even pasta--every meal served in the air seems to taste undeniably worse than its on-the-ground counterpart. To get to the bottom of this dilemma, we consulted Grant Mickels, the executive chef for culinary development of Lufthansa's LSG Sky Chefs--who had some surprising revelations. Namely: That the food's not really the problem here.

If the conclusions they came up with (I will let you read the article in full so you can make up your own mind) is the case, then why do some airline's food is better than others?  If their "passenger's fault" conclusion as the "main reason" is true, then ALL airline food should be lousy. I had no complaints about United's meals until this most recent trip. I used to like their meals. The meals served on Singapore Air and Korean Air have been very good-to-excellent, in my opinion.

Some conclusions they came up with could be true for some people. I think the major problem is with quality control and freshness. At least the article does point out that the process of the preparation of flight meals has a lot to do with the problem.

To read more, go here.

NHK Tags House After Man Refuses To Pay Fees

Above, if you have a television set, you technically have to pay fees to NHK. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

Suppose you're sitting at home and a representative, or, rather, a bill collector from your area's Public Broadcasting System (PBS) station shows up on your doorstep asking you to cough up $136.00 in fees for being able to receive PBS's broadcasts on your television, computer or smartphone. What would you do?

Well, if it were me, I would tell him to go fly a kite and slam the door (since I rarely, if ever, watch PBS).

In Japan, their equivalent to PBS is NHK and they expect Japanese residents to cough up money to pay NHK's licensing fees. This was even upheld by a Yokohama court last year in which anyone who can receive NHK's signal, be it a television set, PC or a smartphone, has to pay. Or, at least they are supposed to.

According to an article in Japan Today, there is no penalty for non-payment, but the NHK collector may take other actions to try to shame someone into paying.

They wrote:

TOKYO —We’ve talked before about the oddities of how Japan’s public broadcaster, NHK, goes about collecting its fees from ordinary citizens. Rather than sending you an official bill in the mail, collectors will come to your door and ask you for a stack of cash to cover the 13,600 yen residents are technically supposed to pay. 

However, many people refuse to pony up the money, since there’s no official penalty for nonpayment, and many feel that NHK’s programming is sub-par and rarely watch it. However, should you make one particular NHK collector walk away empty-handed, he just might mark your house for all to see, as he apparently did to one person we talked to.

This is like refusing to pay PBS and having one of their representatives spray paint your home in retaliation. Thankfully, this doesn't happen here. We just have to sit through PBS's droning pledge drives.

Thus far, I have not been harassed by anyone from NHK while staying at a television-equipped hotel or ryokan.

Yes, they do some things a bit differently in Japan.

To read more, go here.

The Tohoku Choo-choo!

Above, the reitred locomotive before restoration. Photo by LERK via Wikimedia.

Here's something I really wouldn't mind riding since I am a fan of steam locomotives (regarding the headline for this blog post, I couldn't resist).

The Asahi Shimbun reported:

HANAMAKI, Iwate Prefecture--A steam locomotive built in 1940 came out of retirement after 42 years on April 12, aiming to prop up local tourism and heighten interest in recovery efforts from the Great East Japan Earthquake and tsunami of March 11, 2011. 

Named “SL (steam locomotive) Ginga,” the locomotive-driven train runs on a 90.2-kilometer route on the JR Kamaishi Line, which connects Kamaishi, in coastal Iwate Prefecture, which was devastated by the disaster, and Hanakami in the inland. 

East Japan Railway Co. restored the C58-239 model steamer, which was retired in 1972 and preserved at a park in Morioka, at the company’s maintenance factory in Saitama.

To read more, go here. 

Exhibit Focuses On Eiji Tsuburaya's Career

Above, this statue of Ultraman stands at the ROX Dept. Store in Asakusa. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

An exhibit honoring Japanese special effects pioneer Eiji Tsuburaya is now available for viewing in Tokyo.

According to the The Japan News (Yomiuri Shimbun):

An exhibition focusing on the career of Eiji Tsuburaya (1901-1970) is under way at the Shinjuku Takashimaya department store in Tokyo. Known as “the grandmaster of tokusatsu (special effects)” for his pioneering work on iconic films and TV programs including “Godzilla” and the “Ultraman” series, he entertained the nation with his many distinct Ultraheroes and monsters. 

The exhibition runs until Monday.

To read more, go here. 

Using Math To Counter Jet Lag

Above, a Korean Air Boeing 777 at LAX. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

Japan Today posted an article about researchers using math to counter jet lag.

Funny thing about jet lag. I never have felt any effects of it when going to Japan, but only when I returned home to California did it hit me (particularly after the 2004 trip to Japan).

On my most recent trip to Japan, I felt no jet lag, either going to or coming from Japan. It probably had much to do with the fact that I work nights and my inner clock was already accustomed to the hours. While I am at work at night, it it daytime in Japan. So it all evened out for me.

According to the article:

WASHINGTON —Lots of apps claim they can help you fight jet lag. Now researchers say mathematical formulas suggest it’s possible to adjust to new time zones a bit faster than previously thought, and they created their own free app to help. 

Doctors have long said exposure to light is key. But how much, and when?

“If you get light in the wrong time or wrong way, it’ll send you the wrong direction,” said University of Michigan math professor Daniel Forger, who led the research published Thursday.

To read more, go here.

Vichy R.I.N.O.s McCain and Graham Backing Sasse's Primary Opponent For Nebraska Senator

The following email message was in this morning's mailbox:

Fellow Conservatives:

Breitbart News reported yesterday that U.S. Senators John McCain (R-AZ) and Lindsey Graham (R-SC) are now supporting Shane Osborn (R-NE) against conservative Ben Sasse (R-NE).

“I've given him money,” Graham told Breitbart News, adding, “I think John McCain's going out to help him, he's a great candidate."

Asked about his Nebraska travel plans, McCain seemed to understand that his support might be a liability for Osborn. According to the report, "McCain jokingly uttered a string of expletives to express his displeasure that Graham had told a reporter about the issue."

This is further proof that the Washington establishment has taken sides in Nebraska and is working against conservative Ben Sasse.

The primary election in Nebraska is now just four weeks away and conservatives must take action right now to push Ben Sasse on to victory.

Please make a contribution to Ben Sasse's campaign.

John McCain and Lindsey Graham are certainly free to support their preferred candidate in this race, but so are the grassroots. We need to help Ben Sasse. There is no telling how much money they will raise for Shane Osborn so we must work especially hard to counter them.

THE CONSERVATIVE CHOICE

Ben Sasse is the strongest candidate in this race. He's a principled conservative who will support and defend the Constitution. And he's not a career politician. In fact, this is the first time he has run for political office.

Sasse is passionate about health care policy and is exactly the kind of person we need to help repeal Obamacare and replace it with market-based reforms that empower patients.

He released a new video this week that shows why stopping Obamacare is such a personal issue for him and his family.
 

VIDEO: Watch "11 Missed Calls"

Ben Sasse has been endorsed by leading conservative voices such as former Alaska Governor Sarah Palin, U.S. Senator Mike Lee (R-UT), and radio talk show host Mark Levin. He's also backed by conservative groups like SCF, Club for Growth, FreedomWorks, and Gun Owners of America.

Ben Sasse is an exceptional candidate and he can win this race if freedom-loving Americans rise up and help him get his message out.

Please make a contribution to Ben Sasse's campaign today.

SCF pays all processing fees so 100% of the funds you donate to Ben Sasse will go directly to his campaign.

Thank you for your support.

Best regards,

Matt Hoskins
Executive Director
Senate Conservatives Fund

Tyranny In Nevada

“No cow justifies the atmosphere of intimidation which currently exists nor the limitation of constitutional rights that are sacred to all Nevadans.”

- Nevada Gov. Brian Sandoval

Governor, then why don't you send in the National Guard to defend Cliven Bundy's rights and disperse the BLM thugs?

From the Washington Times:

Nevada rancher Cliven Bundy’s decades-long battle against the federal government over grazing rights has heated to the point where militia groups have joined in and taken up spots against the feds who’ve circled his land — and talk is, they’re not afraid to open fire. 

A spokesman for the one of the militia groups said as much to local 8 News Now: I’m not “afraid to shoot,” he said. 

Margaret Houston, Mr. Bundy’s sister and a cancer survivor, said at a town hall gathering this week that the situation “was like a war zone” and that she felt “like I was not in the United States,” The Daily Mail reported. 

The Las Vegas Review-Journal described it this way: “Serious bloodshed was narrowly avoided,” in a story about how dogs were unleashed on a woman who was pregnant while the rancher’s son was hit with a taser. 

On Tuesday, armed Bureau of Land Management agents stormed Mr. Bundy’s property, escalating a court dispute that’s wound for two decades over the rancher’s refusal to pay for grazing fees.

Read more: http://www.washingtontimes.com/news/2014/apr/11/militias-head-nevada-ranchers-standoff-feds-were-n/#ixzz2yes4XMFr

“Our mission here is to protect the protestors and the American citizens from the violence that the federal government is dishing out.”

- Jim Landy, West Mountain Rangers

From Newsmax:

Tea party groups and Libertarians have joined in the widening battle over grazing rights between Nevada cattle rancher Cliven Bundy and federal authorities. 

Elected officials in states ranging from Arizona to Washington were rushing to Nevada on Thursday night after watching a startling video of an angry clash between protesters, including private militias, and U.S. Bureau of Land Management rangers, according to the Las Vegas Review-Journal. 

The 10-minute video showed Bundy's son Ammon being tasered and Cliven's sister Margaret Bundy-Houston, a cancer survivor, being tackled to the ground by a ranger.  

"Watching that video last night created a visceral reaction in me," said Arizona Rep. Kelly Townsend, a tea party Republican who drove from Phoenix to take part in a protest rally in Bunkerville near Bundy's 160-acre ranch. "It sounds dramatic, but it reminded me of Tiananmen Square. I don't recognize my country at this point."

Read Latest Breaking News from Newsmax.com http://www.newsmax.com/Newsfront/tea-party-libertarian-ranch-ruby-ridge/2014/04/11/id/565102#ixzz2yexrfXcO

Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid Behind BLM Land Grab At Bundy Ranch!

UPDATE: The Feds back down!

Japan Travel Advice Kyoto Page Updated

Above, the Kinkaku-ji "Golden Pavilion" in Kyoto. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

Japan Travel Advice has updated their Kyoto page.

It contains "must-see" places in Kyoto and sample itineraries. They start it all off with:

Kyoto, Japan’s former capital is considered the home of culture and history in Japan with more than 2000 shrines and temples. Kyoto is a place you can still feel traditional Japan with ancient temples, colourful shrines and tranquil gardens. Kyoto is also home to an impressive 17 UNESCO World Heritage Sites. The absolute minimum amount of time you should spend in Kyoto is two days but more is highly recommended to fully experience what the place has to offer.

To view it, go here. 

"Godzilla" Soundtrack [Spoiler Warning] Pre-Order

The Godzilla soundtrack is now being offered as a pre-order at Amazon and it lists the track titles, which appears to give away how the movie will play out [possible spoilers below]:

1. Godzilla!
2. Inside The Mines
3. The Power Plant
4. To Q Zone
5. Back to Janjira
6. Muto Hatch
7. In The Jungle
8. The Wave
9. Airport Attack
10. Missing Spore
11. Vegas Aftermath
12. Ford Rescued
13. Following Godzilla
14. Golden Gate Chaos
15. Let Them Fight
16. Entering The Nest
17. Two Against One
18. Last Shot
19. Godzilla's Victory
20. Back To The Ocean

Democrats Want To Triple California Oil Taxes

Above, if you think these prices are high, they'll be much higher if taxes are tripled. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

The Democrat-controlled California state government is trying to triple oil  taxes.

California already has one of the highest gasoline taxes in the U.S. and this will drive businesses out of the state, costing thousands of jobs.

According to Californians Against Higher Oil Taxes:

This week, the California Chamber of Commerce released a list of 27 proposed ‘Job Killer’ bills that could hurt California’s jobs climate.  One of the measures on the list, Senate Bill 1017 (Evans), would triple existing oil taxes and could drive up gas prices, as well as the costs of other goods and services. 

“We must make protecting California jobs, the state’s fragile economy and our way of life top priorities. An oil extraction tax will drive up consumer prices, push jobs away and upset a fragile economy that is showing strong signs of life,” said Allan Zaremberg, President and CEO of the California Chamber of Commerce.

Senate Bill 1017 is scheduled for a vote on April 24.

Californians Against Higher Oil Taxes is a coalition of businesses, taxpayers and consumers, committed to increasing the education and awareness about the devastating effects of another oil tax to California’s middle class families and economy.  Visit www.stoptheoiltax.com for more information.

See Shibuya Aboard A Double-Decker Bus

Above, Roppongi is one of the stops with the Visit Shibuya double-decker bus. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

Another sign that Japan is pulling all the stops in accommodating tourists is a new bus service that will take visitors to Shibuya.

Time Out Tokyo reported:

You’re probably already planning to check out Shibuya’s famous ‘scramble crossing’ on your trip to Tokyo, but perhaps you didn’t know that there’s a better way to do it than just walking across with everyone else. In fact, seeing the area from the front window of a comfy double-decker bus is now easy: Tokyu Group recently launched a loop-line bus service between Akasaka, Roppongi and Shibuya, intended to help tourists get the most out of their stay while providing them with the opportunity to check out the city on a mini bus tour. Just print out a copy of this website (or display it with your phone), bring it with you when boarding, and you can ride the Visit Shibuya bus for free.

To read more, go here. 

Narita Int'l. Airport Terminal One Video

If anyone wonders what Narita International Airport's Terminal One looks like, here's a five minute video:

The First Use of the New Chef's Knife

Above, the knife. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

As mentioned previously, one of the tasks I had to do while in Japan was to get a chef's knife at Tokyo's Kitchen Town (Kappabashi-dori) for Jes, my roomie.

We had pre-selected the knife before I headed over with Marina Menini of Kama-Asa via email. When I got there, I met up with Marina and had the knife personally engraved in no time.

Today, Jes felt well enough to do some cooking (linguini and clams) and used the knife for the first time. She liked how light it felt and it cut excellently.

I recommend Kama-Asa for your cutlery needs. Their website is www.kama-asa.co.jp. They will also ship internationally.

New Godzilla Image

A new Godzilla image has been released by Warner Bros. and Legendary Pictures. It is a front shot of the Big G and is probably the best look at the head design we've had to date.

Photo: Warner Bros./Legendary Pictures.

12 Travel Mistakes You Think You're Too Smart To Make

Above, a United Boeing 787 Dreamliner. United will be avoided in the future by this traveler. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

To save you some possible grief while traveling, Condé Nast Traveler has posted an article on "Twelve Biggest Travel Mistakes You Think You're Too Smart To Make" by Wendy Perrin.

It begins with:

One of the savviest travelers I’ve ever met is my friend Mead Metcalf of Aspen, Colorado. He knows to pack valuables in his carry-on rather than risk entrusting them to checked luggage or shipping them from abroad. So last year in Hong Kong, he put $4,500 worth of souvenirs—jewelry, silks, and a new Nikon D3100—in his hand luggage for the flight home. In San Francisco, boarding his connection to Denver, the overhead bins were full and he was forced to check the carry-on to Aspen. That was the last time he ever saw it. Metcalf had taken every precaution but one. Read on for how to avoid such a trap, as well as other common mistakes that I watch even the smartest travelers make time and time again.

One of the other mistakes listed involves paying airline ticket change fees. The article points the finger at the "painfully punitive" $200 change fees levied by three U.S. carriers. But, fortunately, there are other U.S. airlines who don't charge any ticket change fees or lesser amounts. One of the airlines demanding $200 is United. Since I was greatly disappointed in United's meals during my February trip to Japan, I've pretty much written them off for any future flights. It is too bad since they were once my favorite U.S. airline.

To read the full article, go here.

Tokyo's 7 Stupidest Public Art Pieces

Above, "Maman" in Roppongi Hills made the list. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

Oh-oh! RocketNews24 may (or may not) stir up a hornets' nest with a new post.

Their post is what they (or, at least the writer of the piece) consider to be "Tokyo's 7 Stupidest Public Art Pieces."

I saw one of them two months ago (has it really been that long ago already?) while I was in Roppongi Hills. Actually, I rather like it!

They begin the article with:

Any city with aspirations to be a vibrant international metropolis should invest in interesting, challenging and useful public art, and Tokyo has certainly done so. There are some absolutely amazing artworks scattered around our fair city, but there are also some complete abominations lurking as well. 

While acknowledging that art is subjective and one person’s favorite piece is another person’s piece of crap, here are what I consider the seven stupidest public artworks in Tokyo.

To see what they are, go here.

Laura Moles (Vixxa Violet), R.I.P.

Above, Karlos Borloff and Vixxa Violet in the promo video for The Monster Movie Fan's Guide To Japan.

This is one of those times when it is hoped that a report on someone's passing wasn't true. 

Unfortunately, it was. Her obituary has been posted by Legacy.com through the Times Herald in Pennsylvania.

Laura Moles, best-known around show biz and modeling circles as Vixxa Violet, passed away on April 2. She was 27.

Above, Laura was already a follower (circled) of this blog before she took part in the promo
video for The Monster Movie Fan's Guide To Japan that was produced by Monster Madhouse.

Laura was a follower of this blog and it came as a pleasant surprise when I learned at a dinner with Jerry Moore ("Karlos Borloff" of Monster Madhouse) that she was the gal in the promo video for The Monster Movie Fan's Guide To Japan by Monster Madhouse. After this discovery, I sent her a note thanking her for "spicing up" the promo video and I posted a spotlight blog for her.

She replied with:

THANK YOU, Armand, for showcasing me!!!
I really appreciate it.
For more Vixxa Violet, please visit my free-access website: http://www.vixxaviolet.com.

XO
Vixxa
January 23, 2012 

We had a few more communications following this. It is too bad that we did not have the chance to meet in person. She seemed to be a real sweetheart. From what I've heard about her, she was a joy to be with.

R.I.P.

UPDATE (4/23/14): I have since learned the circumstances of Laura's/Vixxa's passing. All I'll say is that it was accidental in nature and very tragic. 

Japan Daily Picks Up 2 Posts

The Japan Daily has picked up some blog posts I posted yesterday.

They are on Japan Travel Advice's updated Tokyo Travel Guide and on the ten things to do in Fukuoka by Time Out Tokyo. Along with those, they have other stories on food and leisure by other bloggers.

To view The Japan Daily, go here.

Japan Travel Advice Updated Tokyo Travel Guide

Above, a Tokyo commuter train crossing the Sumida River. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

Japan Travel Advice has updated their Tokyo travel guide.

Their Tokyo travel guide includes many "must-see" places in Tokyo that include (a sampling):

Akihabara – Electric Town is a major shopping area of Tokyo, and the place for everything electrical, it is also the home of anime and manga in Japan. 

Asakusa – Discover the atmosphere of old Tokyo in Asakusa with Sensoji Temple and Nakamise-dori shopping street. It also offers great views of the Tokyo Skytree. 

Central Tokyo – Featuring the Imperial Palace (Kokyo), Yasukuni Shrine and Tsukiji Fish Market. The Imperial Palace is just a short walk from the newly renovated Tokyo Station and the amazing architecture of Marunouchi. 

Ginza – High end shopping capital of Japan and the home of luxury. This is a must see part of Tokyo even if it’s just for a spot of window shopping. Check out the depachika (food halls) found below the department stores. 

Harajuku – Home of Japanese street fashion and cosplay, this is the best spot in Tokyo for people watching. Takeshita-dori is a street lined with fashion boutiques, cafes and restaurants. A must see is also Meiji Jingu Shrine, which is close by Harajuku Station. 

Odaiba – A popular entertainment and shopping area on a man made island in Tokyo Bay. Check out the life-sized Gundam outside of Diver City. Other must sees are the Rainbow Bridge at night and the Fuji TV Building. 

Roppongi – With Tokyo Tower and Zojo-ji, it is a fantastic tourist spot that comes alive at night with restaurants and nightlife.

To read more, go here. 

Eric Holder Should Be In Jail

What Do People Want Most In Hotel Perks?

Above, the Hotel Asia Center of Japan in Tokyo. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

What are the most sought-after perks people look for when choosing a hotel to stay at?

Condé Nast Traveler has an article on just this subject.

They found:

As it turns out, good food—namely, a complimentary breakfast—is the No. 1 perk travelers want from a hotel, with an in-hotel restaurant coming in at No. 2. (Free Wi-Fi, of course, wasn’t far behind, because how else will you post all those beach pics to Facebook?).

If I remember correctly, the only hotel I stayed at that had a complimentary breakfast was the Washington Hotel in Nagasaki, Japan (I checked their website and it appears this is no longer offered, but they do have free wired Internet). Most hotels also had an in-hotel restaurant and free Wi-Fi (the Tsukuba Hotel in Ueno has free Wi-Fi and the Hotel Asia Center of Japan has free wired Internet and a restaurant). I have not yet stayed at a Japanese hotel with a swimming pool (pools must be a rarity in Japan).

I've stayed at very few hotels in the U.S. since the advent of the Internet and Wi-Fi. The only ones that immediately come to mind pertaining to Wi-Fi are the Crowne Plaza O'Hare in Rosemont, Illinois and the Blake Hotel in Charlotte, North Carolina. Both charge guests for Wi-Fi. If this is any indication, it appears Japan's hotels are more generous when it comes to Wi-Fi. Both of these hotels do have swimming pools and restaurants (although pricey).

To read the full Condé Nast article, go here.

10 Things To Do In Fukuoka

Above, the Fukuoka Yahoo! Dome. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

Fukuoka, on the island of Kyushu, is best-known as a battleground in Rodan (1956), Gamera, Guardian of the Universe (1995) and Godzilla vs. Space Godzilla (1994). Of the three, fans can visit the easily recognizable Fukuoka Yahoo! Dome, featured in the Gamera movie, and Fukuoka Tower in the Godzilla movie. They are spotlighted in The Monster Movie Fan's Guide To Japan on page 45.

Above, Fukuoka Tower. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

But, Fukuoka has other places to visit and Time Out Tokyo has a new post on "10 Things To Do In Fukuoka."

They start it off with:

If Tokyo is the friend who rushes you between sights and social engagements to a turbo timetable, Fukuoka is the relaxed southern cousin who sits you in a sunny spot, pours you a beer and tops it up as you chat. Kyushu’s largest city is often overlooked on tourist itineraries, yet is beloved by its residents, who clearly know how to unwind – it has the second highest number of bars, cabarets and clubs in Japan after Tokyo. Whilst crowds gather for big festivals like the Hakata Dontaku parade in May and to see towering floats raced at dawn at the Gion Yamakasa in July, Fukuoka remains down to party all year round. 

Time Out Tokyo is correct in their description of Fukuoka as "the relaxed southern cousin." I visited Fukuoka in 2007 and found it quite laid-back in comparison to the more frenetic pace of Tokyo.

Above, a view of Fukuoka from Fukuoka Tower. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

The article states that the fastest shinkansen to Fukuoka from Tokyo will get you there in about five hours. When I went, the only real "delay" was a change of trains in Shin-Osaka. Other than that, it is a pleasant ride with nice views of the Japanese countryside along the way.

To see what 10 things Time Out Tokyo recommends, go here.

"Godzilla" Trailers Seems To Be Doing Their Job

The trailers that Legendary Pictures and Warner Bros. are sending out seems to be generating high interest in Godzilla. I've been sending links to the trailers to friends, Godzilla fans and non-Godzilla fans alike.

One friend, who never in her life had seen a monster movie in a theater, said this in an email after seeing the "extended look" trailer:

This will probably be the first monster movie I'll go see in the theater.  It does look really good.

The general reaction to the trailers I've been seeing has been very positive.

Hopefully, she (or we) won't be disappointed with the movie once she (and we) see it. 

Japanese Prefectures Get Boost Via Travel Web Portal

Above, Matsushima Bay islets. For information on Matsushima Bay go
to Japan Timeline's Miyagi Prefecture section. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

You have a favorite travel agent and have wanted to take a trip to Japan and go to certain prefectures, but your agent had very little (or no) information on those prefectures to provide to you.

That problem has been rectified as there is a new web portal where various prefectures of Japan can share information to travel agents around the world and, also, give you access to find information for yourself.

Tnooz.com has an article on this new website:

Inbound travel operator and travel agency intermediary Freeplus has come up with a clever way to engage international travel agents with information about Japan, while simultaneously allowing local prefectures the ability to share information directly with agents.  

The friction that exists when selling travel to a country such as Japan is greatly reduced by the web portal, called Japan Timeline, which offers an interactive overview into the various activities, geographies and nuances of the country. The site’s slogan is “See What’s Happening in Japan Now,” underlining the continually updated nature of the site. 

This new system will make it much easier for your travel agent to access information their clients need to fully plan out their vacations. And, as previously mentioned, anyone can access information on the different prefectures including timelines for each prefecture with updated information.

See more at: http://www.tnooz.com/article/japan-timeline-local-governments-get-boost-new-web-portal-inbound-operator/#sthash.cBTZbfqy.dpuf

"The Monster Movie Fan's Guide To Japan" Ebook Back Up At No. 39

Above, Miki Hayashi with the print edition of The Monster Movie Fan's Guide To Japan. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

The Amazon.com Kindle Store ebook edition of The Monster Movie Fan's Guide To Japan is back up in rankings of "Best Sellers in Japanese Travel."

It is now at number 39 in sales for that category.

To order, go here.

Make sure to check to see if your browser, software, app or programs are compatible with the various ebooks (in this case, Kindle) so that they render correctly for you. One digital size does not fit all.

It is also available at the following Amazon Kindle Stores for these countries:


United Kingdom
France
Germany
Spain
Italy
Japan
India
Canada
Brazil
Mexico
Australia

Narita Airport Retail Line-up Revealed

Above, a duty-free shop at Narita Airport's Terminal One. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

Work is in progress towards adding more retail shopping at Terminal One at Narita International Airport.

According to the Moodie Report:

JAPAN. Narita International Airport Corporation (NAA) has revealed the line-up for most of the new retail spaces at its Terminal 1 landside Airport Mall.

NAA is contracting for 27 new shops, of which 22 will be present for the first time at an airport in Japan.

As reported, NAA is undertaking a full-scale refurbishment and adding +15% more retail space at the T1 Mall, leading up to a grand opening in early July.

The stores will open in stages, with the first three – Omise Parco, Cospa Akihabara and Stomp Stamp – to begin trading on 25 April. 

To read more, go here. 

Gundam's 35th Anniversary

Above, Gundam on display at the Bandai Museum. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

Today should not pass without acknowledging an anniversary.

According to RocketNews24:

Gundam fans worldwide, including those in the industry, are taking to Twitter, Pixiv, and other social media to celebrate the 35th anniversary of Mobile Suit Gundam, which began airing on April 7, 1979. The messages have been including artwork, photos of gunpla, and more.

To read more, go here.