Milestone: The End

This is it! 5 days remain until I return to Montreal. For nostalgia's sake, here's a compilation of the best times I had in Japan, and a few bits and pieces of information about the blog itself. Bare in mind that this isn't my last post! There are still a few things I'll be wanting to share after this.

 Sean the Alien: The End

Major Cities Visited:

- Kyoto
- Fukuoka
- Osaka
- Nara
- Hiroshima
- Nagoya
 
Top Fives:

THEMED CAFES/BARS/RESTAURANTS:

1. Kagaya, Whatever It Is
2. The Robot Restaurant
3. The Owl Cafe
4. Kayabuki, of the Monkey Waiters
5. Zauo, the Fishing Restaurant

MUSEUMS:

1. The Museum of Toilets and Fecal Matter (Temporary Exhibition)
2. Oya Stone Museum
3. Hiroshima Atomic Bomb Museum
4. Ghibli Studios Museum
5. Yokohama Ramen Museum

SCENERIES:

1. Miyajima
2. Mount Fuji
3. Izu Oshima
4. Shirakawago
5. Nokogiriyama

HAIKYO:

1. Nichitsu Ghost Town
2. Western Village
3. Kappa Hotel
4. Ashiomachi
5. Asakura Asylum

FESTIVALS:

1. Dosojin Fire Festival
2. Kanamara Penis Festival
3. Takayama Festival
4. Itabashi Belly-Button Festival
5. Sumidagawa Fireworks Festival

Blog Stats:

Number of Posts: 415

Number of Page Views: 33,912

Most Readers Are From:
 1. Japan
2. Canada
3. United States

4. Russia

5. France

Japan Life Stats:

 

Pictures Taken: 9431

Times Moved: 5

Last Trains Missed: 8

 Times in a Hospital: 0

Kanji Characters Learned: 2184

 Work Promotions: 4

 Immigration Office Visits: 11

Road Trips: 2

Domestic Flights: 7
Times Locked out of My Own Apartment: 3

Times Stopped by the Police for Inspection of Visa Validity: 3

Times Stopped by the Police for Owning an Umbrella that Looks Like a Sword: 4

Weddings Attended: 1

Beds Discarded On The Roof of an Abandoned Building: 1

T-Shirts With My Face Circulating in Tokyo: 3

Hrmm, that about sums it up, I would say! 

Stay tuned, though. I've yet to write my epilogue, plus I have one last surprise for those who haven't already heard it, both in the four days to come! 

Milestone: 3½ Years

 Not a particularly eventful last three months, but there've been a few cool happenings. Seeing as I'm leaving Japan on the 31st of August, this is the penultimate milestone. I've quite a few things I want to get done until then, so I've created the Adventure Friends corps to see me through. You can compare with my other Milestones!

 3½Years : Summary

                                                        Status:

 
Job: Children's Fitness Teacher, Pro-Bono Cultural Ambassador
Financial status: Great

City: Tokyo
Ward: Itabashi-ku
Train station: Senkawa
Residing in: Alien Castle, my apartment.




Cast of Characters:

Major Characters: 


Ken Tanaka
Millo, Julian of France
Ty Clark, my fellow mudblood
and the soon to be introduced Adventure Friends!

Minor Characters:

Aala Kansali of Tunisia
Jean-Paul "Papa Lo"  the French Laotian
Nana Takeuchi, the Bawss 
Eri Karasawa, who works a different branch
Erika Mochizuki (and Maxine!) 
Kazue Inoue 

Top Five Highlights:
(since last milestone)

- Fishing Inside a Restaurant
- A Rabbit Cafe
- Party at Alcatraz
- Paragliding For the First Time
- Samurai Archers

Still to Come:
- Final Fantasy: The Cafe
- The Abandoned North Korean Facility
- The Floating Bar
- Oiran-za
- Kagoshima

Milestone: 3¼ Years

                                             3¼ Years : Summary 

                                                                                      Status:

Job: Children's Fitness Teacher, Pro-Bono Cultural Ambassador
Financial status:  Good

City: Tokyo
Ward: Itabashi-ku
Train station: Senkawa
Residing in: Alien Castle, my apartment.




Cast of Characters:

Major Characters: 


Ken Tanaka
Millo, Julian of France
Dario Lupoli of Italy, new father
Ty Clark, my fellow mudblood

Minor Characters:

Aala Kansali of Tunisia
Jean-Paul "Papa Lo"  the French Laotian
Nana Takeuchi, the Bawss
Eri Karasawa, who works a different branch
Erika Mochizuki (and Maxine!) 
Kazue Inoue 

Top Five Highlights:
(since last milestone)

- Takasaki Daruma City
- The Attack on Titan Museum
- The Buddha of Ushiku
- Nagoya
- Dosojin Fire Festival


Still to Come:
- Final Fantasy: The Cafe
- Soaring over the Blossoms
- A Possible Visit to the Music Industry HQ
- Oiran-za
- Fishing Inside a Restaurant

Milestone: 3 Years

In just a few days, three years will have gone and past since I first arrived in Japan. It's been a hell of a ride, but I still intend to stick around for a little while longer. For the time being, here's what I've been up to since the last time I compiled a milestone!

3 Years : Summary

Status:

Job: Children's Fitness Teacher, Pro-Bono Cultural Ambassador
Financial status:  Good

City: Tokyo
Ward: Itabashi-ku
Train station: Senkawa
Residing in: Alien Castle, my apartment.




Cast of Characters:

Major Characters:

Ken Tanaka
Millo, Julian of France
Dario Lupoli of Italy, new father

Minor Characters:

Aala Kansali of Tunisia
Jean-Paul "Papa Lo"  the French Laotian
Nana Takeuchi, the Bawss
Eri Karasawa, who works a different branch
Erika Mochizuki (and Maxine!
Kazue Inoue 

Retired Characters:
 
Kuniaki "Forest" Mori is pursuing his dream of becoming a musician in America!
Sofie Monrad of Denmark
Julian "Shank" Einschenk of Germany
Anton "Foxboy" Jermaine of England
Rodrigue Zapha of France
Clement Sanchez of France




Top Five Highlights:
(since last milestone)

- The Penguin Bar
- Kayaking in Okutama
- My First Ever Bungee Jump
- Aala's Japanese Wedding Ceremony
- The Museum of Shit

Still to Come:
- Final Fantasy: The Cafe
- A Tokyo Halloween
- Takasaki: The City of Daruma
- A Road Trip in January
- The Giant Monster Bar

Milestone: 2¾ Years

 You can compare with my other Milestones!

2¾ Years : Summary

Status:


Job: Children's Fitness Teacher, Pro-Bono Cultural Ambassador
Financial status:  Good

City: Tokyo
Ward: Itabashi-ku
Train station: Senkawa
Residing in: Alien Castle, my apartment.




Cast of Characters:

Major Characters:

Ken Tanaka
Millo, Julian of France
Dario Lupoli of Italy

Minor Characters:

Aala Kansali of Tunisia
Jean-Paul "Papa Lo"  the French Laotian
Nana Takeuchi, the Bawss
Eri Karasawa, who works a different location
Erika Mochizuki (and Maxine!)
Kuniaki "Forest" Mori
Kazue Inoue 

Retired Characters:

Sofie Monrad of Denmark
Julian "Shank" Einschenk of Germany
Anton "Foxboy" Jermaine of England
Rodrigue Zapha of France
Clement Sanchez of France



Top Five Highlights:
(since last milestone)

- The Abandoned Western Village
- Kusatsu Onsen
- Upgrading the Headquarters
- Inspiring Nokogiriyama
- The Sumidagawa Fireworks


Still to Come:
- Talking to a Robot
- An Adventure with my Brother
- A Cafe with Goats
- Bungee Jumping
- The Giant Monster Bar

Milestone: 2½ Years

You can compare with my other Milestones!

2½ Years : Summary


Status:

Job: Children's Fitness Teacher, Pro-Bono Cultural Ambassador
Financial status:  Good

Location:
As of mid-May, I'll be moving!

City: Tokyo
Ward: Itabashi-ku
Train station: Senkawa
Residing in: My apartment, yet to be named.



Cast of Characters:

Major Characters:

Ken Tanaka
Aala Kansali of Tunisia
Jean-Paul "Papa Lo"  the French Laotian
Millo, Julian of France
Dario Lupoli of Italy

Minor Characters:

Nana Takeuchi, the Bawss
Eri Karasawa, who works a different location
Erika Mochizuki (and Maxine!)
Kuniaki "Forest" Mori
Kazue Inoue 

Retired Characters:

Sofie Monrad of Denmark
Julian "Shank" Einschenk of Germany
Anton "Foxboy" Jermaine of England
Rodrigue Zapha of France

Clement Sanchez of France


Top Five Highlights:
(since last milestone)

- A Visit to NHK Studios
- Tokyo Disneyland
- The Penis Festival
- Kappa Hotel and its Onsen
- The Robot Restaurant


Still to Come:
- An Island Trip
- The Abandoned "Western Village"
- A Cafe with Goats
- The Sanja Festival
- The Giant Monster Bar

Milestone: 2¼ Years

The past three months have been beautiful and filled with delightful travel and beautiful new sights. Truly some of my best in Japan. You can compare with my other Milestones!

2¼ Years : Summary

Status:

Job: Children's Fitness Teacher, Pro-Bono Cultural Ambassador
Financial status:  Good

Location:

City: Tokyo
Ward: Chuo-ku
Train station: Kayabacho
Residing in: My apartment, Hermit Fortress


Cast of Characters:


Major Characters:

Ken Tanaka
Aala Kansali of Tunisia
Jean-Paul "Papa Lo"  the French Laotian
Millo, Julian of France
Dario Lupoli of Italy

Minor Characters:

Nana Takeuchi, the Bawss

Eri Karasawa, who works a different location
Erika Mochizuki (and Maxine!)
Kuniaki "Forest" Mori
Kazue Inoue 

Retired Characters:

Sofie Monrad of Denmark
Julian "Shank" Einschenk of Germany
Anton "Foxboy" Jermaine of England
Rodrigue Zapha of France

Clement Sanchez of France

 
Top Five Highlights:
(since last time)

- Eclectic Osaka
- Peaceful Nara
- An Owl Cafe
- Tragic Hiroshima
- Romantic Miyajima


Still to Come:
- A Gay Porn Comic Themed Restaurant
- A Restaurant based on the game "Dark Souls"
- An Island Trip
- A Towering Abandoned Building
- A Visit to NHK Studios

Year 2: Summary

I've just returned to Tokyo from a trip to Canada, and we've come full-circle again! This year I'm determined to make it to all the once-a-year events that I've missed the first two times. Let's see, now.

Year 2: Summary

Status:

Job: Children's Fitness Teacher
Financial status:  Good

Location:

City: Tokyo
Ward: Chuo-ku
Train station: Kayabacho
Residing in: My apartment, Hermit Fortress

Cast of Characters:

Major Characters:
Ken Tanaka
Aala Kansali of Tunisia
Millo, Julian of France
Dario Lupoli of Italy
Lo, Jean-Paul the French Laotian who came back from the dead!
 
Minor Characters:
 
Eri Karasawa, who manages her own branch.
Nana Takeuchi, who works with me once more!
Erika Mochizuki (and Maxine!)
Kuniaki "Forest" Mori 
Kazue Inoue 

Retired Characters:

Sofie Monrad of Denmar
Julian "Shank" Einschenk of Germany
Anton "Foxboy" Jermaine of England
Rodrigue Zapha of France

Clement Sanchez of France

Top Five Highlights:
(since last time)
Ascending Mount Fuji
Kasai Rinkai Park
Beautiful Oshima
Chiba Countryside
Visiting Quebec City

 
Still to Come:

- Ninja Restaurant
- A cafe with Penguins
- An Abandoned Hotel
- Another Country in Asia?
- The Museum of Torture Devices

Month 21: Summary

It's time for a Milestone! You can compare to my other milestones by clicking on the Milestone label.
Exploration-wise, it's probably been the least eventful three months, in large part due to our driver going home and the rain season. But there've still been good nuggets here and there!

Month 21: Summary

Status:

Job: Children's Fitness Teacher
Financial status:  Good

Location:


City: Tokyo
Ward: Chuo-ku
Train station: Kayabacho
Residing in: My apartment, Hermit Fortress


Cast of Characters:


Major Characters:
Ken Tanaka
Aala Kansali of Tunisia
Millo, Julian of France
Eri Karasawa, the cute receptionist
Dario Lupoli of Italy 

Minor Characters:

Nana Takeuchi, once my boss
Erika Mochizuki (and Maxine!)
Kuniaki "Forest" Mori
Kazue Inoue 

Retired Characters:

Sofie Monrad of Denmark (who'll be coming back briefly!)
Julian "Shank" Einschenk of Germany
Anton "Foxboy" Jermaine of England
Rodrigue Zapha of France

Clement Sanchez of France
Lo, Jean-Paul the French Laotian 



Top Five Highlights:
(since last time)
Yamanote Line Lap 2
Kamakura with Alan
Sumo Wrestling!
The Ghibli Museum
Back to Tricking
Shit! I missed Sanja Matsuri!


Still to Come:

- Robot Restaurant
- Ninja Restaurant
- Comiket 86
- Climbing Mount Fuji
- Fuck it, I'm Skydiving!

Milestone: Month 18

It's time for a Milestone! You can compare to my other milestones by clicking on the Milestone label.

Month 18: Summary

Status:

Job: Children's Fitness Teacher
Financial status:  Good

Location:


City: Tokyo
Ward: Chuo-ku
Train station: Kayabacho
Residing in: My apartment, Hermit Fortress


Cast of Characters:


Major Characters:
Ken Tanaka, who's trying hard to gain weight
Aala Kansali of Tunisia
Lo, Jean-Paul the French Laotian
Millo, Julian of France
Eri Karasawa, the cute receptionist

Minor Characters:

Nana Takeuchi, once my boss
Erika Mochizuki (and Maxine!)
Kuniaki "Forest" Mori
Dario Lupoli of Italy
Kazue Inoue 

Retired Characters:

Sofie Monrad of Denmark
Julian "Shank" Einschenk of Germany
Anton "Foxboy" Jermaine of England
Rodrigue Zapha of France

Clement Sanchez of France


Top Five Highlights:
(since last time)

- Kawagoe
- Nikko
- Zojoji and Gyoki
- Takayama and Sanno
- Central Japan


Still to Come:

- Robot Restaurant
- Studio Ghibli Museum (no seriously, for real this time)
- Comiket 86
- The World's Tallest Tower
- Sanja: Tokyo's Biggest Festival

Milestone: 15 Months

It's time for a Milestone! You can compare to my other milestones by clicking on the Milestone label.

Month 15: Summary

Status:

Job: Children's Fitness Teacher
Financial status:  Good

Location:


City: Tokyo
Ward: Chuo-ku
Train station: Kayabacho
Residing in: My apartment, Hermit Fortress


Cast of Characters:


Major Characters:
Ken "Goblin" Tanaka
Aala "Kusoyaro" Kansali of Tunisia
Lo, Jean-Paul the French Laotian
Millo, Julian of France

Minor Characters:
Nana Takeuchi, once my boss
Erika Mochizuki (and Maxine!)
Fumi, the ex-hostess
Etsumi (It's-Me) Sugeno
Lisa Fukumoto Fang
Kuniaki "Forest" Mori

Retired Characters:

Sofie Monrad of Denmark
Julian "Shank" Einschenk of Germany
Anton "Foxboy" Jermaine of England

Rodrigue Zapha of France

Clement Sanchez of France


Top Five Highlights:
(since last time)

- Nichitsu, both in Day and Night
- The Santa Hat Operation
- What I Ate in Fukuoka
- Ninjamura
- Golden Gai


Still to Come:

- Nikko
- Robot Restaurant
- Studio Ghibli Museum
- The Festival of the Phallus
- Walking to Yokohama