xsuji

I let my hobbies plan my first full day in Sapporo. Retro game hunting at BOOK OFF, Mandarake and Surugaya, a Fullmetal Alchemist exhibition, and a visit to the SIGNS illustration exhibition at Sapporo PARCO. VLOG 003 is now up on YouTube! youtu.be/-S1aizotLt4

I’ve never watched Fullmetal Alchemist: Brotherhood. Only the original anime series. Should I watch it?

With a typhoon rolling in at the time, I pushed my plans forward and dashed for Mount Yotei. I missed out on the unobstructed view, but enjoyed the heck out of this riverside path in peace while taking in the mountain views. Ghost of Yotei souvenirs acquired along the way for sure.

HOME Medal Acquired ✅

New mission just dropped 🫡

The first new Poké Lid of the trip! Following their trail brought me to Otaru, a beautiful port town in Hokkaido known for its glassmaking. Even Alolan Vulpix's stained-glass design seems to be a nod to the local history. Exactly why I love hunting these down.

Three things in life are certain: 1. Death 2. Taxes 3. Shinjuku Station under construction

My time in Otaru was short but sweet. A beautiful little seaside town with a historic canal, narrow laneways filled with the smell of grilled meats, and some excellent fishcakes that made me very popular with the local birdlife. Otaru deserved more time. I'll have to come back someday!

Pokémon overcooked. Penguin mascot retiring. Time to start a new vintage card collection?

Japan's bringing in foreign workers to staff its 7-Elevens. Got served by this one today. Must be new, she needs more training.

My friend wrote a song for you.

Some excellent soundtrack finds in Sapporo's BOOK OFF stores. The Legend of Zelda: The Music and UNDERTALE Symphonic Concert 2024. The Zelda CD is coming home. I'll think about the UNDERTALE one and mark it on my list as a maybe for next time.

Somewhere along the way, a PlayStation game about a man dressed as a Pepsi can became a ¥41,800 collector's item. Pepsiman is a fascinating little piece of gaming history, but I think I'll admire this one through the glass.

First stop, Sapporo. A fairly relaxed start to my journey across Japan, with some autumn scenery, a bit of exploring and the obligatory visit to Pikachu. VLOG 002 is now up on YouTube. youtu.be/6ljvsCZHHW0

Before Ghost of Tsushima, Sucker Punch gave us inFAMOUS. Running around Empire City throwing lightning bolts at everything was peak PS3 gaming. I'd build a time machine just to experience it again for the first time.