The SMA MASTERCLASS 2016 Special Report Day 3: Explore Tokyo!

With the main event over, it was time for everyone to have some fun!

The first destination was the Ghibli Museum, located in Inokashira Park.

Blessed with fine weather, we had a refreshing 30 minute stroll through the park.

On the way to the museum, we passed a Shinto Shrine dedicated to Benzai-ten.   

Benzai-ten originates from a Hindu goddess Saraswati, the goddess of art and knowledge. Just the right goddess for the Master class members!

Although the weather was still a bit cool, there were some early-blooming Sakura (cherry blossom) trees along the path to the museum, too. So lucky for us to witness such a beautiful sight!!

Here we are, at the museum entrance! Our friendly neighbor Totoro was there to greet us 😀

Every single display inside the museum was spectacular!

An anime with human sound effects, a zoetropes (one of the early forms of animation)”, the artwork of every Ghibli animation…and a giant awaiting you on the rooftop!

All anime fans, you MUST visit this place once!!

By the time we left the museum, we all had full hearts and empty stomachs. Time to feast on some yummy Japanese food!

Have you ever seen this meal before?

This is Omu-Raisu (Om-Rice, or Omelet Rice). As you can see, it’s a dish of rice covered with an egg omelet.

It is a very popular meal for Japanese people. Maybe you’ve seen it in manga or anime? 🙂

After lunch, we split up into two groups: One heading to Shinjuku and Akihabara for shopping, and the other heading to the Naoki Urasawa Exhibition.

The Shinjuku team first went to “SEKAIDO”, a famous shop for art tools.

Screen tones!! G-pens!! Sketch books!! Inks!! Reference books!! This place is literally a treasure island for everyone who draws :O

The store is full of so many valuable supplies! 2 hours was definitely not enough X)

And of course, we cannot forget the Sanctuary of all Otaku – AKIHABARA!

Books, figures, plastic models, video games… you can buy literally anything in this small town!

We also enjoyed some Print-club photos together! Say cheese, everyone 😉

Meanwhile, team URASAWA had arrived at the Setagaya Literary Museum, where the Naoki Urasawa exhibition is held.

There were so many splendid artworks by Naoki Urasawa sensei! He definitely is a living legend 😀

Team URASAWA also went to Nakano, another sanctuary any Otaku would dream of!

Nakano Broadway is a heaven on earth for an Otaku, with all the valuable manga books, figures, etc etc!!

After the great Tokyo adventure comes the long-awaited dinnertime: a Kaiseki course at a traditional Japanese restaurant!

It’s true that time flies when you’re having a great time!

So here they are: Master Class 2016!

Tomorrow, we’re heading to Kyoto, the ancient capital of Japan!

Still got lots of excitement in store, don’t miss it 😉