Scouring The Country For A Super Hero

We virtually went all around Japan, just to find Ultraman. There are a few more places we've yet been to, but I think we are pretty happy we visited the big ones already. ^^

Of course, my boy was/is always chuffed to bits being able to meet his favourite super hero!

With a giant Ultraman Mebius statue at Ultraman Festival in Ikebukuro one fine summer in 2006. This was Raimie's second trip to Japan. On his first trip, we went to Ultraman Club in Asakusa (it's now closed though) and he was in seventh heaven meeting up with Ultraman Xenon there.

Ulfes is usually held during the summer holiday, and Zaini suggested if we wanted to cut cost down, we come during the summer holiday and just stayed in Tokyo & visit Ulfes. Much as I like Ultraman and Tokyo, just staying in Tokyo for a week isn't something I want to do while in Japan now. I still have lots of place to cover! 

At Ultramanland in Arao in Kumamoto Prefecture, which we visited in 2007 and 2008. We made sure we didn't miss a single "meet-the-heroes" sessions or the live-action shows.

Meeting Ultraman Mebius and Hikari at Ultraman Stadium in Terai in Ishikawa Prefecture in 2008. It's literally located in a middle of nowhere! The staff there got pretty "excited" when I wrote my son's name (to enter the jungle gym) in romanji. I guess not many non-Japanese speaking foreigners came to that part of town much.

With Ultraman Nice at Tsuburaya Jungle in Yao, Osaka in 2008. Where is it exactly? Let's just say it's on the way to Nara.

With Ultraman Mebius at Ultraman Club in Kawasaki in 2009 and 2010. Raimie made some friends there and was happily shooting "kaijus" with his newfound friends. Language barrier completely forgotten.

It's going to change soon though. Its inevitable I would say, because he is growing up/out of idolising Ultraman. Give him Kamen Riders, Goseiger or whatever ranger now.  However, don't ask him to let go of all his Ultraman figures yet! Those, we can't donate to anyone ever.