Flyer front-side

Sapporo HIGH SCHOOL ROCKERS
THURS. July 28th
@Club DROP

Access Info:
大阪市中央区西心斎橋2-18-9 itビルB1F
Osaka City, Chuo-ku, Nishi Shinsaibashi 2-18-9 it BLDG. B1F


Club DROP is really easy to get to (from the map I saw, never been there). It's right across from Sankaku-koen (Triangle Park) and one shop down from AMPM (convenience store). Your nearest train station will probably be Shinsaibashi Station from the Midosuji Line or Yotsubashi Line. The exit on the Yotsubashi Line is much closer that the Midosuji one (which lets you out near Daimaru and Namba), so I recommend exiting from there. Exit from #5, walk south to the stop light on Yotsubashi street, then turn left. Keep walking until you get to Sankaku-koen (looks like a triangle, lots of people loitering), then turn right. You'll see an AMPM, and Club DROP will next to it. I'm not sure about signage though, so keep a sharp eye out( ´ ▽ ` )



Event Info:
It's a showcase of high school bands from Sapporo and Kansai, if you couldn't guess from the title～(´ー｀～). The two bands from Sapporo (Bakudan Johnny and Drop's) are also releasing their debut albums, so I'm assuming they'll be available at the event. My friends and I got lots of free time these days, so we'll be heading out there this Thursday. The two Sapporo bands will be traveling to several other spots including Tokyo and Fukushima, so if you're out there, try going out and supporting these kids(;´▽`)y
The three bands from kansai are Mrs. Halloween/二クラフィルム/アイボリック.
The entrance fee is 1500¥ in advance and 2000¥ at the door plus a 500¥ drink.
I'm not sure if I'll be snapping a lot of photos, but I'll update this post with them if I do（●´－｀●）

Flyer backside

GANJA/ACID
Psychedelic Bar/CLLIUVBE Room

Access Info:
大阪市宇宙大奥西心斎ケデリック橋2-9-5
(中央区西心斎ヶ橋2-9-5)
日宝三ッ寺会館3F
Osaka City, Uchuu Oooku Nishi Shinsai-chedelic-bashi 2-9-5(Chuo-ku, Nishi Shinsaikebashi)
Nippou Mitsudera kaikan 3F

Did I mention that these guys are funny, funny dudes?? I loove how their flyer says they're located in space (apparently some great Japanese harem in space since they use oooku) and how they squeezed psychedelic into Shinsaibashi. Can you tell I'm a fan??
Anyway, if you do get a hold of the flyer, don't worry, they have a map and the real address is on their homepage.They've also recently started a twitter, and the owner seemed really excited about it, so follow if you like..!
Location wise, they're one street west of Midosuji. If you've walked up to Triangle Park in Amemura or the Apple Store, you've gone to far. It'll be two streets south of the Apple Store, adjacent to a temple.
They have a huge sign on the building it's located inside of, so it shouldn't be too hard to find. Once you get to the third floor however, you're gonna walk up a small flight of stairs and bare to the left. Going to the right will take you to a girls bar, and they didn't seem all that hospitable when we peeked in(´＿｀｡). Once you venture down the hall a couple feet, you'll find a bar with a iron-wrought handle, and that's it..! Step into the zone~


Really, it's a pretty normal shot bar. There's only red lights, so it may take a moment for your eyes to adjust. But after that, just take a seat and order a drink..! The two tenders (pictured) were really friendly but there is a sitting fee of 300 yen that you have to pay along with what you drink. 

The bar is pretty small. I think after about 10 or so people, it probably feels too crowded, but from what I read from the website and Mixi page, it's a popular spot for bands, indie and signed alike. The owner seems like he promotes a lot of local live events too, so we got of info on locals fests and shows going on (I plan on sharing those tomorrow( ´ ▽ ` )ﾉ).

I don't know what the Acid part is about though. In katakana, it says クライヴェントルーム, which is a kura(?) event room? Maybe it's supposed to be a like a club spot? If I find out they have any events going on there, I'll definitely try checking it out.

Overall, it's a pretty small bar, but I completely dug the atmosphere and people gathered so I plan on going again. And again. And again.. I think it's worth a bit of time during your grand evening in Osaka（●´－｀●）

★Peaces★

Psychedelic Bar GANJA on the web:
Homepage
Mixi Community
Twitter

Probably enjoying his first beach trip :)

Today I'd like to introduce a local Osaka beach to you （●´－｀●）! Shota and I went out there this past Sunday, and had a great time. And it was just in time too since we had a great rainstorm the next dayヽ(；´Д｀)ノ

This beach is called Nishikinohama. It's actually a park so you get some sand, water and pine trees. And you'll want those pine trees to hide under because it gets hot.

Just follow this road.

Access Information:
Nishikinohama is only accessible from the Nankai Railway at the Nishikinohama (二色浜) Station. After exiting the station, turn left and follow the street right to the beach. Super easy( ´ ▽ ` )ﾉ. If you're coming from Osaka City, it's about 45 minutes from the JR Tennoji Station.
Things to Note: Swimming season is from July 1st to August 31st and swimming ends at 5pm. The park closes after 10pm.

 Nishikinohama is a pretty small beach, can't be much more than a kilometer of sand alone, but that certainly shouldn't stop you from enjoying yourself. A few tips though, if I may. I highly suggest you bring a large sitting blanket/tarp/something. Shota and I arrived with only our towels, and were sorely disappointed. Back home in VA Beach, my family and I only used towels for laying down, but that sand is kind of dirty here, so Shota wasn't down with that idea. I ended up walking back to the store right in front of the park to buy a tarp. Thank goodness for that little shop( ´ ▽ ` ). 

Also, the sand is really, really hot. I ripped off my sandals when we got to the sand because I didn't want sand in my shoes, but that was a terrible idea. Keep your sandals on, even on the sand, and make sure you bring a large tarp/blanket. Once you step into the water though, it's a little easier to walk on the sand. Until your feet dry again(´＿｀｡)
Also..! The shore is a mix of sand, broken shells and wooden debris (don't worry, there's a little trash mixed in there too), so that kind of sucks for your feet. I do hope all the beaches in Osaka aren't like this（´∀｀）. A plus though! The water is quite warm and easy to get into. The water is a bit dirty by the shore though. I can't believe people would just let their trash go floating into the water, but they do and I found myself trying to avoid candy and kakipi wrappers. Pretty gross（ ´・_・｀） But once you get further into the water, the it's much cleaner.

 Here's the grassy area right next to the sand. A lot of groups were parked out here for barbecues, some with music blasting for all to hear. If you're looking for a quiet place to relax, stay as far away from here as you can. But if you're looking to cook out, you can do it here. Just make sure you bring your own supplies. There are grills in another area of Nishikinohama Park, but you have to make reservations a month in advance and there is a fee depending on the size of the grill. More information on reservations is available at Nishikinohama's Official Website (Japanese only).


The center of Nishikinohama is decorated with this huge mast. Sadly, it's not connected to an actual ship (no impromptu Sparrow impressions（´∀｀）). There is a nice imitation deck where you can sit in some shaded areas or under the deck and enjoy yourself. There's also vending machines, bathrooms, and showers nearby.


Important Note: Swimming finishes at 5pm. That's right, you have to get out at 5pm. I assume you're allowed to stay on the beach afterwards though since I saw a sign for 10pm, and no one seemed like they were ending their parties when they made the last swim call.I don't know why they have a cut-off time for swimming, and I didn't bother asking Shota because he never knows anything, but I'd like to find out. Anyone else know if other beaches in Japan have this rule? Maybe it's just an Osaka thing. Osaka is kind of weird like that sometimes(/ｰ＼).

This is definitely a local spot and doesn't cater to tourists well (I saw two-family own eateries by the beach, but everything else looks like private homes), but if you're looking for a quiet place that's off the beaten path, I think it's pretty good. There's another spot further down the rail that I'd like to check out too, but I'll have to save that for another sunny weekend. Once jellyfish season starts though, the water is off-limits to me *petrified*（；’Ａ ’）.


★Peaces★

Exhibit A

Hello all!! Hope your July is going well( ´ ▽ ` ). Today's post isn't about kansai (per se), but I think it applies to many readers anyway. Please welcome ABC LOOP!!


It was actually one of the site's managers that introduced the site to me since it's still in beta, but I have to admit I've become quite attached already.(;´▽`)


So I'm sure you're wondering, what the ham is an ABC LOOP and why should I care? Well first, you should care, because it's obviously awesome～(´ー｀～). And second, it's a website where individuals interested in the English and Japanese language can come and exchange conversation on a plethora of topics while also working on improving their Japanese/English ヽ(°▽、°）ノ. If that sounded confusing, don't worry, because I'm about to break it down for you♥


ABC LOOP
As you can see from Exhibit A (top), the site design is quite simple, which I really like! You can easily jump to various pages on the site with minimal load time, which is perfect for conversing (and using on smartphones! yay(°▽、°）don't worry, an app will be out eventually). This screenshot is taken from the main page. It'll show you the recently updated threads from loopers you're following (you can also set it to look updates from all loopers or just your own), you current point tally, popular threads, loops that need translating, and popular loops.

LOOPS

Loops and Loops for days!

Now, I should probably explain what a Loop is because this is what ABC LOOP is all about! In the simplest of terms, a loop is a group within the site that caters to a specific interest. You're free to make Loops, and joining them are as easy as updating your facebook status (which it probably why I've joined so many (=´Д`=)). Once you're part of a Loop, you can start making threads and commenting on threads or translating threads and comments within that loop. Loops with the newest threads are on the first page, so if the group becomes inactive, it may fall to the wayside. Make sure to keep your loop active...! (And that's me, the kettle, calling the pot blackヽ(；´Д｀)ノ).

 Once you've joined the loop, you're ready to start interacting with other Loopers (members)! You can jump right into a thread with a new comment of your own, or by translating a comment within the thread. As a Looper, you are free to translate any post or comment you like, which will then be up for checking by other loopers. You can tell from my low points, I haven't been doing much translating on my own, but I really like reading the translations loopers have done of comments. And there's even a thank you button at the bottom so you can thank loopers for their translations. How sweet (●´－｀●)!

 Here's an example of a thread about Tokyo Jihen. As you can see from the comments, the atmosphere isn't super serious. It's not about translating perfectly, or commenting in Japanese or English perfectly. It's more about just communicating about your interests and getting a little help with your studies along the way.

Lessons
ABC LOOP also offers more than just conversation. Perhaps you're working on your English As a Second Language certificate, and you've come up with this awesome-tastic lesson plan that you think could well change the way people learn English. Well, what better way to debut this lesson than through ABC LOOP's Lesson page. From here, loopers can create English lessons to sell to other loopers. These lessons can be just for learning English, or learning a specific skill in English. At the moment, it is free to create lessons and free for students to sign up. Also, all fees are paid to the teacher directly.

Events
Another great page is the Events page. Currently, it only lists events in Tokyo, but these events are English speaking only events. So if you're craving a little eigo-on-eigo time after a stressful time in Tokyo, these place is definitely worth a look..! Other locations should be popping up soon, so let's all look for a few kansai cities up there soon!( ´ ▽ ` )ﾉ

I have to admit, I've been extremely satisfied with my time on the site. The members are amiable, and it's a great atmosphere for learning and meeting like-minded individuals. There's a Loop for everyone (entrepreneurs and Disney fans are welcome and often found in the same loops(°▽、°）) so I think everyone can find something and someone to talk to, in English or Japanese. Anyone with an interest in cultural/language exchange, definitely check this place out. You don't even have to make a name because you can use your facebook name. See?? You're already half-way there..!

★Peaces★ 

Hope everyone has been surviving the summer heat (with the random light showers thrown in). Osaka has been pretty nice, but it rained on Tanabata which ruined my festive plans that dayヽ(=´Д`=)ノ. I still got to write my wish though. The day after.


But that's neither here nor thereヽ(°▽、°）ノ

This is just another post about shopping, which the Japanese are very, very good at (I think I've mentioned that several times now). But it's best to know which shopping places are even the worth time. I'm crazy enough to go checking out each floor of every shopping center I find (poor Shota..), so that you and your poor feetsies don't have too.（●´－｀●） So without much more messin' around~

Access Information:
〒530-8217　大阪市北区梅田3-1-3
TEL: 06-6151-1111
LUCUA is located by the JR trains, subway system, Hankyu and Hanshin trains. If you have your choice of lines, I would suggest the JR lines, because the station is right next to LUCUA.
Station names: JR Osaka Station, Hankyu Umeda Station, Hanshin Umeda Station, Midosuji Umeda Station, and Tanamachi Higashi Umeda Station (the colored ones are subway lines). If you're coming from a rail other than the JR, you'll most likely be dumped into a vast underground mall. Then your best chances will be to follow the signs to the JR Osaka Station or, if you're feeling ballsy, follow the signs for LUCUA. If you go through the JR Osaka Station, you can exit at the Chuo Kita Exit, or another exit (which I don't know the name of. Sorry~~ヽ(；´Д｀)ノ).


Once you've entered, just take a moment to enjoy the glamour of the shops around you. Sure, you've probably seen most of these stores in another shopping centers in another part of Japan (or the world, a handful of foreign brands here too), but maybe it feels a little different. After that, either prepare to waste lots of money or prepare to be disappointed. This place is expensive. I should've known when I didn't really see anyone under 22 wandering about aimlessly(・＿・。).

 I would say LUCUA's target shopping is the married woman with her husband who is well into whatever company's he's a member of. He has to be if his wife is going out to blow over $250 on a vest (was a gorgeous vest though(ﾟДﾟ#). Or maybe she's one of your independent women types still living with her moms, so she's able to blow her paycheck on a shopping trip. Whatever the case, I couldn't enjoy myself on my pitiful salary, so I stuck to looking and touching('A`).

 But not everything in LUCUA is stupid expensive. I found a Top Shop somewhere on the upper floors (5F), and though it was more expensive than I was expecting, it was easily one of the cheaper shops. They also carried brands you'd find in more "hip(younger)" places like EMODA and MURUA (though they aim for more older girls sooo... I might have negated myself a bit..).


I did enjoy the window shopping, and was able to spot a WeSC shop where I'm probably blowing seventy bucks on a pair of headphones next month. But they were NICE. So so so nice... Doesn't hurt that the shop boy was schmoozing me in front of Shota (that stopped after he found out we were married, hur hur~) ( ´ ▽ ` ). I drank it in though~










Though LUCUA didn't have much going for me with it's shops (I did want a Hysteric Glamour belt, but decided I should save my $150 for something important like food or the electric bill), I did enjoy the view from the large windows next to the elevators. They also have a couple floors that open up to courtyards outside. I think that does a lot to alleviate the closed-in, sometimes claustrophobic feeling that comes with shopping (or maybe that's just me（；’Ａ ’）).

 Overall, it's not a bad place to shop, but there are definitely more varied and cheaper places to go in Osaka. One thing I totally enjoyed, and would definitely go back for, was the buffet..!!


But I'm saving that for another post. Ke ke ke~(￣▽￣;)


★Peaces★

Official LUCUA Site

Shitennouji (temple) located in Tennouji-ku, Osaka, is holding it's annual Tanabata Festival! Let's check it out!★

Shitennouji was Japan's first and oldest Buddhist temple. It's long history can be found on Wikipedia and it is easily accessible by JR trains or subway.

This temple is pretty big, with a a few ponds and many small pavilions for praying, so it should be quite a sight all lit up for Tanabata Festival (if you're not sure what Tanabata Festival is, check out this Wiki article too!)( ´ ▽ ` )ﾉ


Access Information:
Shitennouji is easily accessible by JR, Kintestu and subway trains. If going by subway, take the Tanimachi Line* or Midosuji Line* to Tennoji Station. You can also exit at Shitennoji Mae Yuuhigaoka Station on the Tanimachi Line. On the JR trains, the station is also Tennoji, but on Kintetsu, you have to get off at Osaka Abenobashi Station.
*NOTE: The colors also represent the color of the train lines i.e. Midosuji is the red line and Tanimachi is the purple line. In some cases, lines also come in light greens and dark greens, so I will try to denote them when possible. JR trains and Kintetsu trains are NOT color coded.


From Tennoji Station or Abenobashi Station, head out to Tanimachi-suji  (when exiting from the JR Station, it'll be the big street right in front of the station. You can also exit from the JR Station when using the subway. Kintetsu's station is located on the same side of the street as the JR Station, just a block or so south). Heading north on Tanimachi-suji but on the same side as the station (that means when facing north, you're on the right side of the street), you'll cross Kokudou Number 25 (Route 25) and the temple will be to your right. It's pretty hard to miss because I don't remember there being any buildings blocking the temple gate at the entrance.


七夕のゆうべin四天王寺 
Tanabata no Yuube in Shitennouji
The name of the event in Tanabata no Yuube in Shitennouji which roughly translates to 'Evening Star Festival in Shitennouji.' It's going on for three nights, from July 7th to July 10th, and I do believe they will have different events for each night. I didn't want to rip photos from the temple's site (that just seemed kind of wrong(；´Д｀)), so here's a link to Wagamachi no Ooee's site with information. There's also a post about it on Osaka's Tourism website, but it's only in Japanese. Here's a rough translation of the post from Osaka's tourism website:


「期間中は、七夕にちなんで四天王寺境内に300本以上の笹で組まれた笹トンネルやLEDの光で輝く天の川が登場します。願いを込めた短冊を飾った笹のトン ネルをくくれば星に願いが届くかも。また、七夕縁日が立ち並び、七夕復興祈念コンサートや天体観望会などのイベントが開催されます。10日には願いを込め て書かれた短冊が四天王寺境内にてお焚き上げされます。」

"During Tanabata in Shitennouji (temple) there will be over 300 stalks of bamboo linked together as a tunnel, and with shining LED lights creating the Milky Way, on display. If you decorate tanzaku (Japanese paper) with wishes and tie them to the tunnel of bamboo, your wishes may be sent to the stars. Also, during the Tanabata festival, there will be a reenactment of a Tanabata Prayer Concert, star gazing and other events taking place. On the 10th, wishes written on tanzaku will be burned in Shitennouji."


For more information and some lovely photos please visit the Wagamachi no Ooee website here and here and the Osaka Tourist Guide website. (Also, excuse my shoddy translating skillzzヽ(°▽、°）ノ I took a lot of liberties)


I know this is terribly short notice, but tanabata is one of the more widely known festivals in Japan, so I thought I'd share some info for anyone visiting the kansai area during that time!


★Peaces★