To Japan!!!
Hello friends! So exciting news! This April my wife Jen and I will be in Japan! We've always wanted to go so we're very excited for this. We'll check out Tokyo, Kyoto, Osaka, and Nara. We plan to do all the usual touristy things, but taking in all the lovely sights and enjoying all the food will be quite amazing.
We'll be gone from Apr 1 to 21. During this time I do plan on modeling in the mornings before Jen awakens like I do in all my previous trips. Remember, I do this because I love 3D modeling, and 3D modeling in Japan will def be a vibe haha. However obviously things will slow down a little while I'm away so you'll have to forgive me not posting models every day lol.
While there I do want to make models inspired by Japanese culture, mythology and history. Now its time for some fun input from you all! What interesting and unique models should I make while I'm there? Keep in mind I can't do things from video games or anime cuz I don't want to get sued lol. But if there is something TTRPG focused you think would be great to add to the collection feel free to post here! I can't guarantee I'll make everything but we'll see :)
That Duolingo bird is calling. Jeez he's persistent. Anyway have a good one folks!
Comments (47)
Just next to Kyoto is a little town in the mountains named Ohara. We stayed at yumoto onsen ohara sanso, and had the time of our lives. The shabu shabu we ate there is one of my fondest memories of Japanese food. Plus the colza fields (I don’t know the english name) were on fool bloom at the same time period you’re gonna be there. There’s a little waterfall that’s lovely on the forest behind the resort, and some beautiful moss gardens. So if you can spare a visit there : I think you would really enjoy it ! This, and the Tiger temple in the mountains next to Nara 😁 Enjoy !
This is awesome. I'm so jealous. And you deserve a holiday so don't sweat it if you don't always hit your targets or don't even do any some days while there. Enjoy every minute!
I think some Japanese chefs would be awesome. Making sushi, stir fry in a wok, cooking octopus, etc.
I feel like I may be late to party, but with Japan in mind and if you’ve already experienced I would recommend some music for the soul. A Japanese artist (who I’m pretty sure lives in Colorado these days) named Kitaro. His album titled Kojiki specifically. If you like something different this is just incredible and inspiring music that I’ve been called back to while training, when learning, crafting my art, even just long drives. If not, it was just a suggestion and I’m still enjoying and exploring all your work. Thank you
In Japan I was constantly amazed by the fake food bowls at every restaurant. There is a factory you can go to - to see them being made and painted. It is a long way from a D&D mini, but modelling one of those may be a fitting memory of your holiday - and we can all have our own "fake ramen bowl" at home :D Well that and a Japanese vending machine... and DUH! Obviously they are both really mimics!
I second this. Its amazing how well the fake food looks, but it will make you hungry. haha
Please have a great time in Japan, take a rest and many new experience that you can use later during 3d modeling
Japanese gardens are always a favorite - you could create all sorts of simpler scatter terrain for that. Also love the buildings and old boats. Hope you have a great time!
Yokohama also has a Ramen Museum, which is like a mini mall of ramen restaurants highlighting all the regional styles. The advice that I was given one time; "Dont drink the broth, that way you save room for more ramen.", although I love the broth. Another visit is to Yodobashi Camera right outside Yokohama Station; its an 8-story walmart of electronics and pop culture. I'm sure they have a 3D print/design floor by now.
Wow thanks for the tips! I think I'll make a channel on the Discord just to get tips from people haha. I appreciate your info :)
Awesome! Its a great trip. I lived in the Tokyo/Yokohama area for 10 years, if you need some places to go, I might be able to dig up some google map links. If you can get to Harajuku (Tokyo) on Sundays, there is a group of Elvis impersonators at Yoyogi park. Its a hell of an experience.
Maybe a Tanuki or two?
I'd love to see some yokai! Maybe an Oni. An awakened sakura tree like someone mentioned above would be neat, too! Hope you enjoy your vacation! I'd like to go, myself, some day
My picks would be for some of the more unusual and silly traditional yokai: Shireme (butt-eye), Akaname (filth licker), Karakaza kozo (umbrella yokai), Nuppeppo (fat smelly yokai). https://yokai.com/
Duolingo isn't so great. I've tried a lot and have settled on RocketLanguages and Pimsleur. Give their free lessons a try and see what you think.
My favorite yokai is gashadokuro, the giant skeleton made of regular sized skeletons voltroning together but for something a bit more universal I love the big nose tengu
Traditional Ninja ( Variety), The Oriental Thief, Ranger and Similar, Shogun ( Variety) would all be nice creations based from Japanese Culture. Japan had a very unique warriors and Ships from medieval lore and history.
Yes, shogun and ninja are always a great choice!
Niiice :D Have fun, I really look forward to some cool Japanese (and maybe even seasonal) designs. Awakened Sakura Tree anyone? Also crazy coincidence, I'll be in Japan myself around that time
Nice!
Awesome! Enjoy your trip! My family and I are moving there this year. We're all very excited.
Nice! Good luck!
This might be worth a look. A few places overlap with your planned city visits (click on "Places"): https://www.oldphotosjapan.com/ One thing that pops up frequently are different versions of rickshaws (same site claims Japanese invention of "jinrikisha" in late 1800s). There are modern ones available in touristy places today.
Oh wow very cool! Thanks for sharing!
You should take your time and enjoy your vacation!
Oh I will haha
Enjoy your trip!
That is amazing. It's sounds like the beginning of a classic tier 3 adventure with your missus. I hope it turns out to be inspiring and you both have a wonderful time.
I'm so very jealous! My husband and I are currently saving for a Japan trip. We would love to hear what your favorite parts of the trip end up being.
Thanks! We've been saving up for a year to finally do this so we're very excited! I guess my posts next month will be a mix of travel blog / new minis haha
A hafling trying to look intimidating with an Oni mask
Enjoy! Can't wait to see the minis that come from or result from the trip.
Maybe a ninja rogue halfling complete with the face wrap?
A samurai warlock elf with historical samurai armor
Miguel, feel no pressure to model every day. Take the time to unplug and enjoy a vacation!
Shamisen bard?
Some Cherry Tree themed tree folk would be neat, or Koi themed monsters to have a connection with the Japanese culture.
I third this!
maiko or Geisha, Yuki Onna, Akateko
Amazing! Will there be some japan inspired models??👀
yeah that's what this post is about silly lol
An Oni with an Odachi could be fun
You guys are going to love it! I spent a year there when I was in the Navy. Yokohama has a lot of video gaming and entertainment. There’s different districts of Tokyo to enjoy like Roppongi, for bars and partying. And Akihabara, or electric town, for all kinds of shopping.
Oh yeah we've been prepping for a year. All this and more will be done haha
Maneki-neko would be neat. Maybe some torii gates?
A ninetailed tanuki
Can’t wait to see what you make after this trip! Have fun!
