Takoyaki Party

On Sunday I went to a Takoyaki party at a friend's new apartment. 11 people and maybe 300 sq. feet. They taught us how to make the octopus dumplings and then we played Smash Bros. for 64. It was awesome. I thought I could hold my own, foolishly forgetting that all Japanese people can innately kick ass at Smash Bros. I then got destroyed by several girls and a guy using Jigglypuff. Once I got the hang of it again I started being a huge asshole, as was my strategy when I played a lot. I just fly around with Ness, infuriatingly difficult to hit, occasionally picking off someone who is highly damaged. After a couple of very cheap wins, they countered Ness with Kirby and slapped my face off my face. Anyways, pictures of surprisingly delicious octopus treats on right here.

Moral: Don't ever play Smash Bros with the Japanese or you'll end up crying into your natto.

Also: Nattoyaki. Try some.

And: I also got killed in Puyo-puyo, Mario Kart, and Goldeneye.

Osaka Trip

Went to Osaka yesterday. It was pretty incredible. I guess the city is about 2 or 3 million, but it surges to 4 million during the day. Most people wanted to shop, but a group of a few finally split off to go sight seeing. We went to a giant Ferris wheel on top of a building and Osakajo park. There's a restored or rebuilt Japanese castle there as well as a European style castle built in the 1930s. Unfortunately, everything was closed, but I think I got some decent pictures anyway.

Also: Every old person I talked to declined to be in a picture. Looks like this won't work. I'm a very sad little guy.