This blogpost covers the day of February 18th while in Tokyo, Japan. Yokosuka for Azur Lane Valentines Day event.
Woke up at 8:30 AM, even doing things at 9 AM. I woke up highly sore, highly tired from the previous day and night, even wondering about my plans for the day. Tended to Twitter/X, Azur Lane, Blue Archive, etc. The usual dailies. I would also pay for my final breakfast, something to which I noted – “I guess this is the last time I eat breakfast here” – noting both my frustration with the hipster hotel, and the final true day in Japan. Upset I had to constantly pay for breakfast, something which should be in the price.
Once readied,
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] – [Day 19] – [Day 20] – [Day 21] – [Day 22]
This area became my “unwinding” and “I’m glad to be away from Ottawa’s Stupidity” area. The times I ventured through this park, day and night, I always found myself more at peace than when I had to deal with morally corrupted residents living in Ottawa. I was glad to be in Japan, even if briefly, dealing with Japan troubles over Canadian ones. This park, as populated as it was with tourists, was far better than what I had to deal with back home in Ottawa.
This is what I absolutely love about Japan! Tokyo, especially, in regards to JR trains, and the general use of trains to get around. Yes, some Japanese cities and towns have better and worse trains, they however simplify things in ways a bus and other modes of transportation is unable to. The type of bliss I felt riding a train was heavenly, and I shall keep hyping up that fact. Japanese trains are insanely efficient (probably to some slight faults), they however do their job allowing you to admire Japan in its entirety.
I admire Japan more than what Ottawa does with its corrupted transit routes. Heck, even Bratislava (in Slovakia) handles transportation better in regards to trams and buses, something fake journalist wannabes in Ottawa always find themselves attacking. I digress.
Japanese trains are heavenly, and blissful. 🙂
(Ueno to Shinagawa Station to allow me to travel to Yokosuka.)
My stay at Shinagawa Station was an interesting. I missed one train, aiming for another after such. I walked around in confusion, even with others appearing concerned over my confusion. I never asked people for directions, only seeing what the TV monitor displays noted. I checked my train’s ETA on that display, even comparing it with trains coming and going.
I eventually caught the correct train, or what I considered to be the “correct” train at the time.
Passing through a unique side of Yokohama was fairly surreal. Somewhat aged trains, if still highly admirable. Certain low-funded areas of Yokohama. Gave an interesting aura. I’m not saying it’s bad, simply noting I observed a more unique side of Yokohama through the windows of the train. It was interesting.
From Yokohama to Yokosuka I would observe a group of annoying tourists, those of the Westernized India Indians being overly obnoxious. Talking loudly, boasting about things, making themselves known, and simply openly wearing camera gear. I found that agitating. I don’t mind seeing other tourists, just not with obnoxious behavious. Conversing where to go, how they’ll do things, and general life stuff.
The way they behaved scratched on my nerves. The way they would sit in the train, huddle together as a group, and pretend they own Japan. Not quite “nuisances”, they however were nearing that level of annoyance. How do I put it? They had this, “I’ll talk loudly, annoying, in a group, and I won’t respect the subtle nuances of Japanese culture“, type of vibe.
I simply desired to disconnect myself further by going the opposite way once I reached Yokosuka, miles away from those idiots. During my time in the train I simply admired the thought of each station stop as it rung out on the announcement. Hearing ‘Nokendai’, ‘Oppama’, ‘Keikyu-Taura’, ‘Hemi’, and then the eventual ‘Yokosuka’ Station, all the wild feeling the aura in those names. I attempted to feel how each location felt, especially how I was seeing the scenery. I attempted to feel the scenery.
Yokosuka Arrival! – Yokosuka-Chuo:
Time to happily explore the area. Stopping off at Yokosuka-Chuo for my navy adventures, for my Azur Lane adventures. Onwards to my beloved shipgirls! KanColle and Azur Lane hold the same amount of weighted interest, and I can’t wait to see both again in Yokosuka.
Finally made my way to Mikasa Street, a lengthy mall nestled into buildings. A walking mall promenade.
I made a little “oopsie” (mistake) by taking out my ink stamp book, something to which I was informed I should purchase something to have an ink stamp sheet stamped with the necessary stamp. Sure, I complied. I bought a few things obtaining various gifts, stamps, and mementos. Good stuff!
I’m also highly amused how I was actively encouraged in taking tons of pictures. Even if I was assertive in some areas, I was also shy in others causing the staff to encourage me to be more assertive. Be how I was initially, even admiring the place. From how the Japanese would act kind it even felt I was gifted more than the usual amount, or felt as such. I respect that.
A few Azur Lane admirals also proudly displayed their Azur Lane VISA card, something which I genuinely acknowledged was awesome. Only in Japan can you be this honest, proud, and actively straightforward with your interests. An Azur Lane themed VISA card. It was awesome! I failed to fully express my full admiration, I however lightly acknowledge their pride, and I’m genuinely happy for them.
Japan is awesome, and I admire how they pride themselves in their own hobbies.
It felt awkward simply coming and going into each store, I however had to make note of whatever I could.
What’s neat in Japan wouldn’t necessarily work in Ottawa thanks to how the Liberals operate in Canada. They allow crime, theft, and corruption to run rampant, as had been shown since 2017 onwards in North American and Europe. But if it could work, things could be far more interesting in Ottawa. Not just Ottawa, the whole of Canada. More people cycling, more people biking, and more pedestrian bridges to bypass heavily congested roadways. There are many places in Ottawa (and Vancouver) I could see Japan’s architectual influences implemented into Canadian society for the betterment of society.
Ignoring the obvious flaws of thieves stealing bikes, scooters, and electric bikes such an architectural plot of land could be a giant benefit to those in Canada.
It’s but hopes and dreams. I could never expect Liberals to do the proper things in Canada, hence why Japan is leaps and bounds above anything Canadians shall ever do. All Liberals care about is the destruction of society, raping little kids, actively killing animals, and their LGBTQ statues further signaling an era of more sexual assault, rapes, and thefts in a Western, and soon Eastern society.
The point to all this is how I’m admiring Japan’s small stuff while hating Canada’s overt issues. One of those “I wish Canada had >one of these<” type desires. I wish Ottawa was an actual, and proper intellectual city.
Digressing again……
I eventually rounded a corner, down a street, and into the hotel. I also followed a pair of male Azur Lane fans also heading to this hotel. They were chatting amongst themselves, something which I found neat. I walked in, checked what HMS Fortune merchandise was available. I even asked for such, pointed to the display. I’m happy!
I had a stupid moment. I was being a bit braindead, even feeling the need to awkwardly apologize (in English) to the staff member. I apologized to her because I assumed I had snatched something out of her hand, to which it hung in regret in my mind. I felt I’ve done something wrong, even if it may have been true or not. I felt a wave of guilt hit me. She seemed unphased, or even totally unamused with me being there, or her being there. Maybe she was having a bad day in general, or even depressed by my presence. She seemed either bored out of her mind, or annoyed she had to be there.
Whatever the case, we finished the financial transaction, I obtained my stuff, she stamped my sheet with an ink stamp, and I slowly ventured off to my next target.
What was highly amusing was how kids would always comment about my presence in Japan. What I’m doing, why I’m doing what I’m doing, or general things. Highly curious observations, some of which also tend to freak me out. Kicking me in the feet (shoes on), or simply being more upfront.
Just sipping on the ice cream container.
Japanese young daughter: What is that guy doing?
Japanese Father: Where?… Oh, he’s consuming ice cream.
(Was explained I was eating ice cream, and possibly there being an ice cream vending machine nearby.)
If only this door allowed me to, at will, venture from Ottawa to Yokosuka without any hassles. I’m sure every other tourist and foreigner would wish such a thing, I however have to be narcistic and note that I wish it only opened up for myself, or at least those with actual good will in their souls. People who actually admire Japan, and not those who hijack Japan for their own clout.
As I’ve noted previous in a Fukuoka blog post I genuinely wish I could simply teleport here, also for the health benefits and rewards Japan provides people. Japan allows people to be more human than they would be, and I admire that of Japan. Everything is more accessible, more at your fingertips in Japan.
I local Anime Hobbiest in Ottawa, someone who I used to know, joked how he wished he could obtain free flights in a similar fashion to the ‘Moon Phase’ Anime. Basically the vampire girl (Hazuki) would walk up to an airline counter requesting a flight to Japan, even using her special vampire powers to obtain a free right there. That one joke stuck with me for a long time, especially when it was joked around on figure.fm, all prior to Liberal politics ruining everything in Ottawa and Canada. That joke still sticks in my mind, and is all relevant on the topic of desiring a teleportation gate to escape into Japan, and to feel like a proper human being again. Canada forgot its own Canadian identity, even shunning it.
Moon Phase Anime was a neat little show in the past. A nice nostalgic time capsule stuck in the past.
I can’t help but view these monuments in a KanColle & Azur Lane light. Japan views them in a more realistic approach, even if I attempted to view these monuments more respectfully in a realistic manner. A real-world manner. I’m aware of what monument is for what, even if I do eventually forget. The vague meaning is there, and I respect each and every monument. Even the alleged “Takao” monument, whichever that one was during 2023. Japan respects their navy and military history, and I respect that. I admire that.
It’s through both KanColle and Azur Lane we’re able to keep the memories alive through general curiousities.
Mikasa Café:
I’m here for Mutsu’s special hotdog, Mutsu’s special drink, and the simple Azur Lane fun vibes. Had a few happy moments here, if subtle, and with smiling from others. Generally a good time..
There was probably more, I however didn’t notice anything else in my confusion. I wasn’t sure where I was supposed to step, and what was off limits. I also awkwardly sat down at a table, eating awkwardly, if happily. I had my happy Mutsu themed drink, and even hot dog.
I paid, had my sheet ink stamped, and received more neat souvenirs. I attempted to make use of an Instagram only AR function, something to which it wasn’t accessible. Shared it with my Mexican friend, he also failed to have it function. We spent a decent time troubleshooting, somethign to which I hope they keep things general, and not Facebook-Instagram gated AR functions. Live and learn.
I’m thankful for their hospitality. I’m happy people were kind, receptive, and full of happy smiles. Properly human, willing to converse, and communicate with smiles and gestures. I admire Japan for when Japan is this polite and proper.
My basic habit for the day was to venture from one location, go to Verny park, go to Mikasa Cafe, go back to Verny park, go to another location, back to Verny park, and etc. I wasn’t fully well rested making me do weird things. I would always go back to Verny park to process things. To check up on things, Google search, and wonder where to go next. I was restless, aimless, if happy about my Azur Lane stuff. I’m like a kite blowing aimlessly in the wind, if bouncing from one spot to the next.
The way the male foreigner appeared rubbed me the wrong way. Loose, arrogant, if with a respectful level of musical skill. Off putting energy and appearance, even if he was musically skilled. The music was awesome, hence why I stayed. I caught up on certain things while I was here, even going through bucket list notes of the area.
When I went straight, eventually heading right, I was greeted by dogs barking at my presence. One, or a few, weren’t happy I was there. I’m unsure if anybody else saw me, I was however left alone to admire the beauty of the area. I was able to admire JS Izumo from an elevated viewing area. I was also next to a café, one I was hesitant in walking into.
Side-note: I realized far too late I had multiple opportunities to capture Chitose at Sapporo’s New-Chitose airport. Missed opportunity. Shall there be a next time?
It was finally time to head to my last destination, the main one I had initially desired to for my other visits. I ventured back the way I came, back onto Dobuita-Dori street to pay a visit to ‘Jack Shell’, a military appearing area with military food types. Military surplus type of food displays, etc. I was shy at first, now gaining the courage to finally eat there, especially for Azur Lane stuff.
Jack Shell:
Time to eat again, this time for Azur Lane USS Independence vibes! She was hiding, she however was there, and I’m amused by the navy theme. Makes me curious if any other Azur Lane people visited this place, or just myself.
I’m not a big fan of World of Warships, but I do admire the warships and the collaborations. The world is painfully sandboxy, unforgiving, and simply boringly restrictive. It stunts every other game out there, even preventing more singleplayer navy games (of the ‘Silent Hunter 3’ variety) from being made.
War Thunder is the same, if better, but not by much. Everything is stunted by both World of Warships and War Thunder, and I hate the both of them for destroying the navy genre. I wish we had more proper singleplayer navy games, especially ones which add in Canadians without tantrums and whining. No excuses. Everybody who actually partook in both World War 1 and World War 2 should be added regardless of the reasonings. Excuses = laziness.
I observed more of the area, eventually getting called over to be asked a question. I sadly didn’t understand the question, blindly stating I was from Canada, Ottawa, and I’m here for Azur Lane. The guy laughed, and I felt humiliated. It was one of those obnoxious laughs, and even the server lady laughed when he told her. I felt angry, annoyed. It ruined the rest of my stay there. I felt more reluctant to talk because of the open laughter about my miscommunication…..
I sat down, even seeing my hamburger being placed on the flight deck table. Happy, I went to eat the burger. Slowly, yet happily. The burger’s size even amazed me with how massive it was, especially with how usually tiny they are in Canada. Even in specialized burger joints. Maybe not a place like ‘Summer Haze’, or ‘St Louis Bar and Grill’, but other places yes.
I would continue to sit there, slowly eating. Taking my time, using Twitter/X, and even listening to what the guy speaking English was saying. Always cursing, a few times going to the restroom, and even talking about an ‘EFW Meeting’, and other possible navy related tasks. Constantly talking about his workplace, meetings, and other curious matters. Similar types of matters I’ve heard military folks in Canada talk about while taking a ferry between Vancouver and Vancouver Island. Fun stories from military folks. Similar stories while also on a plane from Vancouver to Ottawa relating to the military back in 2023 on an Air Canada flight.
Requests were also being made by the patrons of the area, even having music requests, and TV requests. Was interesting seeing such a thing.
I was eventually asked if I’m feeling well. I’m apparently eating my burger too slowly, to which I noted it’s fine. I couldn’t note, at the time, I was feeling frustrated I had to fly back to a depressing Canada. I didn’t want to go back, but I had to go back. I wanted to stay in this place for a little while longer before I had to eventually take my time to head back. I was eating slowly because I desired to stretch my time in Japan all that much longer.
I would also Google up news about Ottawa finding out Ottawa was being dumb. Constantly blaming the wrong groups of people, hating on normal people, spreading false news and narratives, something which would prop up Japan as a far better nation to be in than a Dictatorship-desiring Canada.
Canada is so depressing, and I didn’t want to go back to a Liberal-run nation. I didn’t want to go back to Trudeau’s attempt at China and North Korean dictatorship.
I paid, obtained my stamp, and even obtained HMS Formidable’s cards. I was happy.
The female staff member of the Jack Shell even noted, in brief terms, what I was doing, and why I was here. About what Azur Lane is, and how the collaboration is tied to Azur Lane. Layman terms explanation.
Other than the brief humiliation, laughter, and embarrassment earlier, my time here was 95% awesome. I admired seeing the navy stuff, the connection between Yokosuka and this place, and how USS Independence was hiding away in the corner doing her own thing. Everything else was awesome. Eavesdropping on the English speaker (amused by his use of “fuck”), and how stories people had to openly share. A brief slice-of-life into Japan, if on a slight crueler side.
I had to slowly make my way back to Ueno, if on a somewhat happy, if depressing note wishing, desiring I could stay in Japan for a few more days, weeks, or a month. I wish I could have properly stayed in Japan longer.
I’m unsure if Yokosuka’s deities were starting to cry for me because I was supposed to leave for tomorrow for, I’ll however perceive it as such for blogging and travel flair purposes. I’ll believe in the thought the Japanese Gods and Deities were feeling some sort of emotions for me leaving tomorrow. They started crying early on the night prior to my flight, and into tomorrow. I’ll happily be narcissistic in this thought, nobody else has for me. Nobody openly joked about it in a positive light, or had noted this rainy event. I might as well be a little arrogant, priding myself in this little poetic moment in Japan. My last brief happy moment before I had to leave.
A little navy-rain moment for myself, especially amongst the Japanese gods during this moment. Being rained on, in my own moment, and my final day. Poetic. I wouldn’t be surprised if “Kitsune” were involved, would make things more amusing.
Well, as much as I hate to, I have to finally take a train back to Ueno via Yokosuka Station. Saddened, depressed, and probably the cause for slightly smudging up the ink on my Azur Lane ink sheet.
Shiori Station:
Time to take my slow train ride back to Ueno by going through Shiori Station to Tatsuka, and Ofuna to Ueno Station. I would transfer at Ofuna instead to take me to Ueno, not Tatsuka. The train also suffered a delay causing the train to be delayed in various ways, probably because a person jumped onto the track to delete themselves from life. Suicide, possibly.
I would continue to happily play both Azur Lane and Blue Archive until I arrived safely in Ueno. Catching up on my dailies, especially with the pressure of timezones.
Once I arrived at Ueno I would take the slowest walk back to my hotel I ever had done. Just slowly taking everything in, admiring everything. Just observing everything, admiring the sights, the sounds. Feeling the scenery, the beeps of the pedestrian walkways.
I’m happy about Japan, if saddened by the fact I had to return to a third-world-desiring Canada with a dictator-wannabe of a Prime Minister and political party. I don’t want to go back to Canada! I want to stay in Japan! Other people would behave the way I had, especially when your home country would intentionally sabotage not only the country itself, but the people within reducing them to homeless citizens. If you were me you would desire a real Canada, a Conservative Canada, something Japan is, if in a Liberal party leaning to the right. I admire how everything is far more common sense in Japan, something it was in Europe, if actively sabotaged by political corruption. I desired to also stay because of strong Anime influences, the same ones created by Japan. It felt like a dream, and I desired to have stayed in that beautiful dream with overly kind people, properly functioning trains, proper Konbini, and a properly respectful hobby sharing. Proper festivals.
I basically drank two beers, one bottle of water, and called it a night.
Mission Accomplished!
Thanks for viewing, hope you enjoyed. See you in the next Japanese blog posting!