So, a wander through Den Den town, across several pedestrian crossings, some wrong turns and a couple of shopping districts later, my friend (the chugokujin) and I ended up at Dōtonbori. Dōtonbori is only a small area. It’s pretty much just a bridge, but it’s a busy ass bridge. Dōtonbori interconnecting several of the area’s busiest points (many of which have shops and malls) means it attracts quite a crowd and there’s always something to see.

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Hidden away in the heart of Japantown in San Francisco exists Japanese popculture inspired, Hotel Tomo! Its anime illustrated walls depict urban life. Balanced perfectly alongside its  gaming suites, Tomo!, takes unsuspecting visitors to an alternate world.  For the otakuo, it makes a wonderful place to put up your feet, relax, and game.

At checkin kids sat, eyes glazed over watching Naruto and Dragonball Z with Pocky sticks hangout their mouths; their parents close by purchasing additional Japanese theme snacks from the vending machines. My honeymoon had taken me all along the west coast of California and Hotel Tomo! was the perfect place for me to recharge after long stretches of driving. Luggage in tow, the attendant proceeded to show us our room. High-tech amenities such iPod docks and LCD TVs are customary in each room. The best part was next to come. I was shown my gaming room; the “Mecha Suite” . Hooked-up up to a 5′x8′ projection screen is a 5.1 audio system with a Wii and PS3 ready for play. This room is designed to have a party with its Fatboy beanbag chairs and large circualr sofa, but the rules suggest limiting your invited guests to 25.

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Come, visit the city of Hakodate, Japan. Enjoy their famous squid ramen and take part in the Ika-odori (Squid Dance). But when visiting do mind the alien cephalopods from the planet Ikaaru…

The city of Hakodate has begun to produce action-packed tourism mini-sodes in the hopes of enticing visitors to their often overlooked port town. The saga begins with alien invaders seeking vengeance on citizens for eating too much squid. As each story unfolds we find notable landmarks appearing as robots protecting the city from their would-be attackers.

This is how you draw visitors in; come for the robot alien battle, stay for the squid. Clever marketing.

All three current mini-sodes found after the break.

[Pink Tentacle]
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