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 Aug. 2011 Gorgeous new issue of Megami, the #1 magazine at J-List, featuring tons of stuff, and this month has epic posters of Steins;Gate, Strike Witches, AnoHana (!) and much more. Megami Magazine is more than just a magazine, it's a slice of current anime history. View products »
	Chaos;Head NOAH Artbook / Game Guide Before Steins;Gate there was Chaos;Head, and this artbook/game guide contains everything you ever wanted to know about the classic game.
	Cardboard War Chronicles ~ Danboru Senki These robots are not made out of cardboard, but they'll be sending their enemies into one. This hit Japanese PSP game is now available.
	Little Devil Ageha ~ Koakuma Ageha July 2011 Little devils roam the streets of Tokyo, and this magazine captures their clothes, lifestyle and trends. This is the Ageha fashion bible.
	School Swimsuits ~ Skirt Type These authentic Japanese school swimsuits are now available in larger sizes. Click to see these great cosplay items.
	Smart Handy Phone for iPhone 3G/3GS/4 Laptop, check. Cup of coffee, check. Seat with a view, check. iPhone converted into a cool office phone, check. Now you have an awesome phone with no drawbacks at all -- you can even make notes on the phone while you talk! View products »
	Ori Kesh ~ Make Your Own Eraser Create your own personalized eraser! You could make retro video game characters, kawaii animals, or... anything actually.
	Hello Kitty Miniature Sushi A Kitty-themed set of adorable "conveyor belt" sushi miniatures? Japan, you know the way to our hearts. We love this to death! Restocked today.
	Kawaii Rilakkuma Products We are big fans of Rilakkuma, the most relaxing bear in all Japan, and today we have new products. See our Rilakkuma Pen Case and kawaii wallet.
	Totoro Stamps Make Us Smile If you love Totoro like we do, you'll be happy to see the great items we have in stock today -- wood-backed rubber carved stamps, plush toys and more.
	Glico Collon ~ Custard Pudding Flavor The hilariously named "Collon" snacks are back in a new flavor, plus Ta Pasta snacks, Ramune Bottle Candy, and more.
	Egg & Bonito Fish Flake Furikake  Eating rice is nice, but eating rice with Japanese authentic furikake is even better. Perfect for bentos or lunches. Many great flavors posted.
	Awesome Gum from Japan We also carry epic gum from Japan, from "Ramune" cube um to new Bubblicious Gum in "pine" flavor, which think means pineapple.
	Restocked Japanese Snacks See cool restocked snacks too, incl. Pinky Tablet in Peach flavor, Lotte Fusen no Mii, traditional Okinawa Kuro Ame, 100% Juice Gummy and more.
	Elegant Traditional 'Rabbit' Bento We've got some of our best bento boxes back in stock today, with fine traditional designs to bring a touch of class to your lunch presentation. Think of the fun bento boxes you can make. View products »
	Restocked Kitchen Accessories Got some other random bento and Kitchen accessories restocked, including a Bamboo Rice Washer and Ribbon Clips for sealing bags.
	Body Massage Brush For Cellulite See some random but awesome health items restocked, incl. our Celnon Body Massage tool and Germanium Detox Sheets.
	Awesome Japanese 'Fude' Pens I love the fude pens we've sold for years, and we've restocked several types for you today. They write like holding a Chinese writing brush.
	Fun Traditional Items Our wooden Sumo game, Hammer Daruma to and "Take-Tombo" bamboo helicopter, are all restocked today.
	'Oreimo' Yunomi Green Tea Cups *Preorder* Drinking tea with my little sister can't be this soothing! Two lovely yunomi cups for fans of Kirino and Kuroneko. Which will you choose?
	Yotsubato 2012 Calendar *Preorder* This is our first 2012 calendar, featuring Yotsubato, the popular character in Japan that is also the official mascot of 4chan. Pre-order yours today.
	One Piece Plush Toys Posted We've got some cool plush figure pre-orders for characters from the international hit One Piece: Bepo, Hollow Ghost and Laboon.
	Mistral Nereis 1/8 Figure ~ Shining Hearts **Preorder** Then enjoy the very awesome Mistral Nereis fro Shining Hearts. Why does this show get all the gorgeous figure action, leaving fewer for other shows?
	Saber Extra 1/6 Figure ~ Fate/Extra *Preorder* A super awesome Saber figure in giant 1/6 format? How can we resist snapping this up, especially since there are J-List Points to save up now.
	Ui Hirasawa 1/8 Figure ~ K-On! *Preorder* Then, a figure of Ui (pronounced "oo-ee") from K-On, putting up her hair. Damn, why did they have to have her doing that? Now I have to buy one.
	ERIRIKA-LIVE ~ Eririka Katagiri The amazing net idol and AV star Eririka Katagiri gets her first hardcover photobook. Erika does it al, and as fans we will be happy to watch.
	My Little Sister's Best Friend Can't Be This... The sequels to the most popular stress toy in recent J-List history, now you can also enjoy the attentions of the lovely goth-loli Kuroneko or else go for Ayase, who happens to be my personal favorite. View products »
	Stress Toys for Otakus See a general restocking of other popular stress toys, including the entire Bible Black series as well as the Angelic Special Ona Hole series.
	Romantic Products for Couples We have unique and well-engineered personal massagers for females, too, including the amazing G.II special vibrator and Hello Kitty.
	New H-Game: Eroama Onee-san... You are a for-hire brother for women who need one. Everything starts innocently enough until... well find out in this Japanese eroge.
	Restocked H-Games Too See a big restocking of import eroge too, including Primary Step, Daiteikoku, Sakura-iro Quartet and more. Very ecchi and awesome.
	Etheldreda 1/8 Figure ~ Demonbane *Preorder* Then enjoy another fabulous Demonbane character, the wonderfully designed Etheldreda who has...certain character features that are fun to look at. If you're a fan of the gorgeous visual novel Demonbane, we recommend it. View products »
	Al Azif 1/7 Figure ~ Demonbane Also: a fascinating twist on the character of Al Azif, who has been transformed into someone quite...different. Do you like the change? I don't hate it.
	Deus Machina Demonbane Since we've got two Demonbane figures posted, I thought I'd link to the game. A fantastic Cthulhu Mythos eroge, totally uncensored by the famous Nitroplus.
	Other Cast Off Figures Whoops, we have other figures posted too, including Lilith Resi-Carat and a figure from Samurai Girls. I love cast off figures...

Anime Expo 2011, The Blog Post

We're having a great time here at Anime Expo in Los Angeles, meeting fans and customers and selling lots of fun J-List products to everyone. It's been a bang-up show, and we're pleased as punch with how it's turning out. Everyone has been having a blast, picking up top eroge like Demonbane and Escalation, plenty of "oppai" mouse pads, more than a few of those Itazura Cat Banks plus our signature J-List T-shirts. If you're at the show, be sure to come by booth 819 and say hi!

Having fun at Anime Expo. Hope you are here!

One of the highlights of the convention has been the Miku Hatsune Hatsune Miku concert -- apparently the only approved way to write her name is in Japanese word order, with the family name of Hatsune first and her given name Miku last. It was a blast seeing Japan's premier "virtual idol" perform in front of thousands of fans, and it was cool seeing the Vocaloid idol going more mainstream than she already is. (Toyota is heavily promoting her on their cars.) The concert was truly amazing -- Miku's image was projected on a glass pane while a live band played music for her, and the effect was nearly perfect.

As is often the case, the convention hotel contains many guests who aren't affiliated with the convention, and its always fun to imagine how the complex world of anime fandom looks from the outside. While I was drinking in a bar with some friends, the person next to me leaned over and asked, "Do you know what's going on here? Is there some kind of masqurade party here?" I smiled to myself, wondering what the extravagant anime cosplay, Gothic Lolita outfits and K-On! uniforms would look like to those unannointed into the world of fandom. I tried my best to explain it to the man, but realized it was going to be an hour or more long discussion or more to try to teach him why we'd all gathered in Los Angeles to celebrate 2D visual pop culture.

Just a reminder: you can get 2x J-List Points on all purchases on our site. This means that all the awesome T-shirts, figures, bento boxes, plush toys, snacks and gum or even Morning Rescue gives you double J-List points. Ends July 4, so make your purchases soon!

Remember: we've been busy on the eroge front. In addition to the happy news that our 100% yuri (girl-girl) game Yukkuri Panic Escalation is in stock and shipping in San Diego, we've announced a huge volley of new games to be translated into English over in 2011-2012. The new games legendary Nitroplus titles like Saya no Uta, Outlaw Django and the magical girl ero title Sumaga, the gorgeous Starless by the creator of Bible Black, plus the gorgeous RPG Seinarukana. For more information, read the JAST USA post, or get our new game catalog at booth 819 (or order something from J-List and we'll send you one).

Also: we've printed some awesome J-List Anime Glasses and are giving them out with all orders through the wbsite. Which anime character would you like to become?

Famous People wh Like Anime?

I recently posted an image on the J-List Facebook page and my Twitter feed listing "famous" actors and other personalities who like anime. The list included people like Will Smith (who likes Gatchaman and the films of Hayao Miyazaki), Daniel Radcliffe (a fan of Initial D and Lupin III), and Hulk Hogan (who is a Pokemon fan). The Japanese staff of J-List was rather pleased to learn that Keanu Reeves loved Ghost in the Shell and Death Note, but I wasn't surprised at all. Anime has gone far beyond it's days of being a fringe hobby a few visionary nerds embraced once a month in an anime club held on a university campus, and has become a major pillar of our shared popular culture, just as Star Trek and Star Wars transcend their original genres. It'd be harder to go through life without developing at least a basic appreciation for a few anime series, it seems to me.

Know any other famous anime fans? Taratino is one, Brad Pitt is another. 

Anime Expo 2011, Here We Come

I've made the hop from Japan to San Diego so I can join in on the fun at Anime Expo 2011. It's frankly odd being back in California again since I was just here a few weeks ago. My mind has been yanked between Japan and the U.S. several times in a short period of time, and I'm not sure where I am when I wake up in the mornings. I might start putting Mexican refried beans on my takoyaki if this continues...

We're really happy to be attending Anime Expo again this year, and are looking forward to saying hi to a few thousands of our customers. You can find the J-List booth in the dealers room, booth 819, 821 and 823 -- just look for the tall banners of our mascot character, Megumi-chan. At our booth we'll have hundreds of awesome products, from our legendary kanji & anime T-shirts to cool Totoro items, Popin' Cookin' IY sushi candy, English-translated eroge and ecchi Tenga products, and more. You should also come to our eroge panel at 11 pm on July 2nd, in room...wherever it is (just follow the cool people at the show). We'll be going over all our new game announcements for 2011-2012 (see below for more info), and giving away fabulous prizes to everyone who attends. Since the president of Nitroplus/producer of Madoka Magika himself will be at the con, make sure you attend our panel.

Of course, some of our customers just can't attend the convention, and we've got a special present for all of you: for the four days of Anime Expo only, you can get 2x J-List Points on all purchases on our site. This means that all the awesome T-shirts, figures, bento boxes, plush toys, snacks and gum or even Morning Rescue gives you double J-List points. Ends July 4, so make your purchases soon!

J-List will be attending Anime Expo, will you?

Narita Airport and Japan

Flying to the U.S. I passed through Narita International Airport, the principle air terminal for people in the Tokyo area to travel outside Japan. Though there are many airports in Japan offering international service, Narita is the most famous one, and is more or less a symbolic gateway between the isolated island dwellers of Japan and the wider world. Being such a famous place, Narita airport has served as the dramatic setting for many dramas, anime and manga stories, and every time I step foot in the departures lobby and look at the unique grid ceiling above me, I feel like I've come to a special place.

I've always loved the ceiling at Narita Airport.

New Announcements from J-List: New Eroge, Anime Glasses and 2x Point Sale

We've been busy on the eroge front. In addition to the happy news that our 100% yuri (girl-girl) game Yukkuri Panic Escalation is in stock and shipping in San Diego, we've announced a huge volley of new games to be translated into English. The new games legendary Nitroplus titles like Saya no Uta, Outlaw Django and the magical girl ero title Sumaga, the gorgeous Starless by the creator of Bible Black, plus the gorgeous RPG Seinarukana. For more information, read the JAST USA post, or come to our games panel July 2nd at Anime Expo. You will score some primo free stuff, trust us.

We have one more announcement to make: J-List Anime Glasses! Since everyone is so fascinated with the unique eyes found in anime character designs, and we all secretly wish we could have big, expressive eyes like that. Well, now you can, thanks to the cardboard anime eyeglasses we've created, which have holes so you can see through the glasses. (Though please use common sense when wearing them.) Come by the J-List booth and mention this note to get a free pair, and we'll also send you a random pair with every purchase you make from our site. Available while supplies last.

Cool Products Thursday, June 30, 2011

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 Aug 2011 All you moe fans get ready for another great issue of Moeoh (The King of Moe). Tons of great stuff inside and comes with a cool artbook as the omake (freebee). Note, please see this item on the J-List side. View products »
	Fate/Complete Material IV ~ Extra Material Very few series have such a devote following as Fate. This 4th volume of excellent art and material will help you complete your collection.
	Bomb July 2011 Bomb is the definitive magazine for checking out the news on the premier idols in Japan. Don't miss this month's super kawaii issue.
	New Anime Blu-ray Disks Enjoy the awesome new Oreimo vol. 7, plus Nichijou vol. 1, both are hilarious and in full gorgeous 1080p video!
	SPACE BATTLESHIP YAMATO ~ Premium (Blu-ray) The Japanese blockbuster event has finally arrived on Blu-ray, with this very special edition that features over 2 hours of extras.
	Kawaii Cut and Sewn One Piece ~ Black Bring some cute Japanese fashion into your life, like this very kawaii dress, like the ones found in Shibuya.
	Striped Socks, Eye Patch for Cosplay It looks like the fashion trend of striped socks is going to continue for a long time, so we've restocked our popular socks. Also, Rei Ayanami eyepatches!
	Hada-Labo Super Hyaluronan Skin Lotion  It looks like the fashion trend of striped socks is going to continue for a long time, so we've restocked our popular socks. Also, Rei Ayanami eye patches!
	Kawaii Apple Kitchen Sponge This kawaii little thing is not a plush figure but a scrubbing sponge that is not only cute but also effective at removing tough stains.
	Gakken Otona no Kagaku with KIDS ~ Sound Mange Kyo Teach your kids about the science behind sound with this very cool magazine and kit to build your own "sound kaleidoscope." A great new science kit + magazine from the Otona no Kagaku series by Gakken. Warning, you may become addicted to doing awesome science experiments if you buy this product. View products »
	Fun Crafts from Japan Craft your fun with this new edition of the Mousse-chan clay sweets shop, the most artful and inventive crafts project you'll see. Big restocking today.
	Popin' Cookin' DIY Sushi Restocked Also see new stock of the super popular Popin' Cookin' series of do-it-yourself sushi snacks, the most fun you can have making sushi candy.
	Big Restocking of Touhou Project Games Touhou is a line of doujin shooting games that has a huge following and is a source of pop culture. Big restocking of games today.
	Airu Face Cushion ~ Monster Hunter We love the great products that have been released for fans of Monster Hunter -- known as MonHan in Japan. See this series restocked.
	Anime Car Sunshades from Japan Turn your boring car into an excellent anime car with these sunshades from Oreimo, K-On! and Evangelion, restocked today.
	We Love Totoro Plush Toys Any day we can bring you some soft Totoro plush toy action is a good day indeed. Our popular Cat Bus plush toy w/Totoros that ride inside is back.
	The Borrower Arrietty (Blu-ray)  Also. Studio Ghibli's latest movie "The Borrower Arrietty" is a hit. Must be the full subtitles and dubbed track the company put on for us.
	Great Traditional Japanese Snacks ~ just $1 Dagashi are traditional candies Japanese kids love, partially due to their price. Enjoy several of these fun traditional snacks, and since they cost just $1 each, you can try several. Eating these traditional snacks from the Showa Period will really bring you back in time. View products »
	Men's Rose Gum Men like rose gum too, but don't want to be seen with a pink package. Men can chew without embarrassment thanks to Men's Rose Gum.
	Restocked J-Snacks We have a huge selection of snacks that have been restocked and are now available, incl. anime snacks, Calorie Mate and more.
	Cool Bentos for Children & Adults From our classic LEGO Block Style Bento to the traditional Rabbit Slim Thermos that goes with any traditional bento, we've got several fun items.
	GLIT & BRILLIA Navy Bento Bag Bring your bento box to work in style with one of these made-for-bento handy bags. Easy to throw into your bag or briefcase.
	Kawaii Happy Smile Onigiri Wrapping Sheet Make the cutest <>onigiri rice balls in town with these wrapping sheets, and also enjoy World Flags for Kids lunches.
	Taiyaki, Takoyaki Makers Restocked Enjoy the traditional festival foods like Taiyaki (sweet fish shaped treats) and Takoyaki (octopus balls) at home.
	Fun Ways to Learn Hiragana See our handy hiragana chart, which is specially coated to be waterproof for bath use. Also: hiragana bento cups!
	Strange But Wonderful Photobooks We love haikyo, which means modern ruins, and this is a great photobook that documents Japan's most lonely places.
	Radio-Cassette Pen / Pencil Case Your pencils and pens are cool too, so they need a cool place to hang out like this pen / pencil case that look like a retro style radio.
	Japanese Cotton Folding Fan Use the Japanese way to cool your body with this Japanese sensu (folding fan), perfect for those hot summer days. Made of cotton for long life.
	Japanese Summer Seasonal Items, Bells etc We've also got many great summer seasonal items in stock, including charming wind chimes that will make summer special.
	Wooden SHOGI with English Instruction Show off your skills or teach your friends the ancient game of Shogi (Japanese chess) with this mini, portable set.
	Exquisite Figures for Pre-order These figures are just amazing, and so realistic. See the characters from FREEing, Love Plus, Odin's Sphere, Infinite Stratos and many more.
	AnoHana iPhone Cases One of the most satisfying anime to come along since, er, Madoka Magika. Now you can always see Menma and Anaru on your phone. Menma!!!
	Denpa Onna Items We think Erio and the characters from Denpa Onna are great, so we're pleased to have so many new items from the series here. Enjoy.
	The Best Magazine Deluxe Last Issue Aug 2011 The Best is back again, this time taking a close look at the ecchi lives of Japanese men and women. As always, beautiful girls inside.
	Great Restocked Photobooks We have some outstanding photobooks, including Tsubasa Amami, Yuma Asami and Riko Yamaguchi. I could eat them up, they look so good.
	Anime Artbook (Moe) If you are a fan of Moe artwork, these are the artbooks you should be look at. Tony Taka, Hagane Tsuruki and more.
	Do You Remember Love? From ToysHeart comes the Valkyrie, a body massager that will make you question when the last time you had such a loving touch. Love the name, too.
	Love Body Aki, plus holes and accessories Love Body Aki is a blow-up doll you can dress and accessorize to meet your own personal preferences and wants. Big restocking today.
	Yukkuri Panic: Escalation Golden Master! The hottest yuri game in years is in stock and shipping now! This superb game, which lets you experience a multi-path visual novel with all girl-girl action, includes a separate "Gal's Panic" style arcade game in which you must remove each layer of clothing to get something good underneath. View products »