So much anticipa...

Sanji's Restaurant

Webpage HERE
2015 Rating: ★★★★★

Pros

Close encounters of the live-action kind - This is one of the few attractions where you can see the One Piece actors up close. Unlike Shrek, Princess Fiona or Elmo, the One Piece characters won't be found wandering around the park, as I'm sure that would cause too much of an uproar. You don't want to get caught in a crowd of fans trying to get a photo-op with their favorite character. Things could get quite ugly.

A hungry, wild Luffy appears!

Photo-op with the crew - This is the only event where you can get a photo with the One Piece actors. A few years back, you were able to take photos during the Premier Show, and with proper timing and some luck, you could snap a selfie with a character from the show in passing. But now photos are no longer permitted, leaving this event as the only other photo-op destination. All photos are taken by staff on one device (camera, smartphone, etc.) along with another shot on a USJ camera. You're welcome to purchase the USJ photo (for about 2000 yen) complete with a memorial (paper) frame.

A great show with a great seat - Unlike the Premier Show, where you could end up positioned behind one of the massive theater columns, or so far from the action that it gets difficult to see characters, every seat in the restaurant is a great seat. All of the characters will pass by your seat, or even interact with you, at some point during the event. And at the end of the event, everyone gets high-fives from the characters, and I mean EVERYONE.

You have fed a wild Luffy! Now he'll never leave...

A unique One Piece restaurant experience - An original story involving the characters was written and then recorded by the voice-actors, resulting in a really unique experience for fans. Actors miming along to a voice-track may sound... well, a bit hanky, but it actually works really well! They really bring you into the performance.

Cons

Overlapping with other events - Unless you're well-versed in events at Universal Studios Japan, you might find that your restaurant time overlaps with other events, maybe even with the Premier Show! Unfortunately, refunds are not offered for the restaurant, so you'll have to forgo other events if an overlap does occur. With the Universal Cool event, they offered packages that prevented attractions from overlapping, but I suppose the sheer volume and of guests at the One Piece events makes that impossible (and the fact that some events only occur once-a-day). Things to note for next year's event (as this year is completely sold out): buy your tickets and pick early times. 12pm seems to be a sweet spot!

Sells out quickly - Unfortunately, Sanji's popularity with the lad-- I mean, this event's popularity means that it sells out. Fast. Early times were all but sold out by early July (not long after the event began), with all times being sold out by the end of July. This is actually much slower than last year, owing to the fact that there were more show times (see overlapping above) and they didn't allow tables with 1 person, but if you're only going to be at USJ for one day, I wouldn't take my chances on waiting. Try to get your tickets the day they go on sale (updates are usually given out on the USJ Twitter or Facebook page).

Your oh-so-fab (paper) menu! Made with love, I'm sure.

That's an extra 4980 yen to your USJ trip - Yeaaaah, but you have to remember, this is more like a lunch/dinner-show, so you're not really paying for the food, you're paying for experience. But the food isn't bad!

Thoughts

As you can see, the pros definitely outweigh the cons and I would highly recommend this event to any One Piece fans visiting USJ in summer. To be quite honest, it's one of the factors that lead to me buying a season pass these pass two years as it all but guarantees I'll be going to USJ more than once (I have a lot of friends who like One Piece >_>;; ). It's also an event that I recommend to EVERYONE when I talk about USJ. It's basically one of the best things USJ has going for it, so I just hope they don't... well, ruin it.

One Piece Premier Show

Webpage HERE
2015 Rating: ★★★

Guess who's gettin' paid out in front of the Coca-Cola Happiness lunch room.

Pros

You can has all the One Piece characters - The Premier Show is where you will get to see the largest number of One Piece characters, all in one place. This year alone had the Mugiwara Pirates (Luffy, Zoro, Nami, Usopp, Sanji, Chopper, Nico Robin, Franky, Brook), Kin'emon and Momonosuke a la pink foam dragon, Bartolomeo, Cavandish, Sabo, and Ace, quick one-liners from Doflamingo and Law, baby Luffy, Ace and Sabo, plus several side characters and some created just for this show. And, of course, all the series characters are voiced by their respective voice actors. Also, just a note about this year's show, Bartolomeo was amazing!! His actor made me love the character even more than I had before (excuse me while I collect all the Bartolomeo things).

A well-performed event - As this event is not included with park admission (a separate ticket must be purchased online or in the park), this should be a given, but I do believe they try to exceed expectations with this show. It's held in the Waterworld venue, so I originally assumed it would stick to the tricks used in that show, but they've invented quite a few new tricks that make the show unique to USJ and One Piece. And every year, so far, it gets better! Here's to many more, we hope?

Forking out more money gets you a better seat - Wu-Tang said it best, and never is it more true than at this event. If you spend the extra cash for a S1 seat, then you'll be front and center. You may WILL get wet, but you are mostly guaranteed some kind of interaction from the actors and all the high-fives. Anything below the S1 seat, and you may be left to watch the S1 and aisle S2 seats in envy as they hang out with all the characters in the show. So if you've got the money, and want to get close to the characters, I recommend a S1 seat.

Cons

Tickets go on sale for members first - Not only are they only on sale for members first, there are various tiers to this membership (VIP season pass holders, Universal Club members, then general public is what I recall) that means all the good seats could be gone before tickets are for sale for the general public. If you're vying for a seat, I suggest becoming a Universal Club member (free and you will have to do if you purchase tickets online), that way you'll be notified by e-mail about upcoming sales and events.

No photos allowed - Unfortunately, or fortunately, photography is not allowed at this event any longer. The first time I went, photos were allowed, and while it was okay, some guests would hold the camera above their heads, blocking the view of other guests. I guess instead of telling people not to do that, they decided to just do away with photos all together (though I did read on some sites that it may have to do with voice actors being used, and not being able to manage the rights to their voices on sites like YouTube, etc, and along with other bad manners associated with people taking photos).

No English information - I've lived in Japan for about 5 years, and also work as a translator for a company, but believe me when I say that it is incredibly difficult to understand voice work, even when blasted through expensive speakers. I only, very vaguely and after multiple inquires to a friend, understood some of the dialogue between characters, forget trying to follow the narrator. Luckily, the action alone if fairly easy to follow, if you're already aware of the characters' relationships with one another, so it's not a deal breaker, just something to consider.

There is such a thing as a bad seat - Whatever you do, try to get a seat not directly behind a column. Sadly, the design of the theater leaves a lot of folks with a poor view at times, but if you can, stick to seats in the middle of the theater, or to the sides. Also, anyone seated in the middle of a row won't be able to get a high-five from characters as they run through aisles. This disappointed more than you know because I really wanted a high-five from Usopp ;n; (his actor is the most adorable!).

Thoughts

While this event has many merits on its own, it is really hard, nigh impossible, to not compare it to the restaurant, and thus, the rating is just average. Especially when you compare prices, proximity, and what's included with the price of the tickets to each event (the cost of an S1 seat is the same as the restaurant). BUT, if you're unable to get your tickets to the restaurant, you might as well blow that money on an S1 seat for the Premier Show. I guess (though it seems all of those seats MAY be sold out for this year sooo... next year?).

Overall

Would I recommend this to fans of the series? Absolutely! There's no way to not enjoy yourself at this event. Would I recommend this event to fans who don't have tickets to the restaurant and show? Uh, maybe. If you'd like to take photos around some of the One Piece stuff decorating the park (though it's quite turned down this year) and get your hands on some cute One Piece gear, then it's still worth the park's entry fee (plus there's always Harry Potter Land if you get bored).

Would I recommend this event for those that aren't necessary fans of the series, but still sorta interested (and without aforementioned tickets)? Uhh... probably not, and even if you got the tickets, that's a almost 10,000 yen (close to 100 USD) extra to your already pricey park entry fee (it's 7,200 yen to get in). You'd really have to evaluate how much you like the series.

If you were going to to USJ anyway, and just happened to find out about the One Piece bit, then it's still a win, but if you're going just to see what they have, much like the Universal Cool event, you might just end up bored.

If you really wanted to see the One Piece show and restaurant, unfortunately, you'll have to catch that wave next year. Might I suggest you take that 7,200 yen and use it at Abeno's Mugiwara Store?? That place is totally worth it!

Links

USJ's One Piece Premier Summer Webpage (JP only)
USJ's Webstore (JP only)
Blog post on How to purchase One Piece Tickets (EN)
Blog post on the Universal Cool Event

English-language Reservation Service for USJ: Voyagin

If you're looking for an English-language service for getting your USJ tickets, check out Voyagin! They'll help you get your park tickets, they have express passes and they can get you train tickets for your trip to the park. If you need them to, they can even print and send your tickets to your hotel, but make sure to read the instructions on how.

Click here to access Voyagin's USJ reservation page.

While Law is just here, judging us all.

Questions, comments and concerns always welcome!
★Peaces★

 

Puppet head from the Osaka Museum of History.

Access
Official Website Access Page 
〒540-0008
大阪市中央区大手前4丁目1-32
(Osaka City, Chuou-ku, Otemae 4-chome 1-32)
TEL: 06-6946-5728
Hours of Operation: 9:30 - 17:00, Closed on Tuesdays
More Info Here


The train station closest to the museum is the subway's Tanimachi 4-chome Station on the Tanimachi Line. There will be signs in the subway with directions for the exit closest to the museum. The exit I took (Exit #2) lead me through part of the NHK building before I actually got to history building, while taking Exit #9 seems like a more direct route to the history building. From the first floor, you'll pay the entrance fee, then take an elevator to the top floor and work your way down.

Osaka Museum of History

Omotenashi Meter ★★★★★ out of 5

⇒Entrance Fees (with tax)
Adults 600 yen Children 400 yen

A view from the Palace hall.

 This may not be apparent based on the content of this blog, but I'm a moderate history nut. My memory is shot, so I couldn't recite dates for you, but I love reading about ancient cultures and civilizations and always enjoy a good museum or two. And today's museum falls pretty high on my list of favorite museums (my favorite will probably always be the Smithsonian's National Air and Space Museum in D.C.).

The Osaka Museum of History is pretty easy to figure out. This museum focuses solely on the development and modernization of the area of Naniwa-kyo, that later came to be known as Osaka City.

A recreation of the Naniwa Palace.

 The museum starts at the top floor (the 10th) with a recreation of the Naniwa Palace of the late 600s, which came into existence after Emperor Kotoku moved the capital from Heian-kyo (in Nara) to Naniwa-kyo (Osaka). The hall features mannequins modelling the fashions of the time, with a small corner where you can try them on for yourself (for free!) and a take a photo.

The staff at the museum were kind enough to snap this photo for me, hence the stoic face xD

From this hall, you move into artifacts recovered from the discovery of Naniwa Palace, a small exhibit about the discoverer of these artifacts and some history on the Osaka before Naniwa Palace.


Moving down to the 9th floor, you start with the middle ages (roughly from the start of the Taira government, a samurai-based government system, until the Azuchi-Momoyama era of Japanese history) and travel through a sea of miniature models on to the Edo era.

This is the danjiri probably maybe.

 Most of these displays feature information about everyday life in middle-ages Osaka. As Osaka is known as a merchant city, this exhibit gives you a glance at its long history of craftsmen and merchants. There are also full-sized recreations of bridges and what looks like a danjiri.

This area is full of video and audio presentations, but sadly, they aren't translated. Some of the plaques do feature a translation.

Osakan Indiana Jones welcomes you.

On the 8th floor, you'll find the history excavation area. This area features many colorful explanations in Japanese about the process used to find many of the artifacts in the museum. You can also try your hand at putting together broken pieces of (plastic) pottery. It's obviously aimed toward kids (damn you tiny chairs), but I saw a lot of couples there having a good time too.

This was harder than it looks.

The far end of this floor also has a small exhibition area set up for displaying other precious artifacts and from the railing, you can take a peak at the exhibition below on the 7th floor.

View of the Shinsaibashi sign from the 8th floor.

On the 7th floor, there's a recreation of a street corner on Midousuji in the Shinsaibashi and Dotonbori area from the Taisho/Showa periods. Osaka became known as Dai-Osaka during this period after incorporating Nishi-nari and Higashi-nari, and was an even larger city than Tokyo.

There are examples of trains, a telephone booth, a market, workshops and a house from this period, and they are fairly interactive though they ask that you not pick up food in the market.

Tickets from the World Expo in 1970 in Osaka.

The other side of this floor displays a collection of items from the Showa period like tickets to the world expo in Osaka and kimono from that era.

Overall, this museum was great! The interactive exhibits, along with the video and audio, make it an ideal museum for children and really reminds of the National Museum of American History back in D.C. (I went there a lot as a kid lol). Of course, in the case of the Osaka Museum of History, it will definitely help if the kids can speak some Japanese, otherwise there will be a lot of explaining to do.

Also, this museum wasn't so crowded, for it being a Sunday and all, so there doesn't seem to be much a crowd issue. I didn't notice any signs banning selfie sticks, like with the Osaka Museum of Housing and Living, but flash photography is not allowed on all floors (except for one area) and tripods are not allowed.

Omotenashi Meter

5★ out of 5

I think this is my first 5! This museum ranks so high probably because of the lack of people that day. It's one of the few places were you could take your time and read the signs in exhibits or just wander through at your own pace. The staff were very friendly and quick to offer information in many languages (they offered Shota a Chinese and Korean pamphlet). The exhibition route is easy to follow and the interactive exhibits are a major plus as many museums have a no touchy policy. The price was also very reasonable and it's one of the few places I'd take a friend to as well (as opposed to just telling them about it).

If you're a Japanese history nut, and especially a kansai/Osaka history nut, then you must pay a visit. You can event get a ticket for the castle and the museum together and save yourself a bit of money. ^o^)//

Further Reading

Learning things is awesome! If you wanna learn more, then check out some of the articles below! Drop a line if you'd like suggestions on other resources and I'll see what I can dig up. ;>

Wikipedia Article on the Taira Clan
Japanese Wikipedia Article on Naniwa Palace
Wikipedia Article on the Azuchi-Momoyama Period
Japanese Wikipedia Article on Dai-Osaka

If you have any questions, comments or concerns, they're always welcome in the comments below or by e-mail!

★Peaces★

Mugiwara Store storefront.

I've been on something of a One Piece boom these days, can ya tell? But it's not been without rhyme or reason; it's just summer! And summer = oceans which also = pirates, the clean, friendly, non-scurvy kind that you see on the TVs. Disney really missed out on cashing in on pirates every summer the way One Piece does.

Ace on display at the front of the shop.

Anyway, enough rambling, especially seeing as the Mugiwara Store is much less related to summer-ness and much more related to expanding the One Piece empire. In Osaka, there are two Shonen Jump shops, one with a replica of Thousand Sunny sitting in the middle of the shop, but that alone is not enough to satisfy that masses. And so, the Mugiwara Store has finally dropped anchor within Q's Mall in Abeno, Osaka City.

Located on the 3rd floor, the shop is fairly large and packed with a lot of One Piece goods, most of which I've never seen at Shonen Jump stores or the USJ events (not that I got that often, mind you ::cough cough:: ). That is to say, there are a lot of One Piece things to be had.

Yankee-fied OP characters (as if Dofla wasn't a Yankee).

"Pinched" OP character key chains.

Items range from small items like key chains, stickers and pens, to everyday items like bento boxes and bath bombs, to your larger, character goods like t-shirts, towels and hats (everyone loves a good OP hat. I have 3 orz ).

They also carry CDs and artbooks, though you might have better luck at a Book-Off or Mandarake price-wise.

One Piece manga from various countries.

Overall, I'll rate this as a must-see for any dedicated One Piece fan visiting the Osaka area. They have point cards that come with free postcards as you fill them up, in case you needed incentive to shop. And even if you only consider yourself a sometimes fan of the show, there's quite literally something for everyone, as long as you have the time to look.

Official Links

Mugiwara Store Official Website

Shonen Jump JUMP SHOP Official Website

Abeno Q's Mall Official Website

One Piece Official Website

Access Info:

〒545-0052
大阪市阿倍野区阿倍野筋一丁目6番1号 あべのキューズモール 3F
(Osaka-shi, Abeno-ku, Abeno-suji 1-6-1 Abeno Q's Mall 3F)



Located at the cross-section of JR Tennoji Station, Kintetsu's Osaka Abenobashi Station, and the Midosuji/Tanimachi Line's Tennoji Stations. The shopping mall is directly across from the Abenobashi Station, but leaving from the JR exit, you'll need to take the pedestrian overpass to the mall. Going from the subway (particularly the Tanimachi Line) is a tad more confusing so I would suggest you consult the overhead signs (written in English), or head for the JR station, then navigate your way from there.

Once inside the mall, you'll need to navigate your up and around to the 3rd floor. It'll be toward the back of the building, near Ito-Yokado and right next to an video game arcade (in case you needed some more excuses to spend money).

More photos will be up at the WeLoveKansai tumblr. Questions, comments and concerns always welcome! And happy shopping!

I pose with every Ace statue I can find xD

★Peaces★

What is it?

The splash page of the One Piece Premier Summer event on USJ's website.

One Piece Premier Show

The main page for the Premier Show on USJ's site.

Sanji’s Restaurant

More to Come?

Getting Your Tickets

Club Universal Sign-up screen. The right side is for new members.

Premier Show Tickets

Left to right: Seat Type, Adults (12yrs and older), Children (4-11 yrs old, 12 yrs still in Elementary still ok).

Seating Chart for the event. All of the S2 seats are within the dark orange area. Most are sold-out for weekends.

Sanji’s Restaurant

Info on getting reservations for the restaurant. Good for Japanese practice, eh?

 

Webstore Japanese Keywords

★Peaces★

The Jpeg makes it look waaay more saturated than a rainy day.

Hello!! It looks like I'll be skipping over the Nipponbashi Street Festa cosplay post for a sec, because hanami (cherry blossom viewing) season is here!

This year appears to be a fairly busy hanami season for myself, so in this post, I'll try to highlight as many hanami spots as I can that are in the Kansai area. Ratings will be based on crowds, cleanliness and closeness to convenience stores (because you can't start running out of booze in the middle of a party).


As there are a few more hanami spots left to visit, we'll call this post a W.I.P. until the end of the season (in the next couple of weeks).


Utsubo Park - Osaka City
★★ (out of 5)

Utsubo Park is a pretty large park located smack in the center of Osaka City. It's Osaka's ossan Central Park? A very sad and enclosed Waterfront (D.C., for those not hip) even. But it's not all bad!

There's a park, a playground for children, way too many tennis courts , and some water fountain-things. It's within walking to 3 train stations, Awaza Station, Honmachi Station and Higobashi Station, which means that, naturally, it is surrounded by convenience stores. Easily one of the best places for a spur-of-the-moment hanami adventure that requires store-bought snacks.

I know what you're saying. If I like it so much, why don't I marry it? But I have a very simple response to that: People. People, in Japan and most other metropolitan areas, are not uncommon. But with Japan being the miniature version of most metropolitan areas, the people start to increase at ridiculous rates. And this sakura spot is FULL of people.

Taking up shots was the only to avoid people..

It's near the municipal kindergarden, which means every child under 7 in Osaka probably plays here, and since their friends play here too, that means the moms are out in full force. It's also surrounded by 3 Elementary schools, a middle school and there's a university nearby.

NOT TO MENTION the hundreds or offices located in Honmachi, as it's somewhat of a business hub in Osaka City. That means that any space near a sakura tree has already had dibs called for it by a blue sheet with a office's name on top. These sheets are out there the entire hanami season (about 2-3 weeks).

People aren't supposed to do that, but rules in Japan are more like suggestions any way so there's that.

So yeah, people.
No thanks.

Osaka Castle Park
★★★★ (out of 5)
This might be my biases talking, but Osaka Castle Park is my go-to for hanami in Osaka City. I go every year, and despite the large groups of people, I always have a good time, and I think that's because of the park's biggest asset: being big.

Like, Osaka Castle Park is pretty huge. Walking from one side to the other probably takes the better part of an hour, but because of it's size, you never feel like it's crowded, even when it obviously is. This size advantage lends to people have more areas to choose for their group. Though the biggest collection of sakura is located near the south, near the main entrance to the castle, the entire park has sakura lining the moat, so you're almost guaranteed a spot.

Unless it's the weekend. There are no guarantees on the weekend, but you'll be better off at this park than, say, Utsubo.


I would say that some of the negatives are the trash. People seem to be pretty terrible at cleaning up after themselves sometimes. Also, even though BBQ's are not allowed in the park, I've seen people BBQ'ing (again, Japan and rules being suggestions), and have found seating areas covered in spent charcoals. THAT was not done by non-Japanese, for sure. Only other Japanese would have the balls blatantly disregard huge signs written in their language (the "No running onto trains" is another blatantly ignored one) and try to ruin public property in the process.

Another somewhat negative is the distance to convenience stores. You're sure to find a few near the train exits around the park, but once you enter the park, especially the area inside the moat, you're at the mercy of the food stalls within. That food is probably no more expensive than what you find at festivals, but probably more than you'd like to spend.

But the solution to that is easy, just buy a crap-ton of food and drink, then go inside and have the time of your hanami!

Also, you can enjoy nighttime hanami in Osaka as it doesn't close (neither does Utsubo, but again, office people)! Nighttime is a great alternative for those that want to avoid big crowds of children during the day.

That's all I got for now, but sakura just started blooming literally this week, so there's still time for more! As always, questions and comments welcome! And if you're looking for help or suggestions about the kansai area, don't be afraid to ask!

★Peaces★

Note the silicon wristband.

11th Nipponbashi Street Festa & Cosplay Festival 2015

The street festival is back for 2015! This time, it will take place on a Saturday, March 21st!

Originally, I wasn't going to post information in regards to the festival, and then I realized there is almost no information on sooo.. I'd better get to it.

If you're looking for a place to get some cosplaying done in Japan, this is it! Nipponbashi Street Festa is an annual festival that takes place in Osaka's Nipponbashi area (not to be confused with the Nihonbashi area of Tokyo). This area is commonly referred to as Den-Den Town as it used to be filled with electric shops, though now it is the anime and gaming hub of Osaka. Here, you'll find maid cafe's, maid and cat cafes, and garcon (butler) cafes! OH, and shops stocked with all the latest new and used anime and video gaming goods.

During the festival, a section of Sakaisuji is closed to automotive traffic, and participants and sightseers are allowed to roam the streets and through shops freely. There are also many booths set up by various companies and at the main stage of the festival, there is a super sentai show. I won't translate everything going on (there is A LOT of written info), but I'll try to hit on the important points.

When
Opening Ceremony is from 12pm
There will be booths for changing into cosplay, as wearing cosplaying in public comes very close to breaking Japan's obscenity laws, where staff members will check cosplays for appropriateness. I would assume these are open much earlier than 12, but the headquarters is only from 11am so... be ready for a queue if you plan on cosplaying.

The changing rooms for cosplay will be open from 10am until 5pm.

Showing up to the festival already in cosplay is not allowed, so please use the designated changing areas to change into your cosplay.

Where

Sorry, I couldn't figure out how to put in the map widget! ;n;

大阪市浪速区日本橋5-8-21NTT日本橋ビル1階
Osaka-shi, Naniwa-ku, Nipponbashi 5-8-21 NTT Nipponbashi Bldg. 1F
TEL　06-6655-1717
Hours of Operation: 11：00～19：00
Official Website

Here is the address of the area that will be operating as the headquarters for the event. The festival itself is pretty easy to find from any of the nearby stations, like Nipponbashi Station or Ebisucho Station, as it covers most of Sakaisuji and its surrounding blocks.

Events

The 3 main events are divided between the Higashi-hiroba Schedule (東広場スケジュール), Parade Schedule (パレードスケジュール) and Stage Time Schedule (ステージタイムスケジュール), which you can see highlighted in orange on the map above (Jpn only). Most of the events will occur between 12pm and 3pm.

Higashi-hiroba Schedule Page (東広場スケジュール) (Jpn)
Parade Schedule (パレードスケジュール) (Jpn)
Stage Time Schedule (ステージタイムスケジュール) (Jpn)

There are also tons small events going on in the cafes, clubs, and event spaces in the area, which you can view under the Route Event Page. These events are divided into areas A through J.

Route Event Page (沿道イベント紹介) (Jpn)

I think these events are by far the most interesting, and include things like voice actor events, so you'll definitely want to go through these pages.

Cosplay Festival Participation Rules

Though this event is all about having fun and experiencing anime and gaming culture, there are some important rules in place to make sure things run smoothly and that the event can continue in the future.

Cosplay Participation Wristband

• Those interested in cosplaying or taking photos of cosplayers at the event are required to buy a Cosplay Participation badge. It's a red silicon wristband that can be purchased before the event from a number of stores for 1500 yen, and is to be worn on the day of the event.
• As mentioned before, cosplayers are required to use the changing rooms set up by the event so that staff can check that costumes are suitable for being displayed in public. If your costume is deemed unsuitable for the public, you will not be allowed to leave the changing rooms with the costume on, so dress accordingly! (Also, there a ton of kids at this event to see the sentai performances so let's just be nice and spare their parents the birds and bee convo for now).
• Don't put on make-up or fix wigs and such in the changing rooms (too many people obvs).
• Do not wear your cosplay to the event, please use the changing rooms for changing into your cosplay.
• No taking up space at places of business (don't make a photoshoot out of your cafe visit). It happens.
• There are a lot of cameramen at the event, but if you feel like someone is being icky or creepy, feel free to report them to a member of staff .
• No costumes that play music.

Rules Regarding Costumes

• The following are considered indecent exposure (and thus not permitted to leave the changing rooms): Not wearing underwear, Short costumes with no undershorts or drawers, Costumes that are just like swimsuits or underwear, Costumes that are just body paint, Swimsuit or bloomer-type shorts that don't have tights underneath.
• These items are also prohibited: Costumes that could hurt other people, costumes with powder, costumes that haven't dried completely, bloody costumes, costumes that emit strong lights or smells.
• No costumes that look like police officers, nurses or doctors, security officers, or other uniforms designated by law. Obviously, cosplays like MGS or Trauma Center are fine, but don't come in with an exact replica of an actual police uniform, and expect to be let outside.

I have seen Silent Hill cosplays before, so I think as long as the blood isn't dripping across the ground everywhere, you're safe.

• Fake weapons (buster swords, staffs, etc) are allowed, but they ask they you stay aware of your surroundings and not flail around.

Rules Regarding Photography

• Always ask for permission from the cosplayer before taking photos.
• Taking photos without some kind of recognition from the cosplayer (via eye contact, etc.) is prohibited and staff may ask to check your photos (to make sure you're not an creeper perv).
• Do not take photos that may cause trouble with traffic. If staff decide that your photoshoot is disrupting traffic, they may ask you to stop.
• Taking low-angle photos are prohibited. If caught taken these kinds of photo, they will check your data and report you to police. Also, the use of any lenses that can peer up skirts will be subject to the same rule (basically, don't be like those creepy train molesters).
• Erotic photos of the chest, etc., even if OK'd by the cosplayer, are prohibited.
• If they think you've broken any of these rules, they can confiscate your electronic devices for a content check. If caught will illegal material, you'll be handed over to the police.
• Please wear the silicon wristband during the festival.

Rules Regarding the Changing Rooms

• It's gonna be pretty busy, so please change as quickly as possible. No exchanging business cards or hanging out in the changing rooms.
• Please change between 10am and 5pm.
•  Any items stolen will be the sole responsibility of the owner. There is a space for placing luggage near the changing rooms, however keep all important items on your person.
• Changing rooms close at 5pm, and at the time of closing, there may be a long line, so please change as soon as possible.
• Please do as instructed by staff.
• After changing, waiting around the changing area is not permitted.
• Not photography is permitted in the area around the changing rooms.

The street will be closed to traffic from 12pm until 3pm. Photography in the streets outside of that time frame is prohibited. Because you could be hit by a car (let's be smart).

It seems like a lot of rules, the event is still pretty laid back. Just be smart about what you wear and what you do, and you should be fine!

Also, this is my third year going and I'm finally cosplaying. So excited!! :D

Questions, Comments or Concers? Just ask below!
I'll get back to you ASAP!

★Peaces★

YOU SHALL NOT PASS-- ER, RIDE... UMM.. WATCH?

• Wizarding World of Harry Potter Area Timed-Entry Pass
• Harry Potter and the Forbidden Journey Express Pass
• Evangelion The Real Express Pass
• Attack on Titan The Real Express Pass
• Resident Evil The Escape Pass 
• Monster Hunter Drink G Present

The express pass pattern chart from USJ's site.

Time slots available for pattern A.

• Evangelion The Real 4-D English Page 
• Attack on Titan The Real English Page
• Resident Evil The Escape English Page
• Monster Hunter The Real English Page

Note: The English page for Monster Hunter contains no info on the DS related event.

Universal Cool Japan Japanese Site

• Evangelion The Read 4-D Jpn Page
• Attack on Titan The Real Jpn Page
• Resident Evil The Escape Jpn Page
• Monster Hunter The Real Jpn Page

Info on Time Attack for Monster Hunter The Real. Nintendo 3DS and Monster Hunter 4G Required. Info in Japanese only.

Universal Cool Japan Express Pass Page (Jpn Only)

Express Pass Booklet Inventory Status (Jpn Only)

• As of today, the only days left for the Express Pass 5 ~Resident Evil Set~ are 2/14, 2/15, and 2/16. The rest of the dates until the end of the event are SOLD OUT.
• When checking the purchase link for just the Express Pass booklet, it was not functioning (as of 2/13). The only other method for acquiring the tickets as of writing this post is by purchasing them at the park (you might be able to pick them up at convenience stores, but I haven't been able to confirm that).
• The web function for purchasing booklets online with a park ticket does not appear to be functioning either. 

There are quite a few points related to booklet purchase that are not translated (like if events should run late), so if at all possible, talk with the company you're making your purchase through and try to get in contact with the park (there are English-speaking staff available sometimes, I can't comment on other languages though).

Warning

• Tickets are only valid for the day designated on the tickets.
• A park ticket must be purchased separately from the Express Pass tickets.
• Express Pass prices vary depending on the day.
• Express Passes can only be used by the ticket holder (you cannot ride together with your children on same ticket).
• Attractions with designated boarding times will have the times written on the ticket.
• If you miss your boarding time, there are no refunds and you cannot change your time.
• If you buy a Twilight Pass (enter the park after 3PM), you may not be able to use this pass.

Helpful Japanese Terms

Here I thought I'd list a few terms that might help anyone interested in looking up information on their own or for those interested in communicating with park staff in Japanese.

販売していますか。 (hanbai shiteimasu ka) - Are they for sale? (lit. are you selling (it)?)
This is pretty useful when asking  about goods or tickets as some things have to purchased in advanced or pre-ordered (capes from AoT are not sold at the park and have to be sent out for. but the quality isn't that great, so you're probably better off buying it from a cosplay shop)

待ち時間はどのぐらいですか。 (machijikan wa dono gurai desu ka) - About how long is the wait time?
I don't think you'll need to ask this as it's written in a few locations throughout the park, and there's an app you can download on your phone for checking wait times.
 
もう終わっていますか。 (mou owatteimasu ka) - Is it already over?
Great for asking about the status of events when hunting for tickets.

写真を撮ってくれませんか。 (shashin wo tottekuremasen ka) - Could you take (my, our) photo?
Great when you're trying to get a photo op with the fighting titans!

写真を撮ってあげましょうか。 (shashinn wo totteagemashou ka) - Shall I take your photo?
Great if you want to return the favor ;D

写真を撮っていいですか。 (shashin wo totteii desu ka) - Can I take your photo?
There are quite a few cosplayers at these events, so if you're interested in taking their photo, just ask! Many are happy to have their photos taken!

Let me know if there are any other phrases you're curious about. :]

 

English-language Reservation Service for USJ: Voyagin

If you're looking for an English-language service for getting your USJ tickets, check out Voyagin! They'll help you get your park tickets, they have express passes and they can get you train tickets for your trip to the park. If you need them to, they can even print and send your tickets to your hotel, but make sure to read the instructions on how.

Click here to access Voyagin's USJ reservation page.

Thoughts, Concerns, Comments?

Leave them below, and I will try to answer ASAP. I hope you guys find this useful! Have fun!

★Peaces★