Cool Products Wednesday, October 27, 2010

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.

	Dengeki Moeoh Dec 2010 First up, the newest issue of Dengeki Moeoh has all the awesome art of an artbook plus many extras.
	Dengeki G's Festival Comic vol. 14 Manga with a great hug pillowcase attached? Get your Angel Beats on with this limited edition magazine -- recommended and now in stock!
	Totoro Soft Blankets for 2011 So warm, soft and comfy it's like sleeping together with the adorable Totoro himself. These blankets will keep you warm through the cold winter!
	Kiki's Delivery Service Blankets, Too! Another great Ghibli memory to warm your bed, this is the new Kiki's blanket that's toasty and super soft and comfortable. A great gift!
	Huge Selection of 2011 Calendars This year's anime calendars are outstanding! Over a dozen now in stock, including Bleach, Katekyo Hitman, Ladies vs Butlers, Sora no Otoshimono, more!
	Other Awesome 2011 Calendars We've got tons of traditional, photo, food and other interesting calendars in stock too, like the 2011 Joy of Sushi and Joy of Bento calendars.
	Groomy ~ The pet on your desk ~ Baby (Pink) Elecom's popular Groomy line of cute plush toy that cleans your computer screen for you are back! Woof!
	Nendoroid Petit Touhou Figures In Stock Kawaii doesn't begin to describe these uber-cute Touhou project figures from Goodsmile's petit Nendoroid lineup. In stock now.
	New 'Japanese Crafts' J-List Category We've got a new product category where we'll add fun craft products like the Mousse-chan Paper Clay mold toys or Let's Make Eraser with Microwave.
	N3 JLPT 2010 ~ JLPT Textbook All the resources you need to master the content for the intermediate level Japanese Government official language proficiency test.
	Today's New Japanese Snacks If regular Pretz isn't doing it for you, we've got new GIANT Pretz that's 10x as large. Also, Habanero Cheese Snacks for Halloween, Cute Cube Candy.
	Microwave Puchi Taiyaki Maker Uguu! You too can have the cute Japanese sweet pastry snack of fresh, hot taiyaki with this home cooking solution.
	Chirimen Tote Bag with Bamboo Handle An excellent bag made of canvas and chirimen (kimono fabric), with a magnetic protector flap to keep your important stuff in the bag.
	iTunes Japan Prepaid Cards Use J-iTunes cards to get moe apps like a Bakemonogatari clock or the Moe Punch Game and more!
	Evangelion Silicon Suction Stand *Preorder* Just what you need to run your iPhone hands-free, an Eva-themed stand to keep it angled for perfect viewing any time!
	Black Rock Shooter, Index Figures *Preorder* New figure preorders today for Ika Musume Index and a Black Rock Shooter Figma we think are totally awesome. Click to view now.
	Gekkan Megumi Kagurazaka This photobook is in a class apart. Simply amazing shots of Megumi showing herself to the camera, proving to be one of the hottest AV sensations!
	More Doujin Dakimakura Hug Pillows Enjoy more gorgeously printed dakimakura including Mari from Evangelion 2.0 and Ryomou Shimei from Ikki Tousen.
	Chu x Chu Idol 2 ~ melodies x memories The cute vampire x idol x kissing eroge from Japan gets a sequel! This is the limited edition with ultra-rare awesomeness.
	Kanu Uncho 1/5 Cast off Figure *Preorder* Daiki Kougyou shows us just what Kanu can do in this amazing new massive castoff figure. A true collector's item - preorder to get yours.
	ONA BEAT mini! vol. 3~ K-On! Parody Toy If you really love the K-On! girls, I mean really love them, we have some new stress toys for you. Yui, Mio and my own favorite, Mugi!
	Popular Bento Boxes Restocked Bento portable meal culture is a huge part of Japanese daily life, and we're proud to bring so much of it to you here. Some of our most popular bento boxes are back today, so check out the updated lineup!
	Silicon Heart Cooking Mold You can get your fried eggs to look like hearts for the cutest breakfast ever with this mold that won't melt or bend even in high heat on the skillet. Since it's silicon, you don't need to use butter to keep the egg from sticking, which is where the 'heart' part comes in.
	Anime Games for PSP We love the PSP for the outstanding anime games that exist for the platform. Today see fresh stock of several including Kana Little Sister & Kazoku Keikaku (!), plus Tales of Phantasia.
	Great Hoodies from J-List Autumn is here, and J-List is ready for it with our awesome hooded sweatshirts, which we stock in San Diego for your convenience. They stay soft for years, too, since we only use the higher 80-20 blends, not toe cheap 50-50 ones other companies use.
	Ponyo & Totoro Products The holidays are coming up, and we're preparing by bringing some of our most in-demand Ghibli items back in stock. Check out our Totoro and Ponyo toys and accessories today!
	Restocked Japanese Study Books Several popular Japanese study books restocked, including Japan Introduced in English in Japanese, Japan Illustrated Conversation Book, a kanji practice notebook and more.
	Cool Traditional Items Restocked Awesome restocking of some of J-List's most popular traditional products. See our Kanji Yukata, Purple Wave Yukata and Dragon Yukata, Chirimen Belt for supreme awesome fashion sense, plus bushido T-shirts made in Japan!
	Various Restocked Traditional Items Then enjoy a big restocking of traditional Japanese items on our Dishware page, including porcelain yunomi (green tea cups), , our Sakura Sake Set, Happy Tanuki Tea Cup and more.
	Lucky Cat, Ninja Solar Powered Toys Enjoy some good luck from Japan's most famous icon of good fortune. Our popular Mini Lucky Cat will wave good luck and peacefulness into your life through the miracle of solar power.
	Restocked Japanese Pens, StitchLock See some of the most epic Japanese pens, erasers and other stationery items from J-List. Today we've got the Stitchlock Paper Sticher, the 3 Way ENERGEL pen/mechanical pencil, TRADIO Fountain Style Pen and Mono-Zero eraser.
	Fun Snacks from Japan! A large restocking of the best Pocky flavors, including Pocky Milk Chocolate Pocky and Praline, plus Calorie Mate (all flavors), FritoLay Japan Thai Cuisine Cheetos, plus Sushi Gummy that you make, then eat!
	Gorgeous Queen's Blade Books Restocked We love these fighting beauties, yes we do, and you do too if our restocking has anything to say about it! We've got another batch of some formerly sold out Queen's Blade books, plus Cattleya!
	Amazing TENGA Toys Got fresh stock of some of our more popular stress relief products, too, including the Tenga Hole Warmer, tthe NABURI onahole, Gal Get Chu 10-mode vibrator plus Real Scale Air Figure.

Living with Parents in Japan

Like many Japanese families, my wife's parents live with us in one big house, occupying the lower floor while we live upstairs. The idea of a child growing up and "leaving the nest" when they finish school doesn't always work the same here as it does in the U.S., and it's common for the oldest son or daughter to stay at home permanently, essentially taking responsibility for the family home (and business, if there is one) as well as taking care of the parents as they get older. This custom affects the dynamics of families somewhat, since a son or daughter who will live at home must find a spouse who doesn't mind joining that family. My wife happens to be an only child, which has actually been a bit of a chain around her neck all her life, making it impossible to pursue certain dreams as they would carry her away from her parents. Still, I don't mind it at all, and like having a proper Japanese family to be a part of. Yesterday was my father-in-law's 73rd birthday, we all went out for delicious Korean BBQ.

Remember me to write about my theory that love hotels keep families together, since young adults can actually go somewhere to be with their boyfriends/girlfriends without having to move out and live with them, like most people (?) do in the U.S. Therefore love hotels can be said to keep Japanese families together. 

Having more family members means having more brithdays, which means more Korean BBQ!

Hooters Japan vs Maid Cafe

Japan's first Hooters location opens today in Tokyo, and the Japanese Internets are buzzing about the new restaurant, where food and drinks are served by voluptuous waitresses and the slogan is (as one Japanese news site quipped) "The meat pie and oppai are both very large." While I'd personally prefer a nice maid cafe where a Goth-Loli or cat girl or imouto-themed maid brought me omrice (an omelette served over rice) with a heart drawn over the top in ketchup, it certainly will be interesting to see the reception the chain receives here. 40 girls have been hired to work as waitresses, ten foreign women and thirty Japanese ones, although if they're requiring the foreign waitresses to be Japanese bilingual that might make things a bit more interesting for customers. I expect it will feel pretty much like Hard Rock Cafe, which has been a fixture in Tokyo since 1983, existing as an ethereal bridge between East and West that's sometimes enjoyable to visit.

So which do you prefer, the Western approach of Hooters or a more demure, subtle Maid Cafe experience?

Japan's first Hooters opens today, though I'm more a Maid Cafe man.

Training J-List Employees

Last week I went into Tokyo on a buying trip to look for extra-cool products for the coming Christmas season, since I have a feeling we'll be needing lots of stock. I was training our newest J-List employee Ai, who's in charge of finding new bento boxes, fun traditional products and interesting Japanese pens. (It will come as a shock to some readers, but Ai-chan is not an A.I., unlike pretty much every character in anime and games with that name.) Training Japanese employees on what products to get for J-List can sometimes be a challenge, due to the difference in the way they perceive their own country compared with "outsiders" (which is what the word gaijin really means) like us. While you or I might view a traditional tatami room as a mysterious and magical space quite unlike any other, a Japanese would likely see it as just another room, not understanding what all the fuss is about. Some of J-List's most popular products -- the generic clear umbrellas that are everywhere in Asia, those traditional kompeito candies, or kanji name stamps -- completely baffle our Japanese employees at first, until they come to view their own country from the outside, as foreigners do.

I'm a big fan of beautiful tatami rooms.

J-List Character Bento

J-List's updated website and category system means it's easier than ever to find exactly the products you want to browse. The old site offered limited choices for viewing separate products, but with the new site it's possible to, say, view all bento & kitchen related products, check only bento boxes, or drill down even further, viewing only traditional bento boxes or kawaii character related bentos like Pokemon, Hello Kitty, Totoro and more.

Cool Products Monday, October 25, 2010

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.

	Shining Tears ~ Collection of Visual Materials The epic art of Tony Taka is on display in this artbook from the Shining Tears RPG that he designed. Some of the best bishoujo art ever!
	Takamina ~ Minami Takahashi Solo Photobook Super kawaii AKB48 star Minami Takahashi -- nicknamed Takamina by her fans -- really shines in this new photobook of awesomeness.
	Fantastic 2011 Calendars from Japan Some great 2011 calendars in stock today, including Yoko Kumada, Kimono Stars, Rabbit Dream, Lucky Cat. Classic Cars and the awesome Japanese Rooms.
	Cutie Sep 2010 The magazine for the young and cute of Japan is here in a new fall issue, packed with the latest trends and how-to guides. Tons of pictures too!
	Panasonic Doltz Sonic Tooth Brush This portable, battery powered toothbrush is the perfect powerful oral hygiene solution for you when you're on the go, or need a quick brush up!
	Ladybug Earphone ~ Red Some of the cutest earphone accessories we've seen, these red ladybugs look great and sound great, too.
	Chopper Furry Pen Case Hold your pens, pencils, phone, camera, or anything else safe and secure with this adorable One Piece Chopper pen case.
	So Cute Mini Tape Dispenser You can feel the cute emanating out from this tape dispenser in waves! It is so cute that you will want to make a spot for it on your desk right away.
	First Kiss ~ Japanese Food Drops One of the most unique candies we've seen, food drops that carry the nostalgic flavor of your first true love. Great gift for yourself or a friend!
	Handy Toilet ~ Minimaru Chan With phonetics reading "minimal", these portable super-absorbent collapsing toilets can be a lifesaver. Also makes an amusing joke gift.
	Glico Giant Pocky! When a normal sized box of Pocky just won't do, these impressive jumbo sticks will sate the craving inside. Chocolate, Strawberry, more!
	Other New Snacks, Too Other good snacks added to the site, too, including Apple Chocolate Oreo bars, Black Pepper Rice Crackers and more. Yum!
	Men's Large Compact Bento Box ~ 2 Tier Another uniquely designed "men's" bento for those seeking a darker classy touch to your lunch, in two tiers for rice and side dishes or other combos.
	Wagashi illustration book ~ Wagashi no Hon All the mouth-watering goodness of traditional Japanese candy, packed into one very low calorie book. "Taste" a piece of confectionery history!
	Black Rock Shooter Dead Master 1/8 Figure Wow! This is a stunning new figure of the villain from the Black Rock Shooter animation, complete with stylized skull and scythe. Preorder open!
	Shikinami Asuka Langley 1/10 Figure *Preorder* A cute new preorder figure of Asuka looking coyly at you over her shoulder, just great for display on your desk in her plug suit version.
	Nendoroid Play Set Classic Western House For figure collectors who love taking pictures or creating cute dioramas or stories with their collections, the ultimate small scale prop series!
	Nagi Sanzenin Nendoroid Figure ~ *Preorder* The adorable Nagi from Hayate the Combat Butler comes to Nendoroid in her cute skirt and hat! Preorder now or she won't forgive you (we think).
	Doujin Hug Pillow Cover ~ Touhou Versions Our dakimakura hug pillow cases keep coming in, today it's three new offerings from the Touhou project universe. Pillow it easy!
	Popular Bento Boxes Restocked That gorgeous multi-level jubako bento box has been restocked today, along with the epic "Pokeball" round bento box for the Pokemon generation.
	Cool Bento Accessories Restocked We've got other fun bento accessory items restocked too, including the NORI-NORI and PITATTO lunch pics shaped like animals, fun egg shapers, silicon "baran" food separators you can use hundreds of times, plus the Kawaii Heart Sushi Making Set.
	Hello Kitty Chopsticks Training Set w/ Stars Also: a real treat for Hello Kitty fans: a pair of training chopsticks that you can use to improve your skills at eating with o-hashi (as chopsticks are called in Japanese). They come with little erasers to practicing picking up.
	Microwave Potato Chip Maker Then: Why buy store-bought potato chips when you can make your own at home, using this wacky microwave potato chip maker from Japan. This is a wonky item but our customers love it, so we keep restocking it. Also restocked for you!
	Pinky Street P-Chara Sawako Kuronuma Gorgeous Kimi ni Todoke anime figures in stock, of Sadako Sawako. I love these so much. Super item for KimiTodo fans.
	Learn Hiragana with Totoro We restocked that fun Totoro puzzle that helps you learn hiragana, the most basic writing system used in Japanese, with Totoro and his friends. Also the Totoro Nap Pillow, Giant Plush and Baby Rattle.
	Kanji Drill Workbooks, Other Study Items J-List always has helpful tools to help you learn Japanese, whether you're just picking up hiragana and katakana or are studying more advanced parts of the language. Big restocking of these kanji drill books as well as flashcards for memorization.
	Restocked Genki Study Guide Textbooks See fresh stock of the #1 selling Japanese study guide in J-List's history, used by more students of the language than any other tool. If studying Japanese has you down, this book will make you genki again!
	More Japanese Socks, School Uniforms Awesome Japanese over knee socks (aka thigh highs) which are quite cool and nosebleed-inducing. Also see the Red Ribbon Gray Sailor Uniform in stock for Halloween.
	Takoyaki Items Restocked We love takoyaki, the batter balls that contain a bit of octopus meat inside. See the popular electric takoyaki maker, plus the right brush for applying oil before cooking.
	Restocked Traditional Sandals, Lucky Cat, More See a large restocking of some of our most awesome geta sandals made of wood, plus the handmade waraji sandals. Also, traditional good luck charms, Lucky Cat phone straps and more.
	Fun Japanese Faces Stamps The rubber stamps you can change with the push of a thumb from a happy face to a frowning one, these are one of Japan's wacky little touches we love. Back in stock for you today.
	Restocked Touhou Project Doujin Games Did you know that Touhou project doesn't end with the epic shooting games and "yukkuri" meme? We've also got great spin-off Touhou games, from RPGs to puzzle games. Several back in stock today!
	MAMESHIBA Big Pen Case See some fun Japanese pens and related items restocked today, including the One Piece Fragrant Double Marker, Mameshiba Big Pen Case, Zebra Sarasa Clip Ball Pen and more.
	Super Restocked Snacks Finally, enjoy some restocked snacky goodness, including Akihabara Bunny Shrine limited boxed snacks (several flavors restocked), Aurora Biscuits for Monster Hunter fans, Glico Pocky Almond Crunch, Morinaga Milk Caramel for Totoro fans, plus Ramune Bottle Candy.
	Gorgeous Queen's Blade Artbooks & Manga If you love Queen's Blade like we do, you'll know there's a reason we regularly have to restock these amazing books - just the right level of edgy fanservice and super sweet fighting heroines. Check out the newly available stock we have for you today.
	Come See Me Tonight 1 & 2 set Two of my favorite "harem" type games are Come See Me Tonight 1 (which focuses on beautiful girls in kimono) and the sequel, which moves on to Miko-san shrine maidens. Which girl will you choose?
	Oppai ga Ippai Game! One of the first puns a Japanese student learns is oppai ga ippai (lit. There are boobs everywhere), which is funny because the words are similar in sound. See fresh stock of this fun doujin game.