Skip Osaka and Kyoto. You should pack your bags for a holiday to Tottori, and here's why

Skip Osaka and Kyoto. You should pack your bags for a holiday to Tottori, and here's why

Thursday, February 7, 2019 / No Comments

Osaka? Kyoto? No, instead pack your bags for a holiday to Tottori Prefecture. Because...

Tottori is a foodie’s paradise!

Not only do you get delicately plated kaiseki dinners from ryokan in the area, you can even indulge in sweet treats as Tottori is famous for their wide array of sweet treats, ranging from the usual Japanese-style wagashi to rich swirls of their milk and pear ice-creams.

≧(´▽｀)≦ So delicious~~~

Although you might not have gotten this impression from the sightseeing-focused advertising done by H.I.S.Travel and partnership with Sony Entertainment, but take the word from someone who has just been to Tottori for fall 2018 – Tottori is indeed filled to the brim with mouth-watering delicacies! In fact, I daresay that if you love beef and seafood, you definitely wouldn’t want to miss a trip down to Tottori!

The tuna just melts on your tongue (❁´▽`❁)*✲ﾟ*

And here’s three reasons why you should plan a page in your itinerary for Tottori alongside your trip to Kyoto or Osaka -- or rather, scratch that and forego those two major cities altogether and take a look here for my itinerary for inspiration on how to spend two fulfilling weeks just in Tottori alone.

Now, let’s get started. ᕕ( ᐛ )ᕗ

~~~~~

1. You can eat wagyu beef crowned as Best in Japan!

Food is akin to a sanctuary for Singaporeans, and we all know that Japan is a paradise as far as food goes. Exquisitely plated seafood, picture-perfect fruits, creamy dairy products… you name it, and Japan has it; but putting all of those aside, we have something in another realm of its own -- wagyu beef.

When it comes to wagyu, the first thought that usually comes to mind is Kobe beef. And while that is not wrong, wagyu simply refers to Japanese beef, and Tottori has their very own kind of wagyu beef as well: more specifically, the kind that was crowned Best Wagyu Beef in the 11^th National Competitive Exhibition of Wagyu (a.k.a. Wagyu Olympics) in 2017. As the Olympics is only held every 5 years, rest assured that you will still be having a taste of the best even in 2019.

On a side note, I’ll like to recommend visiting a yakiniku (Japanese BBQ) store named FukuFuku, located about 5 minutes on foot from Tottori station.

The owner is fully proficient in English (you can ask for recommendations for cuts!) and takes a lot of pride and joy in his work – from driving 50 minutes each day to get the best cuts of meat, to preparing and plating them carefully and beautifully for each customer.

Yes, you read that correctly. It takes less than an hour! Which means that the beef you'll be consuming would be fresh, and is not processed for prolonging shelf life.

Just look at that marbling ♥ ੧(❛▿❛✿)

Besides, you can really feel his effort shine through the plates of food. His cuts of Tottori beef came with Instagram-worthy marbling and tantalizing juiciness that envelopes your mouth from the very moment you bite into it! Not to mention, there was absolutely no lingering aftertaste and you just feel as if you can continue eating on and on forever. 

We ended up being blissfully bloated after ordering three plates of the premium beef and even still the bill barely totaled up to SGD$150 for 4 people. 

W h a t   a   s t e a l !

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

2. Fresh seafood right from the coast!

In Nov-Dec, from late fall to winter, they have a specialty crab (Matsuba crab) that’s said to be larger and a lot juicier than your average crab. 

Unfortunately, my trip was from late October to early November and coupled with the typhoon messing up the change of seasons and migration patterns slightly, I couldn’t try this delicacy at its peak. However, rest assured that I am already making plans to head back to Tottori once more within the next three years, but until then, I’ll just satisfy this disappointment and cravings with the images of Matsuba crab Milkcananime’s lovely readers send in!

Also, there's another noteworthy seafood dish – Asari clam miso soup ♥ –  which revolves around Asari clams fresh from Lake Togo!

This lake is found in Yurihama in Tottori prefecture and there are many onsen inns that have sprung up around the lake, to allow guests to enjoy lavish meals clad with seafood dishes and relax in onsen baths that overlook the lake! 

The onsen inn that I chose in the region is Togo Onsen Kosenkaku Yojokan, which provides an incredibly authentic experience – going from their impeccable service and cleanliness to their cozy Japanese style rooms and mouthwatering ten course kaiseki dinners.

Western style rooms are also available if you prefer them!

~~~~~~~~~~

3. Tourists enjoy 50% off attractions!

Behold! The very last point is about money, and it involves what most of us tourists love to do: sightseeing! °˖✧◝(⁰▿⁰)◜✧˖°

Sightseeing is one of the more important aspects of travelling to me since it helps me learn more about the history and culture of the country. Some natural landscapes like flower fields and waterfalls, are also things that we can never find in urban Singapore.

So, imagine my excitement to find out that most of the tourist attractions in Tottori now still have their entrance fee for tourist attractions reduced by up to 50%! This is a deal includes all foreigners (bring along your passport), regardless of age, and that’s probably a deal that you’d never find in any major cities!

One perfect example of a wonderful place that I’ve been to that had the 50% off for tourists deal was the Hanakairo Flower Park in Tottori ♥

As I went near Halloween, there was still a ton of Halloween decorations all around Tottori!

The way we are able to view the mountain range together with the breathtaking flower field is spectacular~

Not only is the entire park filled with flowers of different species and colors, there was even a section of the park dedicated to showcasing flower arrangement pieces made by the locals! Be sure to check it out if you do go there as there are some really intricately arranged pieces!

Another tourist place that is commonly forgotten in brochures would be Enchoen Garden!

This garden is a Chinese-style garden and when you step into it, you'll feel like you are transported back in time and place to the Forbidden Palace ♥

Definitely a place where many Singaporeans can connect to, both culturally and through all the Chinese TV drama shows~

Moreover, if you are a Buddhist, Tottori also has its own fair share of temples, whereby quite a few feature Guan Yin. It'll probably be a good experience to visit these temples during your stay in Tottori and see how the temples and praying styles differ between your country and in Japan.

That's all for today. Stay tuned for the upcoming posts where I will highlight points from my itinerary and also review all the key sightseeing and food locations I've been to in Tottori (❁´▽`❁)*✲ﾟ*

Meanwhile, enjoy this video about the 8 beautiful aspects of Tottori, presented by Tottori's Governor himself!

And last but not the least... Welcome to Tottori!

Don't forget to drop by the Sand Dunes too!

~ Reina-rin

Banana Fish: Anime Review

Banana Fish: Anime Review

Monday, January 21, 2019 / No Comments

For many of you who have yet to feast your eyes on Banana Fish I have a proposition; set aside whatever task that you are up please do me a favour by walking over to switch on your laptop or browse in your handy-dandy cell-phone for the ttle "Banana Fish" and seat comfortly for an epic show. By far one of the best anime so far for in 2017 bagging the Tokyo Anime Award after avid fans casted votes to top at number #1 in a list of 100 anime titles from a total of 524 titles beating others. The anime consists of 24 episodes but I succeeded through in 2 days consumed by the bitter ending after the fall of the heavy scarlet drapery usually after a stage show whilst a streak of salty tears of frustration, agony and sadness. 

In clockwise: Shorter Wong, Eiji Okumura, Soo-Sin-Ling and Ash Lynx.

Banana Fish debuted in May, 1985 the manga actually published under “Shojo” genre although by the intensity of the storyline, extensive action sequences as well as heavy dialogues when the said demographic expanded towards both the male and older female audiences. Right after, the manga was marketed to "Seinen" genre series as Banana Fish becoming one of a few “girls manga” that endorsed men to read without the impression of discomfort due to the implication of “Boys Love” category. The beautiful relationship between Ash and Eiji being pure without being romanticized or sexual but their love for each other was unmistakable; a selfless love. Their struggles alongside the those involved would definitely tugged the heartstrings of the viewers during the arduous journey to put an end to the chaotic medicine.  

Aslan Jade "Ash Lynx" Callenreese a 17-years-old head honcho of a street gang became cognizant of a mysterious elixir as known as Banana Fish after a man closer to his death passed the vial in his hand. Not before long, Ash uncovers a web of lies linking to a world of corruption among a group of hierachy governments when threats to his safety and those around him whereas a former member had plans to usurp the young leader's position. Upon the shocking revelation of the illegal drug that of which performed an uncanny role resulting to his older brother, Griffin Callenreese, crippled state of mind -physically and mentally. In blinding rage and mutiny, Ash once and for all revolted against his longtime guardian, Dino “Papa” Golzine, the fiery clash resulting in a war between different gang factions. Due to his cynic history, Ash never revealed his true nature to anyone else until the presence of a boy named, Eiji Okumura, their blossoming friendship throughout their unceasing evade from the grasp of those hightailing them.  

Eiji Okumura, a college student and a former competitive pole vaulter, the valid reason for him to travel to New York City being a assistant to Ebi Shinuchi a seasoned photographer to interview a street gang leader-Ash Lynx. Raised under a humble abode with a doting family, the flustered male in a couple of shakes exposed to a series of near deaths trauma forced to witness the brutality outcome of the lives of gangsters in the fullness of time Eiji shrug off his gullible self to stand by Ash someone he eventually comes to cherish deeply and vice versa even as danger lurks in every corner. At the same time, Eiji perceive the other’s mental instability to come to terms with his situation but cemented their unbreakable bond going as far as to carry missions alongside Ash’s followers during the later episode to rescue the apprehended teenager from Dino Golzine -who’s unsettling obsession over Ash became plain obvious. Almost at the end, Eiji declares an idea for Ash to accompany both Ibe and him back to Japan in hopes to introduce a peaceful sanctuary instead of the tumultuous mode of living in the streets but a sudden chaos interrupted for the pair to be separated until at the last episode where the concerned boy brandishes a letter instrituced to be given to Ash along with a flight ticket.   

As per episode the plotline develops into a darker and gruesome route; my heart weighing heavier as the anime comes closer to tragical ending. Without warning, you are deeply engrossed by their cause whilst sitting on edge every time an action scene appears on the screen that of which never fails to amaze before long you create a bond with each one of the characters as they literally seep under your skin. Banana Fish is definitely one of those stories that will haunt you for a long time after watching the anime or reading the anime -I’m still insecure about reading the manga knowing the outcome- I rate this show 10/10 by the eventful plot from story progression which is neither too fast nor dawdling with unnecessary filler, character development perfectly executed; invoking a riot of feelings from within.

The story might be touchy to some of the viewers since it highlights on child pornography/gang rape and minor sex although the anime avoided any graphic details enough hints surrounding the main protagonist for everyone of us to conclude. Of course, There is just a single kissing spanning only a couple of second in between our lovable Ash and Eiji early episode as we discover the latter’s mix feelings regarding his new companion at the same time we delve into the matters of same sex-relationship being the most influential work in a “Boy’s Love” category. When we enjoy a certain anime, the second nature in us scour for the opening/ending OST in which Banana Fish delivers great music that puts a shiver inside you and set on replay button while reminiscing about them.  

I am currently shedding tears because that is how much Banana Fish deeply affects me the whole storyline integrated within the pores of my soul, it is truly wise to give this anime a try because you will come to love (hopefully) it. The comedy stabilizes the gritty series giving it a proper balance; you can bet that I will be building a Banana Fish shrine so that my swollen eyes sweat profusely every time I glance upon those beloved characters. Of course, as for now I must take a step back for me to gather up my runaway emotions ever since watching this anime the world underneath my feet has tilted.

Thank you everybody for taking the time out of your busy schedule my review and we shall soon meet again.

Written by Rugi Chan

Figure Unboxing and Review: Idolm@ster 10th Memorial Figure

Figure Unboxing and Review: Idolm@ster 10th Memorial Figure

Monday, January 7, 2019 / No Comments

This is the first Idolm@ster figure that combines idols across different series into a single figure. Here, we have Haruka, Shimamu and Mirai, the three "main" characters in their respective series!

As this is a deluxe version that comes with a larger exclusive base, there is an additional box that comes with the shipment. The above is the box for the base, which has an image of how it should look fully assembled at the back of the box (image below).

Fresh out of the box reveals the main base in its full glory~ The color palette and clean painted lines are really refreshing to look at!

The color acrylics come separately and they are to be pushed into three of the stars at the back of the base. The colors and patterns are meant to fit the girl who would be placed before it. That being said, these acrylics are not really visible from the front once the figure is fully assembled.

 Here's the base fresh out of the blister. There are two parts to it. First, it's this chunky white base...

Together with the acrylic inserts that I mentioned earlier, photographed both front and back...

And also with an autographed clear plastic base! If you see clearly, it comes with sole-like holes and that is because you are supposed to put this above the base that comes with the normal version of the figure!

 This is how the autographed effect is supposed to look, but that is not all yet!

You can rest it onto the white base to give it this effect! Doesn't it just look like the girls are on top of an elevated stage, all prepared for the moment the elevator docks so they can leap onto the stage and start singing and dancing?

The main figure itself comes in a slightly different box, and has a wide window so you would be able to see all the three girls packaged in it. This box alone would be what you get if you order the normal version instead of the deluxe.

The back of the box features two similar shots of the figure, and I find the close-up shot incredibly important and useful when it comes to assembling the three idols together.

To ensure that there are no damages or paint transfers during shipment, all three girls are packaged individually in the blister. It is then the buyer's duty to assemble the figure. Both of Haruka's hands are removable, so you will just have to slide them between Shimamu and Mirai's arms and put her hands back into place.

For my copy, Haruka's arm is a little loose where it connects to Shimamu, while the arm that connects with Mirai fits snugly. The heart shape formed with Haruka's hands are not a perfect heart shape due to this reason as well. However, since the general shape is still present, this issue did not bother me much.

 A simple 360 of the figure so you can see which girls are better viewed at which angles.

I would say that the sculpting and painting on all angles and all three girls are similar and very well-defined. However as Haruka's arms are detachable to fit the others into this pose, it feels that they are rather loose and might come off their pegs when you move them around. If you did not receive a pristine copy like myself, you may require some patience for this aspect.

I love how their boots are sculpted. The feel that Shimamu has a different kind of shoe from the other two girls really help me to appreciate her outfit better. That being said, I love how the white boots are so glossy and the laces are well-sculpted too!

No complains outfit-wise too. We see the three girls in their usual promotional costumes and these same costumes are adapted to fit well with the pose. The frills are all generally realistically sculpted and are lifted to add a sense of dynamism to the figure. The paint job is also exceptional. All the details on Shimamu and Mirai's costume is perfectly painted on with no visible paint errors. I'm amazed at how crisp the painting for Mirai's plaid patterns is!

Even from the front, the costumes are made according to their model and painted with the correct shade of colors! From Haruka's simpler costume to the more complicated school uniform-esque costume Mirai dons, we get to see the growth of the series and designing.

The hair ornaments for all three girls are nicely detailed as well. Shimamu's tiara-crown is gold and glittery, showing off her Cinderella-ness. Haruka's usual ribbon hair ties are also with the figure, painted in an opaque pink that's a few shades darker than Mirai's hairclip and ribbon hair tie. Mirai's hair tie also comes with a gradient that adds another cute touch to the figure.

My only gripe would be the hair seam for Haruka and Mirai, whereas Shimamu's hair seam is easily hidden by her hairstyle.

Next up I'll show a few more shots of this figure as a bonus!

Enjoyment 9/10
It's been a long time since I've seen a figure that's so well sculpted and painted and holds so much meaning to it. This is a figure that brings the three spin-offs together and should be a must-have for any fans of the Idolm@ster series!

Thank you for reading!

~ Reina-rin

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