Here are today's "really cool products" that I've picked out for you, out of the 30+ new items we've added to the J-List and JBOX.com sites today. Note that some products may be "not safe for work" but that all links will allow you to redirect yourself either to the J-List or JBOX.com websites. To see all the J-List products, check out J-List or the JBOX.com updated products link. KERA June 2008. Always fun to see a new issue of Kera, the #1 Japanese street fashion magazine in Japan right now. Keep your finger on the pulse of gothic and other fashions from Japan. Tsuruya San 1/4 Scale Figure -- Yellow Bunny ver. by Freeing. Wow, this figure is just amazing: a 1/4 scale (!!) version of Tsuruya-san from the Haruhi Suzumiya animation, but wearing the cute bunny girl suit (of course, Japan is known to like these kinds of themes. The size and detail of this figure really make it special. Nida Schuetlich 1/8 Figure ~ Shuraki Trinity Box 04. Wow, this is a gorgeous figure designed by Shunya Yamashita featuring a female original character in a military uniform. Best of all, it's a "cast off" figure, allowing you to remove her uniform -- awesome. Now in stock! Evangelion Nerv Beach Sandals 27cm. Have a very Eva summer with these NERV beach sandals, officially released to celebrate the new Rebuild of Evangelion movies. These come in large 27 cm size and are now in stock. Hello Kitty Nesting Bento Boxes (set of 3). This is a great item both for bento as well as Hello Kitty fans: a trio of nesting bento boxes, which is extra good because you can combine them into a single unit when you're done with your lunch. JINBEI / Relax & Cool Homewear -- Sand Beige with Stripes. A jinbei is a really nice summer kimono that can be used as pajamas (I do), or else worn out to events like summer festivals. Own your very own cool summer kimono! Green Tea NAGOMIN Body Sponge. Nagomin is a really, really cute line of bath and shower products, and this is the new Green Tea line that promises to make your bath time more fun than ever. METAL MODE Bento Boxes. We love these metal bento boxes, which are very large for heavy appetites. They have two tiers and chopsticks built into them. Nice! Variety Square Sauce Bottles. So, they have these cool little soy sauce bottles for bento, see, and we've restocked several types for you today. Maihime - My-Hime Special Artbook. We've restocked the hot artbook for fans of My-HIME (also written My Hime, Mai Hime, etc.), one of my favorite shows. How to Draw Manga. Remember that J-List has all the great How to Draw Manga books, which help you see the kinds of manga styles that exist and eventually learn to draw. Totoro House (M) -- w/ Totoro and Sho Totoro Small Mascot. One of my favorite Totoro Plush toys ever, this is a soft Totoro treehouse with cute little Totoro guys that can live inside. My Neighbor Totoro Wrist Watch -- Various Types. Also, we've restocked both of the Totoro wristwatches by Seiko, with super cute Totoro styling, leather bands and gorgeous gold everywhere. Gurren Lagann 3D Oppai Mouse Pad *Preorder*. Wow, is all I can say to this: two different mouse pads featuring, er, "3D" features that allow your band to be cushioned in the loving oppai of Yoko from Gurren Lagann. Jun Bright -- Jun Natsukawa. Jun-chan is a real powerhouse in the sexy world of Japanese bikini models, and you should check out this great photobook of her cutest pictures yet. Dengeki G's Magazine June 2008. Dengeki G's is one of our favorite magazines, with a focus on moe characters from top games and anime, with all the best covered, from To LOVE-ru to Da Capo and beyond. And as usual, you get lots of great free stuff! Comic AG Super Manga Anthology vol. 83. It's time for another high quality issue of Comic AG, too, fill with another 80 pages of quality English-translated "H" manga, like Yutakamaru Kagura, Kei Matsuzawa and more. Highly recommended item. Moe Torture Encyclopedia. Here's an amazing item: a real book about various forms of torture that have existed over the years, but acted out with super cute characters. Innovative and fun, despite the torture part. Office Lady Girl x Girl. OLs are "office ladies" who work in Japan's companies, and they want love , too. Sometimes they'll share it among themselves while the camera watches.
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  Case closed! Impressions: If there’s one thing that’s really starting to annoy me about this series, it’s the insert song in every single episode. A lot of the time, it’s just 30 seconds while Kaoru blows stuff up. Fine, whatever, it’s no worse than any other overused song (Mai HiME comes to mind) only with [...]
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The official site for SUNRISE’s My HiME franchise is now offering a promotional video for the second DVD volume of My Otome 0 -S.ifr- to Japan-based users. Release date is set to July 11. YouTube video here.
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The new My HiME project will be titled My HiME: Rhapsody - Neko Hime@Blog.
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This episode of Macross Frontier has Ranka and Shirley joining Mihoshi Academy, and if you mix a Macross shower scene, the panty thief elements from Mai-Hime episode 4, and how Asuka was introduced in Evengelion, then you get the cake of this episode. I wouldn’t say this episode was good or bad, but it’s a good [...]
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Bandai Entertainment has sent out a press release announcing a new alliance with ImaginAsian TV titled THE BLOCK, which will feature a lot of BEI’s anime– Mai HiME/My-Otome, Planetes, Scrapped Princess, Toward the Terra, Ghost Slayers Ayashi, and Mars Daybreak –as well as some of their live-action: The Great Horror Family (pictured left, and yes, [...]
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Here are today's "really cool products" that I've picked out for you, out of the 30+ new items we've added to the J-List and JBOX.com sites today. Note that some products may be "not safe for work" but that all links will allow you to redirect yourself either to the J-List or JBOX.com websites. To see all the J-List products, check out J-List or the JBOX.com updated products link. Sky Girls Konami Figure Collection -- Full Set of 6. This is a gorgeous set of figures in the Sky Girls series from Konami, amazingly kawaii anime girls with that do battle with really cool WWII-influenced mecha. Great for Mecha Musume fans! Newtype Mar 2008. Newtype is the premier magazine for anime fans, and each issue is filled with vibrant color pictures and tons of information on all the best anime series in Japan right now. This issue is loaded with free posters and other valuable stuff featuring the best anime series, including Clannad, Mai Hime, Macross Frontier, Shakugan no Shana, To LOVE-Ru, and more. Range Murata PSE Collection CDB Chair 1/10 Figure . Range Murata is one of the most influential artists in Japan today, and his works, from Blue Sun Six to Last Exile and his celebrated original works. Enjoy one of his character creations in 3D in this rare figure release. In stock now! Domokun Flocked Vinyl Figure 8" -- Classic Brown. Raaaar! Domo-kun is the world-famous Japanese monster that's the official character of NHK, Japan's version of the BBC. This is a soft flocked vinyl character that is just begging to be to proudly displayed in your home or office. Every time someone doesn't buy this figure, God kills a kitten! Studio Ghibli Folding Fans. Studio Ghibli fans, check out the beautiful traditional folding fans we've posted for you, which feature wonderful images of Totoro and Jiji the Cat from Kiki's Delivery Service. These are great either for displaying in your Hayao Miyazaki shrine or using to keep the summer heat and humidity at bay. Egg June 2008 vol. 140. Egg is an fascinating magazine, a combination fashion mag for stylish Tokyo girls and a glimpse into a unique area of Japanese popular culture. See everything that's going down this summer in street fashion culture in Egg, now in stock. SHOXX June 2008. Shoxx is the popular magazine of Japanese "visual-kei" gothic rock, which features many photos of the bands that are popular in Japan right now, including Versailles, Nao, D'EspairsRay and more. Normally available only via our monthly revolving subscription service, we have limited stock of the new issue for you. Hello Kitty Daruma Weeble -- Gold. We have more of those really great Hello Kitty Daruma Weeble toys which roll around but never fall down. Bring good luck to your family and friends with these really cute items, in silver and gold. Rabbit & Moon DX Bento Set ~ Stainless Rice Container & 2 boxes with Handy Pouch . Bento fans, this is a great deluxe bento set featuring the famous Buddhist images of the rabbit in the moon (yes, the Japanese see a rabbit when they look up at the moon). A really innovative bento set for enthusiasts and collectors. Super Triangle ONIGIRI Maker. Onigiri are the (usually) triangle-shaped Japanese rice balls that are the rough equivalent to sandwiches in Japan: super convenient to grab and eat on the run. Make well shaped rice balls with this great onigiri maker that we have in stock now. Doki Doki Majo Shinpan Mug Cup. This game (translatable as "Heart-Pounding Magical Investigation") is the popular Nintendo DS game in which you must, er, touch cute anime girls with the stylus to see if they are really witches or not. Uh-huh. Anyway, this is the official coffee cup of the game. Stock is limited so bag yours now! DX Bamboo Charcoal Stuffed Chrimen Teddy Bear. This is an incredible item -- a teddy bear that's made with chirimen (Japanese crepe fabric, used for kimonos), a truly amazing idea. Best of all, it's made with charcoal inside, a traditional Japanese material that improves health. Back in stock by customer request! Kimono Hime 7 ~ Sunny Days. Kimono Hime ("Kimono Princess") is one of our favorite products since each issue is filled with great photos of the coolest traditional and modern kimonos from Japan. See fresh stock of this issue now. Restocked Bento, More. See fresh stock of the Bear Paws's super-cute bento box from Prime Nakamura, as well as Eco Conscious Chopsticks with a beautiful sakura pattern. And see fresh stock of our high quality Kutani Ware rice bowls featuring an image of a Daruma. Hello Kitty Ice Cube Tray. We sell, ahem, rather a lot of fun and wacky Sanrio products around here, and one of my all-time favorite products is the this ice cube tray that makes very detailed 3D Hello Kitty shaped ice cubes. Restocked Japanese Snacks. Finally, enjoy these great Japanese snack items, including Genki Shigekix that promises to give you more energy, Meiji 100% Juice Gummy in "mikan" flavor, Lotte Plus X Cube Gum, Dried Seaweed for Sushi and Bento, and the highly recommended Bull-Dog Sauce, which is so good on many foods. Amourus Professor Cherry *Preorder*. First, we're happy to announce that this outstanding game has been declared Golden Master and will be shipping very soon. You can still preorder it for free shipping when it drops, or put your order in for the download version which will be released a week later. By the creators of The Sagara Family and Crescendo! Also: check out the new Amorous Professor Cherry official site. Japanese Lotion. Japanese couples can be very creative, and one game they've invented is "lotion play," doing amazing things with slippery lotion. We've restocked these slick products on our site for you to check out. Uncho Kanu Cast Off Figure Real Arrange ver ~ Dragon Destiny *Preorder*. Enjoy this super sexy figure of Uncho Kanu from Ikki Tousen / Dragon Destiny, specially designed to look as if she were a real 3D human rather than a super cute anime fightin' girl. This great figure is "cast off" compatible, allowing you to remove her clothes. Housen Ryofu Cast Off Figure Private Costume Battle ver.~ Dragon Destiny *Preorder*. Also enjoy this "cast off" figure of Housen Ryofu, the popular character from Ikki Tousen. You can display her with clothes or without -- a great figure to display anywhere! 73 Year Old Super Ero, When Time Magazine did an article on the emergence of the genre of AV in Japan featuring performers of advanced age, it caused an explosion of interest across the Internet. Here's the DVD that caused the fuss, featuring an amazing 73 year old man. Ahem, it's quite amazing.
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The two latest Queen's Blade combat artbooks hit store shelves yesterday (Arein and Aldra), and with them the news that the Queen's Blade franchise is scheduled for TV anime adaptation! Other than the bare fact that it's in the works little is known about the project, but based on Hobby Channel's official announcement it's hinted that Reina will be the protagonist. This in turn leads to all sorts of wild speculation - with the shared character designer, can we expect animation from the My-HiME team? Hobby Japan is a Bandai property, Sunrise is a Bandai property, it's not entirely out of the question... we'll follow up on this as soon as further information is made known. (no more)
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Here are today's "really cool products" that I've picked out for you, out of the 30+ new items we've added to the J-List and JBOX.com sites today. Note that some products may be "not safe for work" but that all links will allow you to redirect yourself either to the J-List or JBOX.com websites. To see all the J-List products, check out J-List or the JBOX.com updated products link. Megami Magazine Mar. 2008. Megami Magazine is the #1 reserve subscription magazine at J-List because of all the beautiful free stuff they give you in each issue, like the *15* double sided anime posters you get in this issue. the free Strikers book inside, and more. Lucky Star, To LOVE-ru, Clannad, Bamboo Blade, True Tears, My-Hime, Gunslinger Girl. Fantastic! We only have a few copies of this issue, but remember that subscriptions are available. Char Rhousemann 1/8 Figure ~ Shuraki Trinity Box 03. A really fantastic figure from Good Smile Company, it's got it all: beautiful styling, detailed anime hair, a base to display proudly. Plus it's a "cast off" figure, so you can reconfigure her clothes in many ways, including full dress, ripped dress (let's that "battle damage"), or no dress at all. Neon Genesis Evangelion - Tabris and Zeruel. Amazing artist Yoshizaki Mine (creator of Keroro Gunsou) has created this re-mix of two angels from the Evangelion universe. Fantastic styling on both figures, you will treasure them for years! Unazukin Birth Stone. The fun Unazukin series continues, with more birthstone-inspired designs, including Pearl and Peridot. These are unavailable for restocking, and we recommend you pick up any designs you like the colors of before they disappear. Anime Pop Star: YOKO ISHIDA Live in Concert DVD (Live Action). I'm a big fan of Yoko Ishida's "Anime Para Para" tracks, super fast and dance-able versions of famous anime themes, and I often fire them up for entertainment when working late at night. Here's Yoko's live concert on DVD! When They Cry - Higurashi no Naku Koro Ni ~ Kai Official Character and Summary Book. One of the most popular anime series in Japan right now, the eerily beautiful When They Cry (or When The Cicadas Cry, to translate the Japanese title). Here's the art book from the 2nd series. Caiman Figure ~ Dorohedoro *Preorder*. Here's a really amazing figure from a fascinating manga called Dorohedoro in which mutants fight each other for survival. This awesome figure is in stock now, although the figure sold so well as a preorder stock is very limited. Beautiful Kanji Training for Nintendo DS. This one is special: a Nintendo DS game that comes with a writing brush stylus and has many activities that teach you how to write beautiful kanji. This thing is like a real teacher, refusing to accept characters written with the wrong stroke order or that are sloppy. An amazing tool for students of the language! B's Log Apr 2008. Another issue of B's Log, the magazine for fans of both "BL" games (aesthetically pleasing guy/guy stories) as well as "otome" games (girl-centric dating-sim games). This new issue is filled with interesting content, and lots of free stuff inside, too. Myojo Apr 2008. Then dig on a new issue of Myojo, the magazine dedicated to the popular male and female (but mostly male) faces in Japan, from Kat-Tun to Hey! Say! Jump and more. Available as a subscription, but we've gotten in some extra copies of this issue for you. Bento Boxes: Japanese Meals on the Go. A great new book from Kodansha with tons of information on bento, Japan's amazing boxed lunches. All in English, with lots of good meal ideas in here. Authentic Japanese Loose Socks. Yasu would like me to tell you that loose socks, those extra-baggy socks that Japanese high school girls wear, have been restocked, too (both 70 and 120 cm socks). 'Modern+' DX Aluminum Bento Box, Chopsticks Case. Bento enthusiasts, we've restocked the super-popular modern style bento box that has so many lovely compartments and interesting features, it will be your favorite lunch box. The separate chopstick case is also restocked. WA Pattern Bento KINCHAKU Bag. Raise the "WA" potential of your bento with this stylish bento bag that looks like a "Kinchaku" handbag carried by kimono-clad ladies in Kyoto. Fits many standard bento boxes. Nail Clipper Key Chain ~ UKIYOE / Three Beauties. Here's a cool item: a keychain with fingernail clippers featuring art from old Japan. Fantastic. Square Wooden Geta w/ Blue Stripe Strap ~ Jumbo size. Fans of Japanese traditional wooden sandals (geta) will love these gorgeous new sandals we've gotten in today, large lacquered wooden shoes with rubber bottoms to make walking easy. Good large size for big gaijin feet. Sanrio Rice Bowls: My Melody, Cinnamoroll. Two fantastic ceramic rice bowls only available in Japan, featuring the super cute My Melody and Cinnamoroll. The perfect size for enjoying rice, miso soup or anything. Hello Kitty ECO My Own Shopping Bag with Small Case. Go "eco" with Hello Kitty, with this handy take-anywhere nylon shopping bag that folds up nice and neat into a small case with handle when not in use. Two cool retro versions, back in stock now! Restocked Studio Ghibli Items. Got some really rare Hayao Miyazaki products back on the site today, including two "Matchbook" style wooden music boxes, a plush Sleeping Totoro Music Box, and the out-of-production Nausicaa Gun Ship keychain. Other Restocked Photobooks. Find some other rare photobooks back on the site, including Rio Tsuyuhara's Poaching Diary, the issue of More and More dedicated to Sola Aoi, and Ura Karami. These books are totally out of print and we recommend you snap them up before they're gone forever. Newly Posted "H" Manga. Enjoy a great new issue of Chousuke Nagashima's Seku-Hara Man, the story of a man who has free reign to do anything he wants with all the beautiful women at the company he works at, and the bold Door of Pleasure, a collection of 11 stories of fascinating ero. Nonstop Miyu Hoshino 4 Hours. Enjoy 4 hours of the cute-as-a-button Miyu Hoshino in this new release from TMA. Features all kinds of enjoyable performances, including costumes (like Vocaloid Miku Hoshino, where her name comes from), school uniform, tall boots, swimsuit and more. Highly recommended. JAV Actress of the Month: Io Asuka. The JAV Star for this month is the lovely Io Asuka, the pure AV starlet who debuted on the Deep's label last year. (Her first name is pronounced "EE-oh.") Born in Tokyo on December 10, 1988, her hobbies include collecting DVDs, playing with her dog and making different kinds of pasta. We're big fans of Io-chan's work, and recommend her to all JAV fans.
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I've been listening to the Macross Frontier soundtrack, and it's every bit as wonderful as I hoped it'd be. I'm loving the tracks What 'bout my star (both versions), Big Boys (reminds me a lot of the Pirates of the Caribbean theme), and Innocent green. Oh and the Nyan Nyan song is as cute as ever. It's going to be hard at the end of the year deciding whether this OST is better or the true tears one is - probably this because of all the vocal music (which isn't to say that Yoko Kanno's instrumentals aren't great too). And that's assuming the next Macross Frontier OST won't be better. I also managed to scrape together some time this weekend to watch a few episodes of the currently-running drama Zettai Kareshi. For those of you unfamiliar with it, it's about a girl who gets a robot as her ideal boyfriend, and the love triangle and troubles that this leads to. That might sound silly, but it's actually really entertaining. I was curious about this adaptation because I read the manga a long time ago, and though a lot of things have changed in the story, it's still very very good. It has that same spark that I found in the Hana Yori Dango and Yamada Tarou Monogatari dramas - the perfect mix of comedy and romance drama. It can be very funny at times (especially the actor who plays Namikiri), and the romance and drama elements are slightly over the top - just the way I like it. I wish I were blogging it, but sadly I just can't make the time commitment for a drama series right now (though I may try to next season or the season after that). On a side note, I had the theme song of this series, Okaeri by ayaka in my head all the way until today...when I started listening to the Macross Frontier soundtrack. Also in the news, the official Mai-HiME/Otome website announced a new project. No details about it other than the name and character design of the new heroine, Mao (see the link). While I do wish Sunrise would develop more new original properties, I'd be lying if I said I wasn't curious what this one will be like, especially since S.ifr's first episode was better than expected. Speaking of which, the second volume of S.ifr is due out July 25th.
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