Japan, May 2011: Yokohama to Tokyo

 (I wrote this as I went along :)  Please note that these were written when I was still in Japan, but I was slow posting them here on blogger. XD  They have been up on Deviant Art since I wrote them though. I wish I could post pictures, but I only have them uploaded to facebook at the moment.  When I get them up to photobucket or flickr then I will get these blogs updated!)

Sooo! It is soooo cool here! And it is very easy to get around! Most people know English, so we can stop and ask for directions. ^^ Also, most every important sign is translated to English. The airport is the easiest place to navigate, and the security is sooo nice! There are police boxes (kaban) here that we go to if we get lost, and they direct us where we should go. Security and police are everywhere! The police are wonderful. They are very helpful when you need them!

Most people are very nice. But every now and then you get someone who does not like foreigners. We have had several people make comments in Yokohama...But Tokyo is so different.

Sooo...we took the trains on the 20th to get to Yokohama....

But the older gentlemen seem to get a kick out of us. lol On the night of the 20th we were standing on the sidewalk, and this old guy came up smiling. lol He looked at me and bowed, and I bowed back (cause its polite) and he nodded and smiled again. The others were blocking the way, and so he pointed to let me know he wanted through (still smiling lol) and so I let everyone know. Then he bowed again smiling. lol He figured that none of us could understand Japanese, so he used hand gestures. A lot of the citizens who don't know English are like that. They use gestures politely to try and communicate, and it works. We haven't had a problem at all yet.

We were next to China town too. Its right down the street from us as well as a convenient store. The store is soo neat! All the Japanese foods we buy in the states are like, $5 cheaper! As well as drinks. Got some water and tea and a cup noodle to eat and drink yesterday. I will have to bring you home some snacks! They are like, only .50 here. ^^

There was this bottle of water that was 2 liters, and only cost 105 yen!!  SO CHEAP!

I forgot my flat iron. My hair is going to FRIIIIIIIZZZZ!!! T.T

We had a cat follow us from the train station in Yokohama to the hostel. LOL Miranda was telling us about the animals in Japan. Apparently the animals are "sketch". lol Like they are more than just animals. XD Like the cat that followed us about a mile, ravens that follow and caw like they are trying to be sexy, and dogs that understand more than we think. XD She says it can be creepy sometimes.

Saw some women wearing kimono too! It is so nice to see people so involved in traditional culture. It keeps it alive and living. ^_^

I am not too worried about navigating the airport alone. Staff is super nice and speak excellent English, and EVERYTHING is translated, including terminal directions. If I can't get hold of Masako, I am thinking I may take a taxi to the airport, so I don't have to worry about getting lost or changing trains or being by myself getting there. I was talking to the hotel manager here about it, and he said that taxis are cheaper than the bus, but a little more than the train, but not by much. So I may just do that. It solves the getting lost or being late part easily. Plus, I can call them a day ahead of time and schedule a taxi to arrive at a certain time. So this way I won't be late either. ^_^

Since I have been here (only 3 days), we have already had several tiny tremors from earthquakes. They are so normal in Japan though. It was pretty neat. My first ones that I didn't sleep through ever. lol

Been talking to some of the Japanese about the disaster too, since it IS the research project. The radiation in Tokyo is not as much as an x-ray. Everyday, we are all exposed to radiation. Whether we realize it or not. This situation is really no different, it is just KNOWN that the radiation is there. Western media tends to take Japanese and translate it wrong sometimes, or interpret it wrong, so it does not come out the way it actually is. Recently, there was an article about the standards for children and schools when it comes to radiation. The English article covers that the standards have been raised to where children must go to school under extreme radiation. But the original Japanese article is not like that. Originally, there was NO standards regarding children and radiation and when they should go to school. So finally, the government needed to create standards because there was none. These standards can only be based off of the standards for people who work in radioactive areas, because these are the only standards to base on. School properties and playgrounds are measured, as well as measured for radiation. If they are at a certain level, then they are not fit for people or children.

In an interview I had earlier, she told me that Japan should focus on making English an official language, because most of the world speaks it. This way, when media is done on certain things, there are no misunderstandings or misinterpretations. She feels that it is highly important for this to be done.

(anyway...back to my blogging. xD)

We didn't go to Kamakura.D: But we did get to see a little bit of Yokohama! It was fun! Went to China Town, and there was sooo many cute little shops. I bought a hand towel at one of the shops! ABSOLUTELY, POSITIVELY CUTE! It has Sakura on it! And it is pink! <3 Most public restrooms don't have hand dryers or paper towels because it can be unsanitary, so people bring their own means of drying their hands and even tissue for using the toilet. Japan is very clean and very focused on sanitation.


On the sidewalks, there are huge, yellow lines with bumps and other things. These are to help the blind and those who can't see very well navigate. It is so wonderful! And definitely helpful to those who can't see!

There are a lot of Male/Female restrooms! They are very common, and I have seen them everywhere so far. There are Male and Female restrooms too, but also just as many Male/Female. NEAT!

What else...hmmm...

OH! AND THERE WAS ALSO A LOLITA!! Been seeing a lot of gyaru. This is just in Yokohama! I couldn't wait until we get to Tokyo where the fashions boom! OMG I am very excited!
I have a pic of the lolita. (Im pretty sure it was a guy). It's wesome!

I had this one guy come up to me to practice his english. lol He was so nice. ^_^

We are going to go find a hyaku en ya (hyakuin). Its the Japanese equivalent of the dollar tree. We need some stuff for the research that we have to go get.

Converted some of the money. Conversion rate sucks. Lost about $200 due to the conversion rate. But I have at least $100000 yen on me. Also, their machine couldn't take some of the money cause of the bills (because they had ink on them). So I have an extra $60 in US cash. I can exchange some of the other bills if I need it for the hotel or cab. But I am going to hang on to it for now and use what I have.

I had my first REAL Japanese dish! I had gyoza. It was delicious! I even ate the sauteed onions and the rice! I actually ate a huge bowl of rice! Instead of water, they give us Mugicha to drink. I love mugicha! The bowl of gyoza was pretty big, and only cost 280 yen for a big bowl. It was really filling. I think I am going to do just fine. ^_^

Been practicing some of my Japanese. I have to when we go to the store or at a restaurant. Most of them speak English, but its nice to practice Japanese anyway. ^_^

One of the cafes in Tokyo was where we went to relax. Here is how the conversation went with the cashier.

M: aisu tei-- ga arimasu ka?
H: Hai arimasu.
M: aisu tei--onegai shimasu.
H: saizu?
M: mijiem.
H: Hai. san hyaku ju (310) en.
M: *hands money*
H: *gives change* arigatou gozaimasu!
M: arigatou gozaimasu!

So basic...but it is amazing that I can really get around and talk to people better now. ^_^ Makes me super happy to be able to use Japanese IN Japan, rather than back home. Here, we are FORCED to use Japanese, because it is only right. ^_^ In the US, we have all these expectations of foreigners. Here, they don't EXPECT us to know Japanese though, so when we DO speak it, many tend to be impressed and a little happy. It is a good feeling to know that you can communicate cross-culturally. ^_^

We went to the Imperial Palace gardens today!!! So SO beautiful!! I think we are going to do a tour of the palace sometime next week. We had a nice dinner tonight at a restaurant.

A lot of things are actually pretty cheap. I got a full course meal (salad, big pork chop, miso soup, drink, sauce and big bowl of rice) for 810 yen. About $8 if you want to think of it as US money. Also, there is no additional tax added to the prices. The price is what you see. So if something is 100 yen, its 100 yen, not 107 yen. It seems like the tax is already included, so you get prices such as 810 and 105 yen. Its awesome. There was a HUGE 2 liter bottle of water for only 105 yen! THATS SO CHEAP COMPARED TO US 2 LITER BOTTLES! O.O Its crazy! lol I'm loving it. ^^

I have noticed a HUGE difference in culture and fashion from Yokohama to Tokyo. In Yokohama, we had some Anti-foreigner comments from people, and not as many people spoke English. Here, we see MANY foreigners and more people are more kind to us. There is a huge cultural difference. But Tokyo is very international too, so they are more used to dealing with foreigners on a regular basis.

As for fashion..As soon as we got to Tokyo, we saw young people everywhere! Couples booming and fashion! We immediately saw a girl with BRIGHT orange hair and wearing punk lolita clothing! There is so much to see here! At night, there is a lot of lights! Its lovely!
I also got to see Tokyo tower from a distance!

I am getting used to some of the food. Earlier, we went to a Chinese restaurant in China Town in Yokohama, but I didn't eat there. The food didn't even look good. >.< And it was SUPER expensive. Like 1200-10000 yen. Crazy. And the waitress sucked. She made a rude comment about foreigners (even though she was Chinese), and treated us a bit with the cold shoulder. Miranda got so mad. >.< The girl was Chinese, and had no right to talk about foreigners. But it happens.


You know, being here made me realize...that in the US, we have so much privilege being White. We don't realize the things we do or how we treat those who are not white, until WE become the minority. This is the reality in every country though. But I am not unhappy here. I am really loving it, and I am starting to feel more comfortable with the culture and speaking in Japanese.

I hope to hang out with my friends soon! I haven't seen Junko or Manami or Masako in a long time! Manami, Junko and I are already planning! ^__^ I miss them all so much!

This is all I have for now. ^_^ I will probably blog more in a day or two!!!

<3<3<3<3
Mimi

Greetings!

Hello everyone! It has been an awfully long time since I have take care of my blog here, but I have been super busy with sooo many things!

I have MANY updates, including some blog entries from my time in Japan in May!  :D


SADC JAPAN RELIEF UPDATES

Silver Aura of Dawn Cosplay has raised the $1500 goal for the Japan Relief Fund!  I want to thank EVERYONE who has donated to this cause!  You have helped many people begin the right path back to their lives!  Thank you so much for helping to this cause!


COSPLAY

Since my last update, I have been able to complete a couple cosplays. : )   Nevermore Summer Court version, Nevermore, and Anise Yamamoto from Barajou no Kiss!  Here are some images!

Barajou no Kiss
Yamamoto Anise
Generation III: War

Nevermore
Summer Court
Generation III: War

Nevermore
Winter Court
Generation II: Salvation

I actually have some updates for Ciel Phantomhive, but those are going to have to wait a little longer until I am done photoshopping them. :-)

My cosplays are going to temporarily be put on the backburner until I am ready to cosplay again. I will be going to Japan beginning on September 7, 2011, and will not be back in the States until sometime in July 2012.  This is a very exciting trip opportunity, and I can not wait to make full use of it!



JAPAN STUDY ABROAD

Many of you know that I will be heading off to Japan for my study abroad experience!  I will be leaving on September 7, 2011 and I will not be returning until sometime in July 2012.  Plus please do not worry! I still intend on blogging and keeping everyone up to date! :D   I will keep my deviant art updated as well as my facebook! 

Deviant Art
Facebook  (feel free to friend me!!)





~Mimiru

Silver Aura of Dawn Cosplay Taking Donations for Japan Relief!

Silver Aura of Dawn Cosplay is now taking donations for the Japan Relief Fund. All donations are given directly to the Japan Red Cross to help Japan with its rebuild from the recent earthquake, tsunami and its radioactive devastation. 

SADC is wanting to raise at least $1500 for this cause.

Many of us have friends and family in Japan who were affected in one way or another by these horrible events. 

It is my goal as SADC leader to help promote this cause and help Japan stand mighty once again.

 You can donate on the SADC website at:

http://silverauraofdawncosplay.webs.com/apps/donations/

Or direct paypal to:  HopeForJapanRelief@yahoo.com

All funds and donations go straight to Japan Red Cross.



Sincerely with  Love,
Mimiru

To The People of Japan

TO EVERYONE

I want to throw out thousands of prayers to Japan and the people of Japan right now, for their safety, rebuilding of life, and to pull through this most difficult time.  Hearing about this on the news is one thing, but knowing that there are so many people there who are suffering, is very difficult to actually stomach. Right now is not a time for people to point fingers, to blame or to laugh in others' faces.

Right now is the time for everyone to come together and put forth help to these wonderful people.  I give a deep bow of respect to the Japanese for how well they are working together to try and make the most of this horrible tragedy, and I know that their teamwork and dedication will help them. I know it is not the end of the world, but it seems like it. So many deaths, so many women, children, husbands, grandparents, wives all missing...people who are important to someone somewhere, not safe where they should be.

It is so sad, and so tear jerking to wonder what happened to everyone, but that is not the right way to think.  The Japanese need our support, our love and our help, and  I think we should all give a helping hand in some way.  It seems that the worst is starting to hit, but I know that with our help, Japan can pull themselves together and get back on their feet.

Hopefully the situation will not continue to decline to get worse, but there is an extremely long road ahead of everyone.  We all need to put forth a greater effort for our  Japanese brothers and sisters, more so than we have ever done before. We are all part of this same earth, and we all breathe the same air. Japan has done so much for us, and have been our friends for nearly 40 years. Now is the time to stand beside them and fight, and offer our swords in arms and give them more help 110%, and not the %30 or %50 that we have put forth towards Haiti or even our own disasters.  I still noticed a half-attempt on those accounts, and I think we, especially as Americans, can do better than we have been, despite our own economic downfall.

There is so much more to gain than money in times like this. To help our fellow humanity, and to take our reputation and make it much more respectable as friends, not as enemies. America is notorious for its war history, fallen economy and violence, but I think we can do better. We should be known for our compassion and sympathy.

So everyone, I ask..no..I beg of you to help in some way. Pray, donate, do what you feel you can to help these people stand again. The long road is a difficult one, but not one that will be forever. 

Everyone, thank you so much for reading this, and I pray, and hope for the best in these dark times.

TO THE PEOPLE OF JAPAN

Everyone, I know that it is a difficult time for you, but please know it won't be forever.  You have the rest of the world on your side, ready to help you, and you are already doing what you can to make the best of this horrible tragedy.  It is time for Japan to unite, and help one another out to the best of your ability. You are a respectable and powerful people, and together, you can make this work.

I know you will probably have family and friends who have been lost, or who you can not contact, but please don't fall apart. Hold yourself strong, for both yourself and your loved ones. Cry if you need to cry. Smile if you need to smile. Laugh if you want to laugh. Your cries, smiles and laughs will bring a sense of unity and peace that is needed among one another. Your compassion for each other far succeeds nearly anyone else in the world, and this will be your best trait. You work together and work things through.

I believe that there is no way that this tragedy will hold you down. You have faced too much in the past to let this get to you, and you have grown through all of your experiences.

Please know that you have all of our prayers, our hearts and our love and support going out to you right now from all over the world. You are not alone, no matter how lonely it may seem. Please keep pulling through and remain strong through these difficult times. We are all here for you.

Love,

Mimiru

Updates for February!

 Soooo.....

My birthday is in 6 days!! :D Im super excited!!!! =^.^=

I FINISHED PAYING OFF NEPHELIN!! :D  So now I just have to wait 2 weeks to 100 days to get her home. XD lol  But its going to be worth the wait.  In the mean time...

WE GOT THE GRANT TO GO TO JAPAN!! :D Im off to Japan in May!!! :D  Its so exciting!!! :3  We will be in Tokyo, Osaka and Kyoto for the most part doing the actual research, and then we will have time to visit other areas. The team seems like we want to go to Hiroshima, and Im totally up for that. :3

I am really hoping to do the Study Abroad this year. I think I may not go to London, but come back or stay in Japan instead. It will all depend if I like it or not, really, though I probably will love it to death. ^^

COSPLAYS

Some costume updates!~ 

Nevermore is getting his own costume made! :D  I can't wait to get it finished. ^_^  The fabric I used was a crushed upholstery velvet in black, and lined with gold formal satin. I may or may not make pants for him. I may wear tights with boots, or I might wear some pants. I dont know yet. It will entirely depend on what I feel like doing. ^^   His tunic (being made by Chammy cause she knows the pattern better than I do) will be made out of a gorgeous yukata fabric bolt in greens and gold leaves. Its absolutely stunning. I thought it was too girly at first, but it looks like it will work splendidly! :D

I am making progress on Ciel too. His head dress, eyepatch, and shoulder gaurd is finished, and his wig came in along with his boots. All of that is taken care of, and it is now up to my seamstress to get everything else done for me. I hate commissioning people because I have to trust and rely on them. If I had more time, I would be doing it, and not someone else. V.V  But I don't trust myself to get Sooooooo much done in a month. @.@  I would die. 

Fabrics for Ciel include: brocades, velvets, satins, tulle, and cottons. If it turns out the way I expect it to according to my design, he will look stunning.

I also have some costumes that I am working on that are due in a month, which include vests and an outfit for Kristen's faerie. I hope to sit down with her soon so we can start working on the design. ^.^  I was thinking reds and purples, but I want to know what she wants. ^^  I can't wait to get started! :D

I am also going to start working on some lolita dresses and shirts. I think my lolita wardrobe is lacking, though its understandable since I no longer loyally follow lolita fashion. I follow gyaru, but I think I want to make some lolita stuff just for the hell of it. ^_^  I have some characters who would wear lolita, so it works completely in my favor. ^^

BOOKS

I am currently writing two books, the cosplay guide and a yaoi. ^.^"  But I get to publish the yaoi and not pay anything except GET paid, so its a win-win situation. Problem is, I am only at 16,000 words out of 50,000.  O.O"

Hey yall! Gonna leave it at that for the moment!! :D TTYL!!!

<3
Mimi

SQUEE!!!

*cough**cough*  I don't squee often...buuuut...

LOOK AT THE NEW SOOM DRAGON BABIES!!!!  <3<3<3

This is my Nephelin. Soon she will be mine!!! :D

Her name will be Danu, and represent the Celtic goddess Danu.  Her cosplay though, will be my original character, Shiori.  I am paying for the doll, the extra parts, and the outfit. This is my most expensive doll yet...and I hope I never go over her price again. @.@  I told myself when I first got into this hobby, that I would NEVER spend more than $800 on a doll...... *FACEPALM*  That was an epic FAIL!  

I can not wait to get her in. I just have to figure out how to make that last payment...if I could just sell one more of my dolls...and my Carlisle head will go up for sale...I only have to come up with $250.... My Carlisle MNM head is for $200 (never used, perfect condition, one of two ever made).  I hope I sell him.........

Cosplay Updates for 2011!

Hey everyone! Im sorry I have been gone for so long!!  But I have been really busy!

First, let me start with.... HAPPY NEW YEAR!!!!! 明けましておめでとうございます!!!!!!

And now let me start with what's been going!

I have been looking at part time jobs, and found that dog-walking will be beneficial to me health-wise (good exercise) and for the pets of owners! It also pays decently (some money is better than none in college) and I get to have fun with other animals!  I also have applied to my expensive haunt, Shogun's steakhouse.  My only drawback is, is that I may be going to Japan in the fall, so I will probably have to quit my jobs after Summer is over.....

COSPLAY

Yes! New cosplay updates! I have recently uploaded several new cosplays to my photo albums on facebook!  Nevermore, Shikiko, and my cute Moogle!  Check them out at:  

Mimiru's Facebook

I have finally decided to make Nevermore into a cosplay, and I think I want to actually go somewhere with him, like I have my others. He is a great pet-project...

Speaking of pet-project....I found this absolutely beautiful green dress at Goodwill, along with a shrug and a necklace. I plan on altering it into some sort of Neo-hanfu, and wearing it for Rogue. Looks like Rogue will have another outfit soon! Its actually quite elven, despite the chinese-esque overall design of the dress. I will be playing with this thing for a while, and hopefully I can show it off at KawaKon! 

CRYSTAL CIEL:

I have also finally started working on Crystal Ciel. Fabric cost so far (not including trim and other stuff) has been:  $45.00 + $81.00 = $126.00 (and some change)

I still need to get:  hat, stuff to make the accessories for the hat, gloves, Victorian shoes, cane, lining fabric, trim, buttons, socks, garters, new contact lens, eyepatch, stuff to decorate eyepatch, new wig, pretty jewels, stuff to make the shoulder armor, and much more. @.@  This is going to be one of my best Ciel cosplays ever, and I am also working with another seamstress to get this finished due to limitations in time, so it will be super epic! 

I will say though, I am NOT enjoying the idea of turning ANY of my project over to someone else. It is really painful. I love making all of my own costumes, and I love the costume being part of ME....But I know that not everyone can put forth all the time in the world to make such an epic project, especially when I have little under 3 months to complete it between school full-time and work-part time and tae kwon do.....I am going to be working on the best parts of it though, so the costume will be ME still.  That I am taking comfort in.

Crystal Ciel is a dream image of Ciel that I have had, and wanted to put it into an actual work. So I may upset some die-hard Kuroshitsuji fans with my image. Ciel's hair and main color scheme has been changed, and even though he is still CIEL, he is Ciel as I see him in my own artwork image. Something tells me though, that when I am done, the fans will still like him and the concept that I have for the overall design. 

Speaking of design...Crystal Ciel is pretty much an inverted, altered version of the Volume 6 coverart for the Kuroshitsuji manga. Though I add, take, and change some, it still is the double-breasted pattern with shorts. So I guess you can say that the inspiration actually came from the Vol. 6 cover artwork.  

COSPLAY BOOK:

Yes, by book is still in the making. I am currently arranging how I will be gathering data and conducting the research for my project. This includes interviews, studying, and other intensive research.  I have a photographer lined up, who is interested in helping me out with the project.  I am greatly thankful for this.

My trip to Japan will give me the extra research that I need to actually complete the book, so I am looking at a late 2012-2013 release date. It will take time for me to organize all of the data and chapters and images, and also to find myself a good publisher. I am wanting to go through VIZ Media to release my project, but I am also looking at how difficult that may be considering how large of a company VIZ is, and I had heard something about how closed they can be to people who do not have an agent.

BALL JOINTED DOLLS

I have been SOOMED, ladies and gentlemen...and I am proud of it...though coming up with January's payment is difficult...I am not working very  much at the moment, and I have been finding difficulties in getting stuff sold. I am all over the place trying to figure out how to get the last $250 paid on her. If I don't pay this off, then I lose over $1000....That's a lot of money lost.....I have to pay her off somehow...

That's really it for now. I will be back soon!