Ross Brierley
@ghostlightross
Gamer, JP learner & Anime geek Used to work in video games, bringing Japanese games to the west, now I'm outside the industry. Ghostlight_Ross on the other site
At Hyper Japan, seems a bit more going on than the last few years, but there's no Japan tourism presence this year. Not from the prefectures or the national level. Not that I'm planning another Japan trip next year, although...
Codename Colin were fantastic, but I really enjoyed Filthy Militia, first time ide seen them and they were so good.
Social Distortion were so much fun, Reach for the Sky is a fantastic song live, but the whole show was great.
Another great @evewrestling.bsky.social show. Really fun surprise to see Alexis Lee for the first time since Thailand, and Lallie are always a delight.
Had a really good time at @evewrestling.bsky.social x @tjpw2013.bsky.social last night. So many great matches, loved seeing Miyu Yamashita v Shoko Nakajima, but all the matches were fantastic.
Ready for @evewrestling.bsky.social x @tjpw2013.bsky.social should be a great night. Particularly excited for Shoko Vs Hollie
Went to the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium for the Saracens Vs Northampton rugby match. Result was frustrating but it was a pretty good day out.
What a show that was from @evewrestling.bsky.social not sure any UK show I see will top that.
Went to #EveWrestling #Multiverse rumble last night. @evewrestling.bsky.social is always a fantastic night out.
It's been a long time since I've seen Korpiklaani and I'm not as into them and I used to be, but Korpiklaani are always an absolute blast live, so much fun.
Finntroll are probably the band I've been looking forward to most, Trollhammeren is a great live song and Jaktens Tid is one of my favourite folk metal songs.
Heidevolk are probably the most traditional folk metal band so far, and my favourite so far as well. Fantastic show, next up are Finntroll and Korpiklaani the two I came to see.
Trollfest were one of the weirder metal bands I've come across. Definitely the first flamingo themed one. Fun at first, but kinda felt like I'd had enough by the end of the set.
At Heidenfest for a night of #folkmetal first band were The Dread Crew of Oddwood which were fun. Maybe not a band I'd go out of my way to see, but a pretty good support band
Yesterday I went to Chocopro, it's always a good time there, such a fun atmosphere.
Then I took a short train ride to Enoshima. I'd never been there before, but it's a really cool place.
The day before yesterday I took a tour of Kamakura, which was lovely.
Last night hanging out with Nozomi in Golden Gai. At least on this trip.
After that I went out with Nozomi and her friends for dinner and drinks. Brilliant night, I had so much fun.
Yesterday I took a tour of the Imperial Palace in Tokyo, which is something I've been wanting to do for years now. Very pretty and interesting, even if the historical information was a touch dodgy. #JapanTravel
Yesterday I arrived in Shinjuku and went to the Tokyo Metropolitan Building Observation Deck. The place is kind of crazy but I do really like Shinjuku. #JapanTravel
Yesterday I explored Nagano, visiting Zenkoji temple before taking a quick trip to Obuse, at the recommendation of the owner of the bar I'd been visiting. I really enjoyed both. #JapanTravel
Today I took a day trip to Matsumoto, a really nice city with a stunning castle. It also seemed really friendly, so many people just started talking with me. Definitely one to go back to sometime. #JapanTravel
First impression of Nagano is that it's snowy and cold People do seem friendly though. #JapanTravel
Today I went to see the snow monkeys near Yudanaka, it was a bit of a trek from the bus station but we'll worth it. #Japantravel
Today I arrived in Yudanaka, checked into my Ryokan, explored the town a bit before taking a dip in the onsen.
Finally I went to my first Live house (what they call gigs over here) on Osaka. I really enjoyed all the bands, but Mikabpmb and Akabane Vulgars on the Strong Bypass in particular were fantastic