nagazasshi 4
10. Issue
Jan/ Feb ‘18
Geekin' Out in Nagasaki
nagazasshi Issue 4 Volume 10 January/February 2018
Director
Dominic Balasuriya
Editor-in-chief Will Tiley
Editors
Andrew Haddow Yeti Mallavi
J
apan conjures up many images – serene temples, vicious samurai, elegant food… But no list would
be complete without touching on Japan’s (arguably) most famous cultural export – geek culture! With a seemingly immeasurable range of manga, anime and video games, many people are inspired to visit Japan to explore this diverse and interesting subculture.
Copy Editor
Well, nerds of Nagasaki, this one's for you!
Layout and Design
of Nagasaki’s board game cafés (pg.7) and
Cassandra Fegert
Board game fan? Why not check out one
Dylan Nordstrom
spend a cold February afternoon with a
Contributors
Dimitre Avila Dominic Balasuriya Ash Bernard Dan Cohen Cassandra Fegert Andrew Haddow Yeti Mallavi Will Morgan Monica Neira Aaron Queener Anthony Tartan Will Tiley Hinako Yamaguchi
Founders
Andrew Morris Matthew Nelson www.issuu.com/nagazasshi nagazasshi@gmail.com cover photo Andrew Haddow
hot drink and a group of friends? Prefer your games a little more digital? Check out Gameru in Omura for all your video game needs (pg.5). If you’re feeling a little more lively, we have info on anime themed club nights, game centers, and craft fairs that will keep you amused for hours. For the real traditionalists, our feature on Japanese hobbies takes a look at shōgi, a Japanese variant of chess (pg.8), and for the truly eclectic, we even have a guide for all you old-school train spotters (pg.12). So bundle yourself up, step out of your otaku (house) and embrace your inner otaku (geek)! Happy reading! Will Tiley
Editor-in-Chief
photo Monica Neira model Ash "The Flaming Geek" Bernard as Ashe from League of Legends
CONTENTS
Geekin' Out in Nagasaki
4
Keeping it Old School Arcade Adventures Outside of Your 'Otaku'
5 6 7
My Japanese Hobby: Shogi
8
A Day Out in Shinkamigoto
10
Nagasaki by Rail
12
Events
14
Nihongo on the Go
15
Nagasaki's best places to game
Learn about Japan's chess-like board game Visit Goto's northernmost island
Get on board with Nagasaki's local trains
eekin' u n N gas k photos Andrew Haddow
Keeping it Old School
Andrew Haddow takes us down memory lane to Nagasaki’s premier retro gaming shop.
J
apan’s dominance in gaming was commonplace in the 1980s and 1990s, with the Nintendo Entertainment System effectively salvaging the video game crash of 1983. Now, a wealth of retro gaming goodies awaits you just down the street from Nagasaki Airport in Omura city. Although Gameru stocks used currentgen games, this local shop is better known for its remarkable selection of retro games and systems. What’s more, the proprietor, Matsufuji-san is extremely friendly and loves to chat about games old and new. Gameru opened about 4 years ago and quickly became a local favorite. Matsufuji-san always dreamed of opening a game shop and recently decided to quit the salaryman lifestyle to follow his childhood dream. The store was envisioned as a one-stop-shop where customers could talk about their favorite games, get basic repairs, and of course, do some shopping. Major stores have made finding knowledgeable staff increasingly difficult, and online shopping lacks the personal touch that customers may enjoy. That’s where the importance of local game shops comes in. For Japanese learners, retro gaming can also provide a great study tool. Lots of simpler games require very little kanji knowledge to enjoy, while text heavy RPGs like Final Fantasy or Dragon nagazasshi |January/February 2018
Quest make for great reading practice. If you’re less interested in the games, and more in the hardware, Gameru is also able to replace and repair save batteries inside SNES cartridges for a small fee; something troublesome to repair without tools and soldering skills. Although Japanese games have often been sought after in western countries, the trend has been reversed, and 洋 ゲー (you-ge, western games) are now massively popular in Japan. Matsufujisan says he and his friends rarely play domestic games these days, and have been spending their time in the worlds of Assassin’s Creed and The Witcher. The current balance between east and west means that gamers have more choices than ever when purchasing their next title, a fact that makes Matsufujisan and us at the Nagazasshi very happy.
5
Arcade Adventures Miss the gaming arcades of the 80s and 90s? Cassandra Fegert fills us in on these institutions that are still flourishing across Japan.
G
ame centers are undoubtedly one of the most enchanting and esteemed places in Japan where geeks and casual gamers alike can enjoy themselves. Whether you want to build muscle playing Taiko: Drum Master, race your friends in Mario Kart or Initial D, or perhaps even sharpen your hand-eye coordination with an array of rhythm games, game centers have it all. While you might find professional players racking up points on popular rhythm games, game centers offer something for everyone, and a visit on a cold day in winter may be all you need to refresh yourself and shake the winter blues! If you are feeling competitive, then you can find tournaments held at larger game centers throughout the year. Mollyfantasy, SEGA, and Sonic World game centers are some common chains, but you might also find game centers at your local Aeon!
Don’t know where to start? Here are some game centers around Nagasaki prefecture: Namco Yume Town, Nagasaki City
〒 850-0035 Nagasaki-shi 10-1 Motofunamachi ( 095-832-6315
Sonic World Isahaya
〒 854-0072 Isahaya-shi 17-62 Eishōmachi ( 0957-26-0780
SEGA Arcade Omura
〒 856-0815 Ōmura Morizonomachi 663-3 ( 0957-54-2077
AmiPara Game Center Sasebo
〒 857-1161 Sasebo-shi 18-15 Daitōchō ( 0956-34-8880
For a casual gamer like myself, game centers prove to be an exciting way to learn about newly popular games in Japan. Since I get bored quickly, I enjoy the variety that game centers provide, as I can get an adrenaline boost fighting in Guilty Gear, and then follow up with an exhilarating virtual race on Mario Kart as I demolish my friends with bananas and shells.
6
photos Cassandra Fegert
January/February 2018 | nagazasshi
Outide of Your ‘Otaku’ Just because you’re an otaku doesn’t mean you have to be a homebody. Yeti Mallavi give you some cool places and events, so go meet up with your fellow nerds for games, handicrafts, and music! Game Cafés
Events
Café Sunny Bird An English cram school and board game café all wrapped into one! Be sure to check out their Sunday Board Game Lunch, where you can try out various board games from abroad. Please check the website for hourly rates and group bookings.
Club TEATRO’s Anitro Do you like anime music? Do you like dancing? Then you’ll love Club Teatro! They have a variety of events, including a night for anime/game music. Check their website for upcoming events.
〒 Mikawa-cho Nagasaki-shi 8 cafesunnybird.jimdo.com
Café Cool At first glance, this building looks like someone’s private home, but as you enter, you’ll see a plethora of board games (as well as some video games) to play! Drop in here with a friend or reserve in advance if you want to host a big group or event. Please check the website for hourly rates and group bookings.
〒 Shigeo-cho Sasebo-shi 8 cafecool.jimdo.com/
Café FlapFlap Opened in September, this café has a varied food menu. With a tempting range of quiches, coffee and sweets, why not take a seat and play a board game or two! Check their Facebook page for more information.
〒 Chijiwa-chobo Unzen-shi 8 facebook.com/cafeFlapFlap/
nagazasshi |January/February 2018
〒 Sasebo City 8 sasebo2.com/open/19504
Nagasaki Handicraft Fair Check out the Nagasaki Handicraft fair and support artists and artisans from around the prefecture. Pick up some quirky home decor, or handmade accessories for your Lolita wardrobe!
〒 Various Locations 8 ntznetwork.com/publics/index/7/
Cospic Although not technically in Nagasaki, this group hosts cosplay events across Kyushu, including the annual Cosplay Picnic in Mojiko. They are also crossplay and LGBTQ+ friendly!
〒 Various Locations 8 www.cospic.org
Nagasaki Doujinshi Fair Get your doujinshi fandom on right here at home! Enjoy a plethora of fan-comics and other nerdy goodies.
〒 Nagasaki City 8 kibunha-jj.net/
7
My Japanese Hobby
Shogi This time on our journey through Japanese hobbies, Dimitre Avila introduces us to one of the granddaddies of tabletop gaming – shogi. This complex game of strategy emerged in its current form in the 16th century, and is still played widely today.
I
’m not lucky enough to have a shōgi club at my school, but we really should since many of my students are crazy about it. When I first came to Japan, I did not know anything about the strategy game. You might have thought it was similar to western chess, right? Turns out it’s nothing like western chess.
8
To be fair, the overall objective of the game is the same: try to get your opponent’s king into checkmate to win. However, the biggest difference between chess and shōgi is that during your turn, you may either move your own piece, or place one of your opponent’s captured pieces back on the board to fight alongside you. Another big difference is photos Dimitre Avila
that your pieces are “promoted” upon reaching your opponent’s side and become much stronger. A shōgi board is kind of like a battlefield with two armies opposing each other. You have the King who commands his troops from the backlines. On his right and left are his trusted generals; the Gold and Silver Generals. Then, you have the Horsemen, whose advanced movements give them great range. Next, there is the Lance who charges hastily through the battlefield. You also mustn’t forget the Flying Chariot and AngledMover, which function like bishops and rooks. The rest of the board is stocked with the most numerous and weakest pieces, the infantry. To be honest, I started learning and playing shōgi not because I was particularly interested, but because I thought it would help me connect with my students outside of the classroom. However, the more I played it, the more I found that I loved the tactical aspect of the game. Playing it is reminiscent of older tactical RPG video games. I get the same sense of fulfillment when I win a shōgi game as when I would clear a level in a video game. There is something satisfying about setting a trap for an opponent and watching them fall into it a few turns later. Even better, I was still able to get closer to my students, and it’s a great conversation starter when meeting new people. There are many rules and strategies in shōgi, but I think it’s a great game that anyone can pick up fairly easily. Learning the way each piece moves is the hardest part, but once you have gotten that down, you can have tons of fun playing this traditional Japanese game. nagazasshi |January/February 2018
QUEEN KEBAB
QueenKebab.Sasebo
9
queenkebab_sasebo
A Day Out in....
Shinkamigoto Anthony Tartan shows you the best places to visit on Shinkamigoto for a weekend full of opportunities and adventure.
4
1
5
2 車 3
1
3
Locations & Activities 1 Hamagurihama Beach The island’s most popular beach is a mustvisit in the summer time.
2 “Nice-Buddy” Diving Tours Nice Buddy offers diving certification, tours and equipment. See website for available dates and bookings. 8 nice-buddy.com/
10
3 The Great Akou Tree of Narao Tucked away near Narao Library, this tree has two trunks. It is said walking between the trunks grants you a long life.
January/February 2018 | nagazasshi
Food & Rest 1 Cross Island Bed and Breakfast Simple bed and breakfast in a newly built house. English speaking staff, great garden produce and fresh fish for breakfast or dinner.
3 Yokayo An izakaya tucked away in Urakuwa, serving locally sourced Kamigoto dishes.
2 George's Bar George has been operating the islands coziest bar for over 30 years. The food, drink and hospitality are all great.
Local Snack Foods The island is famous for its camellia oil (tsubaki) udon, pure sea salt, dried flying fish soup stock (ago-dashi) and Jyunshio Choco Leaf Pie. All can be found in Kamity Supermarket, and at Arikawa and Narao ports.
Access Kyuushou-shousen Jetfoil and ferry available
Arikawa
8 kyusho.co.jp/kouro
蝊 2
Tainoura Narao
Sasebo Nagasaki
Goto Sangyo Kisen Passenger ferry 8 goto-sangyo.co.jp
蝊 Car rentals can be found close to both Arikawa and Narao ports.
For more activities and places to visit: 8 http://tour.shinkamigoto.net/en 4 Yagatame This beautiful site is a 15 minute drive from Urakuwa town. The sea salt ice cream available nearby is an island delicacy.
5 Hifumedaki Waterfall This pristine waterfall is a simple 15 minute hike up the mountain, and 10 minute drive south of Arikawa.
photos left: Hamagurihama Beach Anthony Tartan center: The Great Akou Tree Aaron Queener right: Yagatame Anthony Tartan
Japan is renowned for its reliable and enjoyable trains, and Nagasaki Prefecture is no exception. Experience the nostalgia of Nagasaki City’s electric tramway, then step outside the city and ride the prefecture’s private railroads. These unique trains could take you anywhere from the Shimabara Peninsula in the south, to Hirado and Matsuura in the far north. Discover the charms of the unique trains and stations as you explore Nagasaki by rail! For more information, see: 8 visit-nagasaki.com/GettingAround/ 8 visit-nagasaki.com/Brochure/ Nagasaki Prefecture Tourism Association
（一社）長崎県観光連盟
ENDLESS DISCOVERY
Available in: English: 8 visit-nagasaki.com
N AGASAKI official visitor guide
Español: 8 visit-nagasaki.com/es/ Français: 8 visit-nagasaki.com/fr/ Italiano: 8 visit-nagasaki.com/it/ Nederlands: 8 visit-nagasaki.com/nl/
Photos pg.12, pg.13 (top) Dylan Nordstrom; pg.13 (bottom) Dominic Balasuriya Text Dominic Balasuriya & Hinako Yamaguchi
MATSUURA RAILWAY
S
tart in the bustling heart of Sasebo, then wind your way northwest with Matsuura Rail to Hirado-tabiraguchi, gateway to the island of Hirado. From there, the train follows the coast southeast to Matsuura on the way to Arita in Saga Prefecture. As the train makes its way out of Sasebo, the rail tracks are elevated above the city, creating great opportunities for landscape photographs. Experience Hirado’s unique culture and history by visiting Hirado Castle and the former Hirado Dutch Trading Post.
12
January/February 2018 | nagazasshi
NAGASAKI CITY ELECTRIC TRAMWAY
I
n a city filled with tourist spots, fixed-price tickets make Nagasaki City’s electric trams a great way to travel. Single trips of any distance cost just 120 yen, or a one-day pass is 500 yen. Announcements and signage onboard all trams makes it easy to get to destinations such as the Peace Park, Dejima, Glover Garden and Oura Cathedral. This everyday convenience and access is also complimented by a touch of something special. Eiji Mitooka, designer of the “Seven Stars in Kyushu” luxury train, created a special Nagasakithemed tram called “Minato.” Also, during the winter and summer, try booking a special tram journey where you can eat oden or drink beer!
SHIMABARA RAILWAY
B
oard the Shimabara Rail from Isahaya Station, about 30 minutes from Nagasaki City (or less if you take the JR Kamome Limited Express). From there, the small, bright yellow trains traverse the rice paddies of Isahaya City before following the coastline of the Shimabara Peninsula down to Shimabara City. Along the way, the train passes through stations with unique names, including Aino (Station of Love), featuring a retro station building, Saiwai (Happiness), and Azuma (My Wife). Omisaki Station, said to be the closest station to the sea in Japan, is just one of the many photogenic locations on offer. Upon arriving in Shimabara City, take the time to enjoy the local onsens, Shimabara Castle, and the castle town. For foreign tourists, a 1200 yen one-day pass available at selected locations, including Nagasaki Airport, offers unlimited rides on trains and buses operated by Shimabara Rail.
Events Tiptoe Through the Tulips… Huis Ten Bosch: Mid-February ~ Mid-April Goto: Mid ~ Late February Nomozaki: Mid-January ~ Early February February may conjure up frigid memories for those of us from colder climates, but in Nagasaki, the flowers are blooming and spring is just around the corner. There are three spots in the prefecture which have flower viewings from February onwards, including one of the largest in Japan, the Huis Ten Bosch Tulip Festival. Islanders can enjoy camellias on Goto, with a festival to kick off the season. For those on the mainland, you can travel just south of Nagasaki city to Nomozaki for the Daffodil Festival. Hirado Field Burning
Unzen Ecotatsu (pictured)
Kawachi-tôge, Onocho, Hirado
Every Sunday in February
First Sunday in February
Warm up under a kotatsu heated from
Although you won’t find bizarre art in-
the depths of hell! The Unzen hells, that
stallations, dancing hippies, or tech-bros,
is. A portmanteau of eco and kotatsu,
Hirado’s annual burning festival is a sight
these naturally heated table-and-blanket
that many flock to see. To welcome the
set ups are a unique feature in south-
coming of spring and help maintain the
eastern Nagasaki. The tables are set
fields, large swaths of grass are set ablaze
up over the natural steam vents from
every year. The total area burned is about
the volcano and attract many curious
74 acres, or over 50 football fields. Even
visitors. Take a break from your daytrip,
pre-ignition, the area provides an amaz-
or keep warm while you enjoy the stars
ing view of the Ninety-nine Islands and
under the night sky.
surrounding area. The schedule is bound by weather conditions so check the website for schedule updates.
photo Will Tiley
For more information and a full list of exciting events around Nagasaki, please visit 8 visit-nagasaki.com/spots/events 8 facebook.com/VisitNagasaki/
14
January/February 2018 | nagazasshi
Nihongo on the 24 日本語オン・ザ Will Morgan
ウィル モーガン
Dan Cohen
GO ダン コーヘン
While chess and checkers are the kings of ボードゲーム (bōdogēmu - board games) in the West, there are some different, but equally interesting counterparts in the East. Here are the three that you can find most readily in Japan. 囲碁 IGO
Commonly referred to as Go (碁), this seemingly simple, but incredibly complex strategy game was at last conquered by Google’s AlphaGo in March 2016.
将棋 SHŌGI
This chess-like strategy game brought Fujii Sota to fame when he became the world’s youngest professional player at the age of 14. He was all over the news during his unprecedented 29 consecutive victories.
麻雀 MĀJAN
Written in English as ‘Mahjong’, this tile-based game originated in the Qing Dynasty in China. It turns out that using the correct term for “play” for each of these games can be nearly as difficult as the games themselves. Here are a bunch of ways to say “play” in Japanese!
打つ These Japanese characters are pronounced utsu when referring to UTSU/BUTSU Go, and butsu for Mahjong. 指す SASU
Used for Shōgi. Normally, this means “to point”.
する SURU
Generic term for “to do”, and generally a safe word choice. This one applies to most games from board varieties to sports. 昨日、友達と将棋を指しました。 Kinō, tomodachi to Shōgi wo sashimashita. Yesterday, I played Shogi with my friend. Here are some other words that mean “to play”.
弾く HIKU
to play a stringed instrument.
吹く FUKU
to play (lit. to blow) a wind instrument.
叩く TATAKU 取る TORU 遊ぶ ASOBU
to play (lit. to hit) the drums. to “play” sumo, if such a thing could be said to be “played”. play, as in what children do on the playground.