I visited the Tobichi Store in Tokyo on September 1, 2025, to see what it was like on launch day of the next years planners. The shop opens at 11:00 AM regularly, so a friend and I decided to show up about thirty minutes before opening just in case there were lines. That was our…
Must-see retro arcade in Takadanobaba
I created this homebrew hand crossbow for a low-level character who wanted something with the feel of a laser pistol. This should work with DND 5e or 5.5. It is a +1 magical item that does radiant damage, does not use physical ammo, and can push creatures on a hit. It also has a fun…
I finally got around to visiting Gotokuji Temple, the famed “cat temple.” This was my first visit despite spending the past few years living in Tokyo.
Every raw denim head knows crotch blowout. If you’ve been wearing your denim a long time without washing, and they fit kinda tight, and the denim is pretty heavy, eventually you might get a hole in the crotch. Otherwise known as, crotch blowout. I read around online and found a patch made in the U.S.A….
Fire Emblem Three Houses for Nintendo Switch has so much voice acting. So much. The voice acting is top notch and really helps you get into the game and feel a connection with the characters.
I wanted to know more about the people behind the voices, so I did some digging to learn a bit about who voiced the coolest character in the game, Shamir. The coolest character in the game.
Note, As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. Purchases made through these links are at standard Amazon prices, so if you do want to pick something up, support the site and use a link. I’ve purchased quite a few board games for the express purchase of playing with my kid. In terms of…
f you’re into Japanese jeans, denim, and are visiting Osaka be sure to check out UES. They have jeans, of course, but also flannel and denim accessories, like pouches and caps. UES is one of my favorite Japanes denim companies (my other favorites are currently probably Studio D’Artisan and Oni Denim).
Read more for some shops and product photos.
Hive Carbon is one of my favorite board game purchases. This game is smart, relatively quick, famously durable, and aesthetically pleasing. I have enjoyed Hive with people of all ages as well as with my kid. I’ve played Hive on the table at home, in coffee shops, and in restaurants while waiting for the food to arrive. I enjoy this game so much I have two versions. I have the pictured Hive Carbon and I also have a copy of the smaller and thus even more portable Hive Pocket. When I’m at home I prefer playing with the larger set, and when I’m on the go I prefer using smaller Hive Pocket. I have the expansion packs for both, which introduce new bugs, for example the Pillbug for Hive Carbon.
If you’re into building fightsticks you might find yourself looking at Japanese websites to source your parts.
You know, those buttons from that one rare brand that you just can’t find elsewhere. Or maybe you’re going to visit Japan and want to shop for some parts so need some language help. I’m hoping this list of key vocab terms will help you out!
