NOYZ ....... Today,Tomorrow, Forever

One Day Trip for Hamamatsu

2010-05-16T15:55:00.004+09:00

I did one day trip for Hamamatsu of Shizuoka yesterday.
It took about 3 hours by car from Nara.

This is famous Lake called as Hamanako near Hamamatsu city.

At Hamamatsu City, I visited Hamamatsu castle.
This castle was made by Ieyasu has bees one of the most famous person in Japanese history.

Good view from the top of the castle.

And then I went to Nakatashima desert.
This is not huge desert,
but bigger than I expected.
It was fun to walk on this desert.

I am back from Okinawa !

2010-03-01T22:29:00.005+09:00

I am just back from Okinawa.
Okinawa was really nice. I had wonderful days there.
I rode motorcycle, and moved around Okinawa everyday.
The sea of northern area was so beutiful.

And the night view of Syuri Castle was one of the best memory.

They have some of interesting local food.
Some of them really looks strange, but the taste of them are so nice.

Thanks for everything, Marie.

2009-10-11T21:16:00.008+09:00

I hate to tell this, but it is true Marie passed away.
She was first collector whom I met & trade after I started to collect HRC pins while I was college student in Chicago.
It was at HRC Berlin in 1996.
Since then, we traded pins a lot. I can not count
She always helped me when I travel European countries.

In 2005, she invited me to Spring in Berlin 2005.
We had good time at HRC Berlin.

In April of 2008, she came to our Osaka pin meeting with her friends.
-Photos of our big meeting in April 15th of 2008
We had big meeting, and had a lot of fun.
We celebrated her birthday then.

Recently, she asked me by e-mail if I needed any pins from Columbia.
And then, a couple of days ago,
I got e-mail from her that she was going to the hospital.
Today, the bad news came to me.

Marie, Thanks for everything.
I will miss you. I really miss you.

Enryaku-ji in Shiga

2009-09-04T00:20:00.002+09:00

Today, I visited Enryaku-ji.
This temple has been famous among tourists as world heritage.
The location is very unique.
This temple is located on the top of mountain called as Mt.Hiei.

Walking around this area is very hard, but intersting.
The mood of this area is mysterious in the deep forest.

From there, I could see a wonderful view !!
Very nice!!

Want to know more about this temple ??
Click here !!

Ninja

2009-08-31T10:38:00.006+09:00

I visited Koka Ninja Village yesterday.
The village was hidden in deep forest.
The mood was really good.

The monument for Sarutobi Sasuke who was one of the most famous Koka Ninja.
However, he was only fictional character

This is Ninja Museum that has been opened since 1983.
Koka Ninja Museum has showcases with various ninja costumes, documents, weapons, etc.
I could see many kinds of Shuriken. Very fun!!!

This is Ninja House.
This was an actual ninja house belonging to the Fujibayashi ninja family.

You can read more info here.
http://photoguide.jp/txt/Koka,_Shiga

Night View from Mt.Hakodate of Hokkaido

2009-06-10T22:59:00.002+09:00

I had been in Hokkaido area for 5 days.
My best memory was the wonderful night view from Mt.Hakodate.
I had seen so many of night view around the world,
and I can say this night view was one of the best in my life!!
-Website about Hakodate

Shanghai in 2009

2009-01-25T18:38:00.006+09:00

I visited Shanghai for 5 days.
It has been about 9 years since I visited Shanghai before.

It was the season of Chinese New Year,
so I saw Firework, and so many people along the river.

I also did day trip to Suzhou that have many of historical garden as World Heritage.
They have Bullet Train, so it was really easy to vitit the city.

In Shanghai, of course, I enjoyed sightseeing.
I especially enjoyed Magrev & SWFC.
I was really excited to ride on Magrev that has world record of the speed.

And of course, the view from SWFC(world's highest observatroy now) are wonderful.

I had great time in Shanghai though they don't have HRC now.

Happy New Year 2009

2009-01-08T19:03:00.002+09:00

Happy New Year 2009

How do you spend your time at New year days??
In Japan, most people go to their favorite shrine or temple to pray for new year.

I went to Ikuta Shrine near Kobe today.
I prayed for my family, my health, and my future through this year.

As HRC pin collector, I am not serious pin collector now.
Recently I just collect pins from new location,
but to tell you the truth, HRC pins are not my main hobby any more.

But I still like to visit HRC around the world,
because I can have oppotunity to go to many countries through my HRC run.
-My Hard Rock Life

Saipan

2008-10-01T04:12:00.005+09:00

Hi
I am back from Saipan.
Northwest suddenly canceled my return flight because they had problem on the body of airplane,
so I had to go to Seoul before coming back to Osaka.
I spent much time to wait for my flight at Saipan airport, and at Seoul Inchon airport!"
Anyway, I am back to Japan safety.
That is the most important thing to me.

In Saipan, I had great time.
I enjoyed driving around Saipan, and relaxed on the beach every day.

Of course, I spent much time at HRC Saipan.
I had great time with staffs at HRC every day.
You can read my short article about my HRC visit here.

-Hard Rock Life

Like most tourists do, I did nothing special.
I enjoyed food, shopping, and beautiful beach.
And I also enjoyed new US movie like Bangkok Dangerous.
I had great time in Saipan.

-My photos of Saipan

HRC London (2nd visit)

2008-06-26T14:09:00.007+09:00

I visited HRC London in June 26th of 2008.

It has been about 9 years since I visited HRC London in 1999.
-Click here to read my 1st visit in 1999.
At that time, there was no Hard Rock Store next to HRC.
I forgot that Hard Rock Store was opened in 2003,
so it was good surprise to me.

Anyway, I went to HRC first.
It is true that I visited HRC London in 1999,
but I think I really didn't understand the worth of HRC London itself then.
At that time, I collected only city guitar from each HRC for memory of my travel,
so I just bought city guitar, and didn't see inside of HRC London at all.

At this time, I spent much time at HRC London.
All staffs were friendly, and I saw many tourists inside.

After that, I went to Hard Rock Store.
The interior was cool, and all staffs had great smile.

I could trade pins with the staff there though they looked very busy.
Thanks!

I bought HRC London classic black T, and some pins.

I enjoyed HRC London, and I think I will come here again someday!

-My HRC London page

By the way, of course, I really had great time in London.
The night view of London was really beautiful!!
-My Photos of London

HRC Cardiff

2008-06-25T01:34:00.000+09:00

I visited HRC Cardiff in June 25th of 2008.
I went to Cardiff from London by train.

It was really easy to find HRC Cardiff from the station.
HRC was located along the main street of Cardiff downtown.

And they had good entrance on the opposite side of it.

This HRC was very small, so I didn't spend much time then.

They had some of good pins that I liked.

After HRC, I enjoyed Cardiff Castle, and walked around Cardiff.

-My HRC Cardiff page
-My Photos of Cardiff

This was my 83rd HRC visit.

HRC Manchester

2008-06-24T00:55:00.006+09:00

I visited HRC Manchester in June 24th of 2008.
I moved to Manchester from Edinburgh by train.
First, I got on Metro, and went to Old Trafford.
I bought some goods of Manchester United at Mega Store.

After that, I got on Metro again,
and visited HRC Manchester.

The interior of HRC Manchester was really cool.
I liked it.

I was surprised that they didn't have Logo pin for sale.
These are what they had on the counter.

-My HRC Manchester page
-My Photos of Manchester

This was my 82nd HRC visit.

HRC Edinburgh

2008-06-23T00:43:00.006+09:00

I visited HRC Edinburgh in June 23rd of 2008.

After Dublin, I moved to Edinburgh by plane.
I arrived to my hotel around 6:00PM,
and I went to HRC soon.

HRC Edinburgh looked Classic !!
Not huge cafe, but the mood of cafe was really good.

All staffs looked busy, so I had to wait for them at store.
They had some of nice pins.

After I took enough photos, I left HRC,
and started to do sightseeing.

-My HRC Edinburgh page

Edinburgh was really nice place to walk around !
I really liked this city very much.

-My Photos of Edinburgh

This was my 81th HRC visit.

HRC Dublin

2008-06-22T00:26:00.007+09:00

I visited HRC Dublin in June 23rd of 2008.
My plane from London was delayed,
so I arrived to my hotel at Temple Bar at 12:30AM in June 22nd.
HRC Dublin was closed when I found it along the street of Temple Bar.

Next day, I enjoyed some place like St.Patrick Church and The Book of Kells at Trinity College.

After that, I visited HRC Dublin.

They had nice space under the ground, and I like colorful car in front of entrance.

I bought a guitar pin, and left HRC.

-My HRC Dublin page
-My Photos of Dublin

This was my 80th HRC visit.

Nagoya Pin Party 2008 at HRC Nagoya

2008-06-01T19:13:00.010+09:00

In June 1st, I got on express train for Nagoya at 8:00AM.
Nagoya is not far from my town.
It took only 2 hours, and I went to HRC Nagoya.

Today, we held Pin Party 2008 at HRC Nagoya.
It was on Sunday, so total 18 collectors joined us.

-Click here to see all photos

Good thing was that there were 14 collectors from Nagoya area.
This is not Osaka pin meeting.
This is Nagoya Pin Party, so we needed collectors from Nagoya area!!

And of course, there were some collectors from other area.
The Logoholic and Me !

We did pin trading until 4PM,
and then we moved to other restaurant for special party.
At the party, we talked a lot with a lot of local foods and beers.

I really had great time with many collectors at HRC Nagoya.
Thank you !!

Pins from Indian HRC

2008-05-15T09:09:00.004+09:00

When HRC was opened in Bangalore,India(Bengaluru now), I was surprised,
and I had no idea how I could get pins from there.

And now many pins from India have been coming from my friends.
I am really happy that I finally have Indian pins on my hand!!

From HRC Bangalore

From HRC Pune

From Hard Rock Bar Hyderabad

Cherry Blossom 2008

2008-04-06T22:40:00.004+09:00

It was really fine day with mild wind.
I visited Kyoto with my wife.
Our purpose was to visit Nijo-jo castle.
Special event has been held at Nijo-jo castle since this season.
There are many Cherry inside the castle,
and now they open the gate for public to show the night view of Cherry blossom.

-About Nijo-jo Castle

It was really beautiful Cherry Blossom inside the castle!!
Cherry Blossom was totally different from day time.

And there are road called as Cherry road,
because the road has many Cherry along the road.

I like the idea of this event.
Cherry Blossom was really beautiful by light.

HRC Seoul (2nd cafe) again

2008-02-13T20:37:00.011+09:00

I visited HRC Seoul again in Feb 13th of 2008.

HRC Seoul was not opened when I visited HRC Seoul in Dec of 2007,
-My Seoul visit in 2007
so I decided to visit Seoul again in Feb of 2008.
But the opening date of restaurant was postponed until March
though the store has been officially opened.

At HRC Seoul. I met staff who has been my friend since my last visit.
They were really friendly, and we talked a lot!

My friend let me see the restaurant under the ground that will be opened next month.
I think I was the 1st man except staffs who saw the restaurant.

To tell you the truth, I was really surprised !!
The store on the ground was not big,
so I could not imagine they had this huge space under the ground.
I think this restaurant is bigger than HRC Universal City Walk Osaka.
There are some of private room, and live stage.

The staff told me that their main target for this restaurant is local Korean people.
Korean people like to have party with many friends,
so they plan to open this restaurant from 12 noon until 5 AM.
This mean local people can have party all night.
I think this is new challenge for HRC Seoul,
because US base has been moving to other area.

2 days later, I met staffs again, and enjoyed trading pins with them.

I had great time with great HRC staffs at HRC Seoul.
Thanks!!

Happy New Year 2008

2008-01-02T14:39:00.000+09:00

Happy New Year !

Hi! How do you spend your time at New Year's days in your countries ??

In Japan, many people visit Temple or Shrine that each of us like,
and we pray for our health, and our future through 2008.

I live in Nara
-Click Here to know about Nara
so I visited Nara's famous shrine with my wife in Jan 1st.
There ara so many people, so we had to wait for about 90 min to reach main shrine.

I went to Kasuga Taisha Shrine that has been one of the world heritage.
-Click here about Kasuga Taisha Shrine

After we prayed, we went to Nigatsudo Hall that is famous to see Nara's view.

And then we prayed again for our life through 2008.

HRC Seoul (2nd cafe)

2007-12-11T20:26:00.000+09:00

I visited new HRC Seoul in Dec 11th of 2007.

Since I heard that HRC Seoul would be opened at new location,
I had kept exchanging e-mails with a staff of HRC Seoul.
And I finally got the opening date after I came back from my US trip.
It was in Dec 5th, and I decided to visit South Korea from Dec 10th.
The problem was I was so busy after my US trip(from Nov 22 until 27th),
so I had only 2 days in Seoul.

And then I heard that the opening date of Gift Shop was postponed until 13th,
but the staff promised HRC can officially start to sell pins from Dec 11th.
Of course, I was really worried about it, but no time to change my plan.

-Day 1
I arrived to Seoul around 5PM in Dec 10th.
It took about 90 min from Osaka to Seoul.
The staff of HRC Seoul promised me that she would give phone call to me in Dec 11th,
so only thing I could do was to wait until 11th.

I found HRC Seoul easily when I arrived Hamilton Hotel in Itaewon area.
-Hamilton Hotel
New HRC Seoul is located on the site of Hamilton Hotel.

There are many Embassies in Itaewon, and US base is located in the area, too.
I think HRC Seoul got the best location in South Korea.
I saw many of foreign tourists around the area.

Of course, Gift Shop was under construction.
I saw no items inside HRC.

This is a photo from parking area of Hamilton Hotel.

After that, I enjoyed Seoul's night life.

Famous Lotte Hotel was beautiful with Xmas light.

-Day 2
I got phone call from the staff of HRC Seoul,
and she came to the lobby to pick me up.
She took me to HRC Seoul, and showed inside HRC.
According to her explanation, 1st floor will be used only for reception with some memorabilia,
and Gift Shop will be on 2nd floor.
Like old HRC Seoul had, new HRC Seoul will have huge restaurant under the ground that would be opened in Jan of 2008.

After that, she took me to the office near HRC,
and I finally could meet Grand Opening pin on the table.

I really like traditional design from each country,
so of course, I love this pin very much!! LE 300.

They also had other pins that will come for new HRC Seoul opening.

I was really satisfied that I could buy many of new pins from new location.

They told me that they would release Grand Opening 2008 with different design when they open the restaurant in Jan of 2008.

Going to Seoul is very easy from Japan. Only 90 min by plane,
so I will visit HRC Seoul again when they finally open the restaurant next year.

-My HRC Seoul page
-My Photos from Seoul

Photos from HRC Heidelberg(not official HRC)

2007-12-02T21:42:00.000+09:00

A friend of mine just came back from her German trip.
While she was traveling, she found HRC Heidelberg that is not official HRC,
so she took some photos for me. Thanks, G.

I tell you again that this HRC is not official HRC.
But they have some items like official HRC usually sell,
and the logo really look like official HRC have.
It is OK to buy something if you know this is not official HRC,
but I guess many tourists have bought something here because this is HRC.

HRC Atlantic City

2007-11-25T16:42:00.000+09:00

I visited HRC Baltimore in Nov 24 of 2007.
After good time in Baltimore, I got on Greyhound,
and arrived AC around 18:30.
For me who don't enjoy gambling, Atlantic City was place only for HRC.

HRC Atlantic City was easy to find because it was located next to Trump Taj Mahal that was really huge Casino hotel along Boardwalk.

They had many of nice pins, so I bought many pins then.

I enjoyed talking with staffs, and took some photos of inside HRC.
HRC AC was worse than I expected, but I could find some of good pins,
so it means I had good time here. Thanks.
This was my 78th HRC visit.

-Click her for my HRC Atlantic City page

After HRC, I enjoyed shopping.
And then I returned to NYC by Greyhound.

HRC Baltimore

2007-11-24T16:26:00.000+09:00

I visited HRC Baltimore in Nov 24th of 2007.
It was long way to Baltimore by Greyhound bus,
but I spent all day of Nov 24th for HRC visit.

HRC Baltimore was located in the area of Inner Harbor that has been the most famous tourist destination of Baltimore.
It was really easy to find HRC.
The building next to HRC had big guitar sign on the top of it,
so I could see it even from highway.

There was not many people inside HRC, so I enjoyed walking inside HRC,
and took some photos.
I also spend much time at the merchandise store, too.

-Baltimore 10th anniversary pin

It was nice to visit HRC Baltimore.
This was my 77th HRC visit.

-Click here for my HRC Baltimore page

By the way, I had to wait for next bus that will bring me to Atlantic City,
so I did some sightseeing until then.
-with Babe Ruth

-Beautiful Inner Harbor

-Click here for all photos of Baltimore

HRC Philadelphia

2007-11-23T16:04:00.000+09:00

I visited HRC Philadelphia in Nov 23rd of 2007.
To tell you the truth, Philly brought me to USA at this time.
It is true!!
After I saw Rocky Final, I really wanted to visit Rocky Step in front of Philly museum.

It took about 90 min from NY by Greyhound bus

I arrived, and went to Market St that is the main street of Philly.
I easily found HRC Philly. Great location!!

This cafe was not huge, and I didn't see many tourists like NYC,
so I really could relax, and enjoyed to see memorabilias, and pins.

A good thins was that they had some of sexy pins that I like.
And I could enjoy trading pins with staff. Thanks!!
This was my 76th HRC visit.

-Click here for my HRC Philly page

But the main event of my Philly visit was not HRC.
I went to Philly Museum, and spent much time there.

-Famous Rocky Step

-Like Rocky from the top of Rocky Step

It is obvious that Philly was the best for me through my US trip of 2007.
I really had great time in Philly. Thanks!

-Click here for all photos of Philly.

Hard Rock Cafe New York (2nd cafe on Broadway)

2007-11-22T15:40:00.000+09:00

I visited HRC NY(2nd cafe) in Nov 22nd, 2007.
It has been almost 10 years since I visited NYC in Dec of 1997.
After the plan of HRH NY was canceled, I once planed to go to other cities like Rome,
but there are some HRC around NY I have never visited, and I wanted to go to Philly after I saw the movie "Rocky Final", so I decided to visit NY again.

At this time, HRC NYC has been on the Broadway!!
I was really surprised when I saw HRC in the center of Times Square.
How did they make it?? I think this location is the best of all cafes.

I saw many tourists inside the merchandise store,
and there was long waiting line for restaurant.
I saw some photos, and bought some pins there,
but I felt like I could not relax there because it was hard even to find the way I walk inside HRC!!

This is my favorite Brooklyn Bridge pin that I got then.

-Click here for my HRC NY page

I have a lot of things to do in NYC, so I left HRC soon,
and had great time in NYC for couple of days.

-Click here for all photos of NYC

Photos from Hard Rock Park

2007-09-16T17:31:00.000+09:00

I got some photos from my friend who just visited Hard Rock Park Myrtle Beach.
Thanks, Y.

-Official Website of Hard Rock Park

Day 2 in Hiroshima

2007-08-22T18:54:00.000+09:00

Day 2 in Hiroshima.

I walked around the city of Hiroshima.
At first, I visited Atomic Bomb Dome.

I was a child when I came here about 20 years ago,
so I really could not understand the meaning of this place.
At this time, I really thought of a lot of things,
and had many kinds of feeling here.

After that, I enjoyed some of famous local foods.
This is the most famous Hiroshima's local food called as Hiroshima-yaki.

　And Oyster is also famous food in Hiroshima.

There is city train through the city of Hiroshima,
so it was very easy to access most place.

I could have great days in Hiroshima.

Day 1 in Hiroshima

2007-08-21T18:17:00.000+09:00

It took only 90 min to Hiroshima from Osaka by Bullet Train called as Nozimi.

My main purpose of this trip was to see Miyajima that was the island in Hiroshima area,
so I went to Miyajima before going to the city of Hiroshima.
I got on the ship, and it brought me to Miyajima quickly.

It has been almost 20 years since I came to this island before.
I really enjoyed the mood of this island, so I decided to come here again.
The famous shrine called as Itsukushima Shrine has always good looking.
This Shrine is located on the sea!!

You can read good explanation about this shrine on Miyajima Official website.
-Miyajima website

Itsukushima Shrine is known for the unique and bold concept of being built in the sea as well as its elegant architectural style called “Shinden Zukuri”.
It is said to have been first built in 593,
and the present shrine pavilions were constructed in 1168.
The vermilion-painted main building creates a beautiful contrast with the blue sea and green mountains; when the tide comes in, the shrine looks as if it is floating on the sea. This historical piece of cultural heritage stands in perfect harmony with its natural surroundings.

In fact, I could really have great time here.
This shrine was much more beautiful than I expected.

Wonderful Night in Nara

2007-08-14T01:53:00.000+09:00

-website of Nara To-Kae

Tens of thousands of candles are lit up in the land of ancient Nara where thrived as a capital 1300 years ago.

NARA TO-KAE started in 1999.
Candlelight blends with the historical land and spectacular nature only 10 days in Summer.

TO-KA is a lump of flower shape on the top of a candlewick after lighting a candle. It is said to be good fortune when the flower shape is made.
We light candles one by one with best wishes for the visitors.

Narita Official Pin Party in June 9th, 2007

2007-06-17T00:48:00.000+09:00

HRC Tokyo had held Pin Party every Summer,
but it was HRC Narita that had Pin Party for Summer of 2007.

1st Official Pin Party at HRC Narita had great success.
About 120 collectors attended the event, and they had great days at HRC Narita.

Unfortunately, I could not attend this event,
so my friend, Mr.Nakagawa took some photos for me.
Thanks.

Hard Rock Cafe Dubai

2007-05-25T10:16:00.000+09:00

I visited HRC Dubai in May 25th, 2007.

HRC Dubai was located in the area of Jumeirah Beach that have many of famous hotel around there.
There were many tourists inside HRC when I visited there,
but all staffs were very friendly, and welcomed me.
-Click here for photos of HRC Dubai

Good thing was that they just released some of new pins that were what I liked.
My favorite was their new city guitar & guitar Head series,
because I enjoyed the beautifuly hotel last night, so I had good feeling about it.
-Click here for photos of U.A.E.

I had great day in Dubai, and my favorite was night view of Burj Al Arab from the beach.
That was really beautiful. I will not forget it.

This was my 74th HRC visit.

Hard Rock Cafe Bahrain

2007-05-22T09:52:00.000+09:00

I visited HRC Bahrain in May 22nd, 2007.

Coming to Bahrain was long trip from Japan, but I really had great day there.
I drove all over Bahrain by rent-a-car, and I really enjoyed the wonderful view.
My favorite was Bahrain Fort(World Heritage).
The Fort was very huge, but I enjoyed walking inside the Fort though the weather was very hot at the daytime.
-Click here for photos of Bahrain.

HRC Bahrain was located in Manama that is the capital of Bahrain.
It was not hard to find it along the street. Easier than I expected.

-Click here for photos of HRC Bahrain.

Unfortunately, they didn't have many of new pins for sale.
I got only some of F1 2007, and some pins that were released in 2006.

Instead of that, I could trade many pins with staffs.
That was great.
All staffs were very friendly to me, and I could have great time with them.
Thanks for all of your great service at HRC Bahrain.

This was my 73rd HRC visit, and one of my favorite visit through my HRC life.

F1 Kuala Lumpur GP 2007

2007-05-02T11:56:00.000+09:00

This is F1 Kuala Lumpur GP 2007 pin from HRC Kuala Lumpur.
Like the following photos, the part of F1 car on this pin is moveable.

Bear pins from Beijing & Makati

2007-04-15T18:32:00.000+09:00

One of my friend just came back from Beijing,
and another friend came back from Makati.
They got me some of new pins from those locations. Thanks!!

Cherry Blossom 2007 - real one

2007-04-10T17:46:00.000+09:00

I went to see Cherry Blossom with my wife today.
This place is one of the famous place for Cherry Blossom.
There are a lot of beautiful Cherry Blossom.
I had a great day !!

Warsaw Grand Opening

2007-03-09T09:03:00.000+09:00

Two of my friends mailed Warsaw GO with other pins,
and both of them arrived here yesterday.
Thanks!

All-Time Best

2007-03-03T15:19:00.002+09:00

All-Time Best

-10 : Athens Grand Opening
-09 : Fukuoka Cherry Blossom 2002
-08 : Dubai Arabian Bear
-07 : Bangkok Tuk Tuk
-06 : Caracas Grand Opening
-05 : Pattaya Red Surfboard
-04 : Pattaya Grand Opening
-03 : Hong Kong The Peak Grand Opening
-02 : New York 15th Anniversary
-01 : Surfers Paradise Halloween 1999

Rock Shop at HRC Universal Citywalk Osaka

2007-03-01T20:45:00.000+09:00

A couple of month ago(I am not sure..),
HRC Universal Osaka(& HRC Tokyo) renewed their huge merchandise store as Rock Shop.
I visited HRC Universal Osaka today, and took some photos.
Without doubt, this is the biggest HRC merchandise store in Japan.
They have a lot of good items, and now they also have cool store.

HRC Universal Osaka 6th Anniversary

2007-02-28T20:50:00.000+09:00

In March 01, HRC Universal Citywalk Osaka released their 6th Anniversary pins.
They had 2 kinds of single pins,
and in addition, they had Bear pin set with special box(LE 150).

I arrived there around 10:00 AM, and I found about 15 people on the line there.
The 6th Bear set is very expensive, but about 100 set were sold until noon.
Great !!

Pins from HRC Warsaw

2007-02-18T12:35:00.000+09:00

HRC Warsaw was finally opened in Feb 7th after we had heard a lot of humors for many years.

They will have Grand Opening Party in March,
so for this soft opening, they released 3 kinds of pins.
They will have many pins at GO party in March.

Kimono Girl pins 2007

2007-02-12T09:23:00.000+09:00

Japanese Kimono pins 2007

2007-02-11T23:53:00.000+09:00

All Japanese HRC released Kimono pin in Feb 1st.
In my opinion, Tokyo one is the best of all.

New pins from HRC Makati, Philippine

2007-01-27T16:42:00.000+09:00

Cafe View Guitar from Japan

2007-01-25T10:58:00.000+09:00

Each HRC in Japan released Cafe View Guitar in Jan 15th.
Some of them look nice.

Pins from HRC Margarita

2007-01-14T21:14:00.000+09:00

I got pins from the newest HRC.
Hard Rock Cafe Margarita was opened in Nov, 2006.

Macau in 2006

2006-12-17T16:22:00.000+09:00

I did a day trip to Macau by Turbo Ferry from the central of Hong Kong.
It took about 40 min, but Macau was totally different world from Hong Kong.

Macau is now in China, but we need to write entry card to enter Macau with Passport.
They have their own currency,too.
But I could use Hong Kong dollar in Macau though they gave me change by Macau pataca.

The historical area of Macau was chosen as the world heritage in 2005,
so it was my main reason to visit Macau at this time.

This is Macau's famous landmark.

It was a very hot day, but I walked around the historical area.

Believe or not, Macau is now No.1 gambling city over Las Vegas.
I saw many of huge gambling hotel, and there were many hotels along the sea that were being built now.
I can not imagine how big Macau would be after a couple years.

HRC Seoul (2nd cafe)

2006-12-08T20:33:00.002+09:00

-1st visit in Dec, 2007

-2nd visit in Feb, 2008

2nd visit to Hard Rock Cafe Hong Kong

2006-12-07T01:23:00.000+09:00

It was Hard Rock Cafe Kowloon when I visited this cafe in 2000.
This cafe became HRC Hong Kong after HRC was closed from central of Hong Kong.

I liked the memorabilia of Dragon guitars near the merchandise store on the 1st floor.

And I of course bought the pins from those memorabilia.

Thanks for HRC Hong Kong.

Hard Rock Cafe Hong Kong The Peak

2006-12-06T01:14:00.001+09:00

I visited HRC Hong Kong The Peak in Dec 6th, 2006.

There was no Hard Rock Store there when I visited Hong Kong in 2000,
so at this time, I was really excited to visit this store.
But you know this is only the store.
Nothing special at Hard Rock Store.

I bought some pins like The Peak new city guitar.

After HRC, I really enjoyed the beautiful night view of Hong Kong from Peak Tower.

Pinapalooza 2006 Nottingham

2006-11-25T00:08:00.000+09:00

-From HRC Nottingham (LE 150)

Pinapalooza 2006 Copenhagen

2006-11-19T08:41:00.000+09:00

Pinapalooza 2006 Attendee pin from HRC Copenhagen.
LE 150.

New pins from HRC Belo Horizonte

2006-11-14T21:54:00.000+09:00

HRC Belo Horizonte, Brazil recently released a lot of pins.
I got some of them from my friend today.

-Opening Staff

-Grand Opening 2006 girl pin (LE 200)

-Grand Opening 2006 guitar pin (LE 150)

-Mermaid pin (LE 200)

Pinapalooza 2006

2006-11-04T22:10:00.000+09:00

I attended Pinapalooza 2006 at HRC Osaka today.
Over 100 collectors gathered, and we really had great time at the event.

They released some of good pins like the following pins.

3 pins from HRC Mumbai

2006-11-02T20:05:00.000+09:00

3 pins from HRC Mumbai arrived here today.
Someday, I will visit Mumbai for HRC Mumbai,
and I really look forward to seeing the Indian Gate.

1st pin from Mumbai

2006-10-14T09:30:00.000+09:00

Yes, Hard Rock Cafe has been opened in India.

I got my 1st pin from HRC Mumbai.
Other pins will come later when they release more pins.

My 34th Birthday

2006-09-29T17:39:00.000+09:00

I had dinner with my wife at HRC Osaka in Sep 29th for my birthday.
It was a wonderful birthday. We had a lot of great foods with good music.

In Japan, we can get birthday pin when we visit HRC at our birthday.

-This is my birthday pin 2006 (Libra).

In addition, we can get free birthday cake.
And HRC staff took our photo, and made special button for my birthday.

-Special button from HRC

I could have a great birthday. Thanks for HRC Osaka.

New city guitar from Universal Osaka

2006-09-26T19:20:00.000+09:00

HRC Universal Citywalk Osaka released new city guitar.
The combination of yellow & Black really looks good.
I like this.

HRC Narita

2006-09-16T09:06:00.000+09:00

HRC Narita was opened today in Sep 15th, 2006.

I attended the GO, and really had great time though it was also hard time.
- my report from Narita GO

HRC Narita was not huge cafe, but the location is very close to Narita airport,
so it will be good for foreign tourists to buy some souvenirs for their family.

I stayed for 7 hours on the waiting line for pins,
and spent 2 hours inside the restaurant to have lunch with some collectors.

I got what I wanted, and had great time with many of my friends. Thanks!

Osaka 5th Anniversary

2006-09-01T00:02:00.000+09:00

In Sep 1st, HRC Osaka released their 5th anniversary pin.

And we had Osaka Monthly Pin Meeting.
20 collectors came to the meeting, and we had great time.

- Report from the meeting

HRC Narita in Sep 15th, 2006

2006-08-15T22:03:00.000+09:00

HRC Narita, Tokyo will be opened in Sep 15th though HRC Narita is not located in Tokyo.

- more information

New film from Hayao Miyazaki !!

2006-07-29T22:39:00.000+09:00

Mr.Miyazaki's new movie finally comes to the cinema today.
Of course, I went to the cinema, and enjoyed the movie today.
The name of Miyazaki's new movie is Gedo Senki.
The story comes from Tales from Earthsea written by Ursula K. Le Guin.

-Urcula K.Le Guin official site

The story was great, and I like this much better than Miyazaki's last film.
But my favorite among his films is still Castle in the Sky .

Hard Rock Cafe Indianapolis (2nd visit)

2006-07-11T22:52:00.000+09:00

After Louisville, I made short stop in Indy.
Of course, that was only for HRC.
While I had been in Chicago before, I came to this HRC for a couple of time.

At this time, I wanted to take some photos of HRC itself.
and I did.

They had some of good pins that I liked.

After HRC, I had nothing to do in Indy,
so I left indy for Chicago soon.

Hard Rock Cafe Louisville

2006-07-10T20:22:00.000+09:00

At the last day of my Chicago trip, I made a day trip for Louisville.
10 hours drive for there(round trip) was not easy,
but I wanted to visit HRC Louisville at this time.

I was really happy when I found HRC at downtown of Louisville.

All staffs were very friendly even though they were busy then.
I bought many pins as well as some items like T shirts and Guitar Pick Charm.

-My HRC Louisville page

A day trip for Louisville from Chicago was really hard,
but I had great time there, and I am happy that I got many of good pins !!

Hard Rock Cafe Chicago in 2006

2006-07-09T23:13:00.000+09:00

Almost 7 years passed away since I left Chicago in 1999.
I visited Chicago on July of 2006 again.

I rent a car at airport, and drove around Chicago.

-Photos of Chicago in 2006

After I left Chicago, HRC Chicago was renewed,
so I felt like I vistied new HRC when I visited HRC Chicago then.

-My HRC Chicago page

The interior was totally changed, and I liked it.
New HRC Chicago was much better than old one.
I had great time there.

Hard Rock Hotel Chicago

2006-07-08T19:59:00.000+09:00

It has been 6 years since I left Chicago.
HRH was opened after I left, and I had really felt sad about it!!
And at this time, I finally could visit HRH !!

But I was very dissapointed about HRH Chicago !!
I had great time at HRH Pattaya & Bali before,
so you now know what I mean, right??
HRH Chicago is just the business hotel,
and there was few thing I was interested in except the merchandise store.

Anyway, I did visit HRH, and now I feel fine about it.

-My HRH Chicago page

Pins from Gran Canaria GO Party

2006-07-02T06:33:00.000+09:00

A lot of great pins arrived. Thanks, M.

GO party pin is my favorite though GO set is also not bad.

Pin meeting at HRC Nagoya

2006-06-17T16:30:00.000+09:00

In June 15th, we held our pin meeting at HRC Nagoya.

Check my report about the meeting as well as some photos.

- the website of our pin meeting

I had great time in Nagoya, and will go there again !!

City-T series from Japan

2006-06-17T16:26:00.000+09:00

Finally, Japanese HRC released City-T series.
I got 3 of them, and my favorite is the one from Universal Osaka.

And this is also good one from HRC Nagoya.

Hard Rock Cafe Indianapolis (2nd visit)

2006-06-11T22:52:00.000+09:00

Soccer Player pins from German Locations.

2006-06-04T09:25:00.000+09:00

I am not a big football fan, but I have some in my hand now.
The idea of this series is really good.
I hope Japan could play well at the world cup.

Euro Sports Bear Series

2006-06-03T18:29:00.000+09:00

I received 5 of Euro Sports Bear pins today.
My favorite pins are Berlin one & Madrid one though all of these look cute!

World Cup is coming!!

2006-05-27T09:28:00.000+09:00

I got some pins that remind me of the World Cup.
Here is my favorite!!

Here is another good one.
The famous Brandenburg gate & Football gate!!

Nagoya Soccer Player pin

2006-05-23T15:25:00.000+09:00

Most of you ,who like soccer, know that soccer pins were released from selected cafe like Paris, Madrid, Buenos Aires, and etc.

Here is the soccer player pin from Hard Rock Cafe Nagoya.

Pins from HRC Beijing

2006-05-21T12:45:00.000+09:00

I got Beijing Fashion Statement yesterday.
I really like the costume of this girl.
Even though I am not serious to collect this series,
I like some of them like Makati, Bangkok, and some of Japanese one.
Of course, Beijing one became one of my favorite among this series.

And this is another good one.
Beijing 12th anniversary !! I love Dragon!!

Sports Bear

2006-05-17T22:46:00.000+09:00

All of Japan's HRC released Sports Bear pins in May 15th.

Look at this.
This sumo bear from HRC Osaka looks good.
It looks like this bear is ready to fight. Funny !!

And this bear also looks funny.
The face of this bear is strage !!
Do you think he enjoys playing bowling??
I don't think so!!

Malta GO pins!

2006-04-25T21:42:00.000+09:00

A week ago, my friend told me that he secured GO pins for me.
I couldn't believe because like most collectors around the world,
I know how hard it is to find the GOs.

And now those GO pins are on my hand.
I still can not believe even Malta GO pins are on my hand now.
Thanks!!

New pins from Thai

2006-04-11T17:50:00.000+09:00

I got new pins from my Thai friend.
Here is Bangkok Fashion Statement.
The color of this pin really look beautiful.
I recommend you to see this pin on your hand,
and then you will know what I mean.

And now HRC Pattaya released Bear pin that came from Last year's big hit series.
It looks like this bear is going to fight again someone in Thai boxing style.
I like this style.

DC Cherry Blossom 2006

2006-03-30T21:59:00.000+09:00

Spring is coming, and we enjoy cherry blossom this season.

All of Japaneses HRC have already released Cherry blossom pins,
and now I got it from HRC Washington DC.
DC has released Cherry pin, and I think they always have good one.
Of course, this one is also good.

Da Pinci Meeting

2006-03-25T00:22:00.000+09:00

In Japan, The Da Vinci Code will come to the cinema in May.
And today I got the event pins from The Da Pinci Meeting.
The idea of the event really sounds good.

-The Da Pinci Meeting at HRC Cologne

I really like the guitar pin from the event.

Of course, Rita is always cute..

Hong Kong 6th

2006-03-23T21:51:00.000+09:00

Hong Kong 6th anniversary pin arrived today.
This pin really looks much better than the scan.
The color of black & silver makes this cool, and I really like this.

Belo Horizonte Grand Opening pin

2006-03-16T22:13:00.000+09:00

After HRC Belo Horizonte was opened in Dec 2005, I was looking for the pins from there.
Some of my friends will go there, but it was hard to wait for it.

And now I finally got it from my friend at Osaka monthly pin meeting yesterday.
Thanks!!

-Official web for Osaka meeting

Elvis Bear !!

2006-03-09T21:14:00.000+09:00

One day, at Osaka Monthly pin meeting, a pin suddenly caught my eyes.

One of my friend had this bear pin, and I asked her about it.
As soon as I come back to my home, I sent e-mail to my American friend about it.
He said 'No problem to get it'. Yes!!!
And now, I finally get the pin in my hand.
Thanks !!

This Elvis Bear pin is much better than Elvis bear from HRC Memphis
though Memphis one was not bad.

Last year, I enjoyed collecting Bear series from many HRCs,
and I still like the bear series, so I put some of them on the flame,
and put it on the wall near my PC, so I can see thoes pins when I do inter-net.

Cherrry Blossom 2006 from HRC Fukuoka

2006-03-04T20:18:00.001+09:00

I got Fukuoka Cheery Blossom pin today.
I think this is one of the best among Cherry 2006.

Recently, we have seen many of Geisha pin from Japanese HRC,
so to tell you the truth, recently I'm tired to see Geisha pins again & again.
but this Geisha really looks cute under the Cherry Blossom.
This pin shows how we enjoy Cherry Blossom in Japan.

Cherry Blossom 2006

2006-03-01T21:09:00.000+09:00

Today, Cherry Blossom 2006 pins were released from all of Japan's HRC.
I got Cherry from Osaka & Universal Osaka today, and Fukuoka one will come soon.
Cherry Blossom from these locations are really good, and worth for my collection.

Hard Rock Cafe Barcelona

2006-02-22T22:01:00.000+09:00

After I had great time in Madrid, I moved to Barcelona.
While I was in Barcelona, I visited HRC a couple of times,
but unfortunately, the cafe was always crowded,
so I could not have enough time to trade with staffs.

The following pins were on sale at HRC Barcelona.

Hard Rock Hotel Madrid

2006-02-21T18:15:00.000+09:00

According to HRC official web, HRH Madrid was supposed to be opened around March 2006
when I decided to visit Spain last year.
And now HRC official web says HRH Madrid is coming in June 2006!!

- Hard Rock Cafe Official web

Of course, I know the word "Don't trust what HRC web says",
so I have no regret about it.

While I was in Madrid, of course, I visited the location where HRH would be opened.

The location is not bad.
I could walk there from Prado Museum, and Atocha station easily.
But the location was not along main street,
and I don't think the area is safe for tourists.

After my visit, the plan of HRH Madrid was canceled.

Pins from HRC Madrid

2006-02-20T23:53:00.000+09:00

At HRC Madrid, the following pins were on sale.

And I also got the following items. Look cute, doesn't it??

Hard Rock Cafe Madrid

2006-02-20T22:41:00.000+09:00

I visited HRC Madrid in Feb 20th.
I was suprised that the HRC has been changed since I visited there in 2000.
The merchandise store is now located inside the cafe, and they have a big bar.

My friend came to HRC to see me, and of course, we had great time.
I traded many pins with him, and could also trade with some staffs.
Thanks !!

I could really relax at HRC after a long-long flight from Japan.

New pins from HRC Makati

2006-01-31T00:55:00.000+09:00

I got some pins from HRC Makati, Philippine.
Pins from HRC Makati has been always my favorite,
because they always have good design on their pins.

Here is Fashion Statement pins from the world series of HRC.
I really think this is one of the best among this series.
LE 200.

Fashion Statement

And this is Halloween 2005 pin. Very Cool !!

Halloween 2005

And here is their 10th anniversary pin.

10th

HRC Santo Domingo

2006-01-28T20:18:00.000+09:00

I received pins from HRC Santo Domingo today.
The merchandise store was opened before the restaurant.
According to HRC official site, HRC Santo Domingo will be opened in March.

- HRC Santo Domingo

Guitar w/Fish & Flower

guitar pin

?

YELLOWCARD pin from Japan

2006-01-25T15:22:00.000+09:00

From Jan 20th to 29th, all of Japanese HRC has special cocktail called as Lights & Sounds.

Special cocktail

This is the commemorative cocktail for new album of YELLOWCARD who plans to come to Japan this March.

-YELLOWCARD official site

We can get special guitar pin & sticker when we order the special cocktail.
Here are the scans of pin & Sticker. Not bad ?

Special guitar pin

Special Sticker

Oslo pins again

2006-01-13T23:16:00.000+09:00

I got new pins from HRC Oslo.
Look at the following pins !!
Both pins really look nice.
Scream guitar pin is the best of all pins from HRC Oslo.

Oslo Scream guitar

Oslo girl pin

Fashion Statement from Japan

2006-01-13T22:52:00.000+09:00

I got Fashion Statement pins from Tokyo, Uyeno, Yokohama, Nagoya, and Universal Osaka.
I like Universal Osaka one as well as Tokyo one.
Both pins really look cute, and the Kimono that women wear are beautiful.

Tokyo Fashion Statement

Universal Osaka Fashion Statement

First pins in 2006

2006-01-02T16:28:00.000+09:00

Today, I went to HRC Osaka, and got my first pins in 2006.

This is Fashion Statement series from Osaka.
This one really looks better than the scan on official web.
I like this. LE 200.

Osaka Fashion Statement 2006

And this is Zodiac 2006 guitar pin.

Osaka Zodiac 2006

Happy New Year 2006 !!

2006-01-01T22:09:00.002+09:00

Happy New Year !!

I just went to the temple to pray for god about my life in 2006.
In Japan, we usually go to the temple to pray at New Year's day.
I have been to this temple that is close to my home since I was born.
Here are some photos that I just took today.

New Year 2006 1

Me

Zodiac 2006 is DOG !!

Zodiac

HRC Oslo pins

2005-12-31T02:09:00.000+09:00

There had been always humors about the opening of HRC Oslo since 2 years ago.
And now, in Dec 12th, HRC Oslo was finally opened its door to us.

-Click this ⇒ HRC Oslo

Before 2005 is over, fortunately I got Oslo pins from my friend. Thanks!!
Here is the Grand Opening set of HRC Oslo. LE 400.

HRC Oslo GO set

And this is X'mas 2005 guitar pin that is my favorite. LE 200.

Oslo X'mas 2005

Thanks, P.

Pins from HRC Gran Canaria

2005-12-15T22:32:00.000+09:00

HRC Gran Canaria was finally opened in Dec 2nd,
and today I received pins from there.
Thanks, P.

Even though I have no idea what this house is, the opening pin of Gran Canaria looks nice.
Let me know if anyone knows what this house is.

Opening pin(LE 500)

And here is Halloween 2005 from Gran Canaria.
I have collected sexy girl pins, and of course, this pin became one of my favorite.

Halloween 2005 (LE 300)

Bangkok Bear pin

2005-11-30T21:18:00.000+09:00

I got new pins from my Thai friend.

Here is Bear pin from HRC Bangkok.
This bear really look good with Thai traditional dress.

Bangkok Bear 2005

And HRC Bangkok also released new color of Tuk Tuk pin that has been one of my favorite series all time.

Bangkok Tuk Tuk red

New pins from Thailand

2005-11-05T17:35:00.000+09:00

I got 3 pins from my Thai friend.
Believe or not, there are 3 HRCs in Thai that are HRC Bangkok, Pattaya, and HRH Pattaya,
so I really feel happy that I have a friend in Thai who can get what I want at anytime.
Thanks!!

Look at the charity pin from Bangkok Pinfest 2005 that was held in Oct 29th.
Wow!! Beautiful ..... right??

Bangkok Pinfest 2005 Charity pin

And the following pins are 4th anniversary from HRC Pattaya & HRH Pattaya.
Both pins show the image of Thailand well. Good job!!

Pattaya 4th

HRH Pattaya 4th

Athens Grand Opening pin

2005-10-31T23:45:00.000+09:00

Athens Grand Opening pin finally came to me.
I have looked for this pin since HRC Athens opened its door to us.

This pin really looks nice.
I like to visit the world heritage around the world,
so I was really thinking that I had to get this pin for my collection.
Acropolis was one of the best heritage I have been through my travel.

Athens GO

After I see this pin for a couple of minutes, I think I want to visit Acropolis again.

And another great pins also came to me today.
Here is Athens 1st annniversary (LE 200).

Athens 1st