ALL BLUE
Caffe & Bar

I'm not sure if you can tell from the photo but, this bar has a One Piece theme to it. And from what I heard from one of my friends, it's not the first one in Amemura with the One Piece theme, but so far it's the bestヽ(°▽、°）ノ

This place is super new and shiny, having just opened on July 3rd.

Access Info:
542-0086
大阪府大阪市中央区西心斎橋2-12-8
佐々木ビルＢ１Ｆ
Osaka-fu, Osaka-shi, Chuou-ku, Nishi-Shinsaibashi 2-12-8
Sasaki Bldg. B1F
Tel: 06-6213-6773
Hours: 7pm - 5am
Mixi page: http://mixi.jp/view_community.pl?id=5616013


This bar is pretty easy to get to. It's one block from Triangle park, right across the street from the huge crab restaurant in Amemura. If you get to the Korean Embassy is on Midosuji street, take the left turn north of the embassy, walk straight across one street, and All Blue will be right at the corner of the second street. But it's a basement establishment, so you should keep an eye out for their sign/flag (pictured above). If you walk under the bridge, you've gone too far(/ｰ＼).

  This bar is covered in One Piece paraphernalia. And it's all been purchased by the owner. I can understand why he started this bar because there is no way all this stuff could fit into some guys room. He's got figures, posters, bobble-heads, hats, converse sneakers, Zoro's swords, the guy with the freaky fur hat's shirt, masks, folders, pencil boards. I could probably go on for another few lines, but I've forgotten some of them. But the owner was a really sweet guy. He let us play with the swords, try on the masks, and take tons of ridiculous photos(*´∀｀*).

I'm pretty sure there's a food menu, but I didn't get a chance to look at it. All the (alcoholic) drinks were only 650 yen though, which isn't bad for a bar (soft drinks are 450). I thought the tables were cute because of the One Piece decals. He had just ordered some One Piece mugs, but we a day too early for those. I'll probably go back for a photo of that ～(´ー｀～). There were about 3 or 4 tables, plus two bars, so a generous amount of people would fit in this place.

 Along with all the goods, he also had episodes of One Piece airing on a TV by the bar. I should clarify that this isn't a "One Piece bar." For obvious licensing and copyright reasons, that wouldn't be possible. But I guess this is what could be called a One Piece-themed bar. Or maybe that requires licensing too... Let's just say it's a bar where One Piece fans are greatly appreciated.


I've actually only read the first few chapters of the manga, so I can't even say that I'm a fan, but I was definitely more interested after leaving this bar. I wanna go watch a few hundred episodes and then come back for some nerd talk with the owner( ´ ▽ ` )ﾉ. Too bad I haven't found any Sailor Moon or Gundam Wing -themed bars. Would be all over thatヽ(°▽、°）ノ.

 Hopefully visiting One Piece fans will pay this place a visit. I think it's totally worth the time just to oogle at the stuff (and there's not sitting fee, so don't worry about that!). The owner also had autographs from the creator and voice actors. Apparently he knows like.. the creators nice or something. I dunno, maybe one of those six degrees of separation type things. I think I just became one degree closer to having met a manga-ka *keke-keke*(　´∀｀).


Check it out sometime!!
★Peaces★

3☆tears closet
NY/London select shop

This is a shop I wandered into while walking toward a dance studio in Yotsubashi. I don't know why I fumbled up the stairs to peek into a shop that doesn't fit my style image (I'm not so girly, as much as I tryヽ(；´Д｀)ノ), but I did and ended up having the sweetest conversation with the girl working there. She also happened to be the owner of the shop.


She was really sweet, and actually told she was heading out to NY this month for some new things. I'll actually go back to buy a few things but what she carries is pretty unique. But I'm not from NY so maybe you can just find these things anywhere（*´ー｀*) Honestly, I have no idea.


But I DO know that you should visit this shop..! It is small, but that's kind nice in a city where shopping is everywhere and always filled with people. The prices aren't that bad, and the owner is really sweet..! I'd drop by just for a quick conversation(;´▽`).

Access Info:
(The addess in romaji)
542-0086
Osaka-shi, Chuou-ku, Nishi Shinsaibashi 20-10-14
Kadoya(??) Hachiman Bldg. 3F A-3


Luckily, there's a map on the back of her business card because it would be really confusing trying to type out the directions. The building is pretty nondescript and orange, but it isn't so far from OPA. Taking the train to Shinsaibashi Station on the Midosuji or Yotsubashi Line should get you there pretty easily.


You can access the shop website here.
The shop blog is here.
And if you'd like to email the shop, you can do so here.

Mamiko Ota from 3☆tears closet in Amemura Osaka. She's waitin'!!

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★