To a point yes. But you kind of want to have a partner that is not too bad. I think it is ok to look though - just don't make it too obvious.Immryr wrote:of course it's true, everyone finds people other than their partner attractive, regardless of gender.
My Japan trip April 2018
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MintyTheCat
- Posts: 2023
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- Location: Germany, Berlin
Re: My Japan trip April 2018
More Bromances = safer people
Re: My Japan trip April 2018
Absolutely, nobody's disputing that. But if you think "ALL women long for many cocks," well, let's just say if that were so the world would be a fine place, and worth fighting for.Immryr wrote:of course it's true, everyone finds people other than their partner attractive, regardless of gender.
Always outnumbered, never outgunned - No zuo no die
ChurchOfSolipsism wrote: ALso, this is how SKykid usually posts
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PC Engine Fan X!
- Posts: 8433
- Joined: Wed Jan 26, 2005 10:32 pm
Re: My Japan trip April 2018
For neorichieb1971,
What I found quite interesting in terms of paying for your purchases be it inside a retail store or at an eatery is the custom of paying for said service, you put your yen on the money tray and present it to the cashier. The cashier conducts the transaction, puts your change on the money tray, and presents the money tray back to you. You then pick up the change from the money tray. I found this quite hilarious even at the various Japanese fast food places like at Mc D's, KFC, Wendy's, etc. It's a polite way of doing monetary transactions while visiting Japan. The Japanese banks open at 11am and close at 7pm -- so if you need to convert your British pounds into yen, you might want to take the typical Japanese banks' business hours into consideration. I had to learn the hard way by making the mistake of not converting my American dollars into Japanese yen at the airport's international money exchange counter before arriving in Japan. So on Monday morning, found out the normal business hours of the Japanese bank and proceeded to convert my dollars into yen when they finally opened for business that morning.
If you & the missus do plan to visit Kyoto, be sure to check out the downtown Kyoto based Namco Wonder Tower. It's a six story arcade with a cool Gamers speciality video game shop at the top floor. Whats' cool about this particular game center is, you take the escalator to the next floor -- how cool is that?
Not to mention that Nintendo is based out Kyoto as well. Am not sure if they give public tours or not.
There's a cool observation deck in Kyoto worth checking out (just ask one of the Kyoto locals about it and they'll show you where it's at) -- I stumbled across it by accident and it was breathtaking to see the sights of Kyoto whilst on it, indeed.
If both of you plan on checking out Hiroshima, the Hiroshima War Memorial Museum is a somber and eye-awakening experience about the horrors and the aftermath of the atomic bomb dropped in Hiroshima (and Nagasaki also).
Be sure to check the cool pachinko parlors, it's quite cool to sit and play a mean session of pachinko. Of course, they sure reek of cigarette smoke though.
I do recall that a Japanese McDonald's, the employees that work there are paid by how many customers are served (and not by the hour like how it's done in the USA based Mc D's locations). At stateside Mc D's, you order a food combo but in Japan, you order what is known as a "food set" -- super size it and you still don't get that much more in terms of food. If you order a Japanese Big Mac, it'll taste the same as one purchased in the USA. At the Mc D's corporate office, they said they want all Big Mac sandwiches to taste the same regardless of where it's bought anywhere the world -- true story, folks.
Just for fun, I went to a Japanese Wendy's hamburger joint and ordered a Frosty dessert for on-the-go -- it tasted exactly the same as if I were to buy one in the USA. Of course nowadays, one can order either a chocolate or vanilla flavored Frosty at the local Wendy's chains across the USA.
Riding the Japanese subway system is interesting -- I rode it numerous times and found the first time quite an uncanny experience in that the Japanese public was silent and well behaved. My cousin & I were laughing out loud on the Japanese subway and I did notice that some them were sorta of smiling as well.
Riding the the Japanese bullet train is quite an experience not to be missed. The sensation of witnessing two bullet trains crossing paths is something you won't ever forget, especially when riding on one. Even the watching the rain while riding a bullet train is something to behold.
PC Engine Fan X! ^_~
What I found quite interesting in terms of paying for your purchases be it inside a retail store or at an eatery is the custom of paying for said service, you put your yen on the money tray and present it to the cashier. The cashier conducts the transaction, puts your change on the money tray, and presents the money tray back to you. You then pick up the change from the money tray. I found this quite hilarious even at the various Japanese fast food places like at Mc D's, KFC, Wendy's, etc. It's a polite way of doing monetary transactions while visiting Japan. The Japanese banks open at 11am and close at 7pm -- so if you need to convert your British pounds into yen, you might want to take the typical Japanese banks' business hours into consideration. I had to learn the hard way by making the mistake of not converting my American dollars into Japanese yen at the airport's international money exchange counter before arriving in Japan. So on Monday morning, found out the normal business hours of the Japanese bank and proceeded to convert my dollars into yen when they finally opened for business that morning.
If you & the missus do plan to visit Kyoto, be sure to check out the downtown Kyoto based Namco Wonder Tower. It's a six story arcade with a cool Gamers speciality video game shop at the top floor. Whats' cool about this particular game center is, you take the escalator to the next floor -- how cool is that?
Not to mention that Nintendo is based out Kyoto as well. Am not sure if they give public tours or not.
There's a cool observation deck in Kyoto worth checking out (just ask one of the Kyoto locals about it and they'll show you where it's at) -- I stumbled across it by accident and it was breathtaking to see the sights of Kyoto whilst on it, indeed.
If both of you plan on checking out Hiroshima, the Hiroshima War Memorial Museum is a somber and eye-awakening experience about the horrors and the aftermath of the atomic bomb dropped in Hiroshima (and Nagasaki also).
Be sure to check the cool pachinko parlors, it's quite cool to sit and play a mean session of pachinko. Of course, they sure reek of cigarette smoke though.
I do recall that a Japanese McDonald's, the employees that work there are paid by how many customers are served (and not by the hour like how it's done in the USA based Mc D's locations). At stateside Mc D's, you order a food combo but in Japan, you order what is known as a "food set" -- super size it and you still don't get that much more in terms of food. If you order a Japanese Big Mac, it'll taste the same as one purchased in the USA. At the Mc D's corporate office, they said they want all Big Mac sandwiches to taste the same regardless of where it's bought anywhere the world -- true story, folks.
Just for fun, I went to a Japanese Wendy's hamburger joint and ordered a Frosty dessert for on-the-go -- it tasted exactly the same as if I were to buy one in the USA. Of course nowadays, one can order either a chocolate or vanilla flavored Frosty at the local Wendy's chains across the USA.
Riding the Japanese subway system is interesting -- I rode it numerous times and found the first time quite an uncanny experience in that the Japanese public was silent and well behaved. My cousin & I were laughing out loud on the Japanese subway and I did notice that some them were sorta of smiling as well.
Riding the the Japanese bullet train is quite an experience not to be missed. The sensation of witnessing two bullet trains crossing paths is something you won't ever forget, especially when riding on one. Even the watching the rain while riding a bullet train is something to behold.
PC Engine Fan X! ^_~
Last edited by PC Engine Fan X! on Sun Sep 10, 2017 1:06 am, edited 1 time in total.
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GaijinPunch
- Posts: 15656
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Re: My Japan trip April 2018
Pretty sure that would be illegal.PC Engine Fan X! wrote: I do recall that a Japanese McDonald's, the employees that work there are paid by how many customers are served (and not by the hour like how it's done in the USA based Mc D's locations).
RegalSin wrote:New PowerPuff Girls. They all have evil pornstart eyelashes.
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PC Engine Fan X!
- Posts: 8433
- Joined: Wed Jan 26, 2005 10:32 pm
Re: My Japan trip April 2018
So the Japanese McD employees get paid by the hour. Got it.
On a Japanese McD menu is an item listed as "Smile" with a price: Free. True story.
PC Engine Fan X! ^_~
On a Japanese McD menu is an item listed as "Smile" with a price: Free. True story.
PC Engine Fan X! ^_~
Re: My Japan trip April 2018
Skykid wrote:don't go to Akihabara to do serious shopping. You'll end up a poor man with a shit ton of bad deals
... So true. Akihabara was great until the very ealy 2000s... The same about the Golden Center in Hong Kong.
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superboredom
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- Location: Philadelphia, PA
Re: My Japan trip April 2018
Hey neorichieb1971,
Congrats on your trip to Japan. I went last summer and was amazing, you'll have a blast!
As folks have mentioned it's rather difficult to get a "deal" on classic games. You're still likely to pay cheaper than eBay prices, but in general things are close to market. Regardless, it's fun to poke around Akihabara and Nakano Broadway to search for stuff you're looking for. Definitely walk some of the side streets in Akihabara, as there are shops beyond Super Potato that have decent selections. (I wish I could remember the name of one shop in particular where I picked up quite a few FC/SFC/N64 games, it was on a second floor off the street). That's part of the struggle, Tokyo is pretty vertical and without being able to read/or speak Japanese sometimes you have no idea what you're looking at! =) But, people are pretty friendly and helpful, so if in doubt, politely ask.
Not sure if it was mentioned, but there's a used book chain called Book Off that also carries used games. Prices again are average, but worth a look if you happen by one.
I ended up coming back with about $200 worth of games. I briefly considered a 64DD, but couldn't justify it.
A few general Japan travel tips:
-Look into the JR Pass and see if it makes sense for you. My g/f and I traveled between Tokyo, Hiroshima, Osaka and Kyoto (as well as public transit in each city) via the pass. It more than paid for itself.
-Plan out your internet service before hand, as maps and apps will get you everywhere. My cell provider is Sprint and I got 3G coverage through SoftBank for $5 for the trip. Other providers aren't as generous. You can also rent pocket wifi. I can't stress how useful it was to have that coverage.
-There are plenty of places that won't take a credit card in Japan. You should be able to use your ATM at 7-11, though you will pay a currency conversion fee. It's generally better than what I saw at the airport.
Anyway, have fun on your trip, and good luck in your game hunt!
Congrats on your trip to Japan. I went last summer and was amazing, you'll have a blast!
As folks have mentioned it's rather difficult to get a "deal" on classic games. You're still likely to pay cheaper than eBay prices, but in general things are close to market. Regardless, it's fun to poke around Akihabara and Nakano Broadway to search for stuff you're looking for. Definitely walk some of the side streets in Akihabara, as there are shops beyond Super Potato that have decent selections. (I wish I could remember the name of one shop in particular where I picked up quite a few FC/SFC/N64 games, it was on a second floor off the street). That's part of the struggle, Tokyo is pretty vertical and without being able to read/or speak Japanese sometimes you have no idea what you're looking at! =) But, people are pretty friendly and helpful, so if in doubt, politely ask.
Not sure if it was mentioned, but there's a used book chain called Book Off that also carries used games. Prices again are average, but worth a look if you happen by one.
I ended up coming back with about $200 worth of games. I briefly considered a 64DD, but couldn't justify it.
A few general Japan travel tips:
-Look into the JR Pass and see if it makes sense for you. My g/f and I traveled between Tokyo, Hiroshima, Osaka and Kyoto (as well as public transit in each city) via the pass. It more than paid for itself.
-Plan out your internet service before hand, as maps and apps will get you everywhere. My cell provider is Sprint and I got 3G coverage through SoftBank for $5 for the trip. Other providers aren't as generous. You can also rent pocket wifi. I can't stress how useful it was to have that coverage.
-There are plenty of places that won't take a credit card in Japan. You should be able to use your ATM at 7-11, though you will pay a currency conversion fee. It's generally better than what I saw at the airport.
Anyway, have fun on your trip, and good luck in your game hunt!
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PC Engine Fan X!
- Posts: 8433
- Joined: Wed Jan 26, 2005 10:32 pm
Re: My Japan trip April 2018
The international ATM kiosks in Japan will accept your country's credit card if it has either the Cirrus or Maestro logo on the backside, you're good to go. Just be prepared to get hit with some hefty conversion fees upon coming home and looking at the most recent cc bill -- it's a given in this day of age (but it's all worth it in the end). It's just that going customs on the return trip home that you have to remember exactly what you bought and how much you paid for each separate item can be a bit tedious though.
Try visiting a big Japanese Toys-R-Us store, the selection of high quality toy merchandise beats what is sold at a typical American Toys-R-Us easily. One aisle has nothing but Gundam model kits from the ground all the way up to the ceiling just about. Not to mention you can even find Kyosho and Tamiya RC stuff in another aisle while there. I was surprised to see Mattel Hot Wheel cars but they were selling for 1,000 yen a piece (too pricey for me to justify paying that much when you can usual get 'em on sale for 99 cents each stateside). Spawn action figures were going for 3,000 yen each. Another aisle will be nothing but the famous TomyTakara Japanese Transformers section.
In Akihabara, there's a hobby shop that specializes in the usual Japanese RC stuff. While there, I managed to buy some Kyosho Mini-Z replacement parts which was cool for it's time. I did see the American RC magazine, Radio Control Car Action, for sale there and it was the same (all in English) as usual as in the USA.
PC Engine Fan X! ^_~
Try visiting a big Japanese Toys-R-Us store, the selection of high quality toy merchandise beats what is sold at a typical American Toys-R-Us easily. One aisle has nothing but Gundam model kits from the ground all the way up to the ceiling just about. Not to mention you can even find Kyosho and Tamiya RC stuff in another aisle while there. I was surprised to see Mattel Hot Wheel cars but they were selling for 1,000 yen a piece (too pricey for me to justify paying that much when you can usual get 'em on sale for 99 cents each stateside). Spawn action figures were going for 3,000 yen each. Another aisle will be nothing but the famous TomyTakara Japanese Transformers section.
In Akihabara, there's a hobby shop that specializes in the usual Japanese RC stuff. While there, I managed to buy some Kyosho Mini-Z replacement parts which was cool for it's time. I did see the American RC magazine, Radio Control Car Action, for sale there and it was the same (all in English) as usual as in the USA.
PC Engine Fan X! ^_~
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GaijinPunch
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Re: My Japan trip April 2018
7-11 is the best bet for international ATM cards... at least American. I would hope UK as well... one of your people can chime in on that.
RegalSin wrote:New PowerPuff Girls. They all have evil pornstart eyelashes.
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superboredom
- Posts: 7
- Joined: Mon Jul 31, 2017 2:03 pm
- Location: Philadelphia, PA
Re: My Japan trip April 2018
If your card is in one of the networks listed here you should be good: http://www.sevenbank.co.jp/intlcard/index2.html. They also play a little song when dispensing your Yen. =)
I wouldn't use a credit card at an ATM as you'll pay the conversion fee + cash advance interest. So stick with bank cards if possible. Check with your bank about any international transfer fees. Usually it's about 1%, which isn't the end of the world.
Hopefully whatever credit card you have for typical spend has zero foreign transaction fees. A few places asked whether I wanted to charge in dollars or Yen, and honestly I was never really sure the best route so typically just went with Yen.
Anyway if you have any general questions I'm happy to chime in.
I wouldn't use a credit card at an ATM as you'll pay the conversion fee + cash advance interest. So stick with bank cards if possible. Check with your bank about any international transfer fees. Usually it's about 1%, which isn't the end of the world.
Hopefully whatever credit card you have for typical spend has zero foreign transaction fees. A few places asked whether I wanted to charge in dollars or Yen, and honestly I was never really sure the best route so typically just went with Yen.
Anyway if you have any general questions I'm happy to chime in.
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neorichieb1971
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Re: My Japan trip April 2018
The diversity of this thread is amazing 
We have 2 rail passes to cover the country.
When I'm sitting at the observation deck of Mount Fuji (an active volcano), in a country ridden with powerful earthquakes that cause radiation leaks on the odd occasion, along with the possibility of a DRPK Nuclear missile flying overhead. I think its going to a great holiday/vacation.
I only want a few games.
New Zealand story - MD
Bio Metal - SFC
Adventures of Little Ralph - PS1
I'd be happy coming home with those 3 for now. Problem is i'm the type of person that will see whats there and come home with 10 titles I never wanted before I landed there.
We have 2 rail passes to cover the country.
When I'm sitting at the observation deck of Mount Fuji (an active volcano), in a country ridden with powerful earthquakes that cause radiation leaks on the odd occasion, along with the possibility of a DRPK Nuclear missile flying overhead. I think its going to a great holiday/vacation.
I only want a few games.
New Zealand story - MD
Bio Metal - SFC
Adventures of Little Ralph - PS1
I'd be happy coming home with those 3 for now. Problem is i'm the type of person that will see whats there and come home with 10 titles I never wanted before I landed there.
This industry has become 2 dimensional as it transcended into a 3D world.
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GaijinPunch
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Re: My Japan trip April 2018
Are you bringing your own observation deck?neorichieb1971 wrote: When I'm sitting at the observation deck of Mount Fuji
Bring money.Adventures of Little Ralph - PS1
RegalSin wrote:New PowerPuff Girls. They all have evil pornstart eyelashes.
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GaijinPunch
- Posts: 15656
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Re: My Japan trip April 2018
Finished at 127,000.... :-/NTSC-J wrote:There's also a Magical Pop'N currently at 57,000 with 65 bids and five days left.
I can't tell you how many of these I bought for 5000 yen.
RegalSin wrote:New PowerPuff Girls. They all have evil pornstart eyelashes.
Re: My Japan trip April 2018
I still remember ordering Adventure of Little Ralph brand new from amazon.co.jp for ¥4000.GaijinPunch wrote:Finished at 127,000.... :-/NTSC-J wrote:There's also a Magical Pop'N currently at 57,000 with 65 bids and five days left.
I can't tell you how many of these I bought for 5000 yen.
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MintyTheCat
- Posts: 2023
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Re: My Japan trip April 2018
They'll be sending the Ghouls after you for thatCIT wrote:I still remember ordering Adventure of Little Ralph brand new from amazon.co.jp for ¥4000.GaijinPunch wrote:Finished at 127,000.... :-/NTSC-J wrote:There's also a Magical Pop'N currently at 57,000 with 65 bids and five days left.
I can't tell you how many of these I bought for 5000 yen.
It is funny though how prices were then and now. Luckily I got most of what I wanted at the right time. Still, I am looking for RECCA. Have you got that, CIT?More Bromances = safer people
Re: My Japan trip April 2018
Sadly no. Always thought "I'll get round to it eventually" but then never made the plunge. Eventually the price just went to high. 250€ tends to be my threshold for console games. I think today that's about enough to buy Super Mario Bros.MintyTheCat wrote:Still, I am looking for RECCA. Have you got that, CIT?
Re: My Japan trip April 2018
Hey dudes!
Just wanted to jump in here with a real boots-on-the-ground report. If you're looking for steals and deals, Tokyo is definitely the place to be. Why just today I was at my local Hard Off / Hobby Off, and I thought of this thread. There was a relentless array of fantastic deals.
I literally karate-chopped another guys hand when we both went for this incomplete, yet boxed Super Famicom for $200:
Next to go in my cart was a boxed PC Engine Duo - guaranteed to have dried caps! A steal at only $400!
I knew my life wouldn't be complete without this O.G. loose gameboy, with missing battery compartment panel for nearly $30!
Hope you have plenty of luggage space to get all of these great deals back home with you!
Just wanted to jump in here with a real boots-on-the-ground report. If you're looking for steals and deals, Tokyo is definitely the place to be. Why just today I was at my local Hard Off / Hobby Off, and I thought of this thread. There was a relentless array of fantastic deals.
I literally karate-chopped another guys hand when we both went for this incomplete, yet boxed Super Famicom for $200:
Next to go in my cart was a boxed PC Engine Duo - guaranteed to have dried caps! A steal at only $400!
I knew my life wouldn't be complete without this O.G. loose gameboy, with missing battery compartment panel for nearly $30!
Hope you have plenty of luggage space to get all of these great deals back home with you!
Re: My Japan trip April 2018
Japan has been well and truly fleeced, holy shit. I remember being there when those things were peanuts, and abundant.
What a shame.
What a shame.
Always outnumbered, never outgunned - No zuo no die
ChurchOfSolipsism wrote: ALso, this is how SKykid usually posts
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MintyTheCat
- Posts: 2023
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- Location: Germany, Berlin
Re: My Japan trip April 2018
Pretty much the same for me. I marked down the more pricey shmups that I wanted to have and got most of them but RECCA evaded me for a bit too long. Next life perhapsCIT wrote:Sadly no. Always thought "I'll get round to it eventually" but then never made the plunge. Eventually the price just went to high. 250€ tends to be my threshold for console games. I think today that's about enough to buy Super Mario Bros.MintyTheCat wrote:Still, I am looking for RECCA. Have you got that, CIT?
More Bromances = safer people
Re: My Japan trip April 2018
I'm pretty sure you'll be able to find them, just maybe not for what you were hoping to pay.neorichieb1971 wrote:I only want a few games.
New Zealand story - MD
Bio Metal - SFC
Adventures of Little Ralph - PS1
I'd be happy coming home with those 3 for now.
Since it's fun for us in Japan to destroy the dreams of those soon to visit, I did a quick check on YAJ and there's a dirty loose cart of Bio Metal that has a starting bid of 8,800 and a Little Ralph (with no spine card) for 24,000.
On the bright side, that same seller has a separate auction for just the Little Ralph spine card for 7,000 yen.
Re: My Japan trip April 2018
For Akiba shopping try Mandrake and Trader, as the prices are still fair by 2017 standards. There are a lot of Traders actually, the one you want is on the man street close to one of the big Sofmap stores. Potato is a cool place but expensive now and kinda smaller selection. If you go there head to the top floor and check out the retro arcade and snack shop.
Basically all the other game shops in Akiba are trying to fuck over tourists so steer clear.
Book Off prices for retro games in Tokyo are even more ridiculous than Akiba, a recent development many might not be aware of, so I wouldnt waste time there either. These days the only deals come from the countryside.
Basically all the other game shops in Akiba are trying to fuck over tourists so steer clear.
Book Off prices for retro games in Tokyo are even more ridiculous than Akiba, a recent development many might not be aware of, so I wouldnt waste time there either. These days the only deals come from the countryside.
Re: My Japan trip April 2018
That hasn't been my experience, but it might depend on what you're looking for. I still think more common titles are cheaper at Book Off than at any specialty used shops and the rarer ones won't be at Book Off anyway.ACSeraph wrote:Book Off prices for retro games in Tokyo are even more ridiculous than Akiba, a recent development many might not be aware of, so I wouldnt waste time there either. These days the only deals come from the countryside.
Recently, I've been shopping for PS1 stuff and the prices all follow this pattern:
Chrono Cross
Mandarake: 2,200 (very nice condition)
Book Off: 800 (average condition)
Amazon JP: 1 (with 300 shipping) (average to good condition)
In short, I do all my PS1 shopping on Amazon JP. Obviously, stuff like Little Ralph will still be expensive, but for normal stuff it's hard to beat.
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neorichieb1971
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Re: My Japan trip April 2018
Looks like a Taito F3 motherboard and MD New Zealand Story it is then.
I'm sure my credit card won't bitch too much for that.
I can get the other stuff over time.
I'm sure my credit card won't bitch too much for that.
I can get the other stuff over time.
This industry has become 2 dimensional as it transcended into a 3D world.
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neorichieb1971
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Re: My Japan trip April 2018
Only a month to go now.
I'm going with a quite a long list of SFC games to get, a couple of PS1 games, an N64 for the HDMI mod, an extra N64 pad and a few other bits.
I noticed King of Demons is getting a re-release on the SFC this April or May. Its on play-asia and says it might not run on standard SFC systems. I'm guessing this is because its a repro.
https://www.play-asia.com/majyuuou/13/70bwyl
I've been watching tons of Akihabara videos and one thing I noticed is that nobody asks for assistance. Is it against culture of Japanese shopping laws to show them a picture of the game you want and them take you right to it? I don't know how long I can sit there searching through 1.9 million games.
I think I have guide lined up. A Japanese lady who can help me around Tokyo. Apparently she visits these street car get togethers so I'll definitely cover that given a chance. I'll also cover my love of trains and all the sights too. Should be quite a trip.
I'm going with a quite a long list of SFC games to get, a couple of PS1 games, an N64 for the HDMI mod, an extra N64 pad and a few other bits.
I noticed King of Demons is getting a re-release on the SFC this April or May. Its on play-asia and says it might not run on standard SFC systems. I'm guessing this is because its a repro.
https://www.play-asia.com/majyuuou/13/70bwyl
I've been watching tons of Akihabara videos and one thing I noticed is that nobody asks for assistance. Is it against culture of Japanese shopping laws to show them a picture of the game you want and them take you right to it? I don't know how long I can sit there searching through 1.9 million games.
I think I have guide lined up. A Japanese lady who can help me around Tokyo. Apparently she visits these street car get togethers so I'll definitely cover that given a chance. I'll also cover my love of trains and all the sights too. Should be quite a trip.
This industry has become 2 dimensional as it transcended into a 3D world.
Re: My Japan trip April 2018
It's fine to ask for assistance over there, I went with my mate last year and trawled around loads of record shops for some World Order CDs. He just showed them a pic of the album and not only will they look it up on their database but they will take you to where it should be in the aisle. Unfortunately he couldn't find any, World Order stuff is as rare as hen's teeth over there.neorichieb1971 wrote:I've been watching tons of Akihabara videos and one thing I noticed is that nobody asks for assistance. Is it against culture of Japanese shopping laws to show them a picture of the game you want and them take you right to it? I don't know how long I can sit there searching through 1.9 million games.
I hope you enjoy your trip man, I hadn't been since 2009 and it was really interesting to see how everything has changed over there. Shopping for games has taken a downward spiral, you won't get the bargains you could get back in 2001 (I got a mint and complete Harmful Park back then for £18!) But bargains can still be had. And while the expensive games are still expensive they tend to still be cheaper than Ebay. But ultimately the main draw of the trip will be the novelty of seeing it all, trust me it's a blast. If you are going to Osaka then it's worth heading to Den Den Town just to take in their branch of Super Potato, it's like a retro wonderland. Say what you want about the prices but the stock still seems to be there, although you can tell that the prices reflect the scarcity of titles.
The arcades are a disappointment though, they are nowhere near as populous as they used to be. The only decent game centers now are HEY and Mikado but luckily they are still pretty incredible.
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charlie chong
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Re: My Japan trip April 2018
This thread makes me glad i don't collect games anymore and bought all the hardware before that went mental too. thank god for flash carts /hard drive mods and modchips/burnt discs. the developers don't see any of the money only scalping bastards and retro collecteurs with too much money so my conscience is clean .everyone should support the downloadable re-releases tho
SLAG OFF KETSUI I SLAG OFF YOR MUM
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https://soundcloud.com/don-pachi-aka-bling-laden
https://soundcloud.com/vapor-teh-apparition
https://soundcloud.com/don-pachi-aka-bling-laden
Re: My Japan trip April 2018
I was there in May 2017, one thing you should know that I only found out on the third day there was that it is rude to point at things. If you're in a store and want something or doing anything really, don't point. Another thing that made communication really easy was google translate on your phone. Don't use the robot voice, just type out what you want in as simple a sentence as possible, translate it and turn your phone on the side and it display the translation in big characters for them to read. They seemed to appreciate that more than me trying to botch a sentence or try to ask in English.
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neorichieb1971
- Posts: 7675
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Re: My Japan trip April 2018
I've typed in all the crap I want in ebay and took a picture of the picture. Now i've got pictures of all the items in my album on my phone. A few swipes and I'm sure they will recognise my want list.
I have a Japanese guide with me, apparently she is very nice but she doesn't know about videogames. She does speak English though so that means I can get messages across.
I thought yahoo japan was cheap. Nangoku Shounen Papuwa Kun is on there for Y15000, its much cheaper on the bay. I'm wondering if this lady can order from Yahoo japan to her house, then I don't have to do the leg work around the shops, or carry tons of weight around with me all day.
I have a Japanese guide with me, apparently she is very nice but she doesn't know about videogames. She does speak English though so that means I can get messages across.
I thought yahoo japan was cheap. Nangoku Shounen Papuwa Kun is on there for Y15000, its much cheaper on the bay. I'm wondering if this lady can order from Yahoo japan to her house, then I don't have to do the leg work around the shops, or carry tons of weight around with me all day.
This industry has become 2 dimensional as it transcended into a 3D world.
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GaijinPunch
- Posts: 15656
- Joined: Mon Jan 31, 2005 11:22 pm
- Location: San Fransicso
Re: My Japan trip April 2018
Not sure who told you that. Once the conversation has devolved to caveman levels, pointing is about all there is.DoomsDave wrote:I was there in May 2017, one thing you should know that I only found out on the third day there was that it is rude to point at things.
That is going to be by far your cheapest bet... there's a decent amount of legwork though so make sure you reward her in some way, whether that be with cash, love making, or both. Seriously, as stated before, Akihabara should be treated more like a museum at this point... the days of going and finding anything reasonably priced are gone. The yen also has gained about 7% against the dollar (and I'd assume pound) in the last month... with our dipshit president threatening trade wars it's not likely to correct any time soon.I thought yahoo japan was cheap. Nangoku Shounen Papuwa Kun is on there for Y15000, its much cheaper on the bay. I'm wondering if this lady can order from Yahoo japan to her house, then I don't have to do the leg work around the shops, or carry tons of weight around with me all day.
RegalSin wrote:New PowerPuff Girls. They all have evil pornstart eyelashes.
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neorichieb1971
- Posts: 7675
- Joined: Wed Jan 26, 2005 1:28 am
- Location: Bedford, UK
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Re: My Japan trip April 2018
What about stores that are not tourist attractions, or are they all well documented to Westerners?
The lady guide is a relation to my wife, kinda like my wifes niece I think. I think my wife is asking her if she can find out of any stores that are not well known, or perhaps down back streets. It just so happens I like big sprites on the Super Famicom and this generally works out to be the 1994+ production of games that could be Japan exclusive.
For the record I don't mind buying cheap games that are just cheap. I'd be happy just buying puzzle bobble on the SFC for $10. Just because a game goes for $600 doesn't mean I want it because its $600. You say its like a museum, but as I see it people are looking at it as a gold mine for ebay hauls. Thats the reason the games are expensive in the first place. I've never sold hardly any of my games. I think my most expensive game is the USA Genesis edition of Musha. I bought it for $50 in 2003 when I joined these forums. I've never thought about selling it. The most expensive console game I ever bought was the JP Mariokart 64 joypad boxset from Raven Games London in 1996 for £150. I've never sold that either. I'd rather play and own Revenge of Shinobi than Alien Soldier and believe it or not I want English carts rather than Japanese.
My targets are these in this order -
1) Disney Magical Quest 3 (SFC) - Prepared to pay the coin.
2) Cacoma Knight in Bizyland (SFC)
3) Great Battle 5 (SFC) - Prepared to pay the coin.
4) Puzzle Bobble (SFC)
5) Dracula X (SFC), probably too expensive
6) Macross Scramble Valkyrie (SFC). Prepared to pay the coin.
7) Ganbare KiraKira (SFC)
Bio Metal (SFC) Too expensive, I doubt I will even come across a copy.
9) Supapon DX (Japanese)
10) Twinbee Rainbow Bell (SFC)
11) Mr Do! (Japanese)
12) Any Rockman X, X2, X3 SFC (Japanese) - Just one of them. I'll probably focus on the 1st X or the X3.
13) ZigZagCat
I might pick up Nichibutsu classics for Moon Cresta. Turtles in time I might pick up if I see it cheap (doubt it). I'll be looking for a Go Ackman. I'll probably get Nangoku Shounen Papuwa Kun from ebay if I don't see one in stores.
If I come back with 7 or 8 titles I'll be happy. I'm sure I will. I will be picking up a N64, SFC and possibly a JP MD console as well. If I can get past customs I should make a saving there.
The lady guide is a relation to my wife, kinda like my wifes niece I think. I think my wife is asking her if she can find out of any stores that are not well known, or perhaps down back streets. It just so happens I like big sprites on the Super Famicom and this generally works out to be the 1994+ production of games that could be Japan exclusive.
For the record I don't mind buying cheap games that are just cheap. I'd be happy just buying puzzle bobble on the SFC for $10. Just because a game goes for $600 doesn't mean I want it because its $600. You say its like a museum, but as I see it people are looking at it as a gold mine for ebay hauls. Thats the reason the games are expensive in the first place. I've never sold hardly any of my games. I think my most expensive game is the USA Genesis edition of Musha. I bought it for $50 in 2003 when I joined these forums. I've never thought about selling it. The most expensive console game I ever bought was the JP Mariokart 64 joypad boxset from Raven Games London in 1996 for £150. I've never sold that either. I'd rather play and own Revenge of Shinobi than Alien Soldier and believe it or not I want English carts rather than Japanese.
My targets are these in this order -
1) Disney Magical Quest 3 (SFC) - Prepared to pay the coin.
2) Cacoma Knight in Bizyland (SFC)
3) Great Battle 5 (SFC) - Prepared to pay the coin.
4) Puzzle Bobble (SFC)
5) Dracula X (SFC), probably too expensive
6) Macross Scramble Valkyrie (SFC). Prepared to pay the coin.
7) Ganbare KiraKira (SFC)
Bio Metal (SFC) Too expensive, I doubt I will even come across a copy.9) Supapon DX (Japanese)
10) Twinbee Rainbow Bell (SFC)
11) Mr Do! (Japanese)
12) Any Rockman X, X2, X3 SFC (Japanese) - Just one of them. I'll probably focus on the 1st X or the X3.
13) ZigZagCat
I might pick up Nichibutsu classics for Moon Cresta. Turtles in time I might pick up if I see it cheap (doubt it). I'll be looking for a Go Ackman. I'll probably get Nangoku Shounen Papuwa Kun from ebay if I don't see one in stores.
If I come back with 7 or 8 titles I'll be happy. I'm sure I will. I will be picking up a N64, SFC and possibly a JP MD console as well. If I can get past customs I should make a saving there.
This industry has become 2 dimensional as it transcended into a 3D world.