Bowling and Video Games

After the love hotel nonsense we decied instead to go bowling. Japanese people have really taken to bowling and its a common pass time. It was really good fun and we were even allowed to bring our own beer to drink (or at least we werent stopped).

When we'd finished off a few rounds we left for a games arcade. As to be expected however, this was not the norm that I was used to. Video games are a serious buisiness in Japan and this arcade was a good example. First you have to create a membership, your then charged by the hour and all games are free to use during that time.

There were lots of games on offer, but a whole section of Music games caught most of my interest for the evening. Here are a few examples-:

This one is a keyboard games where you have to play along and get all the notes right.

This is a bit like guitar hero but with a koto (japanese string instrument)

This is a DJ game where you have to mix and scratch the tracks together. It is surprisingly realistic.

This one was my favourite. Play along on actual Yamaha electronic drums to a variety of tracks. Playing this game could actually teach you how to play for real!

A 4-player arcade versoin of Mario Kart, why dont we have this at home!!!??

Japanese drum game. Prentend to be a kodo drummer!