October 28, 2012 (here in Tokyo): Arrival! Applause! Soba at Akatsukian! And Mitsukoshi desserts!

One of the things I'm reminded about Tokyo every time I catch the shuttle bus from Narita airport into the city are the highways and how truly high they are.  So high, in fact, that one will occasionally find oneself eye-level with the top floor of some extremely tall buildings.  Not a great ride for…

February 7, 2012: Tokyo Day #12! Berkserk! Nakajima! Taku! And a fond farewell to Star Bar! A mini mailbag!

On my second day in Tokyo, I came across a poster for Berserk (Golden Age Arc I: Egg of the Supreme Ruler), the first part of a three-part film trilogy based on one of my all-time favorite anime series (which was, in turn, based on a wildly popular manga series).  The movie's opening happened to…

February 6, 2012: Tokyo Day #10! Still thinking about it! Dim Sum! Ueno! Back to Harujuku! Another night with the ladies!

Hey, I hear what you're all saying.  There's a big difference between visiting a place for two weeks out of the year and actually living there, however I am a creature of habit.  I adjusted quite quickly to Vancouver after the move from Montreal and then adjusted to life alone with the dogs.  When Akemi…

February 5, 2012: Tokyo Day #9! Good news! A formal lunch at a casual restaurant! A gay egg! A rose-donkey! And a night out with the gals!

Woke up to some very good news.  From the government no less!  Akemi's application for permanent residency has been approved, meaning she won't have to leave Canada when her visitor's visa expires (on her birthday!) this April.  According to the letter I received, the paperwork has been sent to Tokyo for processing - whatever that…

February 4, 2012: Day #8! Considering a change in location! Visiting Geek Central! Dessert for dinner and dinner for dessert! Make your own ice cubes – Star Bar style! And a mini mailbag!

The more I consider it, the more I think I could actually give it a go here in Tokyo.  Of course, the move wouldn't be as simple as just picking up and shifting my life over to the other side of the world.  Some issues would have to be addressed.  Chiefly: 1. What would I…

February 2, 2012: Tokyo Day #6! Samurai Joe, Nodaiwa, Faro!

We started the day by checking out the surroundings - and it don't get any closer than the Imperial Hotel itself.  We strolled through the shops on the basement level where we happened across a place called Shokendo, a shop that sells and displays antique Japanese swords.  Mrs. Aota struck up a conversation with the…

February 1, 2012: Tokyo Day #5! Catching up with my old friends Joel Robuchon and Ishikawa-san,

The second issue of my comic book series, Dark Matter, hits the shelves soon (February 8th last I heard).  If you haven't picked up the first issue yet, I strongly urge you to do so as reports have it selling out.  This, of course, means it is a sought-after collectible no doubt destined to be…

October 22, 2008: Table for ONE! and Coming up with the Perfect Horror Movie Title

So I realized that my approach to planning this Tokyo trip was all wrong. Instead of building an itinerary based on what I want to do, I should be basing it on what would provide you, dear blog readers, with the most entertainment value. With this in mind, I’ve decided to divvy up my meals…