Posted on Monday, April 02, 2007 6:25 PM
Today, the entire group went to visit the Ghibli Museum in Mitaka.
I went there mainly to watch one of the movies they play (Koro's Big Day Out; now I only have to see one and then I've seen them all), and to see what the temporary exhibition is like.
Koro's Big Day Out was fun to see, the temp exhibition turned out to be the Aardman Exhibit again. (already seen that one)
One of the things that still strikes me, every time I go there, is the way they thought about the setup and the decorations of the museum. Everyone who has seen a Ghibli movie or two, knows what I mean when I say that the atmosphere is quite special, and that you can't go wrong with watching one of their movies. (even my mom concurs, and she's not into anime)
The way they trasferred that state of mind into the museum is downright stunning, and you can't help but to be in awe about the minute level of detail that's put into things, like the stain glass windows (depicting various Ghibli movies), or the way they adapted common household items (like a circulating fan, or an air conditioner) into the style of the movies.
It's unfortunate you're not allowed to take pictures inside the museum, so I can only urge those who rerad this and are planning on travelling to Japan, to arrange tickes and visit this museum. Even those in our group who never seen a Ghibli movie in their life were impressed.
After the visit, I went to Akihabara with Martijn to find some of the items on my wish list and to snoop around a bit in the many electronic parts shops there.
Amazing what you can get there without a hitch and without much cost, while back home, you have to move the earth to get a simple part like the ATTiny 2313 AVR.
Splendid, to say the least.
We had dinner at Fugetsu.
Upon our return in Ueno, we decided to check out Ueno Park for the Hanami; the viewing of the sakura blossoms. It was kind of late at that point, so we made a quick round, encountering serveral drunk Japanese.
One woman had to be helped by her friends, as she couldn't stand straight anymore, let alone walk.
Open fires are prohibited in the park; the alcohol vapours just might ignite. ;)
On our way to the apartment, we tried to get some night shots of Ueno.
Well, time for bed; if I can make it, I'm going to Hakoneyumoto to soak in one of the onsen there.
Cheers, K.