Waseda University and Square-Enix Cafe

Today was another busy day filled with our final university tour to Waseda University and some Shinjuku shenanigans.  The campus of Waseda seemed relatively small compared to MSU, but the interior of the university was amazingly futuristic and had many bright-minded students.  I enjoyed talking to them and comparing different aspects of culture and technology.  For instance, I learned that Japanese people watch a lot more mobile TV than Americans do that has somewhat to do with the amount of subway travel.  I also learned that the majority of students don’t have cable and instead choose to stream media using Over the Top Technology.  It was truly interesting to compare the pros and cons of both applications and learn more about how technology is integrated into different cultures.  Personally, I prefer streaming over the internet on a laptop over watching programs on TV.  Overall I like where Japan is going with their easily accessible technology.

A beautiful painting of Waseda’s campus.

Our nightly outing consisted of some Shinjuku shenanigans involving an iconic videogame company that we have the privilege of visiting this Wednesday–Square-Enix.  We decided to visit the Square-Enix cafe “Artnia” and sample some of their drinks.  I tried a Shiva cocktail and a cappuccino that both tasted amazing!  The atmosphere was very laid back and the bartenders were extremely professional.  From the napkins to the coasters, everything was personalized to a specific Square-Enix series such as Final Fantasy and Dragon Quest.  There were slimes and chocobos all throughout the cafe and a gallery of various concept art and expensive jewelry.  We had a lot of fun hanging out there and living up our final week in  Japan!

FFVII themed coffee, yes please!

Cafes and Giant Mechs

Have you ever been to a restaurant that directly involves you with themed events and interactions?  Today we visited the Capcom Café and got to witness a planned zombie invasion as well as sample a variety of Devil May Cry, Resident Evil, and Phoenix Wright themed food items and beverages.  The service there was amazing, all of the waiters really put a ton of enthusiasm into their acts and the food tasted amazing.  I had a Dante strawberry parfait.  Two of my colleagues ordered Phoenix Wright onion rings that were stacked like gavel and hammer.  Though in America themed restaurants also exist, none of the waiters are as truly as into their roles and there aren’t videogames and TVs set up to play like they are here in Japan.  Overall, it was a truly amazing sight to see, and well worth the price.

Next we ventured to Odaiba where we saw the famed Mobile Suit Gundam statue.  As a Gundam fan for over 6 years, this was truly a sight to see.  At night it lit up and its eyes glowed a shining green that was truly breathtaking.  I had the honor of getting my picture taken next to it as well as buying a bunch of souvenirs at the Gundam Café including Haro chocolates and a coffee mug of my favorite character, Lockon Stratos.  Inevitably, today was a day filled with fandom and neat experiences.

GUNDAM IKUZE!