Vending Machine Culture

 Japan is known for it's broad and quirky vending machine culture. They sell a wide range of products including food, produce, hot meals, ramen, toys, anime, souvenirs, drug store supplies, clothes, underwear, umbrellas, magazines, newspapers, mystery items, etc. The vending machine culture can be attributed to commuter lifestyle and wanting to minimize time spent purchasing items. The lack of theft and installation of security cameras helped promote the expansion. Over the years it's grown to over 4 million vending machines in Japan. The offerings have evolved both out of necessity, showmanship and a desire to push the boundaries.

There are tours and websites devoted to the most unusual machines. If you decide to travel to Japan it would be fun to visit some of them. Do your research ahead of time to narrow down your choices and build a map of where you will be visiting.  If you are looking for a curated experience there is a Vending Machine Museum in Kurihara, Miyagi. There are over 100 machines, some working, some not working but a true history of vending machines in Japan. 

Please check out my friend Safiya's video on the machines she visited in Tokyo.

Restaurant- Ninja Sushi

 I've been ordering and dinning at Ninja Sushi in Clark NJ for a couple years.  It just occurred to me it was due for a review. It is one of my personal favorites.  When I first started ordering from Ninja Sushi I was not a Sushi fan, as a result I've tried most items on their menu.  

Their salads and soups are great, fresh ingredients and I like their dressing over other restaurants.  Hibachi is my absolute favorite.  The sauce is light and flavorful, which ever meat you choose is going to be cooked exactly on point so it's not undercooked. My second favorite items are the pork or chicken katsu. You can get the meats alone or in a rice bowl with eggs and vegetables. 

My second ever interaction with sushi was at this restaurant ordering the sushi for beginners platter. I was a little apprehensive since my first interaction with sushi was a restaurant in Jersey City that serve me a bone in tuna roll. Since everything else with Ninja Sushi 🍣 was going swimmingly great I ordered my platter. This was another great experience, the chef gave me a wide selection and I was able to try a wide variety including eel. Everything I tried tasted great and I began to reconsider my stance on sushi. 

I've enjoyed dinning in person at the Clark location with friends.  There is a long table in the middle for larger groups.  My friends have also given positive reviews. I highly recommend Ninja Sushi 🥷 just don't ask me where to park. 

Sashiko Embriodery

 I've been working on embriodery this year, as my new years resolution was to focus on functional art.  I find it very relaxing and enjoy working on projects that will be seen when I wear the embroidered garment. My current project is a sashiko purse. Sashiko is a traditional Japanese technique to mend broken clothing and reinforce fabric to make it stronger.  It's typically done on indigo fabric with white or neutral embroidery thread.

Sahiko stands for little stabs in Japanese. It's typically achieved by using the basic running stitch.

This is the purse I'm working on. The pattern is drawn on with chalk and will be washed off after the garment is complete.

Detective Kaiju

 I stumbled across Detective Kaiju 🕵️‍♂️ in my local comic book store.  It's a new release from May 2025. It's a noir murder mystery 4 part comic series. Kaiju is investigating the death of a close friend.  During his investigating he also uncovers the truth about his sorted past. He gets trapped in a web of lies, deceit, conspiracy theories and must face the dark side of the movie industry.  I give the writers a lot of credit for creating something unique. 

Anime - The War of the Rohirrim

 

The War of the Rohirrim was released in December 2024. It is an anime movie that is part of The Lord of the Rings universe. The story line was not written by JRR Tolkien but takes events and characters referenced in the trilogy to create the script. It's set 183 years prior to the LOTR trilogy. It revolves around King Helm Hammerhand of Rohan.

It was directed by Kenji Kamiyama, who is know for his work on Ghost in the Shell, Eden of the East, Cyborg series plus more.  It's produced by Warner Brothers animation and Solas Entertainment.  I was curious as to why this film was classified as "anime." My research concluded that any animated work produced in Japan is considered anime. Cartoons refer to work produced in western cultures (US/ Europe). Anime is typically more complex drawing, facial features, expression, emotions and themes.  Cartoons usually cater to younger audience and are comedic in nature. Although there have been many adult themed cartoons in the US, I would agree they are also comedies.  

The War of the Rohirrim was hand drawn. I really appreciated the visuals. At times the nature and elements (trees, forest, fire, snow, etc) appear highly realistic.  This is possibly an example of a technique called rotoscoping. Helm's daughter Hera takes a leading role in the story line. I really liked this movie even though it wasn't a huge success.  I think any LOTR fan will appreciate the presence of the Great Eagles, Mumakil and the watcher. The Great Eagles are giant eagles that are intelligent, powerful, free thinkers.  They were sent to middle earth to help man, but can still decide for themselves if they will help.  They understand the language of man.  The mumakil or oliphaunts are giant elephant like creatures.  They are the size of a house and have 4 giant tusks. They are frequently used in battle. The watchers are giant squid like creatures that live in the waters. 

Since this story takes place well before the LOTR trilogy we don't see familiar characters.  There is a scene with orcs selling off rings they've stolen.  In the final scene we learn Hera is off to see a wizard name Gandalf about what she witness the orcs doing.  I recommend the movie to any fan of middle earth. 

Ramen Fans delight

 

For the ultimate ramen fan here is a pair of Ramen Heels from Dolls Kill X Naruto Shippuden collaboration.  They are originally $149 but currently on sale. They have covered the major points noodles, fish cakes and boiled ajitsuke tamango egg. This could make a good cosplay or Halloween costume with chopsticks in your hair. 

Kit Kat Tasting

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Flavor: Cookie Dough

Country: Australia

Comments: The cookie dough tastes just like fresh cookie dough. Does not taste like frozen cookie dough. It is not wet or mushy, it has the consistency of dry cookie dough. The chocolate tastes a little bit better than a regular Kit Kat. This is an Australian bar made from 100% certified sustainable cocoa, supplied through the Nestle Cocoa Plan.