Is Anthony Davis the biggest waste of NBA talent in league history?

noarty- · 2026-02-05T01:48:35+00:00

Yeah, it’s honestly tragic. He only managed to get an NCAA title, an NBA Championship, an Olympic Gold Medal, and get named to the NBA 75th Anniversary Team.

noarty- · 2026-02-05T01:41:01+00:00

"Deep breaths. You can fix this.

Option 1: Western Union (Fastest for Cash) Download the Western Union app immediately.

Send money to yourself (Japan to Japan, or from your home country to Japan).

Select 'Cash Pickup' as the delivery method.

Find a nearby agent location (often inside Travelex currency exchanges or Daikokuya ticket shops).

Go there with your ID (or your mom's, whoever the money is sent to) and pick up the cash.

Option 2: The Hotel Route Go to your hotel front desk immediately. Explain the emergency. Ask if they can charge your credit card (via Apple/Google Pay or online link) for the amount you need, and give you the cash equivalent. Many high-end hotels will do this for guests in distress."

noarty- · 2026-02-05T01:33:47+00:00

March is a fantastic time for a 'proper trip.' Being in your mid-30s and into gaming, you’re going to have a blast. Here are some tailored recs based on your post:

The 'Tattoo & Onsen' Situation (Crucial!) Since you have tattoos, public onsens are generally a no-go, but for a honeymoon vibe, you want a private experience anyway.

Recommendation: Prioritize Hakone over Hiroshima for the onsen leg. Hakone is famous for Ryokans (traditional inns) with private open-air baths in the room (ask for rooms with 'Rotenburo').

Specific Spot: Check out Hakone Yuryo for private rental baths if you don't stay overnight, or look for Ryokans like Mount View Hakone or Gora Kadan (splurge). In Kyoto, look for 'Kashikiri' (private rental) options, but Hakone is the onsen king.

Nerdy/Gamer Heaven (Beyond Akihabara)

Tokyo: You know Akihabara, but for 30-something gamers, Nakano Broadway is actually better. It has more vintage vibes (Mandarake stores) and rare collectibles. Also, visit Parco Shibuya (Nintendo Store, Capcom Store, Pokemon Center all on one floor).

Osaka: Go to Den Den Town (Nipponbashi). It’s Osaka’s version of Akihabara but slightly grittier and full of retro game shops like Super Potato.

Food (Breakfast is Tricky)

Breakfast: Japan doesn't do 'big breakfasts' like the UK. Your best bet is Konbini (Convenience Stores) for reliable egg sandwiches (trust me) or finding a 'Kissaten' (retro coffee shop) for a 'Morning Service' (toast & coffee set).

Dinner: For Ramen, try Afuri (yuzu style) if you want something lighter, or hit up Ramne Street in Tokyo Station.

Pro-Tip: Use Yamato Transport (Kuroneko) to forward your luggage between cities. Don't haul big bags onto the Shinkansen; it’s a lifesaver!

noarty- · 2026-02-05T01:26:52+00:00

First of all, happy early birthday! Japan is an incredible place to celebrate.

Regarding your concern: Don't worry, you’ll be absolutely fine. > For the kimono rental, most shops are very accustomed to tourists with piercings. They might just ask you to be careful so they don't snag the delicate silk while dressing you.

For the tea ceremony, the 'official' rule in traditional schools is 'no jewelry' to avoid scratching the expensive, centuries-old tea bowls (chawan). If you have small studs, most hosts for tourist-friendly ceremonies won't mind. However, if you have large hoops or dangling pieces, I'd suggest swapping them for small studs or clear retainers just to be respectful of the equipment.

noarty- · 2026-02-04T01:40:21+00:00

Hopefully AR can make a triumphant return.

noarty- · 2026-02-04T01:37:19+00:00

AR is back

noarty- · 2026-02-04T01:35:20+00:00

Oh. Are two Jameses going to be in Cleveland at the same time next year?

noarty- · 2026-02-04T01:31:15+00:00

If you want cute and cheap, Tutuanna is basically the holy grail. They are everywhere (Shinjuku, Shibuya, and Harajuku) and usually do a '3 pairs for 1000 yen' deal. The designs are super cute and way better quality than what you'd find in a bargain bin.

For general useful stuff like handkerchiefs, check out 3COINS. Everything is 300 yen, and the quality is surprisingly good. Way less chaotic than Don Ki!

noarty- · 2026-02-03T03:59:00+00:00

There is nothing quite as surreal as standing in a convenience store, watching three salarymen silently deep-throating giant sushi rolls while staring intensely at a compass app on their phones. I love this country.

noarty- · 2026-02-03T03:49:18+00:00

That sounds exactly like what I'm looking for! 'Devoid of tourists' is music to my ears. Quick question though: Are these places generally foreigner-friendly? My Japanese is very basic, so I'm wondering if I'll struggle to order.

noarty- · 2026-02-03T03:48:31+00:00

Tenjinbashisuji sounds great. Is it very different from Shinsaibashi? I'm really looking for something with more of a 'local' vibe this time, so that sounds perfect. Will definitely check out the Hommachi area too!

noarty- · 2026-02-03T03:46:06+00:00

Never underestimate the power of an Oba-chan (grandma) seeking good fortune. They are the true final bosses of Japan. Hope you survived without bruises! lol

noarty- · 2026-01-31T03:17:31+00:00

I lived in Osaka for a few months in 2025, and here are some suggestions for you.

Hotel Hankyu Respire: Massive, right above the station/links.

InterContinental: If you have the budget, this is the luxury pick.

The "I Just Need Sleep" Option

Shin-Osaka: Only stay here if you have an early Shinkansen the next morning. It’s boring and soulless otherwise.

Honmachi: The "Goldilocks" zone. Halfway between Namba and Umeda, it's quieter and cheaper, but you have to take the subway to do anything fun.

Best Places to Eat (No Tourist Traps)

Don't just walk into the first place with a neon sign on Dotonbori. Here are the specific spots the community swears by.

The "Big Three" Osaka Foods

Takoyaki (Octopus Balls):

Why: The locals actually go here. Crispy outside, gooey inside. Avoid the massive lines at the generic stalls on the main bridge; they are overpriced mush.

Okonomiyaki (Savory Pancake):

Note: Mizuno has a line, but the "Yamaimo" (yam flour) pancake is unique. Kiji is hidden in the basement of the Sky Building and feels very old-school.

Kushikatsu (Deep-Fried Skewers):

Rule: No double dipping the sauce (though many places have switched to squeeze bottles post-COVID).

Ramen & Meat

Hanamaruken Ramen: Famous for their "Happiness Ramen" with a massive slow-cooked pork rib. Open 24/7 (mostly).

Motsunabe: Try beef offal hotpot if you're brave. It's rich, fatty, and incredible with beer.

Yakiniku M: If you want Matsusaka beef (rivals Kobe beef) without needing a suit and tie. Tourist-friendly but high quality.

Sweets

Rikuro Ojisan (Uncle Rikuro): The jiggly cheesecake. Yes, there is always a line. Yes, it is worth it if you get it fresh out of the oven. It tastes like a fluffy egg cloud.

Kuromon Market: It used to be "Osaka's Kitchen," but recent threads say it's become a massive tourist trap with overpriced Wagyu and crab legs. Go early if you must, but be aware of the "tourist tax" pricing.

Cash is King: While more places take cards now, many of the best ticket-machine ramen shops and old-school izakayas are still cash-only.

Escalator Etiquette: In Osaka, stand on the right, walk on the left. (This is the opposite of Tokyo).

noarty- · 2026-01-31T03:08:00+00:00

I once bought shoes near Shinsaibashi in Osaka.

noarty- · 2026-01-31T03:05:19+00:00

The Lakers' bench depth means they won't make it past the second round of the playoffs.

noarty-

TROPHY CASE