Pikachu in World Hobby Fair 2008

(tags convention, Japan, Osaka, game, Pikachu, character goods, Wii, Dual Screen, PlayStation Portable)

Today was the World Hobby Fair 2008 in Osaka. To me it's a mainstream electronic game and toy hobby fair for kids ages 12 and under. These days one must bring a DS and PSP for the special goodies and opportunities, but I didn't bother. I went because I was planning to go to Den Den Town anyway. Plus there were video game demos from top-tier companies major like Nintendo, Sega, Capcom, etc. I know its ultimately a waste of time which is why I didn't go last year, even though I did go two years ago.

OMG hypocritical thoughts: There were far too many kids games about collecting or battling. It's horrifying to think about all this free time wasted on games, especially the fad games. I saw kids with hundreds of cards from those card battle games, toy cars on race tracks, kids/tweens walking around while playing whatever RPG on their DS lite or PSP, etc. Decadently vulgar mass consumerism. I wanted to shout, "Read a m!%'%'-f%)%(% book! And not a manga!" I kept on thinking to myself, man if ever become a father... yeah right. But this is what people will pay for, so the companies will provide. So essentially I was ignoring 95% of the wares being hocked.

Ahem, back to sparkle gazing. :-)

I saw the Star Soldier R download game for the Wii which was great because of my recent shmup mood (thanks Shikigami no Shiro 3 and Omega Five). It seems like it has a slightly tweaked power-up system, but it's definately Star Soldier, for better or worse. It makes me want to play my Gamecube or PSP version. I didn't bother entering the 2 minute high score contest because I already saw a contestant get one million and first place with excellent technique (eg shoot both targets at the same time). If I ever buy a Wii I'll probably get this. Are there any other shmups besides Shikigami no Shiki 3?

Super Smash Bros. for the Wii was up and playable in groups of four, though the demo movies were the same ones from E3 2006. I was surprised to see that it is in a widescreen format, because I always thought the Wii was only 4:3. And I've never played this franchise though, so the details are lost on me. I mean come on, Pikachu had 105% health but 30 seconds later it became 0%? Wut?!? I still want to get the SSB for the Gamecube because it was said to have a interesting collection mode. But I haven't wanted to buy it in the 6 years it has been out, so I don't think I'll ever get it.

Sony had their booth with the newest Ape Escape game. I wanted to play the Patapon demo, but I wasn't in the mood to wait in line. I also saw the refresh of the Taiko no Tatsujin for the DS, "7" something or other, but only in passing. Um what else? Nothing else I can remember, so the rest is not important.

On the non-video game front, I was surprised to see Speed Stacks there. I don't hold it in high regard, sorry to say, but it is indirectly useful for my Rubik's Cube hobby. They were selling the mat and timer for 5040 yen, ouch. I am kicking myself for not asking if the timer hooks up to the 2_0000 yen competition display. Show some courage, big guy. Well, I still don't need it yet.

Regarding anime and manga goods, the only thing that I found interesting was Hayate no Gotoku goods, but I resisted buying even a pencil card. The big A2 non-sale poster/tapestry at the back was a desirable Nagi design, ooh white dress. Okay that's enough.

The Pocket Monsters franchise had a big booth as always. I just had to take this picture of the inflatable playroom and big movie poster. I adore Pikachu but I have no idea about the stories or TV. Pikachu occupies the same area as Hello Kitty in my mind. It's enough just to sit around looking cute and kawaii.

Lastly I took a stroll through the exclusive goods area. I braced myself for the sell out signs because I arrived in the afternoon but all the Pikachu goods I wanted were available. Huh, lucky me. Unlucky wallet. Of course I want to show my haul:

I usually don't buy 3D representations of Pikachu (eg plushie dolls, figurines) but this coin purse was pretty much spot on. The silicone case for the DS lite was new to me, but its not an event exclusive, rather a regular Pokemon Center sale item. Lastly I never say no to pencil cards because they are relatively cheap and light to keep and store. Whoa, I have come to the conclusion that my favorite color must be yellow. :-)

The event was held at the Kyosera Dome Osaka, which I believe is an indoor baseball stadium. After leaving the event, I visted the baseball hobby shop on the first floor. I was surprised to see U.S. merchandise like official Major League Baseball shirts and hats. Even my home town team the San Diego Padres had some decent stuff there. Of course, there were a lot of fan goods of the Japanese dudes who made it big in the U.S. like Ichiro.

WHF has come and gone. At least Pikachu was there for me to keep me interested. :-)