Happy new year folks! Hows your new year celebrations?
But before you answer that, have you ever thought to yourself why we celebrate the new year? Is it because we want to celebrate what we have achieved in the previous year? Is it because we are celebrating what we want to do in the up n coming year? Is it because we are celebrating the fact that most of us get time off work/school?

If you are celebrating, then please take time out to think about why you are doing so. Have you made a list of what you achieved in 2012? Does the list look good to you? If "yes" then that's great! You certainly have something to celebrate!

If "no" then do you really feel comfortable celebrating even though you have not reached your goals in 2012? Make sure you do everything to ensure that the future you can look back at your 2013 list so that you can have something to truly celebrate this time next year.

As for me - I think my team and I achieved and learned quite a bit in 2012 - but will list that up in a separate post because I dont have time right now - heading into another meeting in half hour ><

And here is my new years prezzie for you - starting from now, on the 1st of each month, I'll be distributing parts of the MoeCalendar which we sold as a poster at Comic Fiesta. This month is Eiji Seiun, Retrokyu and Mirai Suenaga in their new year gear. The 2560px x 1600px image lives here - should be big enough to cover the majority of desktops and also big enough to print on your home printer - only for your personal use please!

New years in Japan is typically celebrated over 3 days from 1st - 3rd of January. Many folks travel back to their home town to spend time with family. Folks also traditionally visit a shrine or temple to make a prayer for the up n coming year.

We are still in Malaysia at the moment and is our first time in 13 years we spent new year outside of Japan. From here we travel up to Penang to have Culture Japan Night and have meetings with the Penang Tourism Board. From there we fly direct to Bankok where I will be giving a keynote and have a booth at the Thailand Game Show. I return to Tokyo mid January.

Have been in Kuala Lumpur for about 2 weeks now and have been going through back to back meetings with various folks regarding TV, logistics, investment, legal, transportation, banking, manufacture an so on - and yes its all about Mirai Suenaga ^o^

Meanwhile back in Japan - this is what we would have been doing if we was in Japan right now - at the local shrine to make a prayer for the next year and say thanks for the previous one.
You can see how folks in Japan spend new year by taking a gander through the following photo articles:-
-Japanese New Year 2006 (Meiji Jingu in Harajuku)
-Japanese New Year 2007 (Sensouji in Asakusa)
-Japanese New Year 2008 (Meguro Fudouson)
-Japanese New Year 2009 (Meguro Fudouson)
-Japanese New Year 2010 (Meguro Fudouson)
-Japanese New Year 2011 (Meguro Fudouson)
-Japanese New Year 2012 (Meguro Fudouson)

Thank you for your continued support - it always means a lot to me and is one of the things that continues to drive me. Here is hoping you had a great 2012 and an even better 2013!

There is a poll embedded in this article.
There is a poll embedded in this article.

The manga and anime series Yuru Yuri revolves around the daily life of the Amusement Club's members. Yoshikawa Chinatsu [吉川 ちなつ] is one of those members who is going to get the figurization treatment into a 1/8 scale sukumizu clad figure by Alphamax.

• Product Name: Yoshikawa Chinatsu Swimsuit version
  
• Series: Yuru Yuri
  
• Scale: 1/7
  
• Material: PVC, ABS
  
• Height: Around 195mm
  
• Spec: Painted
  
• Sculptor: HIRO
  
• Release Date: June 2013
  
• Retail Price: 6,800 yen

If you are interested in pre-ordering this figure then check out the following trusted online retailers.

• http://www.1999.co.jp/eng/
  
• http://www.amiami.com
  
• http://hlj.com
  
• http://jlist.com
  
• http://kidnemo.com
  
• http://toylet.net

And for those who are not familiar with Chinatsu or Yuru Yuri then check her out in action in the video below. If the video has been eaten then check out this search query on YouTube. I love the Yuri Yuri girls - especially their big round upper eyes!

So todays figure topic is "Are you buying less figures?"
Was prompted to bring this up after I spoke to several figure retailers who have observed a decline in figure sales over the years. Some of the reasons they think are the cause are the increasing cost of figures (some now hitting the 12,000 yen mark) and another reason simply being that there is now too much choice.
So how about you? Are you buying less figures and if so what would be the reason for you?
There is a poll embedded in this article.
There is a poll embedded in this article.

Not only does Ikebukuro in Tokyo have anime shops like Animate (which is also packed with fujoshi goodies), they also have Gamers which is also filled with anime goodies with a bit more focus to ecchi stuff that includes eroge, magazines and dakimakura - if this sounds like your cuppa tea then you need to pay them a visit!

The Gamers Ikebukuro store is located below. Get off at Ikebukuro station East Exit.
東京都豊島区東池袋1-23-9
[gmap=35.72938, 139.71596]
And if you are in the Osaka area then you can check out their branch at Otaroad.

Read more about Mirai Suenaga >>>

The second part of the Tokyo Photo series where I aggregate all the latest photos I've been posting to my Instagram account ( http://instagram.com/dannychoo ). Today we take a look at life in Tokyo and my time in Malaysia so far. If you are not into Instagram then you can always follow these updates on my Twitter, Tumblr or Facebook.

Today I'm off to Penang for Culture Japan Night and meetings. Then off to Bangkok to speak at the Thailand Game Show. Back to Tokyo after that.

Lovely blue skies in Tokyo today. 東京は晴れ。

Experimenting with the gopro camera - hardly use because I cant remember the codes ><

Some folks say that Japan is one of the most expensive countries to live in - not true. We have Sukiya.

今宵の晩餐はすき家。Tonight's feast is sukiya beef curry ontama. 510 yen.

1 meter tsunami incoming in miyagi region. 25 mins ><

I love Japan.

Coco壱番屋のスープカレー裏技です。通常はパリパリチキンをスープに乗せるのだが、チキンはパリパリじゃなくなるので、別の皿に乗せて貰う。こうしてチキンをパリパリのままでエンジョイできる。以上。Japanese curry!

The first time I counted and realized I got 10 daughters. いつの間にか娘が10人に><

Which of these 2 Kotobukiya figures tickle your fancy? コトブキヤフィギュア2つ届いた。

How many of these Nendoroid faces you recognize? ねんどろいど顔がいっぱい。これらの顔全部分かる？

Afternoon in Tokyo with a cuppa hot milk chocolate, beng beng and a new bikini figure. 3時のおやつ。

Anime cakes in Tokyo which one do you choose?

When in Japan, make sure you don't get hit by people falling from the sky.

Guess what size these shoes are. ドールの靴可愛いな。

Heading to Yoyogi for meetings regarding a certain voice actress. 代々木での撃ち合わせに。

Now heading to Shibuya on the Yamanote line for more meetings. 渋谷での撃ち合わせに向かう。

Filming for Japan Mode. 4本の収録と思ったところ、結局は6本撮れました。ジャパンモード現在アジア全土、中国全国で放送中。

Where is my lightsaber? ジャパンモード収録で着物。#JapanMode

Together with my cutie Japan Mode reporter Aya. ジャパンモードのナビゲーターあやちゃんと番組収録中。

Passing by Tokyo Sky Tree heading back to base from the factories. 金町の町工場達を離脱し、事務所に帰る途中にスカイツリー。

My daughter Reina in the US. 娘のアメリカ探索。

Mirai Nendoroid production sample get! 末永みらいねんどろいど量産サンプルゲット！

Retrokyu cute! レトロキュウ可愛い！

Mini Moekana! ドールサイズもえかな！

Nendoroid itasha vrooooom. ねんどろいど用痛車ついているよ。

Goodies!

AmiAmi moekana postcard comes with all Nendoroid Mirai orders at Amiami.

もえかな風アスカ可愛い！Moekana x Evangelion!?

My last meal in Tokyo before i head to Malaysia is sushi omnom. マレーシア出張の前に寿司を食う。

Do you know the name of this sushi? omnomnom. enak!しそつけてもらった。

Its election day in Japan today. Do you vote in your neck of the woods?

Evangelion x Mirai Suenaga. プラグスーツみらいちゃん可愛い＞＜

Singapore based blogger and I.

Heading to Narita airport on the Skyliner. 成田空港に向かう。

At Hutong having some prawn mee. マレーシアでお昼中。エビ麺。

At the pavilion food republic again for noms! クアラルンプールで夕食探索!

Christmas in Malaysia. マレーシアのクリスマス。

At Malaysia's MediaPrima discussing new TV shows. マレーシアの地上波局を訪問中。新しいドールの番組作ります!

Mirai Mirai Mirai. マレーシアの街にはみらいちゃんレイヤーだらけです＞＜

At our T-shirt factory preparing for a legion of anime licensed wear for you. うちの工場視察中。アニメT-シャツをよりクォリティ高く、より安く提供したい＞＜

Heading to 8tv with Yuki. We are on at midnight. ゆきちゃんと一緒に今晩の生放送に出ます。今テレビ局に向かう。

Thanks for watching tonights quickie on 8tv! 生放送終了。マレーシア国民はもうみらいちゃんのことよく分かっている気がします^^;

Mirai carry cases at our Comic Fiesta booth to go with your Touch n Go and tora t-shirt.

Mirai Suenaga in her Retrograde Suit Moekana version! みらいちゃんのレトログレードスーツ姿もえかな風!

View from our hotel in Kuala Lumpur. クアラルンプールのホテルからの眺め。

Food in Malaysia is great! can you name this dish? マレーシアの食事美味しい!

Merry Christmas to my Instagram forrowers! 娘達がクリスマを祝う。

My brother Jim is the top creative guy for AFA. お兄さんがAFAのクリエイティブディレクターを勤める。

Volks dolls are so cute. Photo with my girl Yuki−chan. ボークスのドールは可愛いすぎる。娘とツーショットだ。

Mirai in Malaysian schoolgirl uniform with TnG card - what could all this mean?! みらいちゃんがマレーシアの女子制服にTnGのicカードを。この訳とは？！

Like or share if you want this on a Touch n Go card. みらいちゃん海外で頑張っている。

Malaysia's KFC is prob the best I've tasted ^^;マレーシアのケンタッキーは美味しい!

More nomalicious Malaysian food! マレーシアの食事って美味しいだな～

With Eiji Seiun cosplayer. 星雲永時君レイヤーとツーショット。

McDees in Japan gives away cool stuff with meals. All of these are doll sized！What's the coolest thing you got with a meal before.

amiami x Mirai Suenaga. あみあみ x 末永みらい。

My Iplehouse resin girl. She got no name yet. Can you give her one? うちのキャストドール。名前まだ付けていない。

Moekana T-shirts available next at the Thailand Game Show. もえかなTシャツ2つのイベントで数千枚売れました。次はタイランドゲームショー

At Pasat Connaught night market. クアラルンプールのナイトマーケット。

I'm Ironman. Wip model. 僕はアイアンマン。試作品だ。

Saya makan Mee Goreng rasa rendang. Yuki-chans fave instant noodles. ゆきちゃんが即席ラーメンを。

Jack Spade x Mirai-chan?! アメリカ鞄ブランドジャックスペードx末永みらい。

Malaysian facehuggers. マレーシアの恐ろしいところ。

Remember to always ask for a baby chair. 娘にはもちろんベビーチェア。

ゆきちゃんとお出かけ。ドールって素敵な存在。Out n about with Yuki-chan.

pohpiah sangat sedap! pohpiah ho chiak leh. pohpiah om nom nom.

Kanata Hoshikawa in her Solar Marine uniform moekana version! 星河かなたのソーラーマリーン姿もえかな風!

My current workspace in Kuala Lumpur. マレーシアでの仕事場はこんな感じ。

Malaysian food quiz time. Can you name this? マレーシアでのおやつたいむ。

Yuki-chan makan beng beng maxx! Snack time for Yuki again. ゆきちゃんのおやつタイム。

Ho dor siew yook ah! cheen bo bei sai gnor! om nomnom. enak! これは美味しい!

Mirai Millennium girls. ミライミレニアムガールズ。

Indian food in Malaysia is nomalicious too! マレーシアのインド系食事もぐー!

Nothing better than Starfruit juice in a huuuge jug. マレーシア訪れたら是非スターフルーツジュース飲んでみてください。

Happy new year Instagram followers! Thanks for your continued support!

Taking Yuki to next round of meetings. ゆきちゃんを連れ次の打合わせに。

Saya makan Nasi Lemak. Sangat sedap! Nasi Lemak is a must try. ナシレマク美味しいや。

Ice tea in Malaysia is so nice that you gotta order 2 cups! マレーシアのアイス紅茶めっさ美味しいやで～

I always make sure to get omnom at the food court at Pavilion KL. クアラルンプールのパビリオンのフードコートの食事最高。

My current workspace in KL. Heading to Penang tomorrow. 今の仕事場。明日ペナンに移動。

Read more about Mirai Suenaga >>>

Looks like the Mirai Suenaga brand is growing in Malaysia - first project was Touch n Go (Malaysia's electronic payment cards) and Culture Japan Night was a collaboration with Penang Global Tourism.

Todays newspaper features Culture Japan Night - which the newspaper called "Cultural Japan Night ^^; They also used the wrong Chinese characters for "Suenaga" they used - "未" instead of "末" - but I've fixed the Search Engine Optimization so that queries redirect to Mirai's page (phew) ^^;
If you are learning Japanese then its a common mistake to get these kanji mixed up just because of the length of the two strokes.

"末" means "end" and "未" means "not yet"

CJ Night Penang was the biggest ever in terms of attendance - was awesome fun! Will upload photos of the event later.

Find out more about the Culture Japan girls >>>

Minami-ke Tadaima [みなみけ ただいま], the fourth season of Sakuraba Coharu-sensei’s [桜場 コハル] popular Minami-ke manga began airing January 6, 1:30 AM JST on Tokyo MX. This time around the production is being handled by feel. (Mayo Chiki!, Yosuga no Sora) and Kawaguchi Keichiro [川口 敬一郎] (Mayo Chiki!, Nyan Koi!) is directing.

If you liked the Minami-ke Omatase [みなみけ おまたせ] OVA then you will like this season as its the same folks who are making it!

Main Characters

• Haruka [春香] played by Satou Rina [佐藤利奈]
  
• Kana [夏奈] played by Inoue Marina [井上麻里奈]
  
• Chiaki [千秋] played by Chihara Minori [茅原実里]

If the videos were eaten, try this Youtube search query.

The ending theme will be Kyuusekkin Lucky DAYS [急接近ラッキーDAYS], and the opening theme will be Shiawase ☆ High Tension↑↑ [シアワセ☆ハイテンション↑↑]. Both will be sung by the three Minami sisters and are due to be released January 23.
There is a poll embedded in this article.
My fave is Haruka - the perfect girl next door!

These screenshots are taken from the first episode - possible spoilers ahead.

There is a poll embedded in this article.

Find out more about the Culture Japan girls >>>

The Japan in the Winter theme continues and today its Ueno. Here we have a lot of Japanese tradition to be found - many shrines dotted around the area, the Ameyoko market, zoo, park and small streets of Ueno are a joy to explore - following bunch of photos taken before Christmas.
To get to Ueno, get off at Ueno station on the JR Yamanote line.
[gmap=35.7133, 139.7761]

In a "Tatakiuri" [たたき売り] which means limited-time sale, you can find all kinds of sweet at a very low price.

Interesting food sample with mechanized chopsticks going up and down.

Kewpie with tatoo...

Onsen facility situated in the well known novelist Ogai Mori's house.

And you can check out what Ueno looks like in the Summer!

A list of the Japan in the Winter photo posts below.

And a list of Japan in the Summer posts listed up below.

Read more about Mirai Suenaga >>>

Photo of the PC parts shop DosPara - taken at Shinjuku. On the left you can see a Phantasy Star Online 2 banner which reminded me to ask you what online games are you playing? I want to try and pick one up but would rather choose one where I can connect to as many comrades as possible. I hear that some of these games only allow a small team to play together?

Co-host Yoshimi is trying to get me into League Of Legends. Starcraft is another choice as there is a Mac version of that.

There is a poll embedded in this article.
There is a poll embedded in this article.
There is a poll embedded in this article.

Read more about Mirai Suenaga >>>

It starts this Friday - the Thailand Game Show 2013! Last year they had about 100,000 attendees over the 3 day period where they had a load of cosplay and of course a ton of gaming shenanigans - I'll be there on stage every day - my schedule as follows.

11 January
13:00-13:40 Seminar zone (2nd floor)
15:30-16:00 Main stage

12 January
14:30-15:00 Main stage

13 January
12:00-12:30 Main stage

Tis my first time in Bangkok - an amazing city! Reminds me of when I visited Japan for the first time - feels just like Blade Runner all over again. They got this sky train which connects various stations in the city - never seen train tracks that high up! More photos soon.

This is what TGS was like last year - photo from comrades at Akibatan.

And here are the goodies that we have on sale at TGS! The pricing structure is inline with the T-shirts that we sold at AFA Singapore and CF Malaysia. If you are attending TGS alone, make friends in the queue to get discounts. If you cant afford the T-shirts then download the Photoshop files and print your own - for your own personal use please!

We are also looking to improve processes and look for cheaper places to make our T-shirts without sacrificing quality - as a result we will lower our unit cost enabling us to give those savings back to our customers.

We got Mirai Carry Cases and posters too! But we sold out of the Moecalendar and obviously all the CF ones are gone too ^^;
Again, if all this is expensive to you then download the Photoshop files and print your own posters - for your own personal use ne ^^

This is where we are located - by the exit!

And this is our booth - its 1 meter smaller than our booths at AFA and CF so no Itasha. The area circled in red is for your dolls - pls bring your dolls to display! We will have people keeping an eye on them.
The black arrow is a large snake on the ground - dont step on it or it will swallow you and digest you over 1000 years.

And we will have Culture Japan Night in Bangkok too! Many of Thailand's doll owners will be there and hope to see you there too - Reina and Yuki-chan will be waiting for you. Of course you need not own a doll to attend.
CJ Night Bangkok is being held together with the folks at Akibatan - head to their site for details of the venue - it will be Saturday night after TGS at Ariston Hotel.

If you see a message or anybody tells you that there is no more space then ignore it - just come along as its important that we meet!

I'll also be looking out for somebody in Thailand to be an Associate Producer for Culture Japan - needs a high command of English and Thai and just be able to get things done.

This lovely lady is Yuu Asakawa [浅川 悠] - voice actress for characters such as Megurine Luka (Vocaloid), Rider (Fate/stay night), Satsuki Shinonome (Koi to Senkyo to Chocolate) and many many more - check the list below which I copy pasted from her Wikipedia.

Ali Baba - Jibaku-kun
Akira Toudou - Special A CD drama
Anastasia - Brave 10
Arnett McMillan - Freezing
Ashelin Praxis - Jak II (Japanese, game)
Azami Kirisaki - Mirai Nikki: The 13th Diary Owner
Carrera - Viper GTS
Cathrine Deboucoillet - St. Luminous Mission High School
Christina - K-On!
Chou'un Shiryuu - Ikki Tousen: Dragon Destiny
Eva Silver - Seikon no Qwaser
Eiko - DearS
Fūka - Naruto Shippuden
Hazumi - Bleach
Hibiki Tsukahara - Amagami
Itoko Osakabe - School Rumble
Jami - Nurarihyon no Mago
Jura Basil Elden - Vandread
Kaldina - Tsubasa Chronicle
Kasumi Kurenai - Seraphim Call
Katoruku - Monkey Typhoon
Koji Imai - Kyō no Go no Ni
Lisa - Lunar Knights
Lebreau - Final Fantasy XIII
Luka Megurine - Crypton Vocaloid2 CV03
Maika Mizukoshi - Da Capo II
Malina - The Emperor's New School (Japanese voice-over)
Mavi - Luminous Arc
Misae Munakata - Muv-Luv, Muv-Luv Alternative
Misuzu Kusakabe - 11eyes
Mizuki Tachibana - Gravion, Gravion Zwei
Momoyo Kawakami - Majikoi - Oh! Samurai Girls
Motoko Aoyama - Love Hina, Love Hina Again
Nagi Kirima - Boogiepop Phantom
Natose - They Are My Noble Masters
Nel Zelpher - Star Ocean: Till the End of Time
Nesty - UFO Ultramaiden Valkyrie
Priss S. Asagiri - Bubblegum Crisis Tokyo 2040
Rider - Fate/stay night (TV)[1]
Riserva Chianti - Galaxy Angel (game)
Rolf - Fire Emblem: Radiant Dawn
Rondo - Eternal Sonata
Rumi - Immoral Sisters
Runessa Magnus - Magical Girl Lyrical Nanoha Strikers Sound Stage X
Sakaki - Azumanga Daioh
Sanae - Samurai 7
Sarah Pando - Märchen Awakens Romance
Satsuki Shinonome - Koi to Senkyo to Chocolate
Sefuru - Harukanaru Toki no Naka de Hachiyō Shō
Shalua - Dirge of Cerberus: Final Fantasy VII (Japanese, game)
Shinobu Miwa - RahXephon
Shiris - Record of Lodoss War: Chronicles of the Heroic Knight
Sho Tachibana - Shin Getter Robo vs Neo Getter Robo
Taichi Kimura and Tongari-Kun - Tottoko Hamutaro
Tsugumi Higashijujo - Cyber Team in Akihabara
Tsugumi Komachi - Ever 17 (Japanese, game)
Tsukushi Kinoyama - Konjiki no Gash Bell!!
Wooty - Junk Force
Yuki Mitani - Hikaru no Go
Yuri Matoba - Detective Conan: Tsuioku no Mirajiyu (Japanese, game)

I had the pleasure of being the moderator for Asakawa-san's panel at New York Comic Con this year. Here we are during rehearsals.

A full house for Asakawa-san on the day of her panel!

Was a great panel! Asakawa-san usually does her panels in Japanese but I convinced her that she should do it in English - and she did! You can see some recordings of the panel over at YouTube.

Asakawa-san has a gorgeous smile!

QA time.

Group photo with Asakawa-san.

A couple of photos in the green room.

Asakawa-san spends time with Yuki-chan.

This is what always happens though. For some reason, seiyuu like to check the pantsu and oppai of my girls ^^;

Then its out to spend the evening in New York with Asakawa-san and the gang. This photo taken when we went up the Rockefeller Center. New York photos coming soon ><

Snap! Will be working with Asakawa-san on some projects in the near future.

Sword Art Online anime ended with the 25th episode in Japan last month but fans of the heroine Asuna [あすな] will be able to re-live the scenes from the anime by getting their grubby mitts on a figma of her by Max Factory.

• Product Name: Figma Asuna
  
• Series: Sword Art Online
  
• Scale: Non
  
• Material: PVC, ABS
  
• Height: Around 135mm
  
• Spec: Painted, articulated
  
• Sculptor: Max Factory - Masaki Asai
  
• Release Date: June 2013
  
• Retail Price: 3,800 yen

Head along to Good Smile Company for more info about Asuna.

If you are interested in pre-ordering Asuna then check out the following trusted online retailers.

• http://www.1999.co.jp/eng/
  
• http://www.amiami.com
  
• http://hlj.com
  
• http://jlist.com
  
• http://kidnemo.com
  
• http://toylet.net

And for those who are not familiar with Asuna or Sword Art Online then check her out in action in the video below. If the video has been eaten then check out this search query on YouTube.

These photos of Asuna taken at the Good Smile Company HQ!

Mmmmmm.

One of the cutest coolest figma's I've clapped eyes on.

Asuna's serious face part is most coolsome.

And this is what Asuna would look like on yer desk.

Read more about Mirai Suenaga >>>

More life in Japan with the "Japan in the Winter" series. Today we take a look at Harajuku where you can find the latest trends in fashion, food and accessories for young folks - in particular high school girls. To get to Harajuku, get off at Harajuku station on the JR line or Omotesando station on the Ginza, Chiyoda or Hanzomon line.
[gmap=35.670194, 139.702690]

Photos in this post taken before Christmas.

And you can check out what Harajuku looks like in the Summer!

A list of the Japan in the Winter photo posts below.

And a list of Japan in the Summer posts listed up below.

Read more about Mirai Suenaga >>>

Its been snowing in Japan a lot and we got a load of snow around the Yokohama and Tokyo area. Tokyo had 8cm of snow while Yokohama had 14cm. Some places in Japan got 40cm of snow within 24 hours. Many flights were cancelled and trains grounded to a halt just like the ones in this photo.
The rest of this post is filled with snow photos around the residential areas. Has it been snowing in your neck of the woods?

The Yamate Shotengai.

The Negishi Forest Park.

Find out more about the Culture Japan girls >>>

Tis freeezing in Japan at the moment! But thats one of the great things about Japan - the 4 very distinct seasons. Today the Japan in the Winter theme continues and we take a look at the area called Odaiba - an entire city built on reclaimed land.

Situated in Tokyo Bay, Odaiba is filled with many entertainment facilities which range from arcades, cinemas, restaurants, shops and theme parks too. Odaiba is also home to the 1:1 scale Gundam which I hope starts to be recognized as a landmark. Gundam is now located outside Diver City.

There are a few ways to get to Odaiba - you can take the Rinkai line [りんかい線] and get off at Tokyo Teleport station [東京テレポート駅] or take the Yurikamome [ゆりかもめ] and get off at Daiba station[台場駅].

Below is a map of the Odaiba area.
[gmap=35.62850, 139.77751]

Odaiba Decks entertainment facility.

Around New Years Holiday, you will see a load of "Kadomatsu" [門松] placed in front of homes and stores.

Odaiba Takoyaki Museum located inside Decks for all Takoyaki fans.

Aqua City - another entertainment facility. The cinema is located in this one.

The Fuji TV building.

Venus Fort - designed to resemble a 17th - 18th century European city, the place opened back in 1999 inside Palette Town and the original concept was that it was to be a theme park for ladies.
These days however, Venus Fort is filled with not only stuff for the ladies but also for Men and Hideyoshi's too.

Venus Fort is located in the Odaiba area and you can get there by getting off at the Tokyo Teleport station on the Rinkai line which you can get from JR Yamanote Osaki.
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A whole photo article on Venus Fort lives here.

Inside Diver City.

A book for Gundam fans studying English.

And you can check out what Odaiba looks like in the Summer!

A list of the Japan in the Winter photo posts below.

And a list of Japan in the Summer posts listed up below.

Read more about Mirai Suenaga >>>

Just came back from being in Asia for a month and got a load of event coverage to catch up on including Culture Japan Night KL, Culture Japan Night Penang, Culture Japan Night Bangkok, Thailand Game Show and Thailand Toy Expo. Unfortunately I've not been feeling too good - been running non stop since last June and something just broke ><
The doctors put the stop on me with a load of medicine and am trying to stay away from the computer while I mend hence the slow updates - but posting stuff to my Facebook, Instragram and Twitter is something I can do while in bed ^^;

First up we take a look at just some of the cosplay from Comic Fiesta - there was a load more but this is all I managed to get on my camera ><
Firstly I would like to thank all the Mirai Millennium cosplayers who showed their support - it means a lot to me! I want to make it up to all cosplayers worldwide who show their support - just need to think of how ^^

Will be posting more from Comic Fiesta - meanwhile other CF related photo posts listed up below.

While I didnt manage take many cosplay photos, Studio Omoshiroi did capture many of the cosplayers in action - check out the video below.

Read more about Mirai Suenaga >>>

And here is the coverage of the exhibition hall at Comic Fiesta - Malaysia's longest standing ACG (Anime Comics Games) event that takes annually in December.
It was my first time attending CF and was surprised to see just how huge it was in terms of space and attendees. CF had a load of guests which included RedJuice and Bless4.

I also brought along a couple of names in the anime industry including Bushiroad and Good Smile Company. If I'm still alive this December then I'll be sure to attend again and make sure that I bring in more Japanese content and wot not.

Studio Omoshiro made a nice Comic Fiesta x Culture Japan intro for us which you can take a gander at below.

Together with RedJuice-sensei! This post contains more photos like this taken in the guest room.

The good looking lads and ladies of Bless4.

And photos of my booth are in a separate post which lives here.

Thank you to all who came to listen to my talk!

OK - I'm going off to prepare the other backlog of photo posts and leave you with the wall of photos. Other Comic Fiesta related photo posts listed up below and the Comic Fiesta Facebook has other coverage too.

Read more about Mirai Suenaga >>>

Culture Japan Night Kuala Lumpur took place at Menara PGRM on the 27th December 2012 and was attended by a ton of comrades! We had the usual shenanigans - cosplay, live anisong, moekana tournaments and networking. Little Akiba also attended to show us their goodies.

Had an awesome time meeting everybody - thank you all for coming! If you see yourself in any of the following photos then be sure to photo annotate yourself ^^

Read more about Mirai Suenaga >>>

Photos of Insane Black Rock Shooter taken at the Good Smile Company headquarters. Awesome sculpture but you will need a lot of space to display her - she's a biggie! Retails for 13,800 yen and will be out this June. More details at GSC.

If you are interested in pre-ordering Insane BRS then check out the following trusted online retailers.

• http://www.1999.co.jp/eng/
  
• http://www.amiami.com
  
• http://hlj.com
  
• http://jlist.com
  
• http://kidnemo.com
  
• http://toylet.net

And this is what she would look like on yer desk.

And here are photos of what she looked like just before a lick of paint. She was sculpted by a Chinese sculptor who is a full time employee for the Good Smile Company Shanghai offices.

And here is some of the other BRS stuff that was taken at a previous Wonfes along with the unpainted Insane BRS.

There is a poll embedded in this article.

Other Wonfes coverage below.

Find out more about the Culture Japan girls >>>

As part of the Comic Fiesta festivities, there was a fanart countdown where folks submit their artwork of the Comic Fiesta mascots Tea and Coffy. For CF2012 however, I was most humbled to see so many decided to include Mirai Suenaga in their work!

Comic Fiesta chose 20 folks from this pool and we gave them some Moekana T-shirts. I do want to thank everybody who included Mirai in their artwork which should be somewhere below - if not please shout out!

First up is some Gangnam shenanigans by artist KaiE
Website: http://sohai9132.deviantart.com/& https://www.facebook.com/KaiEsoh

Artist: Kaze-Hime
Website: http://Kaze-Hime.com

Artist: Yooani
Website: http://yooani.deviantart.com/

Artist: starstray
Website: http://starstray.deviantart.com/

Artist: Engkit
Website: http://engkit.deviantart.com/& https://www.facebook.com/leongengkit

Artist: Loo
Website: http://looawesome.deviantart.com/

Artist: Neuro
Website: http://neurzero.deviantart.com/& http://www.pixiv.net/member.php?id=1302712

Artist: Sanmo
Website: http://sanmoe.deviantart.com/

Artist: veleries
Website: http://veleries.deviantart.com/

Artist: teohcheeeing
Website: http://teohcheeeing.deviantart.com/

Artist: Allories.L
Website: http://www.facebook.com/allories.limsinyih

Artist: Yun-Afezeria
Website: http://yun-afezeria.deviantart.com/

Artist: Chocosweet
Website: http://rainny311.deviantart.com/& http://www.facebook.com/chocosweet.rainny

Artist: Chi
Website: http://arielucia.deviantart.com/

Artist: 喜薇

Artist: AC

Artist: Doneplay
Website: http://doneplay.deviantart.com/& http://www.pixiv.net/member.php?id=2517840

Artist: Alvin Chow

Artist: Miychi & kapaww
Website: http://miychi.deviantart.com/& http://kapaww.deviantart.com/

Artist: Silver
Website: http://silverfox5213.deviantart.com/

Artist: LWY
Website: http://digitalcoo.com/

Artist: Yuan3
Website: http://yuan3.deviantart.com/

Artist: Cantabile
Website: http://cantabile94.deviantart.com/

Artist: Cantabile
Website: http://cantabile94.deviantart.com/

Artist: Akira_yuu
Website: http://www.pixiv.net/member.php?id=1376967

Artist: Heby
Website: http://www.shrimpheby.deviantart.com/

Artist: Cocefi
Website: http://coco-n-cream.tumblr.com/

Artist: Syku
Website: http://www.sykuart.com/& http://sykugen.deviantart.com/

Artist: Konifia
Website: http://konifia.deviantart.com/

Artist: Mushi23
Website: http://mushi23.deviantart.com/

Artist: Mitsukiven
Website: http://mitsukiven.deviantart.com/

Artist: Kai Kuroi
Website: http://kuroikai-tmk.deviantart.com/& http://www.pixiv.com/users/4610222

Artist: Sakurai Kaito

Artist: Tin@Leader
Website: http://lightingsaber.deviantart.com/& http://www.pixiv.net/member.php?id=2386203

Artist: Maru Lee

Artist: Fenrixion
Website: http://fenrixion.deviantart.com/& http://furaffinity.net/user/fenrixion

Artist: CZ Xing
Website: http://xing0206.deviantart.com/

Artist: PandaYue
Website: http://jvladoka.deviantart.com/& http://www.youtube.com/user/pandayue0612

Artist: Jeii
Website: http://jeii-chan.deviantart.com/

Artist: Kuehsy 懸之越映
Website: http://kuehsy8.blog131.fc2.com/

Artist: Satsuki Kyo
Website: http://satsukikyo.deviantart.com/

Artist: Hyamei
Website: http://hyamei.deviantart.com/& http://abbydraws.tumblr.com/

Artist: Ilurisa
Website: http://ilurisa.deviantart.com/& https://www.facebook.com/suwa.caroline

Artist: pandayuki94
Website: http://evaproduction.deviantart.com/

Artist: BookTown
Website: http://futsuki.deviantart.com/

Artist: Chiaki-Chan

Artist: Yurkary 素羽
Website: http://yurkary.deviantart.com/

Artist: Aki
Website: http://aki95.deviantart.com/

Artist: Jason C.
Website: http://escar.deviantart.com/& http://onlyparkland.blogspot.com/

Artist: Jasphere
Website: http://jasphere.deviantart.com/

Artist: Rine
Website: http://icewinx.deviantart.com/

Artist: Phan
Website: http://phantomscythe666.deviantart.com/

Artist: Reiko
Website: http://asahirureiko.deviantart.com/& http://www.anipan.com/5391

Artist: 戈薇

Artist: Kaz Kazuaki
Website: http://panda-prodigy.deviantart.com/& http://kazkazuaki.deviantart.com/

Artist: Christine
Website: http://peejun.deviantart.com/

Artist: Xsaye
Website: http://xsaye.deviantart.com/& http://facebook.com/xsaye

Artist: Finni
Website: http://finni.deviantart.com/

Artist: YouShi
Website: http://harryyong.deviantart.com/

Artist: SwaNamimi
Website: http://swanamimi.deviantart.com/& http://www.pixiv.net/member.php?id=272956& http://www.anipan.com/1625

Artist: zfoo
Website: http://zfoo.deviantart.com/

Artist: autome
Website: http://autome.deviantart.com/

Artist: Adiosu Mura

Artist: Ayano
Website: http://ayano94.deviantart.com/

Artist: Scull
Website: http://markcw.deviantart.com/

Artist: Natsupi
Website: http://natsupi.deviantart.com/

Artist: REManiac aka 校長
Website: http://remaniac.deviantart.com/& http://www.pixiv.net/member.php?id=3116983

Artist: Slime
Website: http://blackieslime.deviantart.com/

Artist: TwoTonneTuna
Website: http://twotonnetuna.cghub.com/

Artist: Woon Bing
Website: http://katzai.deviantart.com/

Artist: Shixye
Website: http://mydailybedhair.blogspot.com/

Artist: Osamau 八葉草
Website: http://osamaujunk.deviantart.com/

Artist: PT
Website: http://paintrigger.deviantart.com/

Artist: naznazie
Website: http://naznaz95.deviantart.com/& http://www.pixiv.net/member.php?id=2338076

Artist: Charlotte~Q
Website: http://sylphinaedenhart.deviantart.com/

Artist: Troy

Artist: Ryouhora
Website: http://pchaness.deviantart.com/

Artist: Aiko188
Website: http://aiko188.deviantart.com/

Artist: Nazgullow
Website: http://nazgullow.deviantart.com/

Artist: etto-sama
Website: http://etto-sama.deviantart.com/

Artist: Layna
Website: http://laynafeynreique.deviantart.com/& http://laynart.tumblr.com/

Artist: Bowlfish

Artist: Riyuel
Website: http://riyuel.deviantart.com/& http://facebook.com/riyuel.2301

And last up is work by artist: Aya-Ka.
Check out other related Comic Fiesta posts listed up below.

We hunt for Mirai fanart that has been tagged "Mirai Suenaga" on Pixiv and Deviantart and pin them on Pinterest - if you have Mirai fanart - make sure its on either one of those sites and tag it properly ^^

Read more about Mirai Suenaga >>>

Its been 5 months since we last took a look at Shibuya - it was sweltering back then but its freezing right now slap bang in the middle of Winter.
If you are visiting Tokyo then Shibuya is certainly a place that you dont want to miss - filled with energy and home to the busiest crossing in the world. Get off at Shibuya station on the JR line and just wander around to start exploring!

First photo - Shibuya crossing. These photos taken before Christmas by the way.

This photo taken about 20 years ago in the same spot at Shibuya crossing - you would have already seen this photo in the How Discovering Japan Changed My Life post.

Going to leave you to the rest of Shibuya to wander around - enjoy!

Which do you prefer ladies - 2D or 3D?

Never did get round to seeing the Richard Gere flick Hachi - how was it?

View of Shibuya crossing from the Starbucks.

Shibuya 109 - everything for the ladies and the only thing for men are toilets.

Order cinema tickets online and pick up here. Standard seat tickets typically cost roughly 1,500 yen - 2,000 yen. How does that compare to your neck of the woods?

What Japanese folks eat for new year - read all about Osechi here.

It says "Information Center" but they dont give the sort of information that you would be expecting - its actually for folks who are looking for some hanky panky...

Lawsons Vocaloid "Akikoloid." Who are your fave MMD modellers?

For folks who are fans of cigarettes and salt.

How many of you try out the UFO catchers when in Japan?

Are these thingies popular in your neck of the woods too?

And the green lighted hotel is where some of that hanky panky is likely to be executed ^^;

Mandarake Shibuya - I got a whole photo post on that just for you.

How many of you play instruments? The musical variety I mean - not the ones attached to your body.

At the Gunpla section in Tokyu Hands.

And here is 109 for mens - you should be able to pick up quite a few fashionable items.
There is a poll embedded in this article.

Shibuya bus terminal.

And you can check out what Shibuya looks like in the Summer!

A list of the Japan in the Winter photo posts below.

And a list of Japan in the Summer posts listed up below.

Read more about Mirai Suenaga >>>