Trip to Japan – Round 2 – Day 19 (2024)

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– A lovely late morning view of Kure, Japan. A cloudy one.

This blogpost covers the day of February 14th, while in Kure, Japan.

Woke up fairly late, at around 10 AM. Woke up late thanks to the night previous talking in two areas. Caught up on Twitter/X, Blue Archive, and Azur Lane on the dailies part. You know, the usual. I also briefly vented about both Microsoft Flight Sim about the Dune DLC, and even Fukuoka. One is probably at how scummy Microsoft is, and second is in relation to how I was denied Hakata Ramen, and maybe some other things, even if it was a mostly good stay in Fukuoka.

Washed up, readied myself, and went to train spot after constantly hearing trains rattling while sitting in my room. The muffled sound of trains running back and forth on the line. I was also suggested to visit ‘Marita Shokudo. I had some Oyakodon.

My plans were loose, yet settled on visiting navy-related museums. Trifuneyama Memorial Museum, Akishio Submarine museum (a place I failed to visit prior), and Yamato Museum for the KanColle flight deck collaboration exhibit. Everything else was bonus this day. It was also Valentine’s Day, something which hit later in the evening, something I really never focused on, not until the Yamato Promenade. A nice KanColle-Azur Lane filled day.


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] – [Day 14] – [Day 15] – [Day 16] – [Day 17] – [Day 18]


A somewhat slow morning leading into a sleepy afternoon. Just quickly trainspotting prior to heading out to do things in Kure. The mood felt different here, as it should, with me wondering what people were up to. Simple general curiousity. Assuming there are military drills going on, other people shopping, school happenings, and everything in a military-themed hue. Especially when I compared this place to Ottawa, Canada, the atmosphere and vibe was interesting. The mental exploration (culture shock) was genuinely interesting.

– Video – Catching the noon train.
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– Panorama.
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– Checking out the station’s time-table for train spotting.
– Video – A secondary attempt at capturing a train running the line from Hotel Muku.

One of the hotel staff was on the Yamato Deck (top roof) cleaning away. Gave me a neat curious smile in the “huh, neat. Congrats” kind of expression. I smiled. 🙂

Satisfied, I ventured to a highly suggested/recommended ‘Morita Shokudo’ food place. I ordered Oyakodon upon arrival, and when pointing it out on a Google search option.

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– Oyakodon.
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– Poi!

I was fairly self-concious expecting someone to note – “you’re eating food wrong” – or something to that effect. I was waiting for it, and it may have loosely happened. A guy was noted saying something next to me, things both relevant and irrelevant to myself at the very same time. It was weird. The place was however still neat, if fairly old-fashioned place. A neat place, one where the staff owner was commentating about a show on TV in an 1980’s-2000’s mannerism. Eating, standing, and commentating with quick side-notes about what was being said in an old-fashioned TV program. It was neat, refreshing. Reminded me of Europe back in the 1990’s and early 2000’s era, also when people knew how to be proper humans in Canada also back in that time-frame. Traditional mannerisms is refreshing to me, it means people are human.

I also covertly brought out Yuudachi for a quick snap of the Oyakodon meal. It was my breakfast at lunch time, and I was happy. It wasn’t necessarily filling, it however had me satisfied enough to get through the day. I was happy with the food I ate. I eventually finished my meal, as I’ve seen Japanese people nudge rice from the bowl into their mouth with chopsticks, and eventually paid. I also took a quick picture, as noted below, after having noted someone else taking pictures. It’s a very nice display.

It makes me happy seeing how openly proud Japan is, even if it’s also noted Japanese people are also quietly proud of their culture. Patriotically proud, even if it’s quietly done. Covertly, under the table, if still overly assertive. Quietly proud of their culture is also fine, and it shows. I’m happy for those people in Kure who can be honest with themselves. Many Westerners (of the political left-leaning variety especially) are as dishonest as it comes making these displays far more awesome. Seeing Japan being patriotic in varying forms means they’re still healthily true to their own humanity, and it’s awesome. Respect!

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– I love these murals. One on the way in, one on the way out. Nice.
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– KanColle! KanColle decorations on the door. It’s a bit depressing the art is being sun-faded away, as I’ve noted in Tango-Yura, and other places. Need to seek out sun-resistant displays, if possible.

Side-note: I never noticed the – “Please enter at this door” – sign. I was on a mission, and I failed to register anything else. I made note of KanColle, the various naval military pride stuff, and I was happy to be exposed to Kure’s open military pride.

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– In This Corner of the World (Film).

I initially assumed what I was seeing was related to ‘The Grave of the Fireflies’, fully ignorant of the fact more movies were made dealing with Japan’s participation in World War 2. More movies for me to check out, learn from, and see things from a Japanese perspective of things. What I admire about what I’m also seeing is how proud, open, and expressive Japan is of this, and other projects. It’s why I admire Japan as much as I do. They’re not afraid of showing off what they were a part of.

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– Various scenes from the movie, including the red building in its former colours. Even the road leading up to a place I would shortly visit.
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– Yamato manhole cover! The mighty Yamato! (Hotel ja nai!~)
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Irifuneyama Memorial Museum:

This place is a very neat place calling out to me. Might as well, especially seeing as how it’s special to both Kure and for KanColle. Anything to appease my curiousity relating to Japan history, KanColle, Azur Lane, and anything navy related. It’s neat to make note of a house dedicated to an Admiral with both Japanese and Western themes. Quite nice.

This area also contains the ‘former Kure naval arsenal clock tower’, and even the ‘Kure City Irifuneyama Memorial Hall Resting Area (separate from the former Togo Family Residence)’. And yes, I used DeepL to translate the latter to make note for blogging purposes. It’s neat looking back at Japan’s historical past, especially dedicated to their navy, Japan-Western mixes, and how things used to be. Seeing past, present, and near-future elements in play.

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– A map and a guide to make note of other tourist-related spots of interest. Sadly, I can’t visit them all. I’m on a tight time-frame, even if I’m being somewhat carefree.
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– Former Kure naval arsenal clock tower
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– A guard booth, or guard tower.
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Made my way to the proper ticket counter to purchase tickets for admission to visit the area. The residence. I was also noted in receiving a “gift” (or a “present”), something which we awkwardly hung up on. It was a weird moment, something I wish I did not question. I was confused about the whole “present” thing. It was a simple thing. A culture shock moment relating more to the museum and how they operate taking myself and the female staff member off guard. She also suggested I visit the top floor prior to heading off to the main attraction. Sure, let’s do that. Need to do what’s suggested.

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– Various ink stamp stations. Documenting each and every place I’ve been to via ink stamps. 🙂
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After roaming around the first area it was finally time to check out the main attraction, why I even purchased the ticket in the first place.

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– Cute KanColle standee.
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– Making my way to the main attraction – The hybrid Western-Japanese residence. There were also people here forcing me to hang back a fair amount for “clean” pictures without people.
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– Admiring the Mount Fuji carved on the wooden display.
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I was genuinely amazed by the mix of traditional Japanese and Western touches. How the residence contained two themes, how well kept it was, how beautiful, traditional, and attractive it was. I even had Anime scenes popping into my mind with those Japanese outer hallways, especially from the Fate/Stay Night Anime, among numerous others. Nostalgia. Even if I’m not personally familiar with them, I am still familiar with them in an Anime & Gaming manner, and it hits me hard in a nostalgic manner from that side of the perspective. I can still happily connect and relate to these Japanese historical areas from a more Anime-gaming perspective.

Next to the main residence is a structure sitting on the edge of the hill. A cliff, or whatever you desire to call it. A mini observatory looking back on Kure itself making note of modern and historical landscape changes from present and World War 2 era Kure. It even had restrooms for people to use, as others were actively using at the time. The place also had numerous various trinkets, artifacts, and artistic displays. Noteworthy stuff. And, of course, KanColle standee thanks to Kure’s affiliation to Yamato, and of KanColle. Kure built Yamato, lost Yamato, now forever memorializes it as their national patriotic symbol. It’s a beautiful place.

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– A view overlooking Kure.
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– An birds-eye perspective from the past. It’s neat how I can tell where I am, and where certain things are.
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– An old areal view of the region.
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– Fuso vase.
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– Battleship Fuso.
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– A bird’s eye perspective placed on a service door. It’s amazing how things stay both the same and change throughout the years.

KanColle Admirals may end up disliking me for sharing Azur Lane, I however have to. If KanColle refuses to allow Canadians to use AR mode, or even be an accessible game (as it once was) then I’m forced to use Azur Lane to document the beauty and historical charm of Kure, Japan, among other Japanese locations. 🙂

Seeing as how I’m taking AR mode images of Azur Lane that means I’m more at ease, more at peace with my mind. I’m not rushing, worried, or stressing about anything. I’m actually taking my time with Kure.

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– Azur Lane – Fuso (AR Mode).
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– Azur Lane – Kongo (AR Mode).
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– Azur Lane – Kaga (Battleship) (AR Mode).
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– Azur Lane – Amagi-chan (AR) with an KanColle ink stamp station and a KanColle Fairy display.
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– Azur Lane – Nagato (Festive) – (AR Mode).
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– Azur Lane – Amagi (AR Mode) – Amagi felt highly appropriate for this, especially with time as a factor.
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– Azur Lane – Hyuga (AR Mode).
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– Azur Lane – Amagi (AR Mode).
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– Kure City Irifuneyama Memorial Rest Area.

A detached structure away from the main area.

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– Azur Lane – Naganami (AR Mode).
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– Azur Lane – Niizuki (AR Mode).
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– Azur Lane – Niizuki (AR Mode) – Sitting on tatami.
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– Kure City Art Museum Annex

From here, I desired to head towards Kure’s Yamato museum for the KanColle flight deck exhibit. Even though I knew my way around I was heading one way, deciding to go around another way. I made an awkward backtracking while enroute to the Yamato museum.

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– Former Kure Navy Petty Officer’s Meeting House (Aoyama Club).
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– Making note of military base warning signs. (No flying R/C vehicles and drones in the proximity of military base.)
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– Flying a drone (or R/C) can result in 1 year jail time and 500,000 yen in penalties. Or both.
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– And that’s why I’m here! For the KanColle flight deck exhibit.
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– What a glorious sight. Submarine Akishio.
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– Blurry view of a submarine’s stern.
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After not seeing an open ink stamp station (out in the open) I had to ask the clerk at the tourist help desk. She provided me the hidden ink stamp, possibly even pondering about where I came from.

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– Translating certain specific information signs. Yamato, the pride and joy of Kure, Japan. Also notes Nagato, Akagi, and others.
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– Admiring the beauty of floor light displays.
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– RIMPAC.
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– HMCS Vancouver & HMCS Winnipeg! Proudly Canadian!

Oh, how I wish for Canadians to be properly represented in both KanColle and Azur Lane. That’s my one major wish and desire. Proper Canadian representation via shipgirls fighting against their foes. Fighting a good fight! 🙂

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– (Fighting the glare of the lights on a shiny display.)
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– (Fighting the glare of the lights while taking pictures of proudly Canadian pair of warships.)
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– Canada! ‘Presented on the occasion of the Canadian Navy Visit.”

Beautiful!

HMCS Terra Nova, HMCS Restigouche, HMCS Provider, HMCS Gatineau.

I can’t help it, but strongly desire my Canadian shipgirls in KanColle & Azur Lane, more so after seeing Canada proudly displayed in Kure’s maritime navy museum.

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– A Sonar device, especially one resembling a video game version of a ‘Kirov’ airship in a game called ‘Red Alert’.
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– “Kirov, reporting.” – Red Alert games.
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– Cute.
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– Vice-Admiral Bob Auchterlonie, Commander of the Joint Operations Command, visited the Kure district, October 22, 2022.

More Canadian awesomeness. Nice! I’m glad everything is in a more positive and neutral tone like this, and genuinely nothing to do with our Dictator-wannbe, Dictator PM Justin Trudeau. Everything else makes me truly happy, proud, and genuinely patriotic to be Canadian.

o7
(Salute emoji).

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– An image for an Australian friend I know from the VRChat community. Welcoming ceremony of Warramunga.
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– Submarine Activities.
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– Canada! (Canadian military pins.)
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– Hard to put into perspective how massive these torpedoes are. I was even shocked how massive they were during World War 2, especially in a WW2 navy game called ‘Silent Hunter 3’ where you command German U-Boats sinking merchants.
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– Drone Anti-Submarine Helicopter.

Now to travel into the submarine Akishio.

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– Blurry image. Was desiring to focus on something specific, something I believe I missed. It captured something other, or I may have captured an image needlessly quickly. It was a very packed place, as you could expect. Other people behind me.
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– Viewing from the periscope.
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There were certain images I was fighting to obtain, especially when others would follow the route. I wasn’t trying to be rude, though it probably came off as such with how persistent I was in obtaining certain photos. Waiting in certain areas, or focusing on other things while waiting. I desired to obtain images of specific screens, those which may end up being blurry images now with how forced they became.

I’m also left pondering how guides attempted to nudge me out of the submarine by telling me to keep moving forward. Follow the route to head out, if in a possible semi-annoyed manner, or maybe polite formalness related to being on the job. Whatever it was, I still enjoyed my time there. I genuinely hope I wasn’t perceived as rude. I only have a certain amount of time in Kure, in Japan, and I desired to make the most of it. I can’t go back and correct my mistakes. I had to be a tiny bit assertive, a tiny bit “rude”, as older Japanese locals have perceived me as such (mainly thinking back to my 2023 trip in Ueno at a Ryokan).

I genuinely enjoyed my time at the museum, I however still had a bit more to explore. The final bits, the museum gift shop, and then to hastily make my way to the Yamato museum prior to it closing for the day.

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– A beautiful view of submarine Akishio.
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– Uniforms used in popular Japanese navy museums and shows.

Ventured to the gift shop, purchasing a few local and navy related goodies during that time there. Kaga White base hat, numerous pins obtained, and lovely Kure related only goodies were obtained. Spent a long while here, possibly irritating a bored gift shop clerk. If I annoyed you, I’m sorry. The sweater sizes were also too small for me. Not seeking XXL, only XL, or simply L. Many were M & S in size, hence why I lingered for as long as I had.

Slowly made my way out of the museum, even being thanked by a military guy for having visited the museum. My pleasure. I may have been sleepy in acknowledging your formalities, it however was indeed my pleasure of being there. Thanks for having me, allowing me to learn more about the naval history in a Japanese perspective. Thanks for allowing me to learn more.

o7
(Salute emoji.)

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– Former Kure naval arsenal big lathe.
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– Now onto the main event, and why I also ventured to Kure.
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– More KanColle related ink stamps for me. 😉
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– Azur Lane – Miyuki (AR mode) and KanColle’s Fairy.
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– Azur Lane – Yuudachi (AR Mode).

Purchased my tickets for both exhibits – Yamato & KanColle Flight Deck collaboration exhibit. The staff, as previously noted (2023), were overly kind initially guiding me around as to where to go. Happily admiring the exhibit thanks to the positive vibes. Flight deck exhibit first, Yamato exhibit second.

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I made one major mistake. What mistake? I forgot my earbuds back at my hotel, back at Hotel Muku. I realized where it was….. on the “desk” portion embedded into the wall. I could even mentally picture exactly where my earbuds were sitting, especially after thinking I wouldn’t need it. Just sitting on the wooden desk piece embedded into the wall. My mood dropped. I had to enjoy the exhibit without the KanColle voice-overs. *sad face*.

I need to make the most of my time here now…

Oh, I don’t need earbuds“, I said to myself earlier that day…. I won’t need it…. Yes I would! I 100% would require my earbuds, the same ones left at my hotel. The level of my regret. The thought of me forgetting my earbuds at the hotel annoyed me all throughout the exhibit. 🙁

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– Kaga & Akagi noted in their old and new flight-deck configurations.
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We weren’t allowed to take pictures or videos of the video presentations. It made me sad, also forgetting what was even displayed on there. I can’t even recall what was on the screen. Everything that took place is stuck in time in that specific timeframe.

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– Azur Lane – Taihou (AR Mode) – Of course I had to make note of Taihou, she’s one of my favourite shipgirls from both KanColle and Azur Lane. 😉
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– Additional blueprints on the upper “ceiling” area.
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– A neat cut-out; The inner workings of an aircraft carrier.
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I’m at the point where I feel it’s intentional in how the lighting is purposely tuned in making photography difficult to take. Everything is bright to the point it makes taking images of museum related displays overly tricky. Why take pictures? To look back at various awesome historical displays, even to recall forgotten memories.

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– It’s neat how you can see the varying scales of the flight deck in the background, and the interactive flight deck in the foreground. What’s missing is actual KanColle characters and displays.
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Satsified, I gradually made my way out of the exhibit. I was making sure I didn’t miss out on anything, looking back, and feeling a bit sad I was unable to listen to the explanation of each display. I had to listen to the KanColle display after the fact, as provided by a good KanColle Admiral friend I befriended in Japan. Thank you!


The Mighty Yamato:

Hello, Yamato! I’m back! Miss me? I missed you, that’s for sure. Your grand size still amazes me, even after the fact. Skimming the exhibits this time around, even going down memory lane from my 2023 trip.

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– Even in model format she’s still highly impressive. Even at this scale she’s highly impressive, commanding respect.
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– Yamato’s gorgeous stern. Not trying to be perverted, she however does have a lovely beautiful rear-end.
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– Azur Lane – Taihou (AR Mode) – Taihou desired to say “Hello” again.
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– Azur Lane – Taihou (Muse) – Taihou and Yamato’s stern.
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– Azur Lane – Taihou-chan (AR mode).
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– Azur Lane – Taihou-chan (AR Mode) – This one actually makes me laugh because of sizing, contrast, and how well she blends in with the shells.
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– Yamato’s Promenade Deck, as seen from inside the museum.
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– I was genuinely afraid of dropping my phone at this point. A proper image like this had me hanging my camera off the side of the railing.
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– The mighty look at Mighty Yamato, Japan’s pride and joy. It appears even if I dropped my phone it would lend in the safety netting before. Seems like this happened before, and I was simply more skilled than others. *jokes*.
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– Greetings! We meet again, young lass. Glad to see you working hard, especially for KanColle’s sake. 😉
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– Azur Lane – Yuugure (AR mode).
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– Azur Lane – Kasumi (AR Mode) – She’s my favourite shipgirl in the Azur Lane game. Favourite destroyer thanks to her foxy ‘Kitsune’ nature.
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– Azur Lane – Noshiro (AR Mode).
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– Azur Lane – Sendai (AR Mode)

If it makes my KanColle Admirals feel better, I do prefer KanColle’s Sendai over the Azur Lane version. Same with Warspite, Shouhou, and a few others. Granted, Azur lane has many shipgirls to choose from, ones which KanColle also fails on. We can cherry pick, admire, and enjoy two cakes, both cakes being both KanColle and Azur Lane. They’re both awesome shipgirl games, one with Kanmusu, the other with KAN-SEN.

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– Azur Lane – Yura (AR Mode).
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– Azur Lane – Tosa (AR Mode).

Why the batch of Azur Lane AR Mode? Just making my time here worthwhile. Granted, I should have been taking more of these sorts of AR photos on the first floor with the actual Yamato display. Other types of shipgirls also.

Satisfied, I went to the gift shop to purchase more Yamato-related goodies. Actual Yamato sweater, among other nice stuff.

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– Oh, I can’t eat here. It’s closed.
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– Dog walking through a gate from one side of the park to the other.
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– Overlooking Yamato’s front deck promenade area.
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– One of the secondary guns displayed.
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– The glorious bow of Yamato, even if it’s a loose representation of her bow.
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– The ‘ONE’ ship swapped out for an MAERSK owned ship.
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– It’s noted in my log this may have been DD-105 Inazuma in the repair dock this time around. If not, it may be Samidare.
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– Looking back the way I came.
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– Yuudachi and Suisei making note of Yamato & MAERSK.
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– POI! POI!
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– I noticed something, it noting ‘Toho’?
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– Samidare, eh? I know an American KanColle Admiral who admires Samidare, even having visited her grave stone. He (Technohornist) strongly desires Samidare to obtain more seasonal outfits in KanColle, something KanColle refuses to do for strange, and needlessly stubborn reasons.
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– Toho the tug.
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– Harima. She appears to be an overly neat vessel, one I should actually learn more about.
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– One of those iconic Kure ferries coming to and from the area.
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– Attempting some “artistic” photography.
– Video – Japanese Ferry boat coming in for docking.
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– A few guys spotted sitting up on top, something I probably should have done later in the night. Wish I knew how to get up there, or fumbled my way up there.
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– Making note of the docking Ferry.
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– Yamato’s anchor.
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– Making note of a possible tour boat off in the distance.
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– Lovely boats in the area.
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– Sea Paseo 2
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– It’s always neat to see vehicles being transported from one region to the next. Seeing how Japan functions is always neat.
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– Ferry unloaded, possible tour boat (or harbour pilot/security) roaming around the Ferry.
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– The other incoming Ferry.
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– One leaves, the other arrives. (Artistic shot attempt)
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– The glow of the harbour area is neat. Seeing boats in motion has me all hyped up.
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– Beautiful!
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– Touristy tour-guide boat confirmed. Kure’s military navy tours are still ongoing. I’m amused to see Kure’s mascot on the boat.
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– Off goes a scooter, to wherever the guy desired to go.
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– Lovely navy-themed barriers. Yamato uses these shells in KanColle while being escorted by two destroyers. KanColle uses them for Anti-Aircraft operations.
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– A night-time view of the anchor and anchor mooring line hooks.
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– Kure city & Yamato themed mailbox. Nice!
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Using the overly handy foot path bridge to make my way back to Hotel Muku. I had to rush back to charge my phone, also because my power bank also died shortly prior, or even during this photo. Too many images, too many Google maps moments making my way around Kure, Japan. I had 15% left on my phone charge.

Noted in stopping at a Konbini to have a corndog, Milk tea, and green tea (Ito En).


Hotel Muku Pitstop:

I had to rush back to the hotel to charge my phone at 15%, or less. Dangerously low. Charging both my wireless power bank and my phone, also playing Azur Lane and Blue Archive during that same period. That, and KanColle for the Valentines Day vibes seeing as how I’m in Kure, a KanColle hub of Japan.

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– Happy Valentines Day from Azur Lane. HMS Formidable gifting me her lovely gift & TB being her cute self. Busy schedule? Exploring Kure is my busy schedule, and I’ve seen it through. 😉 (I wish shipgirls were real, would make things far more interesting.)
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– Azur Lane’s Project Identity: TB additional information.
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– Happy Valentine’s Day from HMS Fortune. Singing chocolate Pop candy? I’m now curious. If she was real it would make things far more interesting. 🙂
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– Valentine’s Gift from Formidable. Yay!~
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– This PVP battle was strange in Azur Lane. One of the few moments Shinano actually fought to the bitter end, especially to KO Anchorage on the other side. This battle was sped up, and it still took a very long time to complete. Shinano done awesome.
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– Checking out my KanColle Valentines Day gift, the rare time I’m actually on kanColle now.
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– Highly disappointed Kongo isn’t in her “Burning Love” outfit to share her burning Valentine’s Love for myself, and other Commanders. KanColle has failed us. Still admirable, if highly faulty.
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– My fluffy cloud, Murakumo! How adorable! <3
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– KanColle’s Shiranui in her V-Day outfit.
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– Blue Archive – “Can you listen for once?!” – Saving this for an internet argument, for Azur Lane, for KanColle, and other purposes.

Can KanColle and Azur Lane listen to proper feedback for once?! That type of thing….

(Revert Nagato META to her original form, and to release Canadian shipgirls for both KanColle & Azur Lane game. Can you make KanColle fun again?)

Can you please listen for once?!

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– Misaki get! (Blue Archive)
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– Hanako (Swimsuit) get! (Blue Archive)
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Was invited to the bar area of Hotel Muku, if briefly. Enjoyed a nice drink.

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– Hanazuki (Azur Lane) & Lemon Sake.
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– Azur Lane – Suzuya & Lemon Sake drink.

Because the female owner of Hotel Muku noticed I had nobody special during my Valentine’s Day she gifted me sake chocolate as a gift. Probably a formal gesture, if a highly thankful one. I respect the gesture. I thanked her kindly, even noting the moment with Akagi-chan from Azur Lane. A respectful moment for a lonely festive time in the world with how broken the social order is in the world, not just Japan. It includes Japan as well, sadly.

Was even asked how my travels were going, and what I was going to see next. I noted where I went, where I desired to go, and just happy exploration of Kure.

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– Azur Lane – Akagi-Chan (AR) – Sake chocolate for Valentines Day.

Thank you for the kind gesture. 🙂

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– Taihou-Chan (Azur Lane).

The mood probably soured a bit more (already on top of the whole Valentines Day festivities) seeing as how I was shortly “kicked out” after being provided a free drink and V-Day Sake candy. Unsure if it was an actual closing time, or if things were prematurely closed as to not sour the mood, it was both a happy, if still depressing moment. I wasn’t in a good mood either with the whole Valentine’s Day festivity mood kicking in during the evening and night when the mind slows down to recollect things at that point. My mind initially sidelined Valentines thanks to me happily exploring Kure on a more historical and navy side of things. It felt more of a normal day to me and I enjoyed that more than what the day represented. The whole mood was eventually highly depressing to me with how broken everything has become in the world, and not just for me.

I was left pondering (even now) if I’ve done something wrong, or if Hotel Muku’s bar actually closed when it was actually scheduled to closed. I feel as if I’ve done something wrong, something taboo in a Japanese oriented manner, something I wouldn’t initially understand as a Canadian in Japan.

When it comes to Valentine’s Day, it appears I can be happy mostly with Asian games (KanColle, Azur Lane, and Blue Archive), and with some light, and formal Japanese hospitality here and there. Small, if noteworthy gestures. Nothing to its full extend, just light gestures.


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– Somewhat dejected, not fully, I readied myself to venture out to Zampano Cafe in an attempt at trying out a KanColle-themed Pizza. I noted I desired to try a certain themed pizza the night previous. I gathered my things to head off to Zampano Cafe in an attempt to try “something” KanColle related.
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– A curious nightly walk in Kure, Japan. It’s both beautiful, if somewhat eerie at night. It has this strange vibe, something I can’t quite put into words.
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– An interesting vibe.

Zampano Cafe – KanColle Pizza Attempt:

After a decent walk to the Cafe I noticed a few local girls sitting at a table. I walked past them wondering if I could sit anywhere. Once accepted, I asked if I could have a certain KanColle themed pizza, to which I was told the pizza maker wasn’t in the kitchen anymore. Sadly, things became more awkward as I simply asked if I should stay or if I should leave in hand gestures. It was eventually understood (after a few minutes) that I can stay, so I stayed. I skimmed over the menu once more eventually seeking out ‘Salmon, Basil, Brocolli Pizza’ in the place of a KanColle themed Pizza. I found this weird. I also requested an Kaga Cocktail, and also an Salmon Carpaccio.

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– Suisei and Yuudachi on either side of the Kaga Cocktail.

To those who would question me about not interacting with the Japanese girls sitting at the table, I didn’t want to bother them, especially on Valentine’s Day. I didn’t want to get arrested in Japan either for talking with them. I don’t know enough Japanese to feel confident, nor do I desire things to go south (to go back). I desired not to be a pest, also feeling a bit horrible about possibly imposing on Hotel Muku. I was becoming slightly agitated and I didn’t want to do anything wrong in Japan with my concerns, especially when I had to take a train back to Tokyo tomorrow. I know people who would blame me for this (as they had done many times previously), hence why I’m noting it in a more “safety first” type of note. I didn’t want to rudely impose, but I had to eat something. A KanColle pizza would have been nice, but a salmon pizza is the next best thing.

If the girls desired to talk they can always come up to me. Seeing as how they didn’t I’m not going to force things, nor pressure things to work. Good things come to those who wait, and I’m not going to ruin things. I would rather focus on the food, the KanColle themed food and drinks, and to just rest up for tomorrow’s next adventure. I was also at the cafe for a decent amount of time as well so it is what it is, and I’ll leave it at that. I know certain people shall be peeved with me for not doing certain things, and I’ll let them be angry with me.

I don’t want to vent about not having a partner, the feelings however amplify on Valentines Day because of the theme. It comes out, I become highly agitated, and things are just noted in being plastic with artificial barriers. Things are supposed to be more natural when instead things behave in more unnatural manners. I’ve been dealt bad cards and I’m trying to play far better card hand types. Card metaphors are fun. Three card hands allowed me to visit Vancouver once, and Japan twice. Three “Revenge travel” card plays for health and bucket list reasonings. Away from Western Liberal political corruptions, and more time to better myself while exploring places for healthier vibes. Seeing things in their actual context. Me playing my cards allowed me to be in this very moment enjoying two nights at Zampano, and a few more days in Japan following this day in Kure.

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– Enjoying my nice Kaga cocktail drink with Suisei and Yuudachi. No harm, no foul. 🙂
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– Azur Lane’s Kaga & KanColle Yuudachi.
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– Azur Lane – Kaga. Showing off the various outfits of Kaga.
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– Azur Lane – Kaga.
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– Suisei, Kaga, and Yuudachi with Kaga cocktail KanColle drink.
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– Kaga, Kaga, Kaga. Kaga’s floofy White Base. 🙂
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– Salmon, Basil, and Brocolli Pizza.

It still baffles me how I’m allowed to have a salmon pizza, just not a KanColle themed pizza. The cook was noted in having left, so it may be a recipe thing, and I should probably leave it at that. Satisfied by the salmon pizza I took my time enjoying it. 🙂

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– Seeking out some snacks to go along with the pizza. Salmon Carpaccio for 550 yen seems good. Let’s go with it. 🙂
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– Salmon Carpaccio. Nice!
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– Azur Lane – Boise.
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– Azur Lane – Niizuki.
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Was noted I ate my food slowly, if steadily. Eating the Salmon pizza while taking small sips of the Kaga cocktail. Even slowly snacking on the Salmon Carpaccio. A few discussions were had, with the aid of Google Translate and DeepL. Just various requests, thanking for the good food, how this is my final night in Kure prior to heading to Tokyo via bullet train, and other fun topics.

It was also amusing how the owners and myself frequently spoke Yuudachi’s catch-phrase of – Poi! – every so often, possibly to the confusion to the girls at the front table. We were having the last final talks of the night with the occasional “Poi!” to be had. Poi! Poi! Poi!

Poi! Poi! Poi!

I love it when we can have fun, especially if it’s KanColle, Yuudachi, or in general. Just general fun, banter, and hilarity. Yes, I should have done better to learn Japanese, I however also used the little Japanese I had learned, in combination with Google translate & DeepL to have whatever conversation I had going.

I was also surprisingly gifted stickers of the place, from and of Zampano Cafe, also because I possibly asked for ink stamps. I was provided a few more parting gifts, and I thank them for their hospitality and their awesome food. I paid, grabbed my things, somewhat hurriedly rushing out the door. The girl closest to the door shuffled her chair in a bit and I walked somewhat hurriedly back to the hotel.

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– Lovely Kure food related manhole cover.

Side-Note: I may have forgotten to note this, I however went to a Konbini prior to heading to Hotel Muku. I had to stop at a Konbini to obtain orange juice, a sandwich, and whatever else I needed for the morning. Everything was going to be rush-rush for the next day, or so I had planned. No time to stop at a restaurant, or anything like that. I only planned for a Konbini run, train, and Tokyo.

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– Once again, the nightly mood was a bit eerie, if neat. I basically sped-walked my way back to Hotel Muku, to the top deck (Yamato Deck) to attempt capture of trains, or whatever I could.
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– Relaxing at the top floor of the hotel while overlooking a nightly perspective of Kure.

It’s a bit of a shame I woke up a bit late on this day, though expected from what happened the night before. I still had my fun capturing the train running next to Hotel Muku, also themed to the Battleship Yamato. Amused the female cleaner was amused by my capture of the train going by.

Because a KanColle friend recommended I visit ‘Morita Shokudo’, I had done so. Unsure what to obtain, I attempted to test out Oyakodon. It was suggested by Google, and maybe also by the same person who initially suggested I try out the place. It was a cool place with a neat older vibe to it. I admired the atmosphere.

Heading to Trifuneyama Memorial Museum, and seeing the murals, Anime locations from those Anime noted in the real world is awesome. It’s why I admire Japan more than Canada, especially with how honest and genuine those sentiments are. Japanese are proud of their nation, and I respect people who are honest about their emotions, something Canadians have been taught to actively shame, berate, and degrade by fake Liberal political activisms. The same ones currently, and actively running rampant in Japan in major cities. From Osaka, to Tokyo, Sapporo, and elsewhere. Same people desiring to kill of the Japanese population with fake ideals, the same people who are pro-LGBTQ, and the same people who utter the words ‘Alt-Right’ & ‘Nazi’ at your every day people. My point is, I’m genuinely happy for the Japanese people, especially those in Kure, for being honestly true to their heritage, of their Japanese background, and for being themselves. Patriotically proud of a place they call home, call Japan, and their attachment to their navy, and other similar connections. They can actually be the real people in the land they call Japan by admiring their World War 2 naval achievements. Sure, Japan lost, and they were on the Axis side, things however can be respectfully admired, and Japan knows where to draw the line.

Their museums are awesome, especially with the ink stamps. The hospitality, the way they elegantly display their museums with pride, and how you can see the “quiet pride” from Japan. It was awesome walking through historical structures, seeing how they were built, how Japan style merged with Western architecture. It was also neat seeing how Kure changed from 1930’s to the current areas. Some areas are unrecognizable, other areas being highly recognizable. Even iconic. It’s awesome seeing the mini clocktower, and other neat relics of the past.

Walking through Kure is an awesome experience. Making your way from one area to the next is mostly safe, even if some areas tend to be roughly designed, or even aged. Some areas are showing their wear and tear over the ages.

I thank those in the Akishio Submarine museum for being highly welcoming. Sure, I may have lingered too long in the submarine area attempting to capture a certain dummy screen. I’m still thankful for providing me the ink stamp, for seeing Canadian related navy stuff (obviously with the Japanese stuff), and how the navy loosely operated from the past, present, and in the near future. All generalized stuff, if new bits of information obtained from those displays. The white radar buoy with the shark face reminds me of the game ‘Red Alert’ with the Russian airship ‘Kirov’. It’s an iconic airship, one which even I can highly respect. Every time I see that object I always think of that Kirov airship. I also want to thank the military volunteer for formally thanking me for visiting the Submarine Akishio museum, even if it’s general formalities. It’s my pleasure being there, and thank you for having me.

o7 (Salute)

– Red Alert 3 – Kirov (Russian airship).

I had to revisit the Yamato Museum, especially, mainly for the flight deck exhibit using KanColle’s voice-overs for the tour. It’s mostly a flight deck exhibit with a quiet collaboration with KanColle. More KanColle character displays would have been nice. Seeing the flight decks was awesome, and especially the models. It put things into perspective. Sadly, I couldn’t document the videos plays on the TV, nor listen to the audio tour thanks to me forgetting my earbuds back at Hotel Muku.

I obtained what I desired from both gift stores, for the most part, and I’m happy with my Yamato museum. I’m also proud of having Kaga’s White Base hat and the numerous pins related to Kaga and other Japanese navy vessels. I can’t tell if certain Japanese were peeved with me, it was however nice being able to learn more and experience more on the Japanese side of things. When it comes to Azur Lane and KanColle, I’m well aware the Japanese locals would much prefer I would share KanColle over Azur Lane. I try to enjoy both KanColle and Azur Lane as two delicious cakes, KanColle being the “harder to enjoy cake”, Azur Lane being the more accessible cake. I enjoy both, and I share both. If KanColle was more respectful of people’s time and effort then KanColle would be higher up in ladder. Sure, KanColle has quality designs (for the most part), it however has many things to improve of. KanColle allowed Azur Lane to steal its thunder over stubborn, depressive, and regressive decisions. Everything is the fault of those who command KanColle. Those actively killing KanColle allowing Azur Lane to overtake KanColle’s position. #MakeKanColleFunAgain.

My phone sadly lost too much of its charge, especially with the aid of the wireless power bank. I had to charge both. I however had time beforehand to view lovely boats coming in and out of the small docking area. The lovely ferries from nearby areas, and especially witnessing trucks boarding ferries; Scooters disembarking from a ferry. Seeing Japan at work is an interesting sight. Seeing Japan working, living, breathing is a surprisingly neat sight to observe. I’ve seen my fair share of Canadian slice-of-life moments to the point seeing the way Japanese people live is highly interesting to me. It’s new, it’s fresh, and it’s an interesting learning experience. It’s nice seeing Japanese people being human.

I thank Hotel Muku for the small kind gestures throughout the trip. Vouchers for drinks, a Valentines gift with sake in it, even if the closing down of the bar area was highly awkward. I can’t tell if I’ve done something wrong or not.

A night time Kure is an eerie place. I’m sure Yokosuka has this same vibe, especially being next to a military naval base. A bit rough, somewhat run down, and a mix of specialty shops closing at more family hours. Certain places can be seen requiring a facelift at night, but that’s probably how things are next to naval bases, and such.

My final stay at Kampano Cafe was memorable, even if I was somewhat depressed about the thought of Valentines Day tainting my mood. I thank them for the Salmon Pizza, the Kaga Cocktail, and even Salmon Carpaccio. The food is great, the hospitality is on family level, and I admire how human things feel. Sure, maybe I imposed a bit too much, but I’m thankful and grateful for what I’ve experienced. Overly positive experience. Nice gifts, and even stickers. I genuinely didn’t desire to impose on the girls at the door. I didn’t want to negatively impact the girls there, especially with how they were doing their own thing, and how out of my element I was. I simply desired to be in my own KanColle & Japanese bubble, while also simply doing things as respectfully as I could at the time. No rudeness, only neutral politeness. 🙂

Lastly, to truly conclude the blog post, I genuinely enjoyed my time at Kure. Everything was neat. This day was highly rewarding, and I’m 95% satisfied with it. The 5% is the false festive Valentine’s Day vibes causing the mood to sour needlessly. Everything else was fine. Good time train spotting, museum hopping, boat spotting, and enjoying certain types of foods.

I wish I could have stayed longer to document Kure a bit better. If I’m ever allowed to return to Japan, and to Kure, I’ll attempt to capture Kure more carefully, if that’s even possible. Who knows when, and if I’m ever allowed to return to Japan. 2023 & 2024 may have been the only years I’m ever allowed to go to Japan. It may be years before I’m even allowed, or maybe never. Even so, I thank Japan & Kure for allowing me to experience things on a Japanese frequency. Thank you.


Thanks for viewing, and hope you’ve enjoyed. Hope to see you in the next blog posting.