Posts in Category 'Guide'

Light Sticks

Wota weapons guide 03 February, 2012 by

This guide on concert light sticks has been in the works for a while since I wasn’t quite sure whether to push it out, but here is it anyways. This is a certain collection of common knowledge about the different types of light sticks you see people brandishing at concerts. While idol concerts primarily referenced, this information might prove even more useful for fans of other artists where such weapons of mass euphoria are not as common.
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See Singapore Pass

Now you can experience everything Singapore has to offer for less 08 November, 2011 by

If you’ve been with us for a while, you would know about the discount offers available when traveling around Japan. I always wondered why there weren’t any similar free and easy plans for when Singapore. But there is now. With the new See Singapore Pass by iVenture, you’ll an immediate discount of over 40%. Best of all, it’s not limited to tourists.
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Japan Rail Pass (JR Pass)

An all in one solution for traveling around Japan? 02 October, 2011 by

One of the most frequently asked questions on the travel forums I frequent is whether to purchase a Japan Rail Pass (or JR Pass for short). This special pass covers all transport owned by the JR company throughout the country, including unlimited free rides on the usually pricey bullet trains.
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Using Google Maps to Plan your Holiday

Plan your itinerary with this simple tool 02 October, 2011 by

Whether your destination for your next holiday is to Singapore or Japan, Google Maps makes for a great alternative to other travel programs when planning your itinerary. The combination of searchable areas of interest, simplicity of use and pain free map sharing with your friends is hard to beat. Better yet, almost everyone ought to already have a Google account and My Places, users can plan their itinerary easily using custom maps.
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Osaka Aquarium Kaiyukan

One of the largest aquariums in the world, right in the city 24 September, 2011 by

It is only appropriate that Japan, a country made up of 6,852 islands to be home to some of the largest and most amazing aquaria in the world. Kaiyukan (better known overseas simply as the Osaka Aquarium) is one of the best examples. The iconic building houses a large variety of aquatic life from the pacific region, including rare specimens that exist in in few other aquariums worldwide.
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Bario Ramen

Of the Ramen Champion Singapore 2011 17 July, 2011 by

After having introduced the general concept of Ramen Champion Singapore in the previous post, I’ll slowly be covering the six different stalls one by one. Out of all 6 stalls, one particular stall stands out for being very unique among the other more commonly seen Ramen styles that have been brought over to Singapore and that is Bario Ramen.
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Chuzenji

A full lake, waterfall and town 1,200 meters in the mountains 11 July, 2011 by

Lake Chuzenji is a large 20,000 year old crater lake located along the side of the impressive 2,486 meter tall Mount Nantei, the Tochigi Prefecture equivalent of Mount Fuji. In ancient times, mountain streams such as Chuzenji were respected and worshiped as sources of water and thus life. These days, the area is a popular retreat (particularly to local tourists) who come to marvel at the natural sights and enjoy the surrounding hot springs.
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Miyajima

The famous shrine island 09 July, 2011 by

To most people Itsukushima Island will be better known simply as Miyajima, which translates literally as the shrine island. As one of Japan’s three views and undeniably the most graphic of the three, Miyajima has become a poster child for tourism in the country. It was only necessary that I pay a visit to this world famous landmark.
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Osaka Unlimited Pass

Your free ticket to everything in touristy Osaka 23 June, 2011 by

It seems some of our readers will be headed down to Osaka in the coming months so I thought I’d save the trouble of repeating this: If you’re spending time in Osaka for the purpose of sightseeing, I cannot stress how valuable getting the Osaka Unlimited Pass is.
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AKB48 Cheer Guide: B-Sides

Detailed cheer guide for all coupling songs 18 June, 2011 by

As promised, here is part two of our AKB48 concert cheer guide. This part features sample cheers for all of the coupling songs from AKB48 singles. Due to the nature of the songs these “B-sides” often have more interesting cheers to their single counterparts.
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AKB48 Cheer Guide: Singles

Detailed cheer guide for all AKB48 singles 07 June, 2011 by

As part of an ongoing attempt to record down some concert knowledge in English, I’ll be providing a list of cheers for all AKB48 songs. To stay sane though, I’ll be splitting up the songs into different categories and staggering releases, the first being this full list of single song cheers. Will decide whether to continue depending on how well received it is.
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Member Calls

Our second in a series of guides to AKB48 concerts 29 May, 2011 by

Other than the Mix, the next most basic form of cheering during AKB48 concerts are the “member calls” (メンバーコール) shouted after one of them have just finished singing. This is a full list of AKB48 member names shouted during such situations.
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Mix

Part one of a basic guide to concerts 25 May, 2011 by

The “Mix” (ミックス) is the given name of the seemingly incoherent gibberish that is shouted at concerts for Japanese artists. It’s a fun and integral part of AKB48 performances too. Here’s a little guide for new fans looking to get started. I’ve also included some back history about the Mix, so it should still be an interesting read for more experienced fans.
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Akihabara

World famous geek paradise 26 January, 2011 by

Akihabara definitely ranks alongside Harajuku and Shibuya as the districts most recognized by tourists. There has never been any shortage of international coverage, which often plays up Akihabara (like all other featured areas) to be another strange, silly or downright crazy town. Sensationalism aside, if you’re reading this site, chances are you’re probably well familiar with Tokyo’s Electric Town. But today we take a look at the heart of Tokyo’s otaku culture.
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Meiji Jingu

Tokyo's most revered Shinto Shrine 04 January, 2011 by

The Meiji Jingu (Shrine) is Tokyo’s largest and most significant Shinto shrine. It is here that many significant ceremonies and festivities are held year round. Meiji Jingu is also a rarely passed up tourist spot for first time travelers to the city, whom in their hurry often forget to stop to reflect upon its original purpose.
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Bukit Timah Railway Station

A peek into the railway station of the past 02 January, 2011 by

Many will be undoubtedly familiar with the Tanjong Pagar Railway Station being the final bastion of old fashioned train transport in Singapore. But there exists another railway station hidden out of sight, tucked away in a corner of Bukit Timah Road waiting to be discovered by history seekers those looking to see the less urbanized side of Singapore. With a few curious friends, I made a trip down to the railway station to discover what was left of this treasure for us to embrace.
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Harajuku

Does this self declared fashion capital live up to its name? 29 December, 2010 by

Harajuku is a small section in Shibuya, made famous overseas by various depictions in popular media. Touted as a fashion capital of the world, Harajuku is said to be a mecca for street fashion enthusiasts and the heart of Tokyo’s already novel fashion trends. Those visiting the shopping district with this fictional perception might be in for a disappointment. Here’s a more realistic take.
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Buying Otaku Stuff Online

Best places to purchase Japanese media online 23 December, 2010 by

At some point of time, those that are into Japanese music or otaku interests will eventually have the need to actually purchase some original goods from overseas. Most people will already have their favorite online store which they return to. But this post is directed toward those looking for a place to start shopping for the first time. This is the low down between Yesasia vs Play Asia vs CDJapan vs HMV.
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Laksa

Peranakan style noodle soup 22 December, 2010 by

Laksa is what I consider a true-blue fusion of culture in-a-bowl. The dish has its roots as a merger of Chinese and Malay elements and is credited to the Peranakan people that have managed to flourish particularly well in Singapore and Malaysia. As one of the most iconic Peranakan dishes available, laksa is a well loved comfort food, even to those who do not have any Perankan blood running through their veins.
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Asakusa

Tokyo's most visited temple 20 December, 2010 by

For many people, Tokyo’s Asakusa district is synonymous with Sensouji, a famous Buddhist temple dedicated to the bodhisattva Kannon (Guanyin). It is sometimes referred to as Asakusa Kannon or Asakusa Temple and is often the first touristy destination for those traveling to Tokyo.
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