Mina's Little Adventure: My Last Meal (Shinagawa)

Let's start with the internal conversation that took place during the middle of dinner and continued on as I walked back to Shinagawa-shuku.

With only a fourth of her rice eaten, a fish and a shrimp tempura left, most of her pickle dish, but all her miso soup eaten, the moment that Mina dreads (while eating in Japan) occurred.

Heart: "This is yummy, and the staff are so pleasant!  I know we can fight through it and finish this tempura donburi off."

Brain: "Well I know that stomach here is going to have an issue with that, but I'll ask anyway."

Stomach: "Nope, hell no we won't go!"

Brain: "Your not going anywhere, find a different chant."

Heart: "But. . . but!  It is rude not to finish, and this is a really great place and all.  We want to make a good impression on behalf of foreigners right?"

Brain: "How about we finish the tempura, and try to finish all of the rice?"

Mina finished off the fish and some more rice.

Brain: "Oh great there is nori on the rice, that's not going to help. . . here it goes."

Stomach: "Fuck no!"

Brain: "Okay we can still finish off most of the rice just scrape the nori off and leave the rice that won't separate from it."

Mina put some rice in her mouth.

Heart: "Here put some more in!  If we eat faster maybe we can do it!"

Stomach: "Fuck NO we aren't!"

Mina's urge to stop eating skyrocketed to the up-chuck reflex, but she held it back.  You see Mina has a strong stopping point when it comes to eating.  There are some pros and cons to processing this trait.  But, in the states it isn't a problem because it isn't considered rude to not finish your plate and taking the leftovers home isn't uncommon.

Brain: "Hurry and eat the shrimp."

As Mina was trying to work through her rice the elderly gentlemen who appeared to be the head chef/ owner refilled her glass of water with a kind smile.

Heart: "Awn, we can do this!"

With a wave of good emotion Mina was able to eat some more rice without difficulty.  Unfortunately, the old ways persisted.  Mina was able to finish all the white rice, but the nori and overly seasoned by sauce rice would't make it down.  Mina glared at her plate.  Then she made a disappoint face, and nibbled on her rice until she couldn't handle it anymore and paid for her meal.

As Mina walked back to her home for the past two days she has a mix of negative emotions.  Her stomach ached and cried, "Why you'd make me do thaaaat?"  Her heart vibrated with guilt.  Her brain, the smart alack that it is pointed out that "we knew better, and although we do like donburi and it was recommended and it was a discounted price, that we should of just ordered tempura.  It probably would of come with miso anyway."

Tip: If you don't like miso soup in the states don't hesitate in Japan.  Many places have miso included with meals.  I hated miso whenever I had it in the states.  However, I've had traditional, clam, and nori (seaweed which I don't like one bit) misos and I've enjoyed each one.

Like earlier today, I dressed to show off and suit my foreigner~ness: John Lennon and Yoko Ono "Bed Peace" t-shirt, my awesome tights, mini cowboy boots, my blonde hair, and classic Ray Ban sunglasses (except not while it was dark out or when I was inside).  A great thing about where I am staying is that it seems pretty safe for such a large city.  It reminded me of Madison, but less trains.  On the way towards the Shinagawa Station, about a 5 minute walk from the guest house, there is a row of various Japanese restaurants.  Curry, then soba, then sushi, then tempura, and another one after that (and maybe more after that).  I was taking pictures of each place to show the variety.  After getting a shot of the tempura sign I looked down to see the staff smiling at me.  The elderly chef and a younger chef nodded at me as a greeting, coaxing me to enter.  Well I couldn't say no to them and tempura sounded great.  I walked in and got the usually greeting.  They sat me down and gave me a menu.  It was a mix of kanji, hiragana, and katakana.  I didn't know the kanji, but there were pictures.  I was thinking about one that was 560 yen because it was a donburi.  The waitress was close by because I was the only one there (people came in later as I ate).  I asked her in Japanese which one she thought was good.

Tip: どちらのほうがいいとおもいますか。(dochira no houga ii to omoimasu ka)
Which one do you think is better / 'gooder'?
dochira - a more formal way of saying which (dochi for short/ casual)
no houga - a set phrase when asking which is better
ii - good, you can switch this out with cheaper, delicious, ect.
omoimasu - 'to think' in formal speech (polite speech is always used unless in a casual setting like after some time with your host or once you have close friends.  when you start using it is a difficult question.  this is a hard thing for me because i learned short form after common formal and i usually spoke short form with my friends and host/ i have difficulty switching which form to use but i've gotten better at it.)

The food was great and the service was excellent as well (better than the maid cafe).  I then returned to the guest house where Taka-san was sitting at the front desk.  We had a conversation in partly English and Japanese.  I switched to English to explain the terms we use when we get take out:
left overs
wrapped up
take home
take out
doggy bag
As we were speaking the elderly, Japanese lady from Ohio walked in and we said hello to one another.  I asked her how her day was in Japanese, and she responded.  She then asked me what I did today, and I also responded.  At this point I am pleased that I've said everything in polite speech, without messing up.  She then said that Taka-san wants to practice his English, but I like to practice my Japanese.  She then switched over to English to request that I speak to him in English every so often.  I then mentioned that I want to teach English in Japan and my certificate (that I wish to get in college).  Taka-san said that they need a lot of teachers now because elementary school is starting soon, but most of the English teachers went home because of the earthquake and the following problems.  A couple of other guests came in so I excused myself and went up stairs and the lady went to her room.  That is my day so far. . . how did I get deja vu just now?  I am going to pack up my stuff, go over my travel print out for tomorrow, and see if I can transfer more stuff from my bag to my backpack to lighten it up.  I am ditching a manga magazine (more like book) that I got as a small gift because Acchan is on the cover and there are a couple pages of her.  I was an idiot and didn't follow my rule of always bringing scissors (and I can't rip anything).  It takes a ton of space and the manga are not my taste.  I'll live without Acchan.  I might come back to stay here at least the night before my flight to relax.  I could always apply for another show, and then I can grab some copies of CDs at Book OFF.

Mina's Little Adventure: Tokyo Day 2 (Shibuya)

 Well, I fail at shopping for myself, and just doing anything in general by myself.  I made a friend from Taiwan who said Shibuya was the best place to shop (cheap, and cute), but not to go to the 109 store because it was overly sexy (and expensive).  I happen to get to Tokyo during Shibuya 109's big summer sale, but still nothing I wanted was within my price range.  Plus, my luggage is packed from all the gifts I got for other people, but I don't want to spend the 60-80 dollars to send them back (plus I would need to find an international post office.  WTF man setting up their announcement machine outside my room!  They are selling gyoza, but curry gyoza sounds interesting.  But here is my day so far:

The Game Plan:
I went through my guide books.  I didn't want to travel all over the place, so I decided to stick with Shibuya.  However, Harajuku has a street that is also good for cheap, teen fashion and it is the next stop so I added it to the list.  I like visiting temples, and there is one in Shibuya so I added it to the list.  Since both areas are supposedly teen. . . I don't know what to call them. . . epic-centers there should also be a ton of cheap places to eat.

Tip: My recommended guides are Frommer's Tokyo and Tokyo Metropolitan Government's Welcome to Tokyo - Tokyo Handy Guide.  Both have maps and mains spots to go to.  I would have liked a map of stores and restaurants made by a teen or 20-something for the area.  If I end up in Tokyo I might make a guide to the area of my favorite places.

I slept in for once (but I still woke up at 7:00 out of habit).  I left my room at 11:00 after having breakfast.  Today was super hot and sunny, so I was sweating like crazy.  I also don't like to leave before 10 because I like to avoid the rush periods.  I get to Shibuya and the station is huge, so I actually had to pay attention to where the exits were.  Then I start walking.  I assume from the descriptions I got that it wouldn't be hard to find stores.  Wrong.  There are tons of places to eat around, so no need to worry about that.  Shopping is a bit difficult.  My idea was to follow main streets or girls with cute clothes to find the good spots.  At one point I found a little nook to look at my maps to find maybe a department store or something that is good for shopping and a guy approaches me.  He is in office worker clothes and he starts talking to me.  At first I think it was because I had a map out and he first spoke to me English, so just friendly/ helpful.  It turns out more friendly than helpful.  He starts hitting on me.  I wanted to practice my Japanese but then he kept on talking and jumping in so fast it was hard to complete my sentences (and to make them formal enough because that comes at the end of the sentence).  I about had it because I wanted to find something and was not interested.  He asked me if I was 25, and I am like nope. . . 19.  That didn't scare him off (I basically said things that I say when talking to old ladies because they are the ones who like to talk to me. . . I like talking to people).  I told him I had a boyfriend back home (which I don't) to make him go away.  Darn you Japan!  I can't have a conversation with anyone unless they are a 10 year old boy or a woman of experience!

Tip: If you go to a kiosk and it asks you for your Suica or something card don't panic!  I use to run away from them and go to a different one.  Then I ended up at Shibuya station on my way home and all of them asked for it.  Just press the top button of the left upper corner/ column.  It should change the screen to a bunch of numbers which is how you get your ticket.  You don't go by place but by how much your ticket costs (that is why you look at the map first!!!!).  I didn't see an English map, which is why knowing the kanji for at least the stop for your hotel is important.  (If you can write down or memorize the ones for the places you want to go that is very helpful too.  If you didn't do that go to a ticket guy and say the name of the stop and they might tell you either the number of your platform and how much it costs.)  

I am walking around still, beginning to get discouraged when I find a boutique.  It has a small sale rack outside priced at 1000 yen.  I go inside and it has a nice mix of styles from preppy, rock-n-roll, and bohemian.  I pick out a couple of things and try them on.  Unfortunately, most of them didn't work on me.  However, a dress I picked out at the last minute was super cute (and only 1900 yen with tax included).  I spotted a couple shirts that a friend (who has a birthday coming up) would like.  They also looked about the right size, but I was concerned they wouldn't fit right or she wouldn't like it.  So I got her an accessory.  I had bought her another small thing before, so maybe that will be good.  (Claire if you read this you can mention it to Sub Subs).  I kind of feel bad about it.  I might come back to Tokyo before I leave Japan so I don't have to be on the trains for a couple of hours to get on a plane for 13 hours.

I then stopped in Freshness Burger to grab a bite to eat, to sit in the cool air, go to the bathroom, and figure out what to do next.  I decided to head back towards the station to avoid getting lost and it wasn't looking like I was in a good spot for shopping either.  On the way back I found the store that has been promoting AKB48.  It only has cafes, CDs, DVDs, and books so I didn't do any shopping.  They were selling AKB48 DVDs, CDs, and photobooks.  I also spotted a bunch of girls in the AKB48 sections.  I then see some girls enter what looks like a department store so I go in to check it out.  There was hello kitty and hat stores on the first floor.  I see someone go down a floor so I go down the escalators. . . I see a sign saying Mens 109.  I walked into Mens 109, so I left.

I ended up walking all over the place and headed towards the direction of the shrine.  However, I wasn't sure how far away it was and I was getting tired.  (I don't like to travel to far from the station area to avoid getting lost.)  I turned around and decided to check out Shibuya 109 anyway.  It was packed with girls and some guys.  It has basement floors too.  It is a ton of little boutiques in a circle (like 7-10 stores in a little area), and it is the same on every floor except the one that has a food court (but not like our food courts).  There are some cute stores, but everything was over my price range.  I saw some great jeans, but they were about 7000 yen but 20% off.  I decided that I can always go shopping when I go abroad for a year and I don't need more jeans.  I ended up buying a ring in a cute store (which was about 1500 yen after taxes).  All of the shop attendants are cute here.  The crazy thing is this is a great mall for girls who have friends of different styles.  There is one girly store, next to a sexy store, next to a rave/ sexy halloween looking store, next to a accessory store.  If only they were cheaper!  My friend was right for the most part about most of the stuff being short skirts and on the sexier side, but not all of it.  It is a good experience just to look around (and maybe go during the sale seasons January/ July), but I wouldn't make it a shopping destination.  Instead I would hunt down the malls that the AKB48 girls went to.  Department stores usually have a good price range except one I spotted in Shibuya which was all high end designers.

After 109, I walk around and don't see any shops worthwhile to go in (there are some big Forever 21 and H&M stores but I can do that at home).  I decide to go to the station.  I go to the ticket counter for the JR Yamamoto line, but I didn't see the English signs.  I knew that it was only 160 yen to go back home or the next stop or two was Harajuku.  It would be at least 130 yen to just go there, so I headed back to Shinagawa.  I wanted to cool off and rest me feet.  I stopped in Family Mart to buy something cool to drink.  I've decided I like 7-11 better.  My favorite drink is Mountain Dew here because they don't have Diet Coke or Diet Pepsi (WTF).  It seems Mountain Dew is also extremely rare!  The only place I've found it was the vending machine near my old host's house.  So my head ache is gone, I have my hair up, I am in shorts, and a sports bra cooling off.  There are a ton of small Japanese restaurants on the way to the station.  I'll either eat at one of those, or (if I feel up to it) head over to Harajuku and shop some more and eat there.

Even though I've gotten more things for my friends and family than I did for myself, I am really happy with what I got.  I am going to wear my dress tomorrow.  (If you don't love it in the store then don't buy it - is my rule.)  My ring, is super cute and is basically a small rock.  I have no regret of getting that photobook.  Yep, three things.  There is still time.  Plus, if the train station isn't too far from my next host,  and we get a day off, there might be a good department store in the next big town.  (At least that was true with my first host.)

Tip: Buy a magazine, or at least do research at what brands you like.  This is helpful because then you can find out where they have stores and know where to shop.  This can also encourage you to go into a store, because there might be something there.  I think I just sucked because I didn't know where to look or where to go.  (Plus, I do suck at shopping for myself.  I am careful with my money so it is just a matter of finding a store I like in my price range.)

Mina's Little Adventure: Tokyo Day 1/2 (Akihabara)

It is only 5:19 (or 17:19) here, but I am exhausted from traveling and walking around.  Unfortunately the lady who sounds to be neighbor is chatting up everyone on her phone.  I can't tell if she is loud or if the walls are really thin.  Another small note is that the ice-cream truck jingle before announcements are also in Tokyo.  A complete side note is that we had one day that was not steaming hot on the farm (my last day) and I get mosquito bites on my neck, back, and both elbows!  I am thinking about dropping by the local family mart (which is basically next door and so it the post office) and picking up either a soda for some energy (if I decide to look for a place to eat) or just grab dinner there (because I'm tired and eating alone at a restaurant is a bit depressing).  I will talk about each host in detail later, and if you want their host number then email me.  Here is the break down of my day so far and some advice along the way for people interested in Tokyo.  (Some of the times are rounded down or up just because I'm lazy.)

9:00 ~ Leave Enzan Station (Yamanashi) for Takao
10:30 ~ From Takao transfer to train heading for Tokyo
11:00 ~ Get off at Shinjuku Station and transfer trains heading for Shinagawa
This cost me less than 2,000 yen, which is really cheap and what I would recommend if you have time to spare (if not take the express train that goes from Koufu and some other stops to Shinjuku station).

Tip: When in doubt (or whenever you are making a long trip) talk to the ticket people!  He got me one ticket for cheap from Enzan all the way to Shinjuku and printed out a sheet with the times and stops.

The great thing about Tokyo is the "green JR line" which goes around in the circle around the major stops.  I'll talk about this more when I get to navigating my way to Akihabara.

I got a bit lost (I used my iphones GPS for a moment to get directions and a map, which I used even after I turned off roaming because my tracker still followed me), but nothing that bad.  My tip is always check, especially if you have GPS on your phone because you can correct yourself early on (like if you cross the wrong street or make a wrong turn).

Tip: Check your cell phone plan.  Having things like iphones are great in case of emergencies, but you will need to keep your data roaming off except when you get the directions, turn it off right after.

I'm staying at the Shinagawa Guest House.  It was hard to spot, mostly because I was distracted by the fact that my directions (after putting the address in) wanted to take me to a different hotel on the corner of that street and I was trying to figure out how to find it without getting lost.  I had a giant suitcase and looked lost (in the rain I might add) so someone called the owner of the Shinagawa-shuku.  Taka-san went out and took me there.  I dropped off my luggage before heading out to Akihabara (because check in time isn't until 16:00).

Tip: If you can drop off your luggage plan ahead and pack what you need in your purse.  If you are staying during the raining season (June/ July) bring a compact-able umbrella and carry it around.

The great thing about the place I'm staying is that it is extremely cheap.  Most guide books have their inexpensive spots around 16,000 yen a night.  Mine only costs 3,500 yen for a single room (3,000 for a dormitory).  Like I mentioned before, it has a family mart and post office nearby. [I'm sending back my gifts ahead of time because it is weighing down my bag = too many friends and family.]  It is almost a straight shot from not only Shinagawa Station (10/ 15 minute walk), but really close to the Kitashinagawa Station.  I don't bother (save my cash).  The area is clean and has a lot of trees.  It is not too busy.  It is also inbetween Shibuya and Akihabara.  (That was really helpful for my upcoming task.)

Navigating the JR Line:
All you need for a short stay [major districts] is the green circle.  The kiosks will work fine.  There are multiple maps by the longer row of kiosks.  One will have English names (for those who aren't proficient  at reading kanji).  Look at the map (it will point to where you are but that isn't important), and find where you want to go on the green circle.  There will be a number next to it: that is how much the ticket costs.  A good thing to keep in mind are the other stops in that same direction because there will be two green trains going in opposite directions.  However, if you look around after purchased your ticket (some guide books lie about them only taking 1,000 bills or change) and entered the station (if you aren't sure of the process watch someone ahead of you/ you feed the gate your ticket and it pops out the other end) there might be little train lines (in the color of your train) with the names of the stops it makes in English before you go to the platform.  At Shinagawa it is on pillars in front of the stairs of the platform.  Keep hold of your ticket, you will need to feed the gate when you leave (but no poop for you).  What is great about the JR line in Tokyo is the virtual screens and the speakers which will say the stops in Japanese and English (you can also see the stops after you).  Avoid rush hour periods (think about work schedules!).  That circle will get you where you need to go for main stops.  I'm not bothering with smaller trains, so good luck.

14:00 ~ Arrive Akihabara
I leave from the Electric Town or whatever exit because I remembered it from reading about how to get to the AKB theatre.  I decide to walk around in hopes of finding the AKB48 store.  I magically go perfectly to the spot (by following main roads and spotting the AKB pillars).  I head up and was disappointed by the store (however the shop next to it was selling maid costumes that were over my budget).  There are plenty of places to buy AKB48 stuff.  If you walk around there are plenty of small shops selling photobooks, DVDs, photos, CDs, and other merch.  I wouldn't bother unless you want a big ticket item.

Tip: You want to buy a CD, DVD, or book CHEAP = Book OFF!  There is one near the station, but you have to walk around some buildings (you can spot it from the giant sign and figure out from there).  They have and idol section for CDs.  Discount DVDs and CDs, and manga for 105 yen each!  Beware: get there at off hours because the manga section will be packed with people reading manga (or hunt down one of the other book offs).  There were a ton of old Morning Musume albums for only 250 yen!  They were also selling the theatre edition of AKB48's 21st single for 300 yen, limited editions for 950 yen.  I didn't even bother looking at the photobook section because I had already purchased the ones on my list.

While I looked around at the smaller shops selling AKB48 things, I bought my two photobooks [the second travel one which are my favorite and Mayu's for my friend who also has a big butt].  I was starving (past one / 13 o'clock).  I wanted to eat a maid cafe, but I didn't want to just walk in (best decision or maybe not).  I made eye contact with a cute maid (who was wearing a proper, black & white uniform) and she offered me a flier and a coupon (should of read the coupon).  I asked if it was close by and she asked me "go?".  She walked me over and rode the elevator to the cafe.  This was my favorite part because we chatted in Japanese about things including AKB48 (her favorite is Mayu).  Unfortunately, she left after dropping me off to hunt down other people.  The cafe didn't have many people there and only about two or three maids working at a time. The menu had both Japanese and English.  Two maids approached me after I was seated.  One started to speak in English and I said that Japanese was fine (in Japanese), so the other continued on in Japanese.  I got some curry rice, because it is one of my favorite.  The maid who served it to me had us do this moe~ moe~ thing to make it taste better.  I missed the signs saying no pictures (but I was only taking pictures of the flowers and food).  I asked after I was finished to take a picture with the maid who spoke to me in English.  She seemed super happy about it, but I also think she was new.  (She said in Japanese that she was also studying it and was from Hong Kong.)  My picture didn't turn out as well as my friend's did when she went to a maid cafe.  I would say that I got better service in American joints because I didn't get a refill of my water without asking.  The curry was good, but as you expect overpriced 1200 yen (500 yen for the photo).  I was a bit disappointed and wished the place was more bustling because I was just eating my curry by myself.  After I left I walked around and hunted down Book OFF to browse before heading back to the station because there was only 10 minutes until I could check-in.

That is my day so far.  Big thumbs up to the photobook I got.  They went to sooo many places in the last year!  There are tons of picture and it features a large number of members.  The other I got for a friend who is Puerto Rican; do you get why it is funny?

Um. . . Why don't you like Me?

So as the giant 48 anything fan that I am, I applied for the foreigner seats almost two months ahead (May 4th for June 27th-28th).  It is the night before June 27th, no word.  When it was three/ four days until I leave for Tokyo I got concerned so I applied for tickets by means of girls/ junior high student seats.  Night before. . . also no word.  I'm starting to think I'm not going to see them while I'm in Tokyo.  I will probably go to Tokyo the day or two before my flight so it is not as much of a hassle traveling all the way from Ibaraki prefecture.  I'm going to poke around for Seibu Dome tickets (if I can find them I will see if they are good enough seats for the price).  The good news is that I'm a Japanese major, so going abroad for a year is part of the game plan.  That is why I'm not going to be depressed if I don't get tickets.  The only bad thing is their big concerts are in July, so I wonder if I will be there for that.  (Hey there is always the Top 100.)  I'll be in Tokyo for the first time (for only two days) so I will have plenty of things to do.  I was hoping to get tickets for Team B tomorrow because I like every song in that stage and then I can have all of Tuesday for Shibuya.  I should see what is fun to do in Shinagawa because I have to drop off my suitcase and check in later that same day.

Japan Style - A Drink Taste Test

First off someone asked for some tips for Japan.  This varies based on where you are staying and what your plans are.  I've yet to stay in Tokyo, so I won't be much help there.  A friend recommended staying at the Shinagawa-shuku while I am in Tokyo and I already made a reservation.  It is on the cheaper end of things.  I different friend stayed at a different shuku in Tokyo.  It is better to have a small bag with you because you will be navigating by train and lugging around a big bag is a pain in the butt.  Most of the escalators are not being used to conserve energy, so use elevators when you have your travel bag.  Before you go print out directions from places like Google Maps; you can set the option for the least expensive.  If you can't read kanji use things like Jisho.org to find out how to say it.  Don't go for the English translation, but how to say it.  Then to purchase tickets you can go to a ticket desk and say which ones you want.  Express trains are good for long distance and if you are concerned about getting lost.  Local trains are less expensive, but be careful.  There are computer ticket kiosks which might offer English, they also take cash so you don't need a card or anything.  Ask around if you get lost at a station.  Since you are a foreigner just show them your tickets, but there are tons of signs around.  The most important thing is which line you are riding on and your stop.  It is better to use cash, so change as much as you can.  Debit and Credit take a percentage fee for overseas transactions.  I heard when friends were traveling in Europe credit is fine, but I think that isn't true for Japan.  I believe Capital One is the only credit that doesn't have fees.  Japan is mostly cash based society.  My travel book says most places will take credit in Tokyo, but my friend says she could only use at connivence stores.  I'm planning on only using my credit/ debit if I see a sign for it, besides that I will use it if I run out of yen.  You shouldn't travel with too much cash on your person.  Scandals are great, but a lot of places require you to take off your shoes so bring some in your bag/ purse just in case.  Now Japan has a good bus system, but it is different from ours.  If you can't understand Japanese I would recommend walking and using the trains.  The procedure for their bus is that you enter from the middle door and grab a ticket.  The ticket has your stop number.  There is a sign at the front of the bus with different numbers related to different stops.  There might be a sign below saying the fee is 10 yen or something.  You multiply the number related to your stop by 10.

Forgotten Segments from Mina's Update-
The Shuffle
I'm getting sick of people complaining about the shuffle. I love it even though I was a big fan of the original Team K. Each team developed a character and Akimoto only regrouped them to better suit that personality. It makes perfect sense because each team was mostly based around an audition which trainees added onto it. Doesn't anyone else think that wasn't a good set up to last forever. Give them time, things might change. It is what's best for AKB48, maybe not for original Team K, but I adore new Team K.

New Subgroups Boost Popularity for 'Unknown' characters
Those who got a new subgroup ranked higher in this election, with the exception of those who are typical senbatsu like Oshima Yuko. This is probably because newer fans got to know them, or casual fans saw them more.

Team 4 and 6 degrees of AKB48 related thoughts
Bloggers, including myself, tend to criticize more than praise. Now if Team 4 get their own original stage or even do revivals then I think this is perfect. For some reason Akimoto is sniffing out talent from every which direction. As expected many will go to Tokyo because they want to belong to the flagship instead of waiting to see if a nearby city will get their own group, although it would be easier to enter. Anyway, AKB48 has so much excess talent they don't know what to do with it. Unlike most idol groups they have a number in their name, so they must have 48 members. In a way the research students didn't count because they were just preparing for a spot to open up. This is a wonderful compromise. While this doesn't keep up with the 48 value, it doesn't give us the impression that they will have to wait until someone graduates.

The bigger issue is that no one wants original members to graduate, but everyone wants to appreciate the new talent available. Personally I would like to see them in teams (and they will probably still fill in for absent members). Another issue about the entire system is help solve the waiting issue. When I watch old concerts from years ago I spot newly added members from the shuffle dancing back up. It can take quite a long time for them to move up which contributes to the higher average age for AKB48 members. I don't care about that, but there is a graduate age, which means less time with them. I mean, it is basically impossible to be a full-fledged member at age 12.

Everyone has noticed (I hope no one is getting upset by me using such phrases - I don't mean it literally it is just a nice way to phrase a general thingy) the push Team 4 members. This isn't the worst thing in the world; they work just as hard as everyone else. I'm not going to say it is because of the long-looked over members like Nacchi; I've given up on that point. It is because the new members that have spent quite a long time, years even, as research students to be looked over not by one exceptional ace but a group of fresh, young faces just after they got promoted. I mean Sato Sumire is like 18!

What about Ucchi (Uchida Mayumi)? What was the point of deciding the single participation by rock-paper-scissors if nothing really came of it. Will Akimoto even do it again? Nothing really changed. Sure, more people know who she is and she did get her time in the spotlight. Well what about the general elections? Oshima was only center for that single. The difference is that while the election only decides the positions for said single, it confirms the popularity and dedication each member gets (at least within the fandom because casual fans tend not to vote); the other is based on luck and maybe strategy.

I think something more realistic is the idea that Kashiwagi could keep her number three spot onwards. The senbatsu has been changing. Before the top two were Takahashi and Maeda, Itano has moved in pushing some away from Akimoto's favorite. The centers for the last two singles were Itano and Maeda. And look, Itano dropped significantly in rank. Will Itano lose her newly gained number two/ three spot in regular senbatsu?

Jeez, everything reminds me of something else. Recall how Ono Erena's popularity or at least position in senbatsu decreased before she graduated. Shinoda has seen a drop and is getting close to the max age. I doubt she will go for joining SDN48. Should I have even gone there, she is one of the members that many are concerned about graduating. Two things people think predict graduation: popularity and age. We can tell from this past year that is a horrible assumption [Ono and Oku]. Now Itano is a possibility because she is at the right stage in her career to do so [think Goto Maki and Morning Musume]. However, I don't think Akimoto would be keen on the idea of letting either Itano or Maeda graduate. Although, he sure has done enough pushing to make it seem as if it is a possibility.

Japan Style - A Drink Taste Test
Pepsi Dry:
Tastes like Pepsi if it were dry, like if it was dry ice but in pepsi liquid form. I don't care for regular Pepsi (and it has been some time since I've had it), but Diet Pepsi is my favorite soda. Okay, second taste impression: similar to regular Pepsi, but doesn't have that crisp taste that Diet Pepsi has like I thought it would. Kind of like when I put dramamine in my mouth and while I get dome water it starts to dissolve a bit. I wouldn't say it is refreshing, more like flat. Although it does bubble. I won't be finishing this drink. I didn't see any Diet Pepsi. . . but they are so health conscience I doubt they wouldn't go for it. Then again there is this Pepsi Nuex (or something like that).

Crystal Lemon:
Since it is a hot, sunny day why not try what looks like lemonade.

Side Note: I find it peculiar that both drinks I've tried so far have the word dry on them (DryDo). (I've also seen a lot of sweat, which isn't attractive either for water.) Just saying.

First sip: I took it and started coughing so much I couldn't taste it. It is like my experience with sake. Wow, I'm still coughing. Okay maybe Japanese people like the flavor of grainy medicine as an aftertaste. I can taste the lemon, but the after taste is overpowering. If I take a long slurp I kind of like it, but I wouldn't buy this again either. I'm going to try to finish this one so I'm not wasteful. Oh, I should try mixing a little of the first with the second (that didn't happen). Sometimes the best elements of a drink is brought out by food, or the other way around. Pretzels: boy I love Snyder's sourdough nibblers. I guess it helps with the drink, at least trying to finish it.

Verdict So Far: I'm sticking to water unless I find some POG; I idolize POG as if it were a god. Only found in a place of worship, in this case, Hawaii.

Mountain Dew:
Wow, it is really similar to the original! There isn't any bad (in my opinion) after taste. I might get this again. I hope there is caffeine in here because I don't like regular tea (only ones from Bubble Tea/ Milk Tea) or coffee (only mochas).

Update by Mina!

I saw a group of teenage girls checking out this set up and pointing at the election poster five minutes later.

Well it has been a couple weeks in Japan!  Wow both Todd and I are in Japan and another one just got back not a month of two ago.  I have a couple posts in mind, but I've been busy plus there is only one internet cord for the WWOOFers (there are now four of us).  I have a Japanese drink taste test post already written on my iphone.  I am also planning to do a post about WWOOFing and my experience, my time in Tokyo, maybe a separate post if I see AKB48 in concert or on stage, things i noticed about culture and tips for staying/ traveling to Japan, an update for the Majisuka Gakuen 2 post, and whatever I come up with.  I'm still waiting to hear about my stage tickets.  Getting Super Enpou tickets for the dome shows, if they are available, won't happen because it will be past the one month limit.   I will still check out resellers and I've been checking the internet forums and such every so often.  Todd is also looking for them so if he has any luck he will pass along the tip.  Here is an AKB48 post that I typed up in my spare time:

A recent change of things?
Has anyone been noticing more live-vocals from AKB48? Not only have they've been appearing on Music Fair during their regular promotional circuit, you can notice it during performances like Music Satation and the Top 100 concert. It wasn't uncommon for stages to be performed live. Is Akimoto confident that messing up vocals won't hurt sales, or are their vocals so on point it is almost hard to spot. You almost need the mess ups or someone sticking out to know it isn't lip synced. I'm thrilled because as some of you might have noticed I've been struggling with this issue for a long time. I would still forgive them when it comes to large scale concerts where they have so many microphones to check. (I understand from my experience in the theatre and video news program during high school.)

This Year's General Election - An FU to Morning Musume?
I'm one that has been discouraging the fighting between Hello Project and the 48 Universe because I am (or is it was) a fan of both sides. Lately my interest has disappeared to the point that I will only go as far as watching their PVs (same as other groups like KAT-TUN). I'm in Japan right now and my host and their friends find it amusing that I listen to AKB48 and Arashi. During the senbatsu election one casual fan of the group (a friend from Tokyo who likes Tomomi Kasai but is bored with Tomomi Itano) mentioned that Morning Musume was over. He said something about their concerts that I couldn't fully understand. I didn't want to jump in that I'm a fan of them. In fact when it came up through my Facebook page that I was a fan I did confirm it, but I added that I'm bored with them at the moment. I don't have any pride in being their fan. I like most of the members, but the music they release I wouldn't buy. (C-ute looked the most promising but then they released their usual cute idol song; I liked the sexy dandy stuff they had been releasing recently. I do love the new Morning Musume members, but not the songs [Maji was good]. Dream Musume was a bust.) Sorry went off on a tangent.

How is this the election that flips the bird to Tsunku (more so than Hello Project itself - that is a better way of looking at it)? Well first, Sato Sumire may not have kept her senbatsu status from the 21st single, but she did make Undergirls. Ayaka Umeda, who not only belongs to the successful subgroup DiVA, is the center for the Undergirls coupling track. Now the most well known reject: Kashiwagi Yuki. She is the center for the subgroup French Kiss, she is the captain of Team B, and she sky rocketed to the number three spot! She definitely was the surprise this time around (but not that much considering she had the spot in the preliminaries).

Maeda Atsuko regaining her #1 Spot
To be honest I like them both, but I'm slightly more biased towards Acchan, so I didn't mind who got the spot. After Yuko defeated Acchan I was shocked. I became happy for Yuko who tries hard to appeal to fans. (Sometimes too hard, which turns me off and is the reason I had a period where I disliked Takamina and is why I still dislike Takahashi Ai.) However, I also thought there is only one place Acchan is suited for and that is the center. They are completely different in their approach to being an idol. Acchan doesn't try to be over the top; this can come off as she isn't trying or as sincere. I was completely for Acchan getting her spot back until I watched her appeal video. Now I didn't bother to fully understand what she was saying, just to see what she would do. It didn't look like she cared at all. Later I realized that she might of been tired because she is overworked. The number one spot only mattered to me once I saw Acchan's reaction to regaining it. It really moved me. (Her short Hana Kimi hair is cute by the way.)

Sad Face results:
Myao (The most disappointing results because she still should be in senbatsu)
Lovetan
Mii-chan (who I voted for)
Tomo~mi
Ucchi (She didn't rank even after being the champion and having a major part in Majisuka Gakuen)

Happy Face:
Matsui Rena
Matsui Jurina
Miorin
Acchan
Sasshi
and pretty much everyone who ranked in Undergirls or Senbatsu

Didn't Care Much:
Yuko
Mariko
Tomomi Itano
Harugon
Takahashi (Part of me wants her to get the number one spot at least once because she deserves it)
Haruna
Mayu

Preparation for Japan Trip: Where does AKB go?

When I decided that I would spend two nights in Tokyo I recalled AKB48's mini-series: AKB600.  The premise is that you follow a member around for a day and cut it down to about ten minutes.  I'll start with the places I plan on visiting and then post the rest after the jump.  (I kind of wanted to confront the haters because people responded well to my Heavy Rotation= slutty McSlut slut, but I don't even care that much about what they are saying.  I am too pleased with the rewards all of their hard work.  I mean Kojima Haruna fainted while shooting a TV program and the two other AKB48 members weren't phased by it.)  Now, some of the restaurant look good (after the jump), but they might be better if you go with at least another person.

Shopping:

Kitahara and a fellow AKB member went to the store Cecil McBee at the Minatomirai 109.  I've noticed a couple other members shop here like Maeda Ami.

 Sashihara and Komori went shopping at OLIVE des OLIVE at Sunshine City.

Here is one I am iffy about.  The clothes looked great and Itano Tomomi shops here, but it looks like it could be a bit pricey.  

Minegishi browsed manga and photobooks here at Harajuku's Book Off.  I already decided I was going to purchase a photobook and get a couple as gifts for my friends (a Takamina fan and a friend [who would enjoy Mayu's butt-shots].

 Shinoda visited this hat store, CA4LA, in Omotesando.  I like hats, but I am also on a budget.

Kasai Tomomi went to Auntie Rosa at a department store.  The clothes look cute, plus I trust Tomo~mi's taste.

Food:

Shinoda Mariko grabbed lunch at what the narrator refers to as a friend to commoners. . . I guess that means cheap.  She ordered pork shabu curry rice at CoCo Ichi, which sounds delicious.

I like crepes, so it doesn't necessarily have to be Momi&Toy's.

Mayu and Natsumi had fun at DANSO-kisa 80+1; Danso is when women dress up as good-looking guys.

 Minegishi also had something to eat at the gyoza chain: KING.

Last, but not least, is the Italian restaurant that Oshima had dinner with Nonti.  Therese, in Shibuya, is really cheap, pretty much everything on the menu is 500 yen or less.

Sashihara dragged Komori to Maid Dream.  This, like the Danso cafe, is more entertainment than food, but hey.