This blogpost covers the day of February 9th, while in Sapporo & Fukuoka, Japan.
Woke up at 8:30 AM, and I slept like a log thanks to my beer drinking last night. The beer put me into a proper state of sleep. I readied myself, packed up my goods, and proceeded to check out of the hotel. On one hand I’m somewhat regretful for the trouble I’ve caused the hotel, but then again the way the hotel was hosted had me put on edge. I was relieved to head to Fukuoka to finally be able to shower properly, and to finally experience the place. Tons of people boasting how they’ve been to Fukuoka, and even how Fukuoka found itself in VRChat’s VKet event. I needed to reach Fukuoka, also mainly for the Gundam statue.
I checked out, proceeding to venture to the Susukino entrance. Basically heading the way I came when I first arrived, this time in reverse. I also sought out the station in stamps, something I eventually obtained at another end of the station, all prior to taking the train.
Japan Trip 2024:
[Day 1] – [Day 2] – [Day 3] – [Day 4] – [Day 5] – [Day 6] – [Day 7] – [Day 8] – [Day 9] – [Day 10] – [Day 11] – [Day 12] – [Day 13]
I’m going to miss the Mister Donuts, the beat boxing, and the small vibes of this place. Sapporo was neat, I however wish I done more on my Day 13th (February 8th) stay.
Came and went from a train, even having to wait at an elevator to make my way onto the top floor. I was frustratingly the “first” in line for the next round of elevator, something to which had me on edge because there was a whole line of Asian girls behind me. Escalator went up, went down, and we went in. One Asian girl also frustratingly slammed the number panel. Temper, temper.
I can’t tell if they were Japanese, Korean, or Chinese. I was still in a morning daze, and they were wearing that moody expression as if they desired to die, unhappy to be in Japan, or something. They were moody as heck. Fine, be that way…. This is why we can’t have nice things….. I was simply relieved to be out of that female-only elevator. I fled as fast I could, even thankful I was at the back to let them all go their own way before going my own way also.
I don’t want to be around moody females. Yikes……
Seeing the TV commercial, and now this, the nostalgia came back in a giant wave. I shed tears seeing the Anime & TV commercial. Thankfully, I didn’t “cry” here. I was more amazed by the Anime advertisement.
It’s Hoyoverse’s fault for not making their MMO’s Steam Deck compatible. Maybe that’s a blessing because I can play other games instead of being spread thin on these games. I can proudly play Azur Lane and Blue Archive without worries.
Sapporo Station:
Obtained my ink stamp after making my way through the gate, and to this statue. From where the person in a black jacket and red scarf can be seen. From the underground maze-tunnel. I had to use my GPS to attempt to find my way to this upper floor, something which shouldn’t have been so confusing to me. I accidentally made my way onto other floors, all prior to reaching this statue.
I eventually made my way up the proper escalator, even having used the GPS in an attempt to make my way to this main floor. It was embarrassing, and people may have noticed I was “lost”.
Making note of my transit via Google Maps. The train was packed to the brim, and I had a mother sit next to me. Kid was standing, even venturing to talk to both the mother and someone else in the seat nearby. I was simply in my own bubble, even annoyed at how packed the train was.
New Chitose Airport Arrival:
Happily obtained a few more stamps for my Ink Stamp book. Nice!
Gradually making my way to my next area I needed to be at. Yes, I also arrived fairly early in reassurance in hopes of not having to deal with any hiccups, nonsense, or delays. I always arrive earlier than needed, also because of crazy line-ups, as such was the case today. The line-up was a lengthy 20-30 minutes. Maybe even 40 minutes. Maybe that’s short in Japanese society, and even breezier when compared to needing to obtain passports & ID’s in Ottawa’s government service centers.
ANA NH 290, Gate 9 at 14:05 (14:45). 11 AM versus 1:45 PM.
Had a bit of confused assistance by the ANA staff when using the machine. Was shown how to use the label properly this time, and how to insert the baggage. Everything went smoothly. Satisfied, I lingered around the area to now obtain water at a nearby store. Even to check out the Gundam pop-up store dedicated to the recent Gundam SEED FREEDOM movie. I’m still glad I saw that movie.
Obtained a few more stamps from this Gundam pop-up place, and was even gifted a standard Gundam model kit. I was surprised, even asking if he was serious. He was, not even saying a word. Making sure I wasn’t making a mistake I took the Gundam model slowly. Japanese people are so kind, respectful, and gifting. I respect that. I really do, even if I do struggle return the favour. I always hype up how awesome Japanese people are.
As noted, I lightly explored the area. I considered venturing for more ink stamps, deciding against it to not get lost. I didn’t want to miss my flight over stupid mistakes. I bought my water, drank it quickly, and eventually went in line to make way through security. The line-up was lengthy. I even second-guessed myself in what line-up I should be in.
Security even confusingly, yet curiously examined my external wireless battery pack trying to make sense of it. Once satisfied, they eventually handed my external wireless battery pack to me. (Third image down.)
I also eventually obtained two bottles of water bottles from a nearby vending machine. Japan is awesome for their vending machines.
We eventually started boarding our plane at 1:45. A bit delayed thanks to the wintery conditions, deicing, and the state of things. I’ve even happily seen the lovely Demon Slayer themed plane. Simple, yet neat.
It’s noted in my travel log that the guy next to be was “highly curious”. He may have been observing my phone, my Steam Deck, and whatever I may have been doing. Even watching me play MineTest on Steam Deck, once we went up in altitude (cruise), and etc.
Happily arriving in Fukuoka:
I’m finally in Fukuoka, especially after seeing it through a VRChat VKet point of view. I can finally see the proper Fukuoka for myself, and in my manner. I came here mainly for the Gundam statue at Fukuoka’s Lalaport area. Even the Fukuoka Tower, and other areas.
I intentionally stayed sitting in my seat to capture this lovely ANA Star Wars livery going by. I didn’t care about people standing up, waiting to exit the plane, etc. I had to capture this Star Wars themed plane.
In the above batches of images making note of these planes I was also highly confused as to where to go. I was attempting to follow the signage to my next area, even loosely following other people. I could have screwed things up if I went to the right side, even missing the staircase. There was a “no return” signage making me highly hesitant as to where to go. I simply followed the people.
Made my way to the luggage & baggage claim area. Had to wait a lengthy while, even standing where the wall was, for my luggage. Was a very long while before our baggage’s came out. I even made note of where our area was by making sure the baggage carousel area matched the plane code of ANA NH 290. Relieved, I waited, and waited. I assumed I had taken pictures, none were uploaded to make note of the noteworthy event. Even amused by the mascot they placed to warn people of connecting flights, lost baggage, etc. Even a lots baggage still circling the carousel. There was a whole large group of people. I played both Azur Lane and Blue Archive while waiting.
Obtained one, then the other. Once obtained, a few minutes apart, I gathered my things, placed one luggage on another, and proceeded cautiously out the exit.
Went up to a service desk counter to ask for an ink stamp. Was kindly gifted one, even stamping it into my book. Satisfied, she retrieved the ink kit. Moments later a call came through asking if everything was fine, to which the service counter lady noted (in Japanese) how I was simply desiring to collect ink stamps. I also asked where to catch my train ride. I was gestured, and shown I had to go down escalators to the bottom floor. Nice!
Japan is what Canada was in the 1990-2012. Once 2017 every turned into brazen idiots. Fake Canadians pretending to be Canadians, and all this stupid nonsense making me admire, make note of, and respect Japanese hospitality all that much more. Japanese society knows how to keep things sacred, and I respect that. Canadians forgot how to be Canadians. Those pretending to be Canadians are now American political activists and illegal immigrants passing off as Canadians for political corruption, social degradation, and other nonsense.
It’s noted a chubby Japanese male nerd sat down on the train, between two Japanese females, constantly farting like a leaking pipe. Constantly farting, apologizing. The disgust on the Japanese females was clear as day. The constant farting was both comical, if disgusting. I may have had an easily seen amused face from the crazy situation.
*Fart*, “Sorry”, *fart*, “Sorry for the farting”, *fart*, “I genuinely apologize for my poor farting etiquette.“, *fart*, “I’m genuinely sorry.”
I can’t help but die laughing. Fart jokes are universal, and we all die laughing from fart jokes. The same case could be said for my own embarrassing moment in Lake Louise, Alberta where I let off the loudest fart causing everybody in the area to look in my area. I know, because there was an inch gap in the door frame area, people moving with their shadows moving. Even my friend heard me farting while taking a necessary poop in the Lake Louise tourist info center restroom. The embarrassment is real. I can however laugh at this because of how unnatural this was. It was caused by greasy hamburger food & Korean milk tea I drank in combination in Lake Louise. my coworkers even laugh about it, and I can laugh about the Japanese male nerd being a loose farting gasket needing a new seal in his bottom.
Fukuoka’s underground area surprised me. The are above looks rundown and rough, though that may be a seasonal appearance. The underground area is insanely clean, fresh, and sterile. It’s high tech, easy to understand, and highly impressive. I was highly amazed.
Transferring from the Airport Line to Nanakuma Line for Watanabe-dori at Hakata Station. Genuinely amazed by the futuristic appearance of this place.
Each station has their own neat emblem displayed at both the station and the line tracker above. I tried to force myself into the middle of the train door exits, also keeping myself out of the way out of moving foot traffic. It was insanely full.
I also spotted a few Japanese females playing Uma Musume, a gacha game for mobile phones about horse racing as human girls. Human girls, if with horse parts on them such as horse ears, tails, and such. Neat stuff! Made me recall how a Japanese friend who used to play KanColle overly seriously gave up on KanColle to migrating over to Uma Musume.
Eventually arrived at Watanbe-dori Station. I also obtained my ink stamp at that station.
Arrived at my next APA hotel, this time with an awkward check in. No info (again), needing to register myself properly. The lovely Japanese female staff asked me to input my information, something to which I was overly sluggish to do. They had to do it for me, something I felt bad they had to do. I was going to do it, I however felt slow. I still thank them for helping me out in an overly kind manner.
I was eventually checked in, made my way up the elevator, even making my way to my hotel room. Lights were dimmed, almost to indie level Japanese horror game levels. Made me slightly spooked out. This was better than the Sapporo APA hotel, by a long shot.
I opened up my hotel room’s curtains by a small amount to see the view outside. I hastily closed the curtains after noticing a Japanese cook cutting food across the street in the next window. My view was looking at other restaurant areas, cooking areas, and preparation areas. My curtains can’t be opened, not even by a little bit. They’re forced closed because of what’s on the other side.
This hotel had the appearance of a faux luxury hotel vibes with the hollow interior. Everything was rough around the edges, it however “tried” to be luxurious. It was in a far better state than what I had to stay in Sapporo.
Spent 2 hours in the laundry room catching up on Twitter, and other things. Trying to stay entertained.
I would sit, and sit here. I would occasionally nod to various Japanese guests using the area. We would nod at each other, and I admire that. Formalities are great. Sometimes wondering who owns what belongings, what machines to use, how to use them, and just generally curious. Chill vibes.
Sapporo stressed me out so much I was highly relieved I could take a proper shower in Fukuoka. I was still slightly disappointed by the shower style, it was however better than the previous. I still preferred my Ueno & Hakodate Ueno stay with a better shower layout. I was happy and proud I could take a proper shower. Upon return to the TV I noticed some overly neat Anime airing on TV.
Kagami 00 Guys Lonely Castle Movie.
There were a few others, I may have forgotten to make note of them. I watched what was airing proudly, and happily. Japanese folks were happily talking about it on Twitter/X.
I was somewhat stressed out. I happily, if curiously, played the new Azur Lane TB raising mini-game to see if I could raise her up to be a good girl. It was far more demanding than I had initially assumed. Cute, yet demanding. Grindy.
When the Japanese are in a good mood it genuinely surprises me at how receptive, kind, helpful, and gifting they are. They remind me of Canadians prior to the 2017 fake political movements, when people actually held reality and common sense in a sacred manner. People who respect tradition, hold things in a sacred view-point, and know how to be kind make everything far more awesome. I respect Japan highly solely for their kindness, if other foreigners tend to abuse it over their own idiocies, clout-chasing, and crazy nonsense. I try to be as respectful as possible. I’m a guest in Japan, and I try to be as kind and respectful as possible. Sure, I make mistakes, and I regret every social mistake I make in Japan. I at least try, especially being the socially awkward individual that I am thanks to Canadian Liberal bullying and abuse I had to go through throughout the years.
I understand if Japanese nationals are wary of us foreigners, I am of my own kind. I’m a social recluse for a reason, and it’s awkward when Japanese become more sociable than myself. It’s refreshing, yet awkward. Gifting me Gundam model kits, going out of their way to help me out, and just being overly kind is awesome. Having arrived in Fukuoka I would eventually make note of how foreigner-free the place is. It was refreshing, it was awesome. I had my own fair-share of concerns to deal with, but at least I could deal with Japan in a very Japanese mindset. I came to Japan to view Japan through a Japanese viewpoint, and I’m happy Fukuoka assisted in that.
Traveling from Sapporo to Fukuoka had me worried. I felt I was going to be stranded the past two days to this one, ANA however saved me. Two declined ticket purchased, third time is however a charm. I thank ANA highly, kindly, and loudly for being there for me in 2023, and in 2024. My experiences with ANA is highly positive. No complaints. ANA to the rescue! It’s thanks to ANA I was able to capture the Pokemon Alola Vulpix livery, the normal Vulpix version, Demon Slayer, and other neat captures. To see Fukuoka, to arrive there, and to now see Fukuoka in all its glory.
I genuinely laughed at the Japanese nerdy farting guy, even if it’s viewed as disgusting. The Japanese females were genuinely disgusted, and I understand that. No harm, no foul; Fart jokes are universally funny. The nerdy chubby guy reminded me of my accidental mishap in Lake Louise, though everything becomes comical.
I was also amused to see Japanese females playing Uma Musume, especially after seeing KanColle self-sabotage itself into an unplayable state of entertainment. People proudly, happily, and openly playing Uma Musume on the Nakakuma Line in Fukuoka. Maybe other areas as well. They were sitting, I was standing, allowing myself to document their open gameplay styles. I was able to see what games people were playing. It’s honestly sad KanColle has allowed itself to degrade so much to the point Azur Lane has to take over own-caused voids, though if that’s what C2 Production wants, that is what they shall have. My Japanese friend in Tokyo preferred Uma Musume over KanColle in 2023, and I respect that. I prefer Azur Lane over KanColle, and I understand if others bail to other more fun games. I can understand the obsession to be ‘Pro-KanColle’. The game started it all, even inspiring humanoid Castles, sword, to the point bookshops found themselves blindsided by sold out historical books being purchases on relevant topics. Sadly, all the fake boasting, and delusional reasonings to stay tied to KanColle only clouds people’s judgements. It’s fine to admire KanColle, do it healthily. Don’t give yourself a heart attack and stroke, as KanColle desires with it’s unfair RNG mechanics. It’s reassuring seeing both Japanese and foreigners bailing to healthier gaming mediums to stay happy. KanColle is one cake, Azur Lane is another cake, and I admire both of them. I may knock on KanColle, it’s however out of respect. I admire both KanColle AND Azur Lane. (#MakeKanColleFunAgain)
(I’ve also noticed a fair amount of KanColle Admirals had unfollowed me, and I understand why. I don’t really play it. I’m also highly critical of the game. I favour Azur Lane over KanColle, especially with how rigged the RNG is. That, and Twitter/X is bugged, glitching, throttled, and all that fun stuff. Combination of unfollowing and glitchiness. If people are this petty then it’s no wonder Azur Lane is taking over KanColle. Self-sabotage within the development group & the stubbornness from the “(KanColle) loyalists”, as they call them. Honesty is your best policy.)
You can still admire KanColle, especially the way I admire KanColle, by visiting KanColle-related locations, taking pictures of cardboard displays, making note of character designs, and actual positive gaming experiences. I don’t hate KanColle. I admire KanColle, and it’s because of KanColle I had visited Yokosuka, Maizuru, Tango-Yura, Kure. I even desired to visit Sasebo! It’s thanks to KanColle I even also proudly play Azur Lane as proudly as I do. Japanese KanColle Admirals may hate me for playing Azur Lane, using AR mode of Azur Lane characters with KanColle influences. They (KanColle Admirals) however have to eventually acknowledge reality by shaming C2 Production’s corrupted practices of region blocking, rigged RNG gaming mechanics, recently poor character designs, and tardy practices. I’m well aware of the fact KanColle Admirals hate me talking about Azur Lane, they however need to eventually snap back into reality themselves. They have to see things in how inaccessible KanColle has become, how unplayable, degraded, and unappealing the game has become to various people, especially when compared to Azur Lane’s more accessible state. KanColle Admirals need to admit even their fellow Japanese locals have bailed on KanColle to play more mentally healthy games. You can hate Azur Lane all you desire, you have to snap back to reality eventually by acknowleging all the correct things Azur Lane has done. If KanColle had done things properly then Azur Lane would simply be “another game”, it’s more than that now. It’s what Palworld is to Pokemon GameBoy games because both Nintendo & GameFreak can’t do things correctly. Palworld provided Pokemon trainers what they actually desired. That’s what Azur Lane is to KanColle. KanColle is highly stressful to the point loyal players have jump ship to Azur Lane, Uma Musume, and other games. Even Japanese players. Basically to other happy mediums. Escapism, such as the Japanese girl playing Uma Musume on the Nanakuma Line. I don’t want to antagonize, or anything. I’m saying this out of respect for admiring both KanColle and Azur Lane. Two delicious cakes to admire. KanColle however has to evolve, even more than just KanColle Arcade. It need to merge with Silent Hunter 3 gaming mechanics for PC Steam/DLSite accessibility. (#MakeKanColleFunAgain)
I digress about KanColle stuff. I’m happy I was able to see both Japan in its own light, as well as an Anime light. The neat Angel Beats advertisements, the neat Japanese commercials tied to realistic behaviours, how far better Japanese trains are, and how more honest Japanese folks are with various things. Seeing how every location differs from one another with their own characteristics. It however saddened me to have seen grumpy Asian females in certain areas, yet happy others were far more helpful, even more willing assist you to their fullest. It was genuinely far more morale boosting to me when I could interact with the locals with simple gestures, words, and nods. Acknowledging one another’s presence and behaviours. The locals willing to let me do things first out of kindness and respect. Sacred behaviours and tradition type things, something Canadians & fake Canadians have forgotten, even refuse to partake in. It’s refreshing and reassuring to know Japanese nationals know how to be human, something “modern Canadians” in the 2017-2024+ timeframe have forgotten. There are some, they are however being outnumbered by fake Canadians and ill-mannered Canadians. Everybody is highly brazenly idiotic in Canada making me idolize Japan all that much more, and even from personal experiences (2023 & 2024 perspectives).
Yes, I’m bias towards Japan, and for good reason. Mostly everything they do is far more genuine, more normal, and more to the point than Canada’s Communist-state seeking ideals. Japan is what Canada should be, yet refuses to be, with transit, convenience stores, hospitality, and other aspects. Canada used to be fully respectful, yet sadly hearing more and more negative news of Canadian tourists sabotaging Japan over their own brazen political-activists ideals. It was genuinely refreshing to be in a “foreigner-free” Fukuoka, and I would make note of that in the following days while in Fukuoka. It was also awesome connecting with Fukuoka via Japanese-made indie horror games type of viewpoint. The various vibes through those games allowed me to see Fukuoka from multiple angles. I would genuinely admire Fukuoka’s foreigner-free (of the non-Asian variety) social interactions. Sure, there were Chinese, Koreans, and others, and that’s fine. Experiencing Japan in a more Asian-related manner was awesome.
Japan is awesome. Thanks for having me, and for being kind and gifting to me.
(Salute emoji.)
Thanks for reading, hope you enjoyed what you saw. See you in the next Japan blog posting.