Japan Winter Tour 2015

This is my 2nd toy car shopping trip of 2015. This time was a little special because I chose to stay near to my friend's shop. Everyone should know by now who is Ken-Box after my super duper bombarding their shop in my Facebook group. The couple (Ken-Box) requested me to stay near either their home or their shop. I chose the latter as I can meet them easier in the shop and it is nearer to the station as well. They have a party held for me (I guessed) because it was supposed to be 22nd Dec but was brought forward to 17th Dec because I am leaving on 22nd Dec. This is the first time visiting their home. We have food, drinks (alcoholic) and make merry. It was a pleasant one of course.

We shopped for toy cars days before the event and finally the day arrived. We went in as exhibitor and the above photo shows that we are queuing to go into the event hall. We are excited as we see the whole operation of the event as we usually queued up to go into event. 

 



First to arrive was a old Fiat 500.

Starting to set up Ken-Box stall.

All cars finally arrived. Old American muscle cars, was hoping to see classic Japanese cars but these are nice cars too.

As usual, there are many Tomica up for sale.

And a little of other toy cars here and there.

Lunch time and my 2 friends from Japan brought us to eat Ramen Jiro. It's Atsushi San who has been wanting to bring me eat in this shop since last trip in June this year.

I ordered a small ramen and it turns out to be so huge and my friend ordered a large one. Can't imagine how enormous his noodle is.

No Skyline but Primera is fine. Atsushi San has a few classic Skylines.

 

A day before returning home. This is the most dreadful part, to pack into my luggage. I even had 2 big box ship back by Ken-Box. These took me 4 hours to go into my bags.

Ken-Box brought us to Hyatt Regency in Shinjuku for dinner. The display is fantastic because there are many toy cars in different jars.

We took a group photo to capture moment of our friendship.

On returning, ANA actually upgraded me to business class. It was really a luxury for me and this trip is one of my best. See you again Tokyo in 2016.

Australia Rockhampton

Going to Australia is something I wished for since young because of the Koala. As age catches up, I don't feel I have the urge to visit Australia and I turn more to Japan instead. Ironically, first time to Australia and it is for my reservist. Our unit attached me to another unit and only 13 of us are chosen. I don't know if I should say "lucky" because to be pick among few hundreds for only 13 spots is not easy. Surprisingly, army food in Australia seems to be the best comparing my NS & reservist life. The food in Taiwan during my 2013 reservist is a nightmare that I patronized the canteen daily.

Here is another example for my favorite dish, there is lamb chop and mushroom soup.

I found a small Australian lizard and I kept it as a pet for a day before I released it at the canteen.

 

These are the wildlife in Australia. Kangeroos or Wallabies are everywhere. I can also see a few from the resort hotel room where I stay.

We also visited a zoo and this is the first time I came so close to a peacock.

The Kangeroos here will come to you instead if you got food.

Finally, this is the creature I always wanted to meet since young. She is adorable and I did touch her fur. The fur is so thick and I don't know how they survive in the hot weather.

I love this Land Cruiser. Really old school.

There are many FJs here. If your eyes are sharp enough, another FJ in behind the beige one.

More Toyota FJs in the Toyota Showroom.

First time custom build my own burger in McDonald. I must say it taste good.

Not the most beautiful beach I have seen but this is definitely nicer than Singapore. Haha.

I did my part in toy car hunting as usual. No Tomica, just Hot Wheels, Matchbox and Welly. The Welly are really cheap at a dollar but I didn't buy them. I bought many Matchbox and a few Hot Wheels. Found some 90s HW in a shop.

During my 3 weeks stay in Australia, I made some new friends along the way. This might be the first time I like and appreciate reservist because it let me rethink what I want to do for in the near future. I will take some course probably before the year end after my return to Singapore. Bye Yeppon, Bye Rockhampton, See you again Australia.

 

 

 

 

Ken-Box Matsuri by Go! Go! Tomica

First of all, thank you everyone for attending Ken-Box Matsuri on 26th July 2015. Thank you for helping me to make this happen. It all started 6 weeks before the actual event when I know Ken-Box has the intention to sell their Tomica in Taiwan. I managed to talk them through to come to Singapore. Sorry, Taiwan. Initially location was a problem and eventually with the help of my good friend (Let's Play's owner), we finalized it in Let's Play. I also do have other choices of places but Let's Play should be the best option for this event.

There is a lot of hard work for this event. We have to handle 800 over Tomica, taking them out from their boxes and re-pack in plastic display box. We worked from noon till midnight but it was a fun experience for me.

I get to know from Kenichi San that they prepare these special edition Lamborghini for the Singapore Event. Once I posted these cars on my facebook group, my "pm box" goes crazy from over all the world. I was replying "pm" almost whole day.

I simply love this job. I am able to look at cars that caught my eye which packing.

Here is another cattle truck.

This is the first flag series and the most rare among all flags now.

I was buying and working at the same time. Sorry guys, got to buy this one, yes, because of the box, car is the same as regular.

 

I do love this but it is too much for me to swallow.

There are 2 pieces for this event.

There are a couple of nice Skyline for this event. I keep my hands off all of them. I need to control myself.

 

I do want that Civic Motul and NSX Targa. I couldn't afford so it's for you guys.

It's one of my favourite cars for this event. It's mine now. Thanks boss.

One and only Mini Cooper variant in the world.

And it's for sale and it's nearly sold.

We packed all cars in 10 cartons full.

Sunday came. The day when Go! Go! Tomica turned into Ken-Box's staff.

My car was fully loaded. I just felt that this car is still not large enough.

Asking Kenichi San to pose before we set off.

Meanwhile at the event. I was surprise that there are members coming as early as 9am because our event will start only 11am.

We have done the set up and waiting for 11am to start sales.

I can recognize quite a number of members.

Moments before start of event.

Customer browsing what they need at the event.

On actual day, I get to know that we have a queue number system, initially thinking of creating a queue because of the small space.

Each customer only allow to buy 5 cars per transaction intially so that members who got a larger number can have something to buy also.

By queue number 40, we set the limit up to 10 cars per transaction. I know it doesn't please everyone but we have to control the crowd so this will be the best system.

My good friends from Ken-Box. They are really fantastic people. Only that my Japanese is really raw.

One of our assistant, Pooh. He is a big customer at the end of the event also.

A good friend came to support also and overly support. Haha. Thanks bro, appreciate your support.

At the end of the event, all of you emptied 7 cartons and we still have 3 cartons full.

Just when I thought even was over....

I posted these on my group....

I received "pm" from many countries again and plus a friend came over before midnight to my home and bought 1 more carton leaving only 2 cartons to bring back to Japan. Kenichi San was telling me that he is surprised to see Singaporean collectors being easy going, gentlemen and he got a very good impression of us. He wanted to come again soon if time permit for him. I will try to arrange for another with Ken-Box if they like to come again. I declare this event a success. Thanks again.