Cool Products Wednesday, December 8, 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.

	Young Ace Jan 2011 The latest issue of Young Ace is here, and it's got us super excited: not only is it packed to overflowing with easily readable manga (furigana phonetics included with the kanji) from some of the most popular artists and franchises in the business (Haruhi, Evangelion, Panty & Stocking), but this issue also features the brand new Aim for the Top! (Gunbuster) manga, a retelling of the original classic Gainax OVA story. A super-cute Yuki Nagato phone strap is included too! View products »
	Comptiq Sep 2010 Catch up with the latest bishoujo game and anime news with Comptiq! This month's cover story is Mahou Tsukai no Yoru, the new game from Type Moon.
	Dragon Age Reserve subscription Read all your favorite manga in the flagship shonen magazine from Fujimi Shobo. Includes Highschool of the Dead, Otaku no Musume-san, Kanon, much more!
	Japanese T-Shirt 'Moe Warning' A brand new J-List original Japanese T-shirt is here for you! The boom of the infectious, adorable art and culture wave of moe has swept around the world like a fever, and this shirt warns of the potential hazards of too much exposure while simultaneously showing off two of the most moe characters of the recent K-On! anime craze, Mio Akiyama and Yui Hirasawa. Styled like a Japanese surgeon general's warning for yet another inside reference, check out the full description for a translation of this fun and wacky shirt. View products »
	Evangelion Air Fresheners for your Car "Fly me to the moon, and let me play among the stars. Let me see how fresh your car smells with an Evangelion air freshener..."
	Haruhi Suzumiya Nendoroid Figure I love the Disappearance of Haruhi movie, and think this new Nendoroid of her is super awesome. In stock now -- comes with many different parts.
	New Queen's Blade Rebellion Artbooks *Preorder* We love Queen's Blade, and have two new artbooks for you to check out. Enjoy Pirate Captain Liliana plus the gorgeous warrior Branwen.
	Miku Hatsune Graphics 2 The design of cute virtual singing idol Hatsune Miku and her Vocaloid companions have inspired dozens of artists, whose beautiful work is collected here!
	Sound Fit Muff Headphones J-List customers gobbled up our stock of these stylish earmuffs that are also functional earphones for music players, so we got more. Enjoy!
	Moe Moe Cthulhu Encyclopedia, More Fun artbooks restocked today, including the Moe Moe Cthulhu Encyclopedia, Queen's Blade and Queen's Gate books, and more.
	Domokun 4' Flocked Vinyl Figure: Classic Brown Domo-kun fans, we've got a treat for you: a fun new Domo figure you can display on your desk or wherever you display your toys and figure. Rawwr!
	Remember, 2011 Calendars are Selling Out! Just a warning: our 2011 calendars are selling out faster than normal, and already several have started to disappear. Don't let yours slip away!
	Macross the First vol. 1 & 2 Do you remember love? Whether you've been a Macross fan for years or just discovered the epic generational SF saga with the new Frontier series, this manga will be one of the most beloved and significant additions to the Macross canon in years. Drawn by legendary character designer Haruhiko Mikimoto, this is a fresh re-imagining of the original series featuring Lynn Minmei, Misa Hayase, Hikaru Ichijo and the rest of the unforgettable cast reborn. View products »
	Hello Kitty Face Pass Case Pouch She's not just a passing fancy! This cute Kitty case is a handy Japanese-style pouch that will hold your cards, money, train/bus passes, and more.
	Hello Kitty Glasses Stand ~ Megane The most popular Hello Kitty product this year is back in stock, and she's ready to hold your glasses for you. But they're going quick...
	Gakken Otona no Kagaku vol. 29 ~ AKARI Origami The engaging adult science project magazine Otona no Kagaku returns with yet another ingenious gadget for you to build: a LED-lit origami masterpiece, complete with variable light controls and automated presets for you to enjoy. Get your papercraft groove on with an electrical twist in these brilliantly glowing paper-art creations, all fully diagrammed for straightforward creation and assembly. View products »
	S Cawaii Nov 2010 Dive into the glamorous world of Japanese Cute fashions, for the young woman who wants a bit more chic in her look. Ayumi Hamasaki special!
	Gothic Lolita Complete Dress, Arm covers Then, restocked Gothic Lolita arm covers for all your cosplay needs, plus authentic high school uniform cosplay and more.
	Fluffy Long Room Shoes from Japan Japanese "room shoes" are like slippers, only dozens of times warmer and comfier -- and, in this case, cuter! Keep your feet toasty warm this winter.
	Charcoal Hair Shampoo & Treatment On our new Health -> Hair Care page we've got some cool Japanese shampoo & treatment that uses sumi (black charcoal) to clean really well.
	Awesome Totoro Products Restocked From Totoro nap pillows to alarm clocks, from backpacks to cushions and the DX cuckoo clock, see many Totoro goods restocked!
	Totoro China Plates by Noritake Then: a restocking of the Totoro China Plates from Noritake, made in Japan and featuring Totoro in all seasons.
	Big Restocking of Studio Ghibli DVDs Also see fresh stock of the official Studio Ghibli DVD releases of Totoro, Howl's Moving Castle, Spirited Away and more.
	Nikyoro Fluffy Banana Mini Hug Pillow You know what it's time for, and it's time for a banana. This one will smile at you while you cuddle its adorably fluffy soft plushness!
	Today's Delicious Snacks The amazing winter limited White Pocky is in, plus a new flavor of Hi-Chew soft candies, Strawberries with Condensed Milk -- wow! Also, spicy Pote Long.
	Restocked Japan Kit Kat, Much More Delicious Japan Kit Kat in Caramel Pudding flavor (!), Black Black caffeine gum, Calorie Mate, Meiji Mini Assortment, My Cube Ramune Gum, and more!
	Delicious Soba, Udon & Ramen Dec. 31st is near, and if you want to celebrate it Japanese-style, try these soba noodles, which the Japanese say give you long life.
	The Great Pudding Boom of 2010 If you're curious about purin, aka caramel creme or flan, we've got delicious Food Drops plus Hello Kitty pudding cups, pudding mix and more.
	Hello Kitty Wagara 3-Tier Celebration Bento Box New Years is coming up, and in Japan that means it's time for delicious multi-tier bento meals! Here are two awesome ones for Hello Kitty fans.
	Today's Restocked Bento Boxes Super bento boxes, including the popular Pokemon bento that's loved by many of our customers, the Metal Mode Bento for men, and more!
	Fun Bento Accessories Restocked Make awesome onigiri rice balls of most any shape, cut your sandwiches in any shape, cook shaped eggs in the microwave! Click to see today's restocked items.
	'It Is Forbidden To Urinate Here' Sign Plate For those special locations you need to emphasize just how improper it is to do your business there, this wacky sign will do just the trick!
	Japanese Erasers, Study Notebooks The super-fun Let's Make Eraser with Microwave is restocked, plus Japonica notebooks for memorizing hiragana and kanji, pens and more.
	Super Mario Taste Baby Milo Hoodie *Preorder* You too can leap from mushroom to mushroom in your quest to save the princess in this stylish hoodie with a unique full frontal zipping Mario design!
	Mirai Suenaga figma Action Figure *Preorder* The adorable mascot character from Japan culture and otaku blogger Danny Choo's website, Mirai Suenaga, is here! Created as a figma action figure in cooperation with Goodsmile and Max Factory, she'll charm you with her own arm-held Mirai doll included along with plenty of other exchangeable parts. It's a popular item, so preorder today! View products »
	Monster Hunter Plush Toys *Preorder* Monster Hunter is all the rage again in Japan, and the cute Airu mascots have made their way out of the game and into your arms as these cuddly plushes.
	Today's Preorder Anime Figures *Preorder* See Senjogahara Hitagi from Bakemonogatari wielding her stapler in fine figma style, sexy Super Sonico from Nitroplus, Hetalia straps, and more!
	Flog Pillow, Other Items Restocked We've restocked the Flog Pillow, which lets you become one with our favorite tsundere Kagami, plus Maria Ozawa Hole and epic vibrator DENMA.
	Love, Election & Chocolate One of the most beautiful eroge we've ever seen,which combines an innovative story with fabulous art and "event" scenes (which is a euphemism for the "H" parts). Click to see images from the game and see the trailer. View products »
	Other Restocked Visual Novels, Too Then enjoy the special new Memorial Edition of Clannad (!) and Tomoyo After, plus Sengoku Rance and Those Who Are Sung ~ Utawarerumono.

Random Nihongo

In my Twitter feed I post various things, including new items added to the J-List site, random anime pictures I've come across on the interwebs, and so on. I also occasionally post "random nihongo" tweets explaining Japanese words that have popped into my head like, "Did you know the kara in karate is the same as the one in karaoke?" (The first means "empty hand" and the second "empty orchestra.") I consider it J-List's mission to increase understanding between Japan and the rest of the world as much as we can, which is why we sell so many Japanese study materials for learners of all levels. Here are three phrases that you come across quite often when watching anime and which you can possibly use with Japanese people you know. The first is yappari (ya-PAH-ree), and it's used to reaffirm an opinion or indicate you've changed your mind about something. Yappari, ramen wo tabemasho "On second thought, I'll eat ramen" or yappari, gaijin wa se ga takai "Just as I always heard, foreigners are tall." Then there's sasuga, a way to praise someone for meeting your expectations. Sasuga Takeshi, biiru wo motte kita "Good old Takeshi, he brought beer [again as usual]." You can also just say sasuga! to mean something like, "I knew we could depend on you!" Finally there's naruhodo which just means "I see, thanks for enlightening me" and is used when you receive a bit of useful information.

The Genki Japanese textbook line is our most popular nihongo study tool.

Space Battleship Yamato 2010 Film Review

Over the weekend I did my duty as a Japan blogger and went to see the Space Battleship Yamato live action movie, and it was definitely an enjoyable experience. A big budget remake of the classic anime of my youth about humans traveling in a reconstructed Japanese battleship to a distant star, the movie succeeded at bringing the story to the big screen without losing its soul, unlike certain Hollywood anime crossovers I could name. The themes of the classic show were updated nicely, including Gamilas and Iscandar being changed into two sides of the same planet, and the Gamilas aliens are now actually aliens. The writers were smart enough to take cues from the second season of Yamato (the Comet Empire), which was loved by many fans. It's easy to see new influences that have crept in, including the "Battlestar Galactica" look and feel of the ship, and the formerly demure Yuki (Nova) being updated into a rough fighter pilot, ala Starbuck. The producers apparently had a crush on the movie Armageddon, too, and the closing theme of the film is sung by the vocalist of Areosmith. (I didn't even know he was an anime fan.) I have many fond memories of having to stay home from school with the measles and passing the time watching Star Blazers while drawing flip-book animation on every notepad in the house, and I was really happy to be able to enjoy Yamato in a new way.

The new Yamato film was great.

Studying Internet memes in Japan and the World

I write a lot about the different memes that come along in Japan, and how they interact with the Internet at large. A meme (rhymes with "cream") is a unit of cultural knowledge -- an image, catchphrase, visual joke, silly Internet video, what have you -- that's passed from one person to another like a virus, and in the connected world of the Internet they can easily take on a life of their own. If you've ever seen fan art of two anime girls eating both ends of a Pocky stick, that's the "Pocky Game" meme, and when a character in Strawberry Marshmallow made a strange close-up face that amused fans, the "Gununu" meme was born. While the Internet has allowed us to create an amazing continuum of shared popular culture, there are some limitations on which ideas will be accepted by which groups. Internet memes that are easy for all to understand, videos featuring anime characters dancing, and anything with cats will be loved by all, but memes tied to language are more difficult. Certain lines from the Gundam series are quoted as often by Japanese fans as Star Wars is for my generation, but you won't find English-speaking Gundam fans saying Char! Hakatta na! ("Char, you double-crossed me!") or Naguta ne! Oyaji ni datte butareta koto nai no ni ("You hit me! Even my father never hit me!") because they're not generally part of the zeitgeist for them. Likely, Japanese are ignorant of the "Over 9000!" joke from Dragonball Z or the subtle humor of "People die if they are killed." Of course, some memes are so silly no one can resist them...

It's funny to analyze memes in Japan and around the world.

Totoro Product Update @ J-List

Christmas is Totoro time for J-List, and we're stocked to the gills with hundreds of outstanding Totoro and Ghibli products from Japan. There are so many great items in our warehouse it can be difficult to select some to recommend, but we think the soft Totoro blankets we restocked today are superb, and my family treasures the ones I've given them for Christmas in the past. We have great Totoro T-shirts and hoodies which we love, and there are cool items like the Totoro Cuckoo clock and giant Totoro plush toys. Order now and we'll rush your order out to you!

Cool Products Monday, December 6, 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.

	One Piece Poster Calendar 2011 Want to make a splash in the pirate waters of your wall adornment world? Look no further than the colorful and vivid Once Piece wall calendar for the coming 2011 year! An epic illustration of the full cast with easy access to all 12 months beneath, you'll get a special bonus "WANTED" poster free, too. A great gift for the One Piece fan in your life! View products »
	One Piece Recording DenDen Mushi Straps More One Piece goodness comes in the form of these audio recording capable "Den Den Mushi" straps from the show. A handy unique accessory look!
	One Piece Tony Tony Chopper Cushion + Blankets Here's a unique idea - a blanket that can fold and tuck into itself to form a pillow! Pick either Tony Chopper or Skull Flag versions from One Piece.
	Haruhi Complete Collection (Blu-ray Disc) "Epic" gets overused a lot when talking about Haruhi, but not in this case. All episodes of both seasons, fantastic quality, and English sub/dub!
	Project DIVA ~ Miku Hatsune (Blu-ray Disc) Virtual idol Miku Hatsune live in concert. A fantastic experience in full 1080p on Blu-Ray. Restocked today!
	Monster Hunter Airu Stereo Headphone Get your Monster Hunter groove on with these stylish headphones styled after the cute game mascot cat-creature Airu. Great earthy color and great sound!
	Japan iTunes Cards  Spotted at the iTunes Japan store, a new single by Macross Frontier singer May'n, the newest release by Miku Hatsune, and the 2nd K-On song collections.
	Fun Hello Kitty Products for You The wide array of Hello Kitty toys and accessories made by the designers at Japan's Sanrio company is truly a delight! From Kitty-themed fax machines and cell phones to restaurant play sets and even a dresser you can do your makeup at, plus plenty of bento boxes and related items -- all the best Kitty gear for yourself or that little girl (or girl at heart) you know is right here. View products »
	Restocked Hello Kitty Items, too Awesome chirimen pouches for holding your stuff, the Hello Kitty die-cut mug cup, pancake maker, room deodorizer, and more.
	More Hello Kitty Fun Stuff We have tons of Hello Kitty bento and kitchen items, too, including this great furikake bottle, onigiri shapers, and many more items.
	Kawaii Long Sleeve Rabbit Onepiece Check out this super cute dress/jumper in black and pink with a rabbit-eared hood, all in one piece for a cozy-sexy and uniquely Japanese fashion look.
	Anime Cosplay Products Restocked See more cosplay items on the site, including super-cute PE uniform (called buruma or "bloomers" in Japanese), K-On! school uniforms and more.
	Japanese T-Shirt - 'Giga Pudding' Pudi pudi pudi Giga Pudding! Our newest shirt is a hit, and we're announcing a 2XL size for, um, customers who eat too much Giga Pudding. Pudi pudi pudi...
	Sci-fi Revoltech No.010 Woody ~ Toy Story This "Woody" action figure has made a splash on image boards using his distinctive face in amusing and unintended ways. Now you can make your own!
	Cho Kousou Building 3 ~ Skyscrapers 3 The Japanese fascination with skyscrapers extends to Dubai, in this amazing photobook exploration of the world's tallest structures.
	Anime Magazines with Free Stuff For You J-List carries awesome anime, fashion and other magazines that give you free omake stuff in each issue. Revolving subscriptions, too!
	Moe Moe Encyclopedia, How To Draw Manga Learn about the wonders of the world moe style in these topical tomes of bishoujo fanservice, and learn to draw manga from the pros too!
	Santa and Snowman Christmas Pens The stationery makers of Japan love holidays as much as we do, and celebrate them with these great winter-themed pens. Great stocking stuffers!
	Restocked Japanese Pens, Scissors Too Also, fresh stock of those epic Pen Type Compact Scissors, plus Zebra Sarasa, the only pen the J-List staff will use, Pilot Erasable Pen and more.
	Even More Totoro Soft Blankets If you love Totoro, we've got a treat for you: more fabulous Totoro blankets, new for the 2010 winter season, have been posted to the site. Whether you're looking for an awesome small lap blanket for yourself or to use with a baby or a full sized blanket for maximum warming, click to view the new items. View products »
	Restocked Hanten Kimonos I beat the cold in the winter by wearing a hanten just like this. The LL sized short kimonos have been restocked today!
	Rilakkuma 'Yutanpo' Bed Warmer, More The cutest bear around will warm up your bed on chilly winter nights with this great plush cover for a 'tanpo' hot water heater. Other Rilakkuma too!
	PURIN L / Homemade Pudding Mix with Caramel Make your own pudding at home with this authentic Japanese pudding mix! With plenty of rich puddingy goodness to go around, you can even use several packets together to recreate the Giga Pudding experience from the current hot meme (see our Giga Pudding shirt, too!). A great unique taste of Japan's delicious pudding cuisine. View products »
	New Snacks from Japan Enjoy "Butterpea" or delicious peanuts flavored with butter, Japan-only Mentos wonderful Macadamia chocolates plus chewy Mochi Choco. Yum!
	Restocked Snacks See Sakuma Drops from Grave of the Fireflies, Wasabi Potato Chips, Chocolate "Chip Chops" and Van Houten biscuits, Pure Mist and Calpis candy, and more!
	Give the Gift of Bento The culture of Bento is one of the greatest contributions from Japan to the world, providing a stylish, beautiful and convenient way to serve and carry food in healthy portions. With so many options to choose from you can also be sure that your bento box will make a great gift whether you're looking for yourself or a loved one of any age or appetite. Give the gift of health, simplicity and beautiful living this holiday season -- give bento. View products »
	Lucky Cat, Other Traditional Items See great traditional items like the Make a Wish Temple Bell Strap, Black Lucky Cat Display, Boxtree Lucky Turtle Strap and more.
	Re-ment Sushi Mascot Full Set of 12 I am totally in love with these miniature sushi keychains -- they are so detailed you could eat them, but don't since they're highly detailed PVC.
	Awesome Gift Ideas for Christmas J-List has tons of super items for the Holidays, which are fun to browse (but warning, you'll probably find many things for yourself). From fukubukuro grab bags to fun anime gift snack sets and gift certificates. Click to browse the most popular Christmas Guide items. View products »
	Hideyoshi Kinoshita Nendoroid Figure *Preorder* The mysteriously gendered Hideyoshi from comedy anime and manga Bakatest is coming in adorable Nendoroid action figure form, and you can preorder it now!
	Kazari Uiharu 1/8 Figure *Preorder* Also see this great preorder for the new Kazari figure from Railgun, from the wizards at Kotobukiya. Cute!
	Lingerie The Best Idol Gakuen Panty and Uniform We love magazines that give you more than gorgeous women to look at, and the tradition of omake (oh-MAH-kay), or freebees given to readers, is alive and well in Japan's ero magazine world, too. Get a full AKB48-style idol costume with pantsu. Nice desu! View products »
	Restocked Stress Toys for Men Fera Zoma is back, a mouth toy that promises to recreate the feeling of being serviced in a "pink salon." Also Tenga & the Real Scale Air Figure.
	Restocked Personal Massagers Japan's vibrators are the best in the world, and we've restocked several. Perfect for spending quality time with someone you love, even if it's yourself.
	Sexy Beach ZERO, Other Eroge Restocked The popular Sexy Beach ZERO is back in stock, one of the most awesome 3D eroge in a while. Also, Real Kanojo and Fate/stay night!
	'Futanari' H-Games & More A lot of J-List customers love the aesthetic genre known as futanari, literally "the two, being one." We recommend Cat Girl Alliance for this!