Odds 'n Ends.

I have spent the entire day tidying and catching up on tv shows. I also went through a box of Clear Files hoping to find some I haven't used before. I don't think I've shown this Devilman one before...

He fought Cyborg 009 gang in a cool crossover anime a while back.

 

 Here's a pair of vampiric socks. Fangs at the top and bat-stripes.

Some spooky Halloween KitKats. Even spookier is the flavour...Sweet Potato!

I don't need anymore Gatcha capsules. Yet I am sorely tempted by these.

Brains...

That reminds me, I still need to watch NOPE.

To finish off my hodgepodge entry, here is some Belgian Chocolate. Yummy but I could only eat it since I had had a low calorie day.

Now I need to catch up on other tv shows. Such as Chucky and Werewolf By Night! Reviews to follow...

Speaking of hodgepodge, another blogger with randomness prevails over at and everything else too

Santified!

I've been putting this off time and time again and am determined to finish my Santafication tour of last year.

First up in early December was my annual visitation to The Tohoku Electric Friends of Canada Christmas party. Ably assisted by "Black Santa", we handed out prizes to all the attendees and got to eat and drink some Canadian fare.

Hey, could that be fellow Canuck Blaise of Monkey Majik fame on the right?

As a finale, we warbled out a raucous version of Santa Claus is Coming to Town!

Before the main attraction (ME), the Men's choir sang a few Christmassy tunes as well as a harmonic rendering of Oh Canada! They were pretty good and may have recruited me to join them next year.

The other main attraction was an attractive Paper-cutting Dancer. Woohoo! She made me a Dragon!

 Sweet!

The above individual is the new Canadian Ambassador to Japan whose name eludes me. We went to an after party with he and a few other celebs.

This is the album cover of Monkey Majik's latest single, which can be heard during the end credits of the latest Cyborg 009 movie! 

I landed a present from the gig as well, a box of chocolates. My intention was to regift the goodies, but they ended up in my tummy instead.

My next gig was taking pictures with several dozen kiddies at a couple of Day Care centers. Alas, not many photos were taken.

One of my reindeer.

Most interesting anecdote from the day was at my second gig out in the sticks near Aizu. As I walked in in full Santa garb, one of the staff said, "Good Morning." I replied, "Actually, it's Good Afternoon." She then said "Michael Sensei??" She recognized my voice as her teacher 10 years ago at Seiwa High School! (Or she recognized the condescending tone I used in correction her.)

Part 2 of Santification will continue tomorrow...

Ishinomaki no Ishinomori.

On Saturday, I visited the Mangattan Museum in Ishinomaki, a place I haven't visited since before the terrible tsunami of 3/11/11. The last time I was there, I had much more time to explore, this time I was pressed for time so you can click that link for details. The museum features artwork by the King of Manga, Shotaro Ishinomori, creator of Kamen Rider, Cyborg 009, Kikaider and dozens other characters. A fellow Sendaiian has written more about the Museum here.

 
Photos aren't permitted in the main hall or display rooms but there were several photo ops elsewhere. I started off the day on the third floor in the cafe and enjoyed an ice cream cone. It hit the spot.

  Princess Kuragehime goods on display.

 I have most of the Cyborg 009 figures below (somewhere).

I don't have these...

Also on the third floor is a vast manga library in which one can peruse volumes of their favourite tome. I discovered a Godzilla Art Book I've never seen before. I'll be on the lookout for it.

The elevator is character-themed, as are the vending machines.

 A portrait of Shotarou...

 And his house.

 Murals on the walls...

 A benchmark character (sorry, no selfie-stick.)

Outside is a very cool looking car!

There are several statues of characters throughout the building as well.

My personal highlight is a pic taken with one of the cosplaying staff.

There was a special display of the work of Akiko Higashimura, creator of Kuragehime (Princess Jellyfish!) and other stuff. Alas I was unable to take photos yet I was given a postcard showcasing her characters and bought a Clear File as well.

I grabbed a few more clear files and some magnet sets (Hint: don't buy the magnets at the conbini, they are cheaper in the museum), as well as a Gatcha-mini painting and a nice little bag to carry my loot.

(There was a kiddie-friendly little movie about Sea Jetter Kaito, it was nice to take a load off and sit for 15 minutes.)

 

In the future, I'll need to check out some of these upcoming events and perhaps visit his Memorial Museum.

As you wander throughout the city, one can see several statues of Ishinomori's creations. Here are several.

Even the manhole covers are cool!

There is graffiti and artwork everywhere!

Every lamppost has a different character banner.

Even the Postboxes are unique.

I highly recommend a visit to this city and all it has to offer.