Xbox 360 returns in Japan

Kotaku posted this article about not being able to return 360s in a store in Chiba. After talking to folks that have been here awhile it turns out that this is relatively standard for Japanese game stores. I haven't been to said store in Chiba and none of the places around here have similar signs, however the local game stores I've checked with will allow you to return the 360 hardware but not an opened game.

Translated, the sign says:
---
Warning

We cannot agree to return or exchange game software.
Please be careful when you make your purchase.
---

Also, the sticker on the XBOX360 box behind the sign says:
---
Discount at cashier

NOT APPLICABLE
---

So apparently they must not be too desperate to get rid of them. But the game software being unreturnable isn't that big a deal.

One snowman to rule them all.

Not content to simply admire the work of others, Madoka and I took it upon ourselves to make our own snowman. After a fine dinner and several bottles of sake at the Panda, our favorite local bar, it seemed only natural that we ditch the whole snowman thing and make a snow panda instead. Here's the fruit of our labor:



And here's a shot from a distance to provide some scale:



And finally a shot of me and Madoka, the mad joy of creation gleaming in our eyes:

SNOW!

So I had my first snow in Tokyo today. It's been a lot of fun. Here's a walking tour of some of the neighborhood and more importantly a snowman menagerie.


So, here's our street submerged in a sea of white.











The next street over seems to have gotten more snow than us. I'm quite upset about this and will be contacting the administration.










Now for the menagerie. Here is our first entry.













Here's the next. He's a cute little guy isn't he?











This one seems to be working some strange nazi angle. I dunno what his deal is.











A work in progress? Some sort of headless procession? I don't quite get this one.










By far my favorite of this lot. So cute. Looks just like one of the little bobble headed guys from Princess Mononoke.

Another video of Shinjuku

I was disappointed with the video of Shinjuku that came from my camera so I went after it with the big guns. I've been fortunate enough to receive the loan of a video camera and I'm going to try to put it to good use. I really did want to let people see Shinjuku though since of all the places I've been it's the one that feels the most like what I expected Tokyo to be. With no further ado I'll let you see for yourself.

Street musicians

I don't know why but every so often street musicians come through. This time it was hand drums and a bamboo flute. It was a very lively tune and sounded like a dancing rhythm. They stopped by the shops in the area apparently wishing them a prosperous new year. Unfortunately they came by early and I was asleep on the job else I'd have gotten a recording of the tune they were playing. It was very cool.

Starting out the New Year

Part of New Year's is a visit to your local temple to start the new year off right. Everyone seems to do this as the lines are quite long. When you get to the front of the line there's a large bell hung from the entrance to the temple. The bell resembles a large jingle bell with a huge rope attached. After bowing to the temple you ring the bell, clap twice and meditate on what you want to come of the new year. Then you bow again and clear off. I'm not sure I've got the routine quite right there, but fortunately there's a sign at the entrance of the temple which lays out the routine for you.