Movie day in Ueno (01.29.24)

Today I was sitting at a cafe and noticed there was a movie theatre nearby, so I decided to go and experience a movie here in Japan. The theatre was on the 7th floor of the building that was filled with stores for things like snacks and clothing, so going all the way up like that to find the theatre was pretty different than how things are set up in America. Purchasing the ticket was done at a machine but then the food and check in stands were filled with employees making sure everything was smooth. I really do love how they sell merchandise related to the movies currently being shown too, they’re little souvenirs to take home even for locals.

The movie I saw was the Gundam Seed movie. It was enjoyable even though I wasn’t familiar with the series, I really do love the character designers style with how the faces are done, the large cheeks, long slim noses and fat lower lips. People were very quiet in the theatre when the lights dimmed, it was funny seeing some otaku getting ready to enjoy another film of their favorite series. How clean the theatre is kept and their practice of using reusable trays and recycling everything properly is something more of the world could start doing. Consuming things and realizing how much waste is being produced does feel bad so it’s good to reduce it where it can be done. Of course heavy merchandizing produced a lot of waste but imagine that 3-5 times a day with larger waste material from stuff like single use trays, plastic silverware and plastic wrappings.

Anyway I had fun, I also moved hotels too, further up north in Tokyo now more on the outskirts again, so far it feels peaceful here. The grocery store right next door is amazing, packed with fresh affordable food. Being able to buy a can of hard lemonade for 138 yen is dangerous… other than that I don’t really have much plans for my last 7-8 days here in Japan. I’m certainly going to miss the quality of life this country offers if you can afford it (it’s certainly cheaper than some other countries).

I’ll probably be going to the movies again soon, I thought I might as well go see the spy x family movie since I was reminded that it’s still in theaters. I’ll get to enjoy it with another bucket of popcorn and a hotdog that has egg salad ontop if it.

Sorry my blog here has been a lot of blogging, but I know those of you who have been supporting me here for a while probably understand, and I’m thankful. I go through a lot of thoughts not being the artist I want to be yet which is normal, and back at home I feel I life somewhere with no inspiration. I’ve been very inspired doing this solo vacation trip, I feel like I’ve seen a whole new world and now I can work on my art knowing this experience is real.