#tanabatala

[mysticdragon3md3]

Tanabata 2025 part 3

In 2019, my last Tanabata before the quarantines, Nendoroid Ryuji didn't release until 4 months later. So despite how much I wanted to take photos of Akira and Ryuji enjoying Tanabata together, it just couldn't be done. I took Tanabata photos of Akira alone that year. So I swore to take Ryuji to Tanabata 2020, so my ship could finally take photos at Tanabata together. ...Then the quarantines hit.

So this year, 2025, I finally brought Ryuji, so my AkiRyu ship could take photos together.

Also, Miku was there. I like to bring a Nendoroid who is already suitable for Tanabata, as-is, so that I can have some photos that will qualify for GoodSmile official photo contests---which Ryuji and Akira can't do with these photos, because they are using a Nendoroid More body and a body from another Nendoroid.

I always like to get takoyaki at Tanabata. And ever since Tanota opened a branch in Little Tokyo, I always get their mentaiko flavor. This year, I found out they now serve a smaller, more economical portion. They used to only sell 8 piece portions, and I'd end up spending $20, after a drink and tip. And with my figure collecting needing to fit an actual scale figure into my budget this year, I was really reluctant to buy $20 takoyaki. But then I saw Tanota had signs all over Japanese Village Plaza, advertising a new portion! $6.75 for 4 pieces! It was just right, in price and filling my stomach. I will be getting this portion at every Tanabata, from now on.

[mysticdragon3art]

Miku at Tanabata LA 2024's first of 2 weekends.

8.10.2024. Did some lighting adjustments thru my phone.

Los Angeles Tanabata 2024, in conjunction with Nisei Week 2024. Little Tokyo, Los Angeles.

Nendoroid Hatsune Miku natsutsubaki version.

[nidailylife]

8.10.2024. 🎋 #TanabataLA #Nendoroid #figurephotography #nendography #HatsuneMiku #Tanabata2024 #NiseiWeek

[mysticdragon3md3]

Trying to decide if I should bring natsutsubaki Miku or yukata Madoka to LA Tanabata. Wish there was an official yukata Homura to go with yukata Madoka.

Nendography from Tanabata LA 2014 and 2016.

The Miku pictured above is the 2012-2013 yukata Miku.

This is the natsutsubaki yukata Miku:

[mysticdragon3md3]

After years away because of the pandemic, I finally returned to Nisei Week / Tanabata, for Tanabata Los Angeles 2024.

TanabataLA was indoors this year, and I was very confused. I was actually afraid it wouldn't still be free to view.

Turned out, Tanabata was still free. You just have to check-in at a desk by the museum door. They give you a sticker to wear, and there are in-and-out privileges.

It’s nice to have air conditioning and bathrooms, but i do miss the outdoors kazari setup. It was like walking beneath a forest of decorations. 🎋💖 And more room.

(Pic below from Los Angeles Tanabata 2019)

At the indoors LA Tanabata 2024, I feel like I’m in the way, whenever i stop to take photos of the kazari. And it’s more embarrassing to do figure photography, with the more closed space and everyone's eyes on everyone else. I feel like I can’t just hang out there. And there are less decorations to admire. I miss all the food booths, steps away, while watching a stage performance under a big canopy. I miss hanging out amid the kazari, right after LA Tanabata finally honed their set-up with cinderblock seating and platforms so people could take photos while standing right next to some of the kazari. I miss taking photos of the decorations for hours at a time.

(5 pics below from Los Angeles Tanabata 2019)

I had hoped I would get used to 2024's indoor setup this year. It’s nice to not have to worry about heat exhaustion, especially for all these kids. Today is the Family Festival, after all. I didn't try the bathrooms, but it was so very nice to know that they were available. Still, I have to admit, that I ended up spending most of LA Tanabata 2024 in Japanese Village Plaza and Weller Court instead. Sorry.

Below are 3 photos from LA Tanabata 2024. The area where the kazari are usually displayed, was now sadly empty for 2024.

End part 1. Los Angeles Tanabata 2024 posting continues in part 2.

[mysticdragon3art]

Miku at Nisei Week / Tanabata LA 2024's second of 2 weekends.

8/18/2024. Did some lighting adjustments thru my phone.

Nisei Week (more than Los Angeles Tanabata) 2024, in Little Tokyo, Los Angeles.

Nendoroid Hatsune Miku natsutsubaki version.

[nidailylife]

8.10.2024. Wrapping up today at Weller Court. 🎋 #TanabataLA #Nendoroid #figurephotography #nendography #HatsuneMiku #Tanabata2024 #NiseiWeek

[mysticdragon3md3]

Working on a slideshow video of my Tanabata figure photography since 2014. Getting nostalgic, looking thru the photos, a lot of which, I've forgotten about.