More photos taken at the Kotobukiya office! This time we take a look at 1/8 scale Asuna from Sword Art Online (SAO). Pre-order info should be up at the Kotobukiya site later this month where the official product title will be "Asuna -Aincrad-"

Is it just me or did Kotobukiya figures just get a huuuuge boost in the detail of their figures? The details on Asuna are pretty awesome. The flowing hair, detail on her uniform, sword and base too.

There is a poll embedded in this article.
There is a poll embedded in this article.

And here is a trailer for those who have not seen SAO yet.

And this is what Asuna would look like in your workspace.
While most figures are sculpted to look good from the front, Kotobukiya Asuna looks great when you display her on your desk as she is leaning back a bit - you get to look into her eyes as you work ^^;

And that was Asuna who will be announced soon on the Kotobukiya site.

More photos from the Kotobukiya offices in a later post!
In the meantime, catch up with more figure reviews and news listed up below.

Read more about Mirai Suenaga >>>

Mikudayo [ミクダヨー] is a nickname given to the human-size costume (kigurumi) of Nendoroid Hatsune Miku. The costume was shown for the first time at the Tokyo Game Show 2011 to promote the Nintendo 3DS game Hatsune Miku and Future Stars: Project Mirai. However, folks felt that there was something odd about the costume - perhaps even scary ^^;

Mikudayo's scary form has made her popular among the Japanese otaku community which prompted a load of interesting photoshopping. Good Smile Company seized the business opportunity and brought out not only a Nendoroid of her but now we are blessed with a 1/8 scale vinyl figure too^^;

• Product Name: Mikudayo
  
• Series: Character Vocal Series 01: Hatsune Miku
  
• Scale: 1/8
  
• Material: PVC, ABS
  
• Height: Around 200mm
  
• Spec: Painted, articulated.
  
• Sculptor: Shirasaki Isao
  
• Release Date: May 2013
  
• Retail Price: 7,800 yen

Head along to Good Smile Company for more info about Mikudayo.

If you are interested in pre-ordering this figure then check out the following trusted online retailers.

• http://www.1999.co.jp/eng/
  
• http://www.amiami.com
  
• http://hlj.com
  
• http://jlist.com
  
• http://kidnemo.com
  
• http://toylet.net

And for those who are not familiar with Mikudayo then check her out in action in the video below. If the video has been eaten then check out this search query on YouTube.

There is a poll embedded in this article.

THE iDOLM@STER: Cinderella Girls [アイドルマスターシンデレラガールズ] is a social mobile game based off the iDOLMASTER franchise. This game is similar to the other iDOLM@STER games in which the player will become a producer whose job is to manage the idols so that they can achieve successful careers (and make a load of moolah for the evil producer). The mobile game is also available for the iPhone and Android.

From this social game comes a collection of Nendoroid Petite figures featuring five characters from the game: Shibuya Rin [渋谷凛], Futaba Anzu [双葉杏], Mimura Kanako [三村かな子], Takagaki Kaede [高垣楓] and Jougasaki Rika [城ヶ崎莉嘉]. There are also two secret characters that are dressed up in their 'Plus+' outfits from the game, creating a total of seven different figures to collect.

• Product Name: Nendoroid Petite: iDOLM@STER Cinderella Girls - Stage 01
  
• Series: THE iDOLM@STER: Cinderella Girls
  
• Scale: Non
  
• Material: PVC, ABS
  
• Height: Around 65mm
  
• Spec: Painted, articulated trading figures.
  
• Sculptor: Jyou Natsumi
  
• Release Date: May 2013
  
• Retail Price: 500 yen each (4,000 yen for a box of 8 figures)

Head along to Good Smile Company for more info about Nendoroid Petite: iDOLM@STER Cinderella Girls - Stage 01.

There is a poll embedded in this article.

If you are interested in pre-ordering these figures then check out the following trusted online retailers.

• http://www.1999.co.jp/eng/
  
• http://www.amiami.com
  
• http://hlj.com
  
• http://jlist.com
  
• http://kidnemo.com
  
• http://toylet.net

And for those who are not familiar with THE iDOLM@STER: Cinderella Girls then check them out in the official website.

I dont get much time to sit down and update the site with photos much often but I do update my Instagram on a nearly daily basis. My Instagram followers will know that I post photos of my daily life in Tokyo and also from when I travel abroad for business which is currently once a month ><

Today we take a look at the last 80 photos that I've posted over the past couple of weeks which covers my time in Tokyo and Singapore.
I've also included the original text that I used when posting the photo which may contain Japanese and some other languages that I'm learning ^^;

If you dont have an Instagram account then you can still keep up with my posts on my Tumblr.
Do you have an Instagram account? If so paste it in the comments!

K-ON ichiban kuji goodies. Which is your fave?

Meguro station in the Showa period.

Today's weather in Japan - sunny all round.

A recommended eat when you in Japan - Cocoichibanya for nomalicious curry.

Dindins with Azunyan. Makan malam bersama Azunyan. Tong azunyan sik fan.

Packing only the essentials for my trip to Singapore.

Last dinner beforehand I leave for Singapore is Yakitori. Then its pohpiah every night one.

Untuk semua fans Hatsune Miku. For all Miku fans - Miku Drink!

If you got MiraiClock3 for android and choose Rest mode, Mirai will fall asleep for 15 mins after 15 mins.
Also available for iOS.

Quick mail before boarding the ANA flight. See you in Singapore!

I must go now. My planet needs me.

Singapore touchdown liao!

Singapore foooooooooooood!

Pei Pa Koa get!

Get this glossy bag for free with all purchases at the Mirai Kopitiam at AFA12!

Yong Tau Foo for lunch. Head to Expo soon after lah.

Changing hotels - moving to a central location.

Saya minum Kratingdaeng! Yuki-chan hands me my Acceleration Device.

With co-emcee Yoshimi at my Mirai Ko pitiam booth.

Makan Pohpiah! Lunch!

Kaname and I are releasing a BL photo book. This is the cover.

Kaname x danny choo x AFA12 = new BL title. Wallao...

Kaname x Danny Choo x Yoshimi x AFA12. Caption this photo.

Wa chiak siew yook bui. Aya ho sik a yigor siew yook fan.

To all Moekana owners - how many of you knew about this?

In Singapore, do not remove your head in public - the blood makes a mess.

In Singapore, curtains are Azunyuan.

Singapore fung yau itasha.

Moekanji printed on office printer - figuring out rules.

Mega Ultra Extreme Heavy here-comes-atlantis type rain in Singapore.

Prawn Mee at Singapores China Town.

Meetings over some Roti Prata.

Now at vivocity kopitiam food court.

More Moekanji test playing.

Haruka Suenaga by Iizuki Tasuku sensei!

I love my Iizuki Tasuku-sensei carry-on ^^

At changi having $9 chicken rice...

At Singapore's Chinatown waiting for next meeting.

At Sim Lim square checking out your gadgets. Prices seem to be generally higher than Japan even for things like cables.

Singapore takeoff. Thanks for everything and see you again soon!

Tokyo Touchdown at Narita.

ANA business class was too comfy. Ended up sleeping instead of working ><

Thanks to wifey for not eating durian on the plane like last time ^^;

First meal back in Tokyo is tsukemen. They serve this in your neck of the woods too?

Tokyo itasha.

First lunch after getting back to Tokyo - Pokemon Mcdees.

Moekanji x Edo Wonderland!

Solar Marine Moekanji Mirai! So cute leh.

Today's Tokyo lunch is fly lice.

Mirai Millennium Moekanji version with Eiji Seiun!

Wa chiack Singapore laksa in Tokyo - made by wifey lah.

TV says Mag 4.9. No tsunami. Was quite a big quake ><

The Moekana corner at Kinokuniya LA!

My new wallet.

Hokkien mee in Tokyo.

After dindin desserts at Shibuya Hikarie.

Mirai Suenaga itasha for Comic Fiesta!

4 Kelezatan sekali gigit! Beng Beng enaaaaaak! Karin tucks into some noms.

Blue skies in Tokyo this morning. Currently heading to the Japan Mode studios.

Today's studio set for Japan Mode. Broadcast starts on Star World across Asia from Dec 1.

New Mirai Millennium character announced soon.

Bravest Mirai-chan fan ever.

Photo taken on the Galaxy S3.

Heading to kanamachi to meet a cast mould specialist.

Acceleration Device!

Cute (2D) girls everywhere in Japan.

First time I'm seeing this fruit. Do you know what its called? No it's not an apple.

Saya makan indo mie ^o^ instant noodles with Saber.

Dinner with Miki from Idolmaster.

Mai daughter Karin in Mirai Cheerleader cosplay.

Snow Miku Get liao.

Cutest Hatsune Miku ever?

Tonight's dinner in Tokyo is oppan izakaya style.

Finally sorting through the figure mess from the 2011.03 earthquake.

Cute waitress in this restaurant serving us shabu shabu in Tokyo this evening.

Putri saya makan beng beng hazelnut! Enak! Yuki snack time.

Currently at Haneda airport. About to head off to...

Haneda is a lovely airport and right in Tokyo. Try to choose it over Narita which is a couple of hours out.

I love Haneda airport! This is a snap of edo street inside.

A load of traditional Japanese ornaments.
More daily photos on my Instragram.

Those familiar with the series Robotic;Notes will know that Koujiro Frau [神代フラウ] is quite a cutie who is also a genius programmer who loves boys-love doujinshi. Now she is faithfully transformed into a Nendoroid by GSC.

She will have three expressions including a composed expression, an expression with a cunning smile and an expression that makes her look half-asleep. An alternate hair part is also included so that she can be displayed with her hair untied as if she just woke up. She will also bring along her Poke-com for important data collection, some Pockii, a boys-love doujinshi, as well as her beloved Gunvarrel plushie. Her outfit can also be changed using a companion AR application.

• Product Name: Nendoroid Koujiro Frau
  
• Series: Robotic;Notes
  
• Scale: Non
  
• Material: PVC, ABS
  
• Height: Around 100mm
  
• Spec: Painted, articulated trading figures.
  
• Sculptor: JUN (E.V.)
  
• Release Date: April 2013
  
• Retail Price: 3,500 yen

Head along to Good Smile Company for more info about Nendoroid Koujiro Frau.

If you are interested in pre-ordering this figure then check out the following trusted online retailers.

• http://www.1999.co.jp/eng/
  
• http://www.amiami.com
  
• http://hlj.com
  
• http://jlist.com
  
• http://kidnemo.com
  
• http://toylet.net

And for those who are not familiar with Koujiro Frau or Robotic;Notes then check her out in action in the video below. If the video has been eaten then check out this search query on YouTube.

Production is in full swing for the Worldwide Otaku Report but I'm sure you are wondering why its taking so long. The reason is that we had so many quality submissions that we felt that it was not fair just to feature 1 person from each country.
We are featuring multiple representatives from each country but that also means that it needs that much longer. Everything is being translated into Japanese as Japan is the main market for this book - although it will be available worldwide.

While the book is still under production (ETA is Q1 2013), I'll be featuring some of the folks who have made it into the book. Last time we showcased Rob from the UK and today we feature Rayun from Switzerland who is an eroge otaku.

Rayun is a big fan of Yuzusoft and I'm happy that I've been able to hook him and the Yuzusoft team together to work on something that neither he nor I can talk about just yet ^^;

The following submitted by Reto Rayun for his Self Intro.

Reto is a young, proud and funny guy from Zurich whose mother tongue is German but also speaks English, French and a little Japanese. Currently he's working at the Swiss Railways as Conductor on the long-distance trains. His curiosity is endless and he loves travelling trough his beloved Switzerland.

In his spare time he sometimes work with a friend in the e-business sector. They've a small web design firm through which they're able to earn some money for their further goals.

Because of his age (21) many outside people thinks he's ordinary but the truth is quite different, isn't it? During duty he's the serious one but after work he enjoys being a child in his spacious sanctuary.

Rayun tells us about his otaku interests.

I'm interested in merchandising. Especially character goodies like dakimakuras, figures, pillows, shirts, sheets, straps, tapestries and more. I’d also like to watch some anime if I could find time after a hard day’s work. What else? Ah, playing eroge en masse to improve my Japanese skills. I know this sounds wrong but I’m sure you guys get it.

My otaku life is the cream of the crop and I wouldn't change anything. Everythime when I get up or come home from work I can smile happily at a load of sugar-sweet girlies in my rooms. Always in my spare time I wear my otaku stuff with pride and I try to visit each otaku event in Switzerland and abroad but very often I have a full schedule. It's my real pleasure to share that culture with other people.

I'm a member of the "Otaku Gurupu Switzerland". It's one of the biggest otaku circles in Switzerland and entirely organized via Facebook. Currently there are over 400 members and the majority of people know each other in real life. Joining them turned out to be a great idea. The group focuses on organizing events for members and cosplay shootings.

Rayun tells us about the otaku/anime culture in his country.

In my opinion the culture is still unknown in Switzerland and many people don't have a fancy for it. But I'm still glad that there are some groups who give their best to show the most beautiful side of the otaku culture. Especially I refer to diversity!

Everybody should have the chance to learn about the diversity of the beautiful Japan culture. I wish more and better planned events in different regions of Switzerland. More cooperation is needed!

Let the world be a part of your fantastic culture and passionate work . There are so many restrictions in case of license or especially amusement products. And also there is a language barrier in Japan. English is already difficult for some people and Japanese is the most difficult goal. I'm hoping that they will look for new horizons. I'm pretty sure there is a market for more stuff from Japan!

And if you want a better look at Rayun's room then check out the video below.

Read more about Mirai Suenaga >>>

Update! I've been told that Touch N Go cant launch the Mirai Suenaga Touch N Go in time for Comic Fiesta which is on the 22nd December. I need your help to tell them otherwise!
Please call them on +603-2714 8888 (also listed at the top of their website) and let them know that the Mirai Suenaga Touch N Go card must be available to sell at Comic Fiesta December 22nd.

You can also Tweet them or head into one of their branches. A Mirai fan was kind enough to set up a petition too! Please sign it but you dont have to put in your real address I think - just put "moo boo" or something in the address field ^^;

Touch N Go - Malaysia's prepaid card has just been given the Mirai Suenaga treatment!
Illustration is by DMYO!

Touch N Go is used everywhere - its used to get on the trains, busses, pay highway tolls, used in convenient stores and much much more.

The Mirai Suenaga Touch N Go was first announced at the Anime Festival Asia Malaysia last week.

Had a few on display - were so sought after that a few people tried to break into the cabinets and take them @.@ ;;;

I've only printed a few (which actually work) but I want millions to be printed and sold throughout Malaysia - hopefully they can go on sale first at Comic Fiesta this December? Do stay tuned!

What form of electronic payment cards do they have in your region? I think london has Oyster and Hong Kong has Octopus? Or was that Singapore?

The popular Senran Kagura [閃乱カグラ] series of video games is getting the anime treatment this January. The anime will be directed by Watanabe Takashi [渡部高志] (Shakugan no Shana, Ikki Tousen) and produced by Artland [アートランド] (Katekyo Hitman Reborn!, Mushi-shi).
Senran Kagura will begin airing January 6 on AT-X at 8:30 PM JST.

Senran Kagura is a story of courage and love that follows five girls from the National Hanzo Academy as they train to become "good ninja" who fight for the sake of the country against "evil ninja" who are hired by corporations and corrupt politicians. All the girls are equiped with standard Ninja issue - huge wobbly oppai.

Main Characters

• Asuka [飛鳥] voiced by Harada Hitomi [原田ひとみ]
  
• Ikaruga [斑鳩] voiced by Imai Asami [今井麻美]
  
• Katsuragi [葛城] voiced by Kobayashi Yu [小林ゆう]
  
• Yagyuu [柳生] voiced by Mizuhashi Kaori [水橋かおり]
  
• Hibari [雲雀] voiced by Iguchi Yuka [井口裕香]

The OP will be Break Your World by Sasaki Sayaka [佐咲紗花], and the ending songs will be Shissouron [疾走論] by Harada Hitomi [原田ひとみ], Fighting Dreamer by the National Hanzo Academy girls and Anya ha Otome wo Hana ni Suru [闇夜は乙女を花にする] by the Secret Snake Girl's School girls.There is a poll embedded in this article.

Oppai anime seems to be rather popular as oppai does tend to sell. Many animation production committees would rather stay in their comfort zone and dish out money on something that they know they are going to make a buck on rather than some risky history changing concept.

Are you an oppai anime fan?
There is a poll embedded in this article.

All screenshots from the PV.

If "Senran Kagura" looks familiar to you thats because you may have seen the game series it is based on. Senran Kagura [閃乱カグラ -少女達の真影-] first came out as a Nintendo 3DS game in 2011 from Marvelous Entertainment [マーベラスエンターテイメント].
Check out some of the animation and gameplay below.

Just now, a magnitude 7.3 earthquake just hit the East coast of Japan which shook half of the island. My house in Tokyo shook for a very long time spilling drinks.
Currently there is a tsunami alert in the Miyagi region - same area from the 2011.03 earthquake. Folks are being evacuated to high ground.

Mobile networks are jammed.

Tokyo seems fine but not a lot of info from up North. Will update you as I have more info.

Twitter account @earthquakejapan predicted this quake 5 hours ago but there was no such warning in Japan.

@earthquake_jp also has more info.

Updates go to my Twitter first.
https://twitter.com/dannychoo

Update:
First tsunami wave hit but no damage.
https://twitter.com/dannychoo/status/276977554374668288

Reports are in saying that today's quake a huge aftershock from the 2011.03 earthquake.
http://www3.nhk.or.jp/news/html/20121207/k10014034151000.html

Friday 7th 18:53
Nuclear reactors seems to be fine. Highways are fine. Few delays on trains. Mobile networks still jammed.

Friday 7 19:21
Phew. All tsunami warnings have been lifted as of 1 minute ago.

To let you know that our new Culture Japan Apparel line is starting to ramp up. The line will focus on clothing and accessories branded with our own characters (Mirai Suenaga and co) but I may do some other licensed characters from anime and eroge titles working directly with some of my clients.

We are starting out with mainly color T-shirts but other lines such as the hoodies are just around the corner.
While most other anime licensed T-shirts usually retail at 3,000 yen - 6,000 yen (just like these and these), we are making efforts to streamline as many processes as possible and build relationships with folks in the various supply chains which will enable us to reduce costs - this enables us to competitively price our products and give back savings to the consumer.

The first line of Moekana T-shirts went on sale at Anime Festival Asia 2012 Singapore and the response was overwhelming! The Moekana T-shirts will be on sale next with an additional 2 designs at Comic Fiesta Malaysia on December 22nd - 23rd.

We are learning a load of new stuff with this new venture including manufacturing processes, pricing, tax policies, distribution and more. Next we need fo figure out how to distribute on a global level while maintaining scalability of the business.

After Malaysia, we head to the Thailand Game Show where I will be speaking and also have a booth where we will be selling our T-shirts.

A Moekana T-shirt is the easiest way to cosplay as Mirai Suenaga!

Our Eiji Seiun in his Moekana Cheerleader T-shirt. Yes I want to make some of those Retrokyu keyrings - but the easiest way to get one is probabbly by sticking a chain in the one that comes with the Mirai Nendoroid.

And here is the actual Moekana T-shirt. I kinda like the tight V-shaped fit which is why they are cut like so. But for folks who dont want to show their B or B (Bewbs or Belly) can go for the larger sizes ^^;

Apart from our own character branded T-shirts, what other anime or eroge licensed apparel would you like to see?
There is a poll embedded in this article.
There is a poll embedded in this article.
There is a poll embedded in this article.

Back in July, I started a new photo series "In the Summer" where we took a look at what various places around Tokyo looked like during the baking hot season.
I thought It only made sense to share what its like in this freezing cold Winter season - introducing the "In the Winter" photo series! Today we take a look around the Ikebukuro area.

Ikebukuro is a lively shopping district filled with restaurants and is also home to stores like Tokyu Hands (hardware and lifestyle goods) and also otaku stores like Animate, Gamers and Toranoana.

Most of the stuff to be seen is on the East Exit side of Ikebukuro station which is on the JR Yamanote line.
[gmap=35.72969, 139.71293]

And you can checkout what Ikebukuro looks like in the Summer!

Read more about Mirai Suenaga >>>

Am delighted to announce that Mirai Suenaga is now a mascot for the Japanese book store Kinokuniya! I'm currently working with headquarters in Japan to bring Moekana and Mirai related products to their branches worldwide starting with the Japanese language learning series Moekana.

The Moekana poster at the entrance of their Los Angeles store.

And here is the Moekana corner which should be filled with other Mirai goodies soon including T-shirts, Nendoroids, Carry Cases and Moekanji soooooon!
They also got the Moekana CM running on the monitor.

All US stores and the Kuala Lumpur branch is confirmed to have Moekana stock so you can go in now to pick up a pack. As Moekana has just started to get onto Kinokuniya's distribution network, some other stores may not have it in stock yet so please call your local store and request them to contact headquarters in Japan to get stock.
A list of the Kinokuniya stores worldwide listed up below. You can also go to Kinokuniya.com for more info.

United States

New York Store flagship store right next to Bryant Park.
1073 Avenue of the Americas
(Between 40th & 41st St)
New York, NY 10018 (map/directions)
Phone: 212-869-1700/ Fax: 212-869-1703
nyinfo@kinokuniya.com
Hours: Mon-Sat 10:00AM - 8:00PM/ Sun 11:00AM - 7:30PM

San Francisco Store
1581 Webster St (between Geary Blvd & Post St)
San Francisco, CA 94115 (map/directions)
sf@kinokuniya.com
Phone: 415-567-7625/ Fax: 415-567-4109
Hours: Daily 10:30AM - 8:00PM

San Jose Store
685 Saratoga Ave
San Jose, CA 95129 (map/directions)
Phone: 408-252-1300/ Fax: 408-252-2687
san_jose@kinokuniya.com
Hours: Mon-Fri 10:00AM - 8:00PM/ Sat- Sun 9:00AM - 8:00PM

Los Angeles Store
123 Astronaut Ellison S Onizuka St Suite 205
Los Angeles, CA 90012 (map/directions)
Phone: 213-687-4480/ Fax: 213-621-4456
los_angeles@kinokuniya.com
Hours: Daily 10:00AM - 8:00PM

Costa Mesa Store
Mitsuwa Marketplace
665 Paularino Ave
Costa Mesa, CA 92626 (map/directions)
Phone: 714-662-2319/ Fax: 714-662-2474
costa_mesa@kinokuniya.com
Hours: Daily 10:00AM - 8:00PM

Seattle Store
525 South Weller St.
Seattle, WA 98104 (map/directions)
Phone: 206-587-2477/ Fax: 206-587-0160
seattle@kinokuniya.com
Hours: Mon-Sat 10:00AM - 9:00PM/ Sun 10:00AM - 8:00PM

Portland Store
10500 S.W. Beaverton-Hillsdale Hwy
Beaverton, OR 97005 (map/directions)
Phone: 503-641-6240/ Fax: 503-643-1059
portland@kinokuniya.com
Hours: Daily 10:00AM - 8:00PM

New York Sales Office
Chonghwi Kim
Phone: 212-869-1028 ext.109/ Fax: 212-869-1703
nysales@kinokuniya.com
Mayako Ishikawa
Phone: 212-869-1028 ext.125
nyso@kinokuniya.com
San Francisco Sales Office
Nao Sugiyama
Phone:415-567-6787/ Fax: 415-567-4109
sugiyama@kinokuniya.com

Singapore

Singapore Main Store
391 Orchard Road
#03-09/10/15 Ngee Ann City
Takashimaya Shopping Centre
Singapore 238872
Tel: +65 6737-5021
Fax: +65 6738-0487
(Opening hours: Sun to Fri - 10am to 9.30pm & Sat - 10am to 10pm)

Liang Court Store
177 River Valley Road
#03-50 Liang Court
Singapore 179036
Tel: +65 6337-1300
Fax: +65 6338-1278
(Opening hours: Daily - 10.30am to 9.30pm)

Bugis Junction Store
200 Victoria Street
#03-09/12 Bugis Junction Singapore 188021
Tel: +65 6339-1790
Fax: +65 6339-1792
(Opening hours: Daily - 10.30am to 10.00pm)

Malaysia

Kuala Lumpur Store (Malaysia) Sdn. Bhd. (181998-D)
Lot 406-408 & 429-430
Level 4, Suria KLCC
Kuala Lumpur City Centre
50088 Kuala Lumpur
Tel: 03-21648133
Fax: 03-21628599
Opening hours:
Monday to Sunday
10am to 10pm

Bangkok

Bangkok Store
6th Floor, Isetan Department Store, CentralWorld, Rajdamri Road, Pathumwan, Bangkok 10330 Thailand
Tel: +662 255 9834
Fax: +662 255 9837
(Opening hours: Daily - 10am to10pm)

Sukhumvit Store
3rd Floor Emporium Shopping Complex 622 Sukhumvit 24 Road, Klongton,Klongtoey Bangkok 10110 Thailand
Tel: +662 664 8554-8
Fax: +662 664-8559
(Opening hours: Daily - 10am to10pm)

Siam Paragon Store
3rd Level Siam Paragon, 991 Rama I Road, Pathumwan, Bangkok 10330 Thailand
Tel: (66) 2610 9500
Fax: (66) 2610 9510
(Opening hours: Daily - 10am to10pm)

Australia

Books Kinokuniya
The Galeries, Level 2,
500 George Street (opposite QVB)
Sydney NSW 2000
Tel: 02 9262-7996
Fax: 02 9283-1055
Email: aus@kinokuniya.com

Taiwan

台北微風店
10556台北市松山區復興南路一段39號(微風廣場5F)
TEL：02-2721-2304 FAX：02-2777-4027
營業時間:
週日~ 三 11:00 ~ 21:30
週四~ 六 11:00 ~ 22:00

台北天母店
11148台北市士林區忠誠路二段55號 (大葉高島屋12F)
TEL：02-2832-0406 FAX：02-2831-7345
營業時間:
週日 ~ 四 11:00 ~ 21:30
週五 ~ 六 11:00 ~ 22:00

台中中港店
40360台中市西區台中港路一段299號(廣三崇光百貨12F)
TEL：04-2329-3086 FAX：04-2325-5383
營業時間:
週一 ~ 五 11:00 ~ 22:00
週六 ~ 日 10:30 ~ 22:00

高雄漢神店
80146高雄市前金區成功一路266-1號(漢神百貨B3F)
TEL：07-215-8788 FAX：07-215-3988

營業時間:
週一 ~ 四 11:00 ~ 22:00
週五 11:00 ~ 22:30 （例假日前一天）
週六 10:30 ~ 22:30
週日 10:30 ~ 22:00 （例假日當天）

高雄漢神巨蛋店
81358高雄市左營區博愛二路777號 (漢神巨蛋購物廣場6F)
TEL：07-552-8292 FAX：07-552-8219
營業時間:
週一 ~ 四 11:00 ~ 22:00
週五 11:00 ~ 22:30 （例假日前一天）
週六 10:30 ~ 22:30
週日 10:30 ~ 22:00 （例假日當天）

Dubai

The Dubai Mall
Level 2, SF-025, Financial Centre Rd., Down Town Burj Khalifa,
P.O.Box 283578, Dubai, United Arab Emirates
Tel : +971 4 4340111
Fax : +971 4 4340112
Email : dubai@kinokuniya.com

Kinokuniya Los Angeles will be taking pre-orders for Mirai Suenaga Nendoroid this Saturday December 15th - just pop into the store between 12 and 4 to pre-order. If you pre-order (you have to pay for the Nendoroid first) then Kinokuniya will give you some goodies!

• A 10 USD Kinokuniya giftcard which you can use on that day.
  
• 20% off a purchase of Moekana
  
• Mini standee of Mirai Suenga wearing the Kinokuniya apron.

Kinokuniya Los Angeles have a large selection of Japanese manga and wot not - check out the photos of the store.

Figure maker Kotobukiya was kind enough to let us raid their offices the other day and take photos of a few of their up n coming figures including Cu-poche Saber and the most gorgeous Sword Art Online Asuna.

Cu-poche is non-scale posable action figure series that was recently started by Kotobukiya. This new figure line features super deformed characters equipped with many points of articulations in the neck, shoulder, elbow, wrist, waist, knee and ankles. Magnets are implanted into the feet parts, so the figure will be able to stand firmly without relying too much on the arm-stand.

This time Cu-poche adds Kousaka Kirino from light novel/anime series Ore no Imouto ga Konna ni Kawaii Wake ga Nai into their line-up. Cu-poche Kirino will come with three exchangable face parts, a cellphone, a school bag, as well as several optional body parts.

• Product Name: Cu-poche Kousaka Kirino
  
• Series: Ore no Imouto ga Konna ni Wake ga Nai
  
• Scale: Non-scale
  
• Material: PVC, ABS, magnet
  
• Height: Around 110mm
  
• Spec: Pre-painted action figure
  
• Sculptor: Hideaki Oya
  
• Release Date: May 2013
  
• Retail Price: 3,500 yen

Head along to Kotobukiya for more info about Kirino.

There is a poll embedded in this article.
Looks cute to me! Look forward to getting my grubby mitts on these - maybe stick some on the fridge seeing as they got magnetic feet.

If you are interested in pre-ordering this figure then check out the following trusted online retailers.

• http://www.1999.co.jp/eng/
  
• http://www.amiami.com
  
• http://hlj.com
  
• http://jlist.com
  
• http://kidnemo.com
  
• http://toylet.net

And for those who are not familiar with Kousaka Kirino and Ore no Imouto ga Konna ni Kawaii Wake ga Nai then check her out in action in the video below. If the video has been eaten then check out this search query on YouTube.

And this is what she would look like in your workspace.

Charlotte Dunois from Infinite Stratos - the cutest thing since sliced bread and now in bunny figure form thanks to Kotobukiya. This 1/7 scale figure was so poplar that they are currently taking pre-orders for a second production run so soon after she was initially released this October. The second run is due out next May. Retail price is 8,190 yen but you can get her discounted on some of the following trusted online retailers listed below.
http://www.1999.co.jp/eng/
http://www.amiami.com
http://hlj.com
http://jlist.com
http://kidnemo.com
http://toylet.net

There is a poll embedded in this article.

This figure is absolutely gorgeous - sculpt and paintwork is spot on and the sculpt really shows off her smexy form and sweet face too. Many figures only look good from a particular angle but look off from another - Charlotte looks great no matter where you are looking from. Stockings are just like the ones you've seen on many Freeing figures and the base is kinda like carpet - a lovely orange too.

All the little rabbits are removable - the one on her hip is attached by a magnet which is implanted in her hip. The very cute pose really does brighten up the workplace - having two of the same figure could be a good idea as she looks especially good from behind too ^^;

And if you are not familiar with Charlotte (voice actress Kana Hanazawa) then check her out in action below.

There is a poll embedded in this article.

Read more about Mirai Suenaga >>>

I love cycling around Tokyo and every time I go out on my roadbike, I always thought to myself that it would be great if I could take you along too - well now I can with my GoPro HD Hero video camera which is attached to the phone mount that you can see in this post.

The GoPro lets me take full 1080p video footage. The video quality is great but the sound is not so which is why you cant hear any in the video below - its just wind ^^; You can also get along to YouTube to view the full HD version. Images in this post are screencaps from the video.

There is a poll embedded in this article.

And this is my steed - the GIOS Leggero.

And this is the GoPro - its the old version though which I picked up last year - only used it a few times. Will do up a review later.

Read more about Mirai Suenaga >>>

Hidamari Sketch x Honeycomb is the fourth season of the anime series Hidamari Sketch. The series centers around the everyday life of a young girl named Yuno [ゆの] who is finally able to get accepted into Yamabuki Art High School in order to chase her dream to become a great artist. Now she is going to get a Nendoroid of herself made by Good Smile Company.

She will have a standard, a smiling and a blank expression with stickers allowing you to create various extra expressions. She will also bring along a number of optional parts that you would expect from an art student, such as her sketchbook, a pencil, some bread to munch on and even a Nendoroid-sized version of Ume-sensei.

• Product Name: Nendoroid Yuno
  
• Series: Hidamari Sketch x Honeycomb
  
• Scale: Non
  
• Material: PVC, ABS
  
• Height: Around 100mm
  
• Spec: Painted, articulated trading figures.
  
• Sculptor: Maruhige
  
• Release Date: May 2013
  
• Retail Price: 3,500 yen

Head along to Good Smile Company for more info about Nendoroid Yuno.

If you are interested in pre-ordering this figure then check out the following trusted online retailers.

• http://www.1999.co.jp/eng/
  
• http://www.amiami.com
  
• http://hlj.com
  
• http://jlist.com
  
• http://kidnemo.com
  
• http://toylet.net

And for those who are not familiar with Yuno or Hidamari Sketch x Honeycomb then check her out in action in the video below. If the video has been eaten then check out this search query on YouTube.

Tamako Market [たまこまーけっと] is an upcoming original anime by Kyoto Animation [京都アニメーション] being directed by Yamada Naoko [山田尚子] (K-on!, K-on!!, K-on! (movie)) with the same team brought you the K-on! series.
Tamako Market will begin airing on Tokyo MX January 10th at 0:30 AM.

Kitashirakawa Tamako is a first year high school student who loves mochi and the shotengai she grew up in. While busy working at her family's mochi shop on New Years' Eve, an uppity talking bird suddenly shows up and moves in with her family.

Main Characters

• Kitashirakawa Tamako [北白川たまこ] played by Suzaki Aya [洲崎 綾]
  
• Tokiwa Midori [常盤みどり] played by Kaneko Yuuki[金子有希]
  
• Makino Kanna [牧野かんな] played by Nagatsuma Juri [長妻樹里]
  
• Tori [鳥] played by Yamazaki Takumi [山崎 たくみ]

These scans taken from yande.re. Follow the link for the full size scans!

The girls are soooo cute! but - if you change just the hairstyles of these characters then they kinda look exactly like 3 other familiar characters ^^;
But that cant be a bad thing can it?

I love cute anime girls and I love shotengai too - so this is most certainly on my watch list.
There is a poll embedded in this article.

And here is the other popular Kyoani title K-ON with a few new faces ^^; The wallpaper of this image lives here.

A close up of one of those new faces ^^

And read this post to find out more about Shotengai before the anime starts - its always nice to know a bit about Japanese culture before watching a new show.

Mondai-Ji-tachi ga Isekai Kara Kuru Sou Desu Yo? (Don't Problem Children Come From an Alternate World?) [問題児たちが異世界から来るそうですよ?] (Mondai-ji or Mondaiji [問題児] for short) is an upcoming light novel adaptation being directed by Kusakawa Keizou [草川 啓造] (Magical Girl Lyrical Nanoha A’s, Sekirei) with animation production by diomedea [ディオメディア] (Campione!, Squid Girl).
Mondaiji will begin airing on Tokyo MX January 12, 1:30 AM JST.

Sakamaki Izayoi, a 17 year old who possesses a gift that grants him immense power, is bored with the world around him. One day receives a letter that magically summons him to another world where other “problematic children” (Mondaiji) like him have been gathered.

Main Characters

• Sakamaki Izayoi [逆廻 十六夜] played by Asanuma Shintarou [浅沼晋太郎]
  
• Kudou Asuka [久遠 飛鳥] played by Bridcut Sarah Emi [ブリドカットセーラ恵美]
  
• Kasukabe Yo [春日部 耀] played by Nakajima Megumi [中島愛]
  
• Kuro Usagi [黒ウサギ] played by Nomizu Iori [野水伊織]

You can hear a sample of the OP Black † White performed by Nomizu Iori [野水いおり] in the PV. The ED will be To Be Continued? performed by Sadohara Kaori [佐土原かおり].

Bunny girls with pink hair and big anime eyes? Sounds like its on my watch list - and you?
There is a poll embedded in this article.

Following screenshots are all from the PV above.

The last image from the light novel can be found in wallpaper form at Konachan.

Learning to brush ones teeth can be scary for some kids in Japan - but thanks to anime, things dont have to be so scary after all.
Introducing Doraemon and Dorami - two anime characters who kids love. Plushies of these 2 characters have been modified with human teeth so that kids can practice teeth brushing without having to feel scared at all...

More products to help children keep their molars white n shiny. The tagline for this product is "The teeth are inside this smiling head so that the kids dont need to be scared while listening to how to brush their teeth."
Amazon have this product for a laughable 20,000 yen (240 USD)

Images from Google Image Search.

Find out more about the Culture Japan girls >>>

I'm delighted to announce that I can finally make it to Comic Fiesta this year! for the past couple of years due to Culture Japan filming, I was unable to be in Malaysia at this time of year. This time however, Japan Mode filming is complete and I'll be heading to Malaysia next week to attend Comic Fiesta.

Comic Fiesta is Malaysia's longest running convention that focuses on animation, comics and games. Check out this post to see what its like.

This year I'll be speaking on stage and also have a booth - the Mirai Kopitiam! I'm also bringing with me Good Smile Company and Bushiroad who are attending for the first time - they will each have their own booth spaces too. The big boss of Bushiroad Kidani-san will also be coming.
There will be a load of other guests too including Redjuice sensei. I'm due to be on stage on Saturday around 3PM-ish.

Comic Fiesta takes place on December 22 - 23rd (Sat/Sun) at the KL Convention Center. Nearest station is KLCC Station (Putra LRT).
Kuala Lumpur Convention Centre Jalan Ampang, 50088 Kuala Lumpur, Wilayah Persekutuan Kuala Lumpur.
[gmap=3.15405, 101.71330]

And here are some of the goodies that we will have at the Mirai Kopitiam booth! As for Touch N Go - even with your support to fill in the petition, they didn't get their act together. I'll be over in Malaysia next week though and will try to directly negotiate with them though. Will keep you updated.

First up we have the Moekana T-shirts.

A Moekana T-shirt is the easiest way to cosplay as Mirai-chan!

Also the easiest way to cosplay as Eiji-kun.

Apart from the Cheerleader and Tora T-shirts, we introduce the Hinomaru (Japanese flag) and Solar Marine versions too.

Each T-shirt comes with a Moekana Couple Set - 1 card is Mirai-chan.

And the other card is Eiji-kun.

The Mirai Carry Cases will also be available for purchase too.

Each Mirai Carry Case comes with a Janket set (3 cards).

We got a load of posters too - different selection from Singapore.
First up is a Moekana calendar poster. All of these are A2 sized.

Mirai Winter uniform version illustrated by Iizuki Tasuku-sensei.

Moekana Beginner version (has romaji).

Comic Fiesta poster featuring Tea and Coffy - only on sale at CF2012. Illustration by Ikkyuu-sensei.

The posters we printed in Singapore were coated in waterproof coating which looked great but made the edges curl up too much. The posters for Malaysia are still glossy but not waterproof and thus dont curl up.

Mirai in her Solar Marine uniform illustrated by Piromizu-sensei.

Schoolgirls!

Mirai in her Solar Marine uniform illustrated by Koku-sensei.

Moekana Master version (no romaji).

Mirai in Solar Marine uniform by Pinax (Pinakes) sensei.

There is actually another poster that you can see here in the bottom left - the Mirai Millennium poster - a fave of mine which I cant wait to get a hold of myself!

Each poster comes with an Itasha Moekana card.

All purchases come with a Mirai glossy bag - we are preparing another design too!

And here are the prices for the Moekana T-shirts. When the T-shirts go on sale worldwide, the retail price will initially be 2,500 yen. While we price lower than other Japanese T-shirt brands (just like these and these), we want to make them even more affordable as we develop our apparel business. In the near future, I beleive that we will be able to further reduce costs passing back savings to our customers.

Also, rather than just choose what anime T-shirts we think you want - we ask you want you want first. so for example:-
1. My question to Facebook followers.
2. Sorting out licensing.
3. The result.

Anyway back to the pricing for Moekana T-shirts at Comic Fiesta.
Each T-shirt is RM90, If you buy 2 they are RM80 each and if you buy 3 or more they are RM75 each. Remember that these come with the exclusive Moekana Couple cards and a glossy bag - and something else which I'll show you at the end of this post ^^

Price is just a little bit cheaper than Singapore because we ordered more T-shirts enabling us to reduce our unit cost and pass back savings onto our customers.

The carry cases are RM30 each and if you buy two they are RM25 each.

Posters are RM25 each and if you buy 2 or more then they are RM20 each.

If you dont want any of the stuff at our kopitiam but like the look of the bags then, you can pick them up for RM10 each.

A collaboration with AmiAmi! We have printed a limited run of these postcards and will give 1 free with every transaction at the Mirai Kopitiam - while stocks last!
Unfortunately you cant buy them separately.

Artists impression of the Mirai Kopitiam - a few changes over the Singapore one.

Look forward to seeing you at Comic Fiesta! If you want me to sign anything or have photos then I can do so when I'm around the booth. We also have Culture Japan Night on the 24th so I can do signatures and wot not then too.

Find out more about the Culture Japan girls >>>