Author Archives: Michael Gakuran

Japanese One Point Lesson: 青姦

By Michael Gakuran | Published August 17, 2010
It’s been a while since I looked at some interesting Japanese, so “Let’s Nihongo!” it up with a frisky little word I learnt during my intercourse with Japan. Oh yes, be afraid. Here comes a terrible orgy of puns for ‘Aokan’ (青姦), the little-known word for getting busy under the stars.
Posted in Japan | 13 Comments

The Ethereal Void of the Maya Hotel

By Michael Gakuran | Published August 10, 2010
I know, what a title eh? Words have failed me. Or perhaps I have failed them. It didn’t seem like much at the time, but having gone through the batch of photos from my latest haikyo outing, it’s now obvious that I had passed through another world without quite realising it.
Posted in Haikyo / Ruins | 35 Comments

Lost Worlds – Japan Times Articles

By Michael Gakuran | Published August 8, 2010
A collection of haikyo articles penned by Japan Times staff writer Eriko Arita ventures into the deeper meaning behind ruins exploration and its popularity in Japan. A mention of my thoughts of the subject are included in one of the stories.
Posted in Haikyo / Ruins | 14 Comments

Flutter Japanese Goods Home: Giveaway!

By Michael Gakuran | Published August 6, 2010
Flutterscape. What a marvellous idea. I wish I’d thought of it myself. Japan is packed to the brim with unique and tasty goods and usually the only way you’ll get your hands on them is through a Japanese friend or one of those dubious-looking companies.
Posted in Other | 41 Comments

Touring Japan 2010: Day 8 – Kaiyukan

By Michael Gakuran | Published August 1, 2010
The final day in my trip was a pretty relaxed one. I decided to head on over to Kaiyukan, the impressive aquarium at Osaka bay. I’ve been there once before some 3 years ago, but with my renewed interest in all things aquatic, a return visit would not go amiss!
Posted in Adventure | 8 Comments

Touring Japan 2010: Day 7 – Haikyo Hiking

By Michael Gakuran | Published July 31, 2010
Ahh, yappari. Manga cafes are too distracting. With all the free films, drinks, manga and ‘special’ photo books one can’t help but do everything other than sleep. So today, with a mere three hours under my belt I set out to meet fellow haikyoist Florian at 5.30am.
Posted in Adventure | 18 Comments

Touring Japan 2010: Day 6 – Oboke Rafting

By Michael Gakuran | Published July 30, 2010
The day was already off to a bad start. I awoke feeling much more refreshed than usual in the manga cafe. Something was definitely off. Reaching for my phone, I checked the time: 7.30am. Bollocks… I’d overslept and missed my train to take me the river Oboke for rafting.
Posted in Adventure | 9 Comments

Touring Japan 2010: Day 5 – Rusty Teshima

By Michael Gakuran | Published July 29, 2010
I was planning on going rafting in the wilderness of Oboke today, but I awoke in the manga cafe to the sound of heavy rain outside. I ‘borrowed’ one of the clear, plastic umbrellas left behind by other people at the exit and walked quickly to the station. The staff informed me the local trains […]
Posted in Adventure | 10 Comments