By chance, I received a question asking where to search for BattleTech goods in Japan. While researching that, I stumbled upon a monthly BattleTech event in Chiba at hobby shop Miniature Forest and immediately jumped at the opportunity to play.
Background
But first, some personal history. As I’ve written about before, I was really into BattleTech as a teen, devouring the novels and sourcebooks. Despite having the third edition box set, Aerotech, and BattleSpace, I actually only played once or twice. When I moved to Japan, I decided to let it all go and either sold or donated it. While dormant, my interest continued to linger, so I dove right in when the HBS BattleTech game was released. It also prompted me to later back the Clan Invasion kickstarter. Its arrival was during the Covid pandemic, so there it stayed on my shelf.
Kashiwa BattleTech Workshop
Now on to the event! The shop owner created a name card for me that doubles as a point card. The cost was just the shop fee (¥1,500), with the event itself being free. Roughly fourteen people participated across three tables. The table I was at was a grinder game with the other players teaching me how to play. The other two tables escalated in complexity.
The organizers were well supplied with maps, mechs, and 3D terrain, which really added to the game. They also had neat GATOR calculators made from 100 Yen shop magnetic whiteboards and magnets that helped with to hit calculations. Instructions on how to make and how to use, as well as a browser-based tool are available online.
Everyone was very nice and patient with me, clearly explaining the rules that demonstrated their experience. I was impressed by them giving me advice that was not just helpful to me, but detrimental to themselves. My first mech was a Wasp and my next was a Jenner. Afterwards we headed to a local restaurant and socialized there before heading home.
I’m thoroughly bitten by the BattleTech bug now, and have finally started painting the mechs from the Clan Invasion. Looking forward to attending again when I can.
Speaking of attending, if you happen to be in the area and interested in BattleTech, I highly recommend giving it a shot. They’re very welcoming to all levels of skill, and they have everything needed, so you can show up empty handed. I’ve since been back a second time, and played in an area control scenario that devolved into a Mech campfire around the control point.
The Spoils
I had thinking about buying some movement dice from Booth, and as luck had it, the seller was at my table and sold to me directly. I also got a nifty pin badge with the group’s logo 柏バトルテック研究会.
The Venue: Miniature Forest
This post wouldn’t be complete without also taking a look at the venue. Miniature Forest is a 10 minute walk from JR Kashiwa station, which is an easy ride from Tokyo. The owner is very friendly, as well as a painter / gamer himself. In fact, he was painting at his desk while we were playing.
The spacious shop is split into two sections: the store selling product and play area. The play area can comfortably accommodate a number of people, and the tables can be combined for larger games.
Games Workshop products, including paints, are a main focus of the shop, but board games and other miniatures games are sold, but not BattleTech. They host a variety of events, board, miniature, and TRPG.
Details
Miniature Forest (ミニチュアフォレスト)
Address: 千葉県柏市泉町16-30 大東ビル４F
Website and access info
Hours: Tue, Wed, Friday 16:00～22:00 / Sat, Sun, Holidays 11:00～22:00