Ota Kumin Hall 'Aprico' (Art Prism in the City of Ota)

Sunday, November 15th, 2009

I started splitting the trip into smaller chunks now - check the "Eaton's in Japan 2009" link to your left.

Today was the Maschinen Krieger Model Expo 5, in Ota city! We started off with breakfast...

Lisa got a spicy chicken deelie.

I got toast, salad, and a hamburger hot dog deelie.

We stocked up on some drinks, and I perused the chips out of curiosity.

I LOVE these guys.

Lincoln, Travis, Lisa, and I made it to Ota bright and early.

Cranes!

Linc was navigator.

Here's the building we wanted.

We entered, set up our models, and goofed around.

Set up!

Wandered away for a brief period to grab lunch, and entered the local red light district.

Happy endings only $40. Shazam!

Lisa sported a swine flu prophylactic, as there were tons of coughing rug rats near the hall.

We entered a shopping strip from the 1960s.

Saw a racist-y sign.

And ate at...

Denny's?!

I got the $13 steak in soy sauce!

Lisa was feeling spunky!

On the way back to the show...

Here's a funny model.

Koara-san's Sirene!

My stuff (and Linc's Lunadiver in the background)

Jemo's awesome work.

Linc talking about his brush painting technique with Nakata-san, the fella that pioneered the technique in Japan, and who is one of Yokoyama-san's main influence/teachers! He took a shine to us! (especially Lincoln)!

Hey, MaK babe.

Ritsuko-san and her MaK emissary.

Yokoyama-san's Snake Eye and the latest Brickworks figure - metal helmet, polished!

The almost-here Hasegawa Lunadiver kit - gorgeous work. I actually met Mr. Hasegawa this evening - and he knew who I was before we were even introduced!! He knows me?!

Sexy-ass pilot and cockpit.

Alternate pilot.

Suits that come with the Lunadiver - little jewels.

1/20 Lunar Grosserhund. It was great to see Katooo again... MaK fans, please check Rainbow-Egg blog tomorrow!!

Ahhh the upcoming Super Jerry (Strahl configuration).

Ara's scratchbuilt Firefly - SUGOI!!!

A lot of people flipped over this one - very clever with a gorgeous finish!

Open cockpit Eggeater!!

Elefanten was awesome, too.

Neat meld of SAFS and Berserker.

Dutifully taking pics of Yokoyama-san's models.

Scratchbuilt Mk.44 Space type!

The MaK gang!

Great crowd.

Ritsuko gave Lisa a Bombercat Uran-chan!

Wheeee!

I couldn't get enough of that aluminum finish.

Uncle Jerry Can Man.

Another view of the lovely Super Jerry, Strahl flavor.

Winners! Lincoln won Second Place!

Awww, with Sedo-san.

After we packed up, we headed to the afterparty, where we ate crazy good food and got hammered. Yokoyama-san regaled us with tales of intrigue all night.

Lisa, myself, and the man!

Raw awesome!

In ya go!

Sssssssssss

Salmon, passing upstream.

Pizza?! Fuck yeah!

Scrimps.

Jemo! Rarrrrgh!

Noodles from HEAVEN.

Yokoyama-san was then beseiged by the modeler brethren, and gave lots of tips and pointers until we closed the place down. Nakata-san looks debonair.

We're drunk, tired, and sated. Awesome day, freakin' awesome. Many heartfelt thanks to Lincoln for all of the hard work he had to do, bridging the language barriers and filling out them formz!