yaNex Regular Meeting, Noda City, Chiba Prefecture

Following up on my previous field review of Turf, I'd like to share my experience playing at YaNex, a survival game field located in Noda City, on the border of Saitama and Chiba prefectures, during one of their regular events.

This field opened around 2013, when I was going airsofting almost every week, and I frequented it constantly (and of course, I still love it now).

For detailed information, please refer to Yanex's website and other sites; this site will present my perspective.

Yanex's website →http://www.yanex.co/

First, let's introduce the field map and the game content.

Field map and game content

Yanex's fields are basically quite large forest-type fields, but they are very cleverly designed and feature an elaborate combination of fields.

When it first opened, it was really just a forest, but as of July 2021, it has been significantly improved.

Field Overview

This is an overview of the entire field.

As you can see in the photo, the overall shape is not a neat, rectangular area, but rather an unusual shape, and the entire perimeter is partitioned with netting so that the boundaries are clear.

Moreover, it's quite large; according to the website description, it's apparently 7200 tsubo (approximately 23,800 square meters), which is incredible. I didn't measure it precisely, but if you walk along the perimeter, it feels like it could be about 1km long.

Additionally, the names and flags of each country are displayed on the field, and their locations are designated for each country, which is used to announce the starting point of the game.

Even if you miss the game's explanation, there's a map at the field entrance clearly indicating the starting point, so you shouldn't get lost.

At our regular meetings, the game is basically a flag capture game, with a style of constantly rotating the starting points.

However, the first game, both sides of the table, is often a revival match to serve as a warm-up, and the first game of the afternoon is usually a handgun-only match.

The games played at regular meetings are probably decided on a case-by-case basis by the owner, taking into account the atmosphere and the number of participants that day.

When it first opened, it was just a constant stream of flag capture matches, but it has evolved considerably since then (playing all of them would leave you physically exhausted).

From what I can remember, the daily schedule starts at 10:00 AM with a muzzle velocity check and a rules explanation, followed by the start of the game around 10:30 AM, and ending at approximately 4:30 PM (this varies depending on the season).

There's a roughly one-hour lunch break in the middle of the day. I suspect the lunch break and the end time vary from day to day.

Next, I will introduce the field.

Upon entering the field, you'll find it splits into three main paths.

This is what the main central road looks like.

This is what the viewpoint looks like on the map.

A view of the jungle area path from the field entrance.

View on the map here

Conversely, this is the CQB area as seen from the field entrance.

Here it is on the map.

These are the three main points you can see from the entrance.

Next, we will introduce some of the representative areas.

Jungle area

First, regarding the jungle area, it is located as follows on the map.

I won't reveal the exact location so you can enjoy the surprise when you get there, but the atmosphere is similar to the following photo.

Airsoft snipers are a force to be reckoned with here.

It's especially difficult to spot someone wearing a ghillie suit. Even when playing, you can suddenly get hit with just one shot between the eyebrows. There are many times when you get hit but have absolutely no idea where the shot came from.

There are also easily accessible paths in this area, but if you casually use them, you'll be ambushed and targeted.

My personal strategy is to either become a sniper myself, crawl to avoid being seen, or move with high mobility to prevent the enemy from getting a chance to aim.

If you get scared and huddle together in one place, or if you walk along an easy path, you'll get attacked.

This area is relatively less prone to differences in airsoft gun performance, and I think it's a place where tactics and positioning make a big difference.

Incidentally, since it's such a large forest, there are insects in the summer, but they regularly spray insecticide, so there aren't too many.

The funny thing is, I was hiding once and when I swatted away an insect that was getting in the way, my position was revealed and I was shot.

CQB, barricade area

Next, I'll introduce CQB, or barricade area.

The location on the map is shown in the following photo.

The atmosphere of this CQB (Close Quarters Battle) barricade area is like the following picture.

It's a fairly open area with a moderate amount of walls, so gunfights happen frequently.

By the way, the watchtower (yagura) that we're using to take photos can also be used during the game. However, please note that there is a spectator-only watchtower that cannot be used during the game.

It feels like we've gone down.

Some areas are covered with plastic sheeting like this, and there are small windows in the sheeting that allow you to aim and shoot from there (it is prohibited to just take out the airsoft gun and shoot randomly without aiming).

The key point here is that if you get too engrossed in a gunfight over walls or barricades, you might get ambushed by an enemy coming through the jungle area, so be careful.

Conversely, if you're not good at gunfights, you can get consecutive hits by trying to flank and launch a surprise attack.

In any case, I recommend playing games while being mindful of your surroundings.

Also, since it's an area with good visibility, you can gain an advantage by boldly climbing onto the watchtower, laying down a barrage of fire to restrict the enemy's movements, or communicating the enemy's position to your teammates.

Russia, Middle Eastern-style area

Next, I'll introduce my favorite Russian and Middle Eastern-style areas.

Its location on the map is here.

You can see impressive tanks from around where the Swiss flag is located.

As you get closer, you'll see a real T-90 series Russian tank on display.

While you're obviously not allowed to go inside or climb on it, its mere presence is enough to make you happy (but don't shoot the spare fuel tanks).

There's a Middle Eastern-style area near this tank, and the atmosphere is like this:

There are several Middle Eastern-style buildings with exposed concrete walls here.

Personally, I found it easier to fight in CQB areas by drawing a handgun.

However, I often venture into this area, but I rarely get the chance to engage in combat. Why is that?

American, Southeast Asian-style area

Next, I'll introduce the Southeast Asian-style area near the American flag.

Its location on the map is here.

The atmosphere of this area is characterized by several houses made of bamboo, as shown in the following photo.

In this area, you can experience the atmosphere of the Vietnam War, which is irresistible to older guys like me.

Just the thought of finding an old bamboo house in the middle of the jungle excites me.

I often venture into this area, just like the Russian area, but I feel like there are fewer opportunities for combat.

Swiss flag, tree stump area

Next, I'll show you the tree stump area near the Swiss flag and the UN flag.

On the map, its location is here.

As the name suggests, this area is characterized by having multiple tree stumps.

This is what it looks like when you get down from the tower.

The battles here are quite difficult, contrary to appearances.

The presence of tree stumps provides some obstacles, and the area is easily accessible due to its good visibility and proximity to the central passage, making it tempting to rush in. However, this area is vulnerable to attacks from the surrounding jungle and barricades, so you'll be constantly under fire.

It's a place you pass through frequently in each game, but I think it's best not to linger there too long.

However, it might simply be that I'm not good at it.

Rare Spot

Finally, one of the main reasons I like this field is that there are several rare spots.

Let me tell you about one of my favorites: there's a piglet in a certain place.

There are also ammunition depots, a Hy-Gogg from Mobile Suit Gundam: War in the Pocket, skeletons, and robots from Ogre Battler, with playful spots scattered throughout the park.

I probably haven't discovered everything either, but it's fun to explore even if you're not playing the game.

Also, since we're going to the trouble of doing this anyway, we won't reveal the exact location on this site, so please try to find it yourself when you visit.

Safety areas and facilities

Next, I'll introduce the safety area, which is just as important as the field itself.

First, let me introduce the safety table.

You'll be sharing a table, but it's spacious enough, covered, and has plenty of storage space, including gun racks, making it very comfortable.

Each table is also equipped with a power outlet and a fan, allowing you to charge accessories such as batteries.

Next is the office/shop.

While they don't sell airsoft guns themselves, they have all the consumables except batteries, so you'll be fine even if you forget something.

Especially essential items like goggles and masks are available from the reliable and proven Sansei Mask brand, so you don't have to worry.

The ammunition and gas that are often procured on-site are Gallop's 0.2g and 0.25g bio BBs, and the gas is LAYLAX's High Bullet Gas (HFC-152a).

Furthermore, this office also handles customer-organized bazaars and lost and found items (naturally, Yanex does not get involved in any disputes between individuals at bazaars or similar events).

Next are the vending machines and changing rooms.

I haven't used it myself, so I don't know for sure, but apparently the air conditioning works well and it's comfortable.

Although it's called a changing room, outside of the morning and evening changing hours, you can use it as a cool rest area or first-aid room for both men and women if you ask a staff member. However, eating and drinking are not allowed.

Next up, and most importantly, is the toilet.

These are extremely clean, fully equipped flush toilets, separated for men and women.

I don't know about the women's restroom, but the men's restroom has at least two separate urinals and toilets, and I think it had a bidet.

Next, regarding how they handle smokers, who are surprisingly numerous, the smoking and non-smoking areas are properly separated, ensuring that both smokers and non-smokers can be happy.

Furthermore, they even provide smoking seats if available when you make your reservation, which I think is a wonderful consideration.

Finally, regarding the parking lot, there is a reasonable amount of space available.

Shooting Range

Next, I'll introduce a shooting range, which is quite important.

The range here is quite impressive, reaching a range of around 70 meters.

The structure is quite carefully designed, with the surrounding area covered in sheets to eliminate the effects of wind and other elements.

Basically, under Japanese regulations, the maximum range for airsoft guns is around 50m, meaning the actual range should be less than 70m, so this is a sufficient range.

If this distance is still insufficient, I don't think it's possible unless there's some kind of technological innovation or something illegal happens.

The microwave oven is wide enough to accommodate approximately 10 people at a time (probably about 7 meters wide).

Incidentally, it's rare these days to be able to use the microwave while playing a game, so it's great to be able to take a break from the game and use the microwave.

Rules, regulations

The most important rules and regulations for playing airsoft are explained at 10:30 AM during regular games.

There are no particularly special rules; they are just general rules within the bounds of common sense.

Personally, I like the way this field handles its rules; there are no strange self-imposed restrictions (like sweeping things under the rug).

Within legal regulationsThe rules are designed so that it can be used regardless of the energy source.

For example, there are no common restrictions such as banning external sources, a blanket ban on CO2, or a ban on heavy ammunition; as long as you comply with the law, you can use it (of course,Prior application and a velocity check are absolutely necessary.).

However,At regular meetings, 8mm rounds, which are difficult to measure in terms of muzzle velocity (there aren't many measuring devices available), and throwable items that tend to be thrown over the head due to the open space, cannot be used for safety reasons.

Furthermore, one of the great initiatives, in addition to the beginner's courses which are now becoming commonplace,As part of the beginner's safety measures, beginners will be marked with a white marker to make them easily identifiable to others, and if they get hit once, they can return to the starting point and try again.

I think that thanks to this measure, even first-timers won't just be completely dominated and will be able to enjoy themselves quite a bit.

Unfortunately, I didn't get to experience it myself because Yanex was already completed when it opened (I'm just a clumsy person with experience).

For detailed rules and regulations, please check the Yanex website.

Yanex Regulations →http://www.yanex.co/rule/

Other information such as fees and access.

Finally, here is some information about fares and transportation access.

Generally, the regular weekend meetings cost 4,000 yen for men and 3000 yen for women (weekdays are even cheaper).

There seem to be exceptions, such as student discounts and half-day courses, which can make it cheaper.

In any case, it's the cheapest option, as you can play all day for a maximum of 4000 yen.

For detailed pricing information, please click here →https://www.yanex.co/

There's also a beginner's set available, which includes the game fee, rental fees (400 BBs, which might not be enough), and a beginner's lesson, all for 6,000 yen.

To put it extremely, you can have fun with just 6000 yen even if you come empty-handed (food and drinks are separate, and you might not have enough ammo).

I think this is a great deal.

Yanex has an interesting receipt system; when you pay for a regular meeting, you receive a marker instead of a receipt.

In other words, having a Yanex marker serves as proof that you've paid for it, which is great.

Also, since the number of team members is managed in the same way as payment is made, there is no need for tedious team division work, and the process proceeds smoothly, which I think is great (individual markers cannot be used).

In terms of access, it's quite convenient, located in Noda City on National Route 16. By car, it's close to the Kashiwa Interchange on the Joban Expressway, or you can get off the Outer Ring Road around Soka, head north on National Route 4, and then get onto National Route 16.

Alternatively, if you're coming from Saitama City or the western area, you can take National Route 16 from Omiya, but it gets extremely congested (around Omiya and Iwatsuki), so it's probably better to just take the expressway.

It's easily accessible by train, apparently less than 10 minutes by bus or taxi from Kawama Station on the Tobu Noda Line.

For detailed access information, click here →http://www.yanex.co/access/

Summary

To summarize, although this has become quite long, at first glance it looks like just a forest field, but inside it is a very elaborate and complex field that allows for a variety of ways to play.

For example, you can try to avoid areas you're not good at and guide your opponent to areas you are good at, or conversely, venture into areas you wouldn't normally go to, allowing for a variety of gameplay options.

Although it's a forest field, the facilities are all clean and well-maintained, making it a very pleasant place to stay.

Another highlight is that most of the reception and event hosting are handled by cute women known as Yanex Girls.

I don't use it myself, but apparently they also use the facilities for photo shoots, such as cosplay photoshoots.

This is a highly recommended field, so please do use it if you have the opportunity.

Finally, one thing I personally like is that they continue with their regular business operations without holding a lot of events, which I think is great.

Events are fun, but they tend to shorten the game time, and if they're held too frequently, I get bored of them, so I think the current frequency is just right.

Yanex's website →http://www.yanex.co/