Hakuouki Reimeiroku and Paper-Based Loot from Japan

I went to Japan at the beginning of October this year and I bought a lot of not needed, but much loved goodies! First part of my loot begins here…

Paper-based loot from Japan!

In comparison to my previous visit, I did not buy as many anime-related goodies. A break-down of the paper-based loot above:

- Vampire Knight Artbook
- Hakuouki Clear Folders
- Hakuouki – Okita Souji Key-ring
- Hakuouki – Okita Souji Stickers (yes I am Okita obsessed *__*)
- Hakuouki – Saito Hajime Bag Holder
- Hetalia Axis Powers Poster
- Durarara Poster
- Dengeki Girl’s Style October issue

The Dengeki Girl’s Style magazine came with a special booklet, packed with information on the new Hakuouki game (Hakuouki Reimeiroku)! I am not sure whether anyone is playing the game or has played it already… If you have, how do you find it?

Hijikata is too pretty... *_*

From a quick browse through the booklet,  the game is set before the previous games and the protagonist is a guy named Ibuki Ryuunosuke. The story follows that Ryuunosuke’s mother intended for him to become a samurai, thus he had a very strict upbringing. This led him to dislike samurai in general. After his mother had passed away, he travelled to Kyoto aimlessly. On the way, he got mugged and beaten up (why is he so weak when he had received proper samurai training!?); got rescued by someone who belongs to a ‘aspire-to-be samurai’s’ group and was forced to tag along with them. The group is somehow linked with the Shinsengumi and that is how the protagonist gets all close and personal with our favourite bishies! Some screenshots from the booklet after the cut.

Tokyo Kawaii TV!

Do you like Japanese fashion? Yes? Then I would highly recommend you Tokyo Kawaii TV!

Take me to Tokyo!

Official English link for the show here. This weekly program is all about Japanese fashion for girls, made by girls! It is presented by the ultra cute singer and actress Beni and the very handsome and CAN’T UNDERSTAND WHY HE DOES NOT LOOK 40+ ojii-san-like Ikki Sawamura. I think they make a great combo! Beni is trendy and young, whereas Ikki looks cool and is up for the show, but he knows NOTHING about fashion and often makes a fool out of himself! He makes perverted jokes and says things that are inappropriate.. just like an ojii-san ;;^^.

Animate – Wanted March goods!

What do you do when you are an Otaku; you have some money but no time to go to Japan to buy ACG goods? You browse the animate shop online; drool at the goodies and maybe arrange for a carrier to ship them to you (despite the high cost and the trouble). Since I have been to the animate shop in Ikebukuro before (you can refer to my previous post for more details), I miss it when I have the urge to spend ;;XD. Lately, I have been browsing its website and checking what goods are out~

Want item no 1: Kawaii Hakuouki plush!

Japanese Desserts

Have you tried Japanese dessert before? I have stuffed myself with Japanese desserts during my one month travel in Japan and I must say if you were to go to Japan, you must try them!

Traditionally, Japanese snacks and desserts were shaped to reflect the season. For example, in Spring they would be shaped as Sakura and in Autumn they would be shaped as Autumn leaves. They are often made with tea; sweet flour; azuki paste (red-bean paste); nuts; sugar and the fruits of the season. Japanese people like to eat their beautifully decorated snacks with their green tea, while admiring the view of their zen-garden and becoming one with nature.

Nowadays, it is harder to find traditional Japanese desserts: many of them are tailored to suit the preference of the younger generation as well as tourists. That doesn’t mean that they are not good! In fact, there is a wider variety available!

Loot from Japan and Hong Kong!

A portion of my loot from Japan/Hong Kong!

Butler Cafe Swallowtail

We have all heard of Maid cafes, but have you heard of Butler cafes? They are surging in popularity due to the increased appearance of English butlers in anime, manga and even Japanese TV series. Swallowtail, being the first Butler cafe ever in Japan, is the most popular of all. Located in Ikebukuro, Tokyo, on the famous Otome Road (you can refer to my previous post for more details on Otome Road), it attracts many young female visitors, all longing to get the princess treatment. I have not been to Swallowtail before but from what I have read so far, I will try to describe what it feels like to visit the place!

A video on Swallowtail and Otome Road: