Big Bang

Otomo Katsuhiro, a legend amongst illustrators. His work has had a strong influence over creatives across the world. Whether or not you are interested in anime or manga, you've certainly heard of his most acclaimed work, Akira.

The gallery was incredible. Every single original page of the manga, Akira layed out over wire behind glass casing. Along with hundreds of other original pieces and cell work. Unfortunately, no photographs were allowed. This was more strictly enforced than anywhere else I've been.

A full scale replication wall crater from the manga, Domu.

Not only do you get to sit on the bike, you get to wear Kaneda's jacket, gloves, and goggles.

1:1

GUNDAM FRONT TOKYO. FULL SIZE GUNDAM RX-78-2. I made it. I'm a big Gundam fan (nerd) and have been ever since I was a little guy. After my failed attempt to see it last year, I didn't think the opportunity to see it would come again. Though, here I am. This is the Gundam's third display since 2009. It's current location officially debuted April 19th 2012 and will held here until March 2013.

Every night at 7:30PM there is a theatrical light show displaying a montage of Gundam history starring the 1:1 scale Gundam RX-78-2, Amaro, and other familiar cast. I bring you this video:

As for the rest of the Gundam Front experience, there is a interactive walkthrough exhibit located inside Diver City Plaza on the top floor.

I'm not sure how to explain it, but you go into a crazy dome shaped projection room where you're shown a 10 minute movie that's displayed on all sides of you, as if you were there, floating around space while giant mecha robots fight around you. After the presentation, you're then escorted out to the exhibit room.

1:1 RG 1/1 ZGMF-X20A Strike Freedom Gundam Bust

1:1 Core Fighter

From this point on I wasn't supposed to photograph anything on display.

If you make it here, Gundam or no Gundam, go ride the Daikanransha Ferris wheel at Palette Town (5 minute walk and visible from anywhere on the island). When it opened in 1999, it was the world's tallest Ferris wheel standing at 35 stories tall and takes 16 minutes per rotation. It remains a very iconic and popular attraction to the area.

I stopped through Toyota's Mega Web showroom, really just to keep out of the rain.

2013 Toyota GT 86

Showtime.

Electric Town

Akihabara. Otaku central. I've been to this area several times before now and still, it really sets itself apart. It's best described as a mecca center for geeks. A large portion of the other stores in this area explicitly cater to people with obsessive interests. Video games, anime, manga (comics), robotics, toys, etc. It's all here.

Super Potato is known to be one of the largest and arguably greatest retro video game stores in Japan and possibly the world. It hosts three floors of nothing but classic video games, consoles, memorabilia, combined with a retro arcade on the top floor. Beyond just being an awesome place to shop, you take home an experience with you at the end of the day. As a part-time nerd, I will say this place is well worth the venture to find.

Famicom cartridge chair.

My size Gundam.

I accidentally found the Good Smile Cafe here. I believe this location opened between my last visit and now. Good Smile has been producing figures since 2001 and has become one of the most popular distributors in the business since.

Hatsune Miku leek cake thing.

Ok.

Full scale Hatsune Miku.

Naoshima

Yayoi Kusama's "Pumpkin" has been on this small concrete pier on the south end of Naoshima since 1994. This piece has become somewhat of an icon to the island and is really, very wondrous to admire. Naoshima island has a lot of offerings between all it's renown galleries and hidden art along trails. Given the island's always growing passion it has been coined 'Art Island' by many, regional and worldwide.

TAKO TAKO KING, takoyaki.

We Are

One Piece is arguably Japan's most popular anime to date. This is the 6th Memorial Log exhibit and will be available to attend March 3rd - July 8th, 2012. Memorial Log - Conclusion of the Super Nova was being held at Hirakata Park located in Hirakata, Osaka.

Watch the video below for more details and a short tour of the exhibit:

Zoro's swords.

Don't put them in your mouth.

What.

The park also had these unidentified animals.