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.
Crotch Blowout! Patch that denim.
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 – Shamir Voice Actress Yurina Watanabe
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.
Sleeping Queens Card Game Keeps Kids Engaged and Off Screens
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…
Visit UES for Japanese Denim in Osaka
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 – Board Game for Anywhere
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.
Fightsticks – Japanese to help your shopping
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!
Getting Started in Dungeons and Dragons as a DM
So you’ve got the itch. You’ve finally decided to run your own Dungeons and Dragons (D&D) campaign as the Dungeon Master (DM). So where to start? D&D can be a daunting hobby to get into. There are so many things to consider. Minis. Books. Dice. Storytelling. Regular preparation. And then you have to find a few more friends who are willing to come along on this long-term adventure with you! If you can get a group together and get going, the effort is totally worth it. The memories of the adventures your party will create together while playing D&D will last longer and be more vivid than any experience a video game can provide.
So what stuff do you need to get started?
DM Experience Running Bark at the Moon in DND 5e
I recently ran Bark at the Moon for a DND 5th Edition party. It was a lot of fun and the party seemed to enjoy it. Here are some thoughts on running this adventure published in the year 2000, today.
This write up does include spoilers, so if you hope to enjoy this adventure as a player someday stop reading now.
Bark at the Moon is an adventure that appears in Dungeon magazine #185, published in Feb 2010 by Robert J. Schwalb.
Visiting Iron Heart Tokyo – Denim and Flannel
I finally decided to make the trek to the IRON HEART store in Tokyo. If you live in central Tokyo the Iron Heart store location is still far. The nearest train station is Hachioji on the Chuo line. After you arrive at Hachioji station it’s recommended to take a bus, because it’s still a 55 minute walk from the station!!! You can also take a cab.
Iron Heart is famous for their tough denim, and they’re over the top heavy flannel shirts known as ultra heavy flannel.