Toys Aplenty, Toys Galore!

Today was a rainy, cold Monday in Tokyo, so we decided to head for the famous Japanese toy store in the Ginza area. And did it ever have toys! Livia was extremely happy even though the rules were clear: We're here to look, not to buy! There were many oddities you'd only find in Japan as well as some standards that have become popular in the U.S. as well. The biggest hit for Tor was the gigantic car track racing game. We each got a car to put on the track, which filled an average-sized living room area, and we raced them around the track against each other. The young man who ran the track was a kick, shouting happily whenever there was a crash, and then using his long-handled magnetic spatula to pick up the crashed car and replace it on the track. Fun!

After lunch at a noodle spot in the basement of a department store, we split up: Scott went to the Yasukuni shrine while Liv, Tor and I went to the Sony showroom. We had a ball trying out the latest technology. Most fun of all was the camera that would automatically snap a picture if you smiled. It had a "happiness meter," and when the three of us covered our mouths it wouldn't take a picture, but when we giggled hysterically, it snapped a ton of photos! Very fun. Another camera was on a small stand and could move to find faces, and then snap a picture after focusing itself. There was also a cool 3D TV on display, with very high tech goggles. It would be amazing for video games (in Tor's view).

Games and Gadgets were the theme of the day!