Anime Festival Asia heads back to homeland in Singapore - AFA13 had yet another incredible turnout - more content, more guests and for the Culture Japan booth - more upgrades.

Our first sales booth was actually this time last year at AFA12 - since then we have set up store at various anime events around the world and have been learning and gaining experience as we go along.

At each event we do things like study the flow of people, see how long it takes to process 1 transaction, how long it takes to set up, how the layout and graphics in the booth convert new customers etc etc - we learn from mistakes & successes and implement improvements in the next booth.

The layout of our AFA13 booth has been the most optimal so far which took a minimal amount of time to setup. We included a screen at the top and used a Short Throw Projector to show some Smart Doll ads - videos ran on a small android device.
The screen was a wee bit washed out due to the hall lighting but we think we may have a solution which we will be implementing at Comic Fiesta in Malaysia next month.

This post contains a video, click here to view.

Our Culture Japan Singapore team!

And this is what we get when we arrive - a shell scheme built to our specifications - we then decorate and fill up the stocks.

Setting up is always fun. We find team members in each region mainly from those who regularly comment on this site - its easy to build trust with folks who have been part of the community.
If you are interested in helping out in future events then let me know!

Oh - and the new orange T-shirt that Mirai-chan is wearing is made by Murasaki.me.

Going to leave you with a wall of photos taken around our booth. Thanks to everybody who dropped by ^o^

Read more about Mirai Suenaga >>>

Anime Festival Asia heads back to homeland in Singapore - AFA13 had yet another incredible turnout - more content, more guests and for the Culture Japan booth - more upgrades.

Our first sales booth was actually this time last year at AFA12 - since then we have set up store at various anime events around the world and have been learning and gaining experience as we go along.

At each event we do things like study the flow of people, see how long it takes to process 1 transaction, how long it takes to set up, how the layout and graphics in the booth convert new customers etc etc - we learn from mistakes & successes and implement improvements in the next booth.

The layout of our AFA13 booth has been the most optimal so far which took a minimal amount of time to setup. We included a screen at the top and used a Short Throw Projector to show some Smart Doll ads - videos ran on a small android device.
The screen was a wee bit washed out due to the hall lighting but we think we may have a solution which we will be implementing at Comic Fiesta in Malaysia next month.

This post contains a video, click here to view.

Our Culture Japan Singapore team!

And this is what we get when we arrive - a shell scheme built to our specifications - we then decorate and fill up the stocks.

Setting up is always fun. We find team members in each region mainly from those who regularly comment on this site - its easy to build trust with folks who have been part of the community.
If you are interested in helping out in future events then let me know!

Oh - and the new orange T-shirt that Mirai-chan is wearing is made by Murasaki.me.

Going to leave you with a wall of photos taken around our booth. Thanks to everybody who dropped by ^o^

Read more about Mirai Suenaga >>>

*Kanata is often also referred to as Kanata-chan, where "-chan" is a suffix which expresses that the speaker finds the person endearing.

MoeManga Japanese Learning

Here are some of the keywords you may want to remember for your Japanese studies.

ひとつ上

ひとつ上 [ひとつうえ (hitotsu-ue)] - someone who is 1 year older. When you break it down, "ひとつ" means "one" and "上" means up/above. Often used when describing the person's age. When referring to someone younger, you would change "上" [うえ (ue)] to "下" [した(shita)].

• みっつ上 [みっつうえ (mittsu-ue)] - someone who is 3 years older.
• ひとつ下 [ひとつした (hitotsu-shita)] - someone who is 1 year younger.

先輩

先輩 [せんぱい (senpai)] - a senior or a superior at work or school. When calling someone who is your senpai, you would add "~先輩" at the end of their name. A junior on the other hand is called "後輩" [こうはい (kouhai)].

• かなた先輩 [かなたせんぱい (Kanata-senpai)] - senior Kanata.

報道部

報道部 [ほうどうぶ (houdou-bu)] - the news club. When you break it down, "報道" means "news/press/coverage" and "~部" means "club/department/section.

• 軽音部 [けいおんぶ (keion-bu)] - light music club.
• 剣道部 [けんどうぶ (kendou-bu)] - kendou club.

ディレクター

ディレクター [でぃれくたー (direcutar)] - the director.

担当

担当 [たんとう (tanntou)] - the manager.

厳しく

厳しく [きびしく (kibishiku)] - to be strict/severe. The plain adjective is 厳しい [きびしい(kibishii)].

指導

指導 [しどう (shidou)] - to advise/coach/lead/guide.

心優しい一面

心優しい一面 [こころ やさしい いちめん (kokoro yasashii ichimen)] - a kind or compassionate side. This is a compound word made up by the following three words:

• 心 [こころ (kokoro)] - heart.
• 優しい [やさしい (yasashii)] - kind/generous.
• 一面 [いちめん (ichimen)] - side/aspect.

知っている

知っている [しっている (shitteiru)] - to know/understand/realize. The plain verb is 知る [しる (shiru)].

Keywords from previous MoeManga posts are as follows.

• 人知れず
• 戦う
• 戦士
• ~こと~
• 一員

More MoeManga listed up below:

• MoeManga 003: Lucky Kitty
• MoeManga 00B: Haruka Suenaga
• MoeManga 00A: Mirai Suenaga
• Introducing MoeManga
• MoeManga 001: Lost your phone?
• MoeManga 002: Brain Power
• View more

Learn more Japanese Kanji with Moekanji Japanese Kanji Learning Cards >>

Find out more about the Mirai Millennium girls >>>

How many of you playing KanColle? Would your fave character be Shimakaze? If so then this Nendoroid of her will tickle your DFC fancy - photos taken at the GSC offices the other day.

The set includes 3 "Rensouhou-chan", "half-damaged" optional body and special effect parts. More details below:

• Product Name: Nendoroid Shimakaze (ねんどろいど しまかぜ)
• Series: Kantai Collection ~KanColle~
• Height: Approximately 100mm in height
• Spec: Painted ABS&PVC non-scale articulated figure with stand included
• Sculptor: JUN (E.V.)
• Retail Price: 4,500 yen (tax included)
• Release Date: April 2014

Check out Goodsmile Company for more details.

Pre-orders may or not be available at one of the following trusted online retailers - I hear many folks had a hard time reserving her.

• http://1999.co.jp/eng/
• http://amiami.com
• http://hlj.com
• http://jlist.com
• Amazon Japan

Folks who want to checkout Shimakaze in action first can checkout this post on KanColle (Kantai Collection).

Find out more about the Culture Japan girls >>>

Held for the first time in Tokyo last year, Dollism Plus Tokyo is back on a much bigger scale.
For those who are not beknowist, Dollism Plus focuses on Kaigai BJD's - non-Japanese Ball Jointed Dolls - mainly from Korea and China.

There were many dealers at the event who were selling the usual clothes and accessories too.
I went along and bumped into a load of folks who didn't know me as Danny - but as "Mr Smart Doll" ^^;

Find out more about the Culture Japan girls >>>

Held for the first time in Tokyo last year, Dollism Plus Tokyo is back on a much bigger scale.
For those who are not beknowist, Dollism Plus focuses on Kaigai BJD's - non-Japanese Ball Jointed Dolls - mainly from Korea and China.

There were many dealers at the event who were selling the usual clothes and accessories too.
I went along and bumped into a load of folks who didn't know me as Danny - but as "Mr Smart Doll" ^^;

Find out more about the Culture Japan girls >>>

Its been a while since we had a Places to visit in Japan post. Today we visit a Shinto Shrine called Nikko Toshogu [日光東照宮].
Built in 1617, Nikko Toshogu is dedicated to the founder of the Tokugawa shogunate - Ieyasu Tokugawa. Today its one of the most popular tourist attractions for Japanese and foreigners alike to go to take in the sights of a truly historic and traditional Japan - its also designated as a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

To get to Nikko Toshogu - use the following methods - copy pasted from the official site.

1. By Train

Asakusa to Tobu Nikko (Kegon Limited Express) Time required: Approx. 1 hour 50 min.
Asakusa to Tobu Nikko via Shimoimaichi (Kinu Limited Express + Local) Time required: Approx. 1 hour 50 min.
Asakusa to Tobu Nikko (Tobu Railway Rapid) Time required: Approx. 2 hours 5 min.
Shinjuku to Tobu Nikko (JR Nikko Limited Express) Time required: Approx. 2 hours

2. By Car

From the Tohoku Expressway Utsunomiya IC, take the Nikko Utsunomiya Road and exit at Nikko Interchange.
Proceed 2 km from Nikko Interchange.

In this post I'm going to cover more than just Toshogu - going to take a look at our weekend in Nikko starting from the traditional ryokan lodgings that we stayed at called Heikenosho [平家の庄].

I think it cost about 10,000 yen per person which included dinner, breakfast and access to their onsite hot spring onsen.

A Ryokan is basically a traditional Japanese hotel.

Placed outside many Japanese establishments are the racoons that you see on either side of the path. These are called "Tanuki" [たぬき] and are said to not only bring in good luck but to also protect the business.

The entrance inside - also includes a Maneki Neko cat for even more good fortune.

Inside the lodgings - filled with traditional Japanese ornaments.

A load of Hina Dolls line one side of this room.

Our room for the night - very traditional and typical layout for a ryokan room.

While its not used today - many moons ago a kettle would be hung from the hook above that metal tray which would be filled with charcoal.

Been meaning to get some of those lights for the office - they are called Tourou [灯籠].

Our Yuki-chan joins us for the weekend.

After leaving our stuff in the room, we head out to a very small town nearby.

Probably one of the quietest towns we've visited.

Sato-chan - the mascot for the pharmaceutical company Sato Seiyaku. He can typically be found outside pharmacies and is usually dressed up according to the season.

Inside a convenience store grabbing some drinks. Even in our neck of the woods, paraffin heaters are used - a paraffin tanker truck would come by once in a while playing a jingle.
The purpose of a kettle being placed on top is not to boil it but to provide moisture in the room.

I'm sure I saw this in Silent Hill or something.

Back at the ryokan for dinner - when you check in they will ask what time you want to eat as they need to prepare everything for you.

Looks like Yuki-chan is hungry too.

The restaurant is on the premises too - full of traditional atmosphere.

When we arrive, we have some nomnoms waiting for us.

Main course is DIY style.

Yuki-chan doesn't like the heat ><

Our Soya soup is cooked in cooking paper like so.

Looks like Yuki-chan is full - time to go for a dip in the hot springs.

The ryokan grounds are quite large and you need to cross a small bridge to get to the hot springs.

Snap.

The public baths are seperated between men and women - if you want to see what it looks like inside then check out the Ikaho Onsen post.

By the time we get back to our room - the beds have been made for us by the hotel staff. They typically don't have double beds but that hopefully should not be a problem as you can just drag the futons next to each other.

Time to head out to see what the area looks like at night.

We discover a load of igloo thingies.

Hardly anybody about though.

Discover a vending machine with a "2" sticker covering the first digit which usually means one thing - prices went up by 100 yen for those drinks.

Back at the ryokan - the view from our room.

Bikkle - a yogurt based drink with a nostalgic taste - one of the first drinks I tasted when first visiting Japan.

Yuki-chan about to fall asleep.

Gorgeous sunny morning the next day.

And this is what the ryokan grounds look like from our room by day.

Heading off to Toshogu.

Stopping by a nearby dam as one does.

A view that inspires the thought "SOON."

Our usual trusty steed is the Mirai Itasha Ver2.

Mirai Nendoroid and Mirai Figma keep us company all the time.

Arrival at Nikko Toshogu.

Before entering the shrine, one should purify themselves using these steps at the fountain usually located at the entrance.

If you like taking photos then you are in for a treat at Toshogu. You will need to bring the zoom lens to capture details of the buildings and a wide angle too capture the scenery. All these photos taken on the Sony NEX 5N.

Toshogu is one of the places to visit on the Japan Map that Japan Tourism and Mirai Suenaga are making together.

Remember to beautifully use the restroom.

The 3 wise monkies who hear no evil, speak no evil and see no evil.

Lots of stairs to climb at Toshogu.

"People bear heavy loads throughout life. One must go as far as they can so one should not rush" is my poor attempt at translating. If you can do better then let us know in the comments ^^

The Omikuji fortunes which didn't turn out so fortunate - these are usually tied to a fence so that the bad fortune doesn't come true.

Ema [絵馬] - tiles of wood which you write a wish on.

See the hazy part in the middle of the photo? Its actually a cloud of pollen. I didn't know but the Sugi (Cryptomeria japonica) tree is usually planted in high concentrations around shrines. This is particularly bad for wifey and I who suffer from hay fever. We were pretty much sneezing and drizzling for the entire day ><

If you are a hay fever sufferer too then you may want to avoid visiting Nikko Toshogu during March.

More about hay fever in Japan in this post.

Time to head back to Tokyo.

Sometimes our car navigation goes on the blink so we use our trusty droid + Google maps.

Stop to fill up with gas while watching somebody else get their car washed. We cant do this with our car as the stickers would start to peel ><

We arrive at Koshigaya Laketown - one of Japan's largest shopping malls which is on the way home.

The mall is huge - too huge for little kids to walk around so they got these little push cars for them.
Hmmm. Maybe I should make some for my Smart Dolls ^^;

Checking out the latest trends in the toys section.

1/3 scale doll sized DS goodies.

Anime style mannequins.

We went at a time when they were showing Wreck-it Ralph in the theaters. It was called Sugar Rush though and came out months after the US release.

This post contains a video, click here to view.

Looking around for nomnoms. Japanese plastic food so cool.

Interesting how 99% of Japanese park their cars facing outwards while 99% of US folks park their cars facing inwards.

Back to Tokyo. Vroom Vroom.
More places to visit in Japan listed up below.

• Japan Donki
• Ikaho Onsen
• Melonbooks
• Kobe Tetsujin
• Akihabara Shops 11
• Japan Alps
• Shibuya in the Summer 2013
• Shinjuku in the Summer 2013
• Akihabara Shops 10
• Hobby Tengoku
• View more

Read more about Mirai Suenaga >>>

Its been a while since we had a Places to visit in Japan post. Today we visit a Shinto Shrine called Nikko Toshogu [日光東照宮].
Built in 1617, Nikko Toshogu is dedicated to the founder of the Tokugawa shogunate - Ieyasu Tokugawa. Today its one of the most popular tourist attractions for Japanese and foreigners alike to go to take in the sights of a truly historic and traditional Japan - its also designated as a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

To get to Nikko Toshogu - use the following methods - copy pasted from the official site.

1. By Train

Asakusa to Tobu Nikko (Kegon Limited Express) Time required: Approx. 1 hour 50 min.
Asakusa to Tobu Nikko via Shimoimaichi (Kinu Limited Express + Local) Time required: Approx. 1 hour 50 min.
Asakusa to Tobu Nikko (Tobu Railway Rapid) Time required: Approx. 2 hours 5 min.
Shinjuku to Tobu Nikko (JR Nikko Limited Express) Time required: Approx. 2 hours

2. By Car

From the Tohoku Expressway Utsunomiya IC, take the Nikko Utsunomiya Road and exit at Nikko Interchange.
Proceed 2 km from Nikko Interchange.

In this post I'm going to cover more than just Toshogu - going to take a look at our weekend in Nikko starting from the traditional ryokan lodgings that we stayed at called Heikenosho [平家の庄].

I think it cost about 10,000 yen per person which included dinner, breakfast and access to their onsite hot spring onsen.

A Ryokan is basically a traditional Japanese hotel.

Placed outside many Japanese establishments are the racoons that you see on either side of the path. These are called "Tanuki" [たぬき] and are said to not only bring in good luck but to also protect the business.

The entrance inside - also includes a Maneki Neko cat for even more good fortune.

Inside the lodgings - filled with traditional Japanese ornaments.

A load of Hina Dolls line one side of this room.

Our room for the night - very traditional and typical layout for a ryokan room.

While its not used today - many moons ago a kettle would be hung from the hook above that metal tray which would be filled with charcoal.

Been meaning to get some of those lights for the office - they are called Tourou [灯籠].

Our Yuki-chan joins us for the weekend.

After leaving our stuff in the room, we head out to a very small town nearby.

Probably one of the quietest towns we've visited.

Sato-chan - the mascot for the pharmaceutical company Sato Seiyaku. He can typically be found outside pharmacies and is usually dressed up according to the season.

Inside a convenience store grabbing some drinks. Even in our neck of the woods, paraffin heaters are used - a paraffin tanker truck would come by once in a while playing a jingle.
The purpose of a kettle being placed on top is not to boil it but to provide moisture in the room.

I'm sure I saw this in Silent Hill or something.

Back at the ryokan for dinner - when you check in they will ask what time you want to eat as they need to prepare everything for you.

Looks like Yuki-chan is hungry too.

The restaurant is on the premises too - full of traditional atmosphere.

When we arrive, we have some nomnoms waiting for us.

Main course is DIY style.

Yuki-chan doesn't like the heat ><

Our Soya soup is cooked in cooking paper like so.

Looks like Yuki-chan is full - time to go for a dip in the hot springs.

The ryokan grounds are quite large and you need to cross a small bridge to get to the hot springs.

Snap.

The public baths are seperated between men and women - if you want to see what it looks like inside then check out the Ikaho Onsen post.

By the time we get back to our room - the beds have been made for us by the hotel staff. They typically don't have double beds but that hopefully should not be a problem as you can just drag the futons next to each other.

Time to head out to see what the area looks like at night.

We discover a load of igloo thingies.

Hardly anybody about though.

Discover a vending machine with a "2" sticker covering the first digit which usually means one thing - prices went up by 100 yen for those drinks.

Back at the ryokan - the view from our room.

Bikkle - a yogurt based drink with a nostalgic taste - one of the first drinks I tasted when first visiting Japan.

Yuki-chan about to fall asleep.

Gorgeous sunny morning the next day.

And this is what the ryokan grounds look like from our room by day.

Heading off to Toshogu.

Stopping by a nearby dam as one does.

A view that inspires the thought "SOON."

Our usual trusty steed is the Mirai Itasha Ver2.

Mirai Nendoroid and Mirai Figma keep us company all the time.

Arrival at Nikko Toshogu.

Before entering the shrine, one should purify themselves using these steps at the fountain usually located at the entrance.

If you like taking photos then you are in for a treat at Toshogu. You will need to bring the zoom lens to capture details of the buildings and a wide angle too capture the scenery. All these photos taken on the Sony NEX 5N.

Toshogu is one of the places to visit on the Japan Map that Japan Tourism and Mirai Suenaga are making together.

Remember to beautifully use the restroom.

The 3 wise monkies who hear no evil, speak no evil and see no evil.

Lots of stairs to climb at Toshogu.

"People bear heavy loads throughout life. One must go as far as they can so one should not rush" is my poor attempt at translating. If you can do better then let us know in the comments ^^

The Omikuji fortunes which didn't turn out so fortunate - these are usually tied to a fence so that the bad fortune doesn't come true.

Ema [絵馬] - tiles of wood which you write a wish on.

See the hazy part in the middle of the photo? Its actually a cloud of pollen. I didn't know but the Sugi (Cryptomeria japonica) tree is usually planted in high concentrations around shrines. This is particularly bad for wifey and I who suffer from hay fever. We were pretty much sneezing and drizzling for the entire day ><

If you are a hay fever sufferer too then you may want to avoid visiting Nikko Toshogu during March.

More about hay fever in Japan in this post.

Time to head back to Tokyo.

Sometimes our car navigation goes on the blink so we use our trusty droid + Google maps.

Stop to fill up with gas while watching somebody else get their car washed. We cant do this with our car as the stickers would start to peel ><

We arrive at Koshigaya Laketown - one of Japan's largest shopping malls which is on the way home.

The mall is huge - too huge for little kids to walk around so they got these little push cars for them.
Hmmm. Maybe I should make some for my Smart Dolls ^^;

Checking out the latest trends in the toys section.

1/3 scale doll sized DS goodies.

Anime style mannequins.

We went at a time when they were showing Wreck-it Ralph in the theaters. It was called Sugar Rush though and came out months after the US release.

This post contains a video, click here to view.

Looking around for nomnoms. Japanese plastic food so cool.

Interesting how 99% of Japanese park their cars facing outwards while 99% of US folks park their cars facing inwards.

Back to Tokyo. Vroom Vroom.
More places to visit in Japan listed up below.

• Akihabara Shops 12
• Japan Donki
• Ikaho Onsen
• Melonbooks
• Kobe Tetsujin
• Akihabara Shops 11
• Japan Alps
• Shibuya in the Summer 2013
• Shinjuku in the Summer 2013
• Akihabara Shops 10
• View more

Read more about Mirai Suenaga >>>

*Eiji is often also referred to as Eiji-kun, where "-kun" is a suffix which expresses that the speaker finds the person endearing.

MoeManga Japanese Learning

Here are some of the keywords you may want to remember for your Japanese studies.

同じ

同じ [おなじ (onaji)] - same/similar.

高校

高校 [こうこう (koukou)] - short for "高等学校" [こうとうがっこう (koutou gakkou)] which means "high school".

三年生

三年生 [さんねんせい (sannen-sei)] - third grade student. In Japanese high school, seniors are called third grade students.

天才

天才 [てんさい (tensai)] - genius/gifted.

メカニック

メカニック [めかにっく (meka nikku)] - the mechanic.

どんなに~でも

どんなに~でも [don nani ~ demo] - no matter what/how. "Don na" is usually followed by an adjective or verb. "Demo" may change to "temo" depending on the adjective or verb that comes before it.

• どんなに好きでも [どんなにすきでも (don nani suki demo)] - no matter how much you love it/her/him.
• どんなに辛くても [どんなにつらくても (don nani tsuraku temo)] - no matter how painful.
• どんなに面白くても [どんなにおもしろくても (don nani omoshiroku temo)] - no matter how interesting/funny.

仕事

仕事 [しごと (shigoto)] - work/occupation/business.

大変

大変 [たいへん (tai hen)] - difficult. You can also add "大変" in front of an adjective to emphasize the situation.

• 大変厳しい [たいへんきびしい (taihen kibishii)] - extremely strict.
• 大変喜ばしい [たいへんよろこばしい (taihen yorokobashii)] - delightful.

楽観的

楽観的 [らっかんてき (rakkann-teki)] - optimistic. Its antonym "pessimistic" is "悲観的" [ひかんてき (hikan-teki)].

こなす

こなす [konasu] - to overcome/finish/to have a good command of something.

オタク

オタク [おたく (otaku)] - otaku/geek/nerd/enthusiast.

度

度 [ど (do)] - level/strength/temperature.

Keywords from previous MoeManga posts are as follows.

• 人知れず
• 戦う
• 戦士
• ~こと~
• 一員

More MoeManga listed up below:

• MoeManga 00C: Kanata Hoshikawa
• MoeManga 003: Lucky Kitty
• MoeManga 00B: Haruka Suenaga
• MoeManga 00A: Mirai Suenaga
• Introducing MoeManga
• MoeManga 001: Lost your phone?
• MoeManga 002: Brain Power
• View more

Learn more Japanese Kanji with Moekanji Japanese Kanji Learning Cards >>

Find out more about the Mirai Millennium girls >>>

You know what a Fukubukuro is because you read about it in the Japan Lucky Bag post - I just read through your comments under that entry and had a few giggles ^^;

Anyway, I got just the thing for those of you who have always wanted to get hold of those Fukubukuro but haven't chanced upon the opportunity so far.

Those good folks at J-List just happen to have some for those of you who fancy your chances.

J-List currently have 4 different types of Fukubukuro all filled with goodies as follows:-

Fuku-Bukuro 2014 -- Doki Doki Random Set
( http://www.jlist.com/product/FUKU14-WAK )

Fuku-Bukuro 2014 -- DX Anime Toy Set
( http://www.jlist.com/product/FUKU14-TOY2 )

Fuku-Bukuro 2014 -- Lucky Anime Toy Set
( http://www.jlist.com/product/FUKU14-TOY1 )

2014 Fuku-Bukuro -- Japanese Bento & Traditional Item Set
( http://www.jlist.com/product/FUKU14-TB )

Most Fukubukuro to be honest are usually filled with stuff that does not make you feel fortunate but the goodies I've inspected so far from J-List are pretty legit - you will see them in the office sooner or later at one point in the Desk Diary posts ^^;

Or if you are going to have to get somebody a prezzie anyway then order a Fukubukuro for them which saves you from having to choose something specific.

However for those of you who don't fancy your chances then J-List is going to give one of these Fukubukuro away to a fortunate reader - all you have to do is check out those links above and let us know which Fukubukuro you want by copy pasting the link and name of the Fukubukuro in the comments - make sure you add something that makes J-List giggle as that will be the person they choose.

J-List will choose one witty commentator in 2 weeks time and send you your lucky bag.
I'll contact you first by the email you used to register your account and ask for your snail mail address which I will forward onto J-List (and CC you). They will then send you your Fukubukuro in time for Christmas.

If you are not keen on the Fukubukuro then J-List have got a load of other stuff currently at 12% off all orders with up to 50% off on many items. Items like anime and health related mags such as:-

Push! Illustration Carnival
( http://www.jlist.com/product/APA671 )

E2 vol. 40 ~ Etsu
( http://www.jlist.com/product/APA934 / RESERVE http://www.jlist.com/product/RESERVE136 )

Dengeki Moeoh Dec 2013
( http://www.jlist.com/product/APA918 / RESERVE http://www.jlist.com/product/RESERVE101 )

Megami Magazine Dec 2013
( http://www.jlist.com/product/APA928 / RESERVE http://www.jlist.com/product/RESERVE51 )

NyanType Dec 2013
( http://www.jlist.com/product/APA929 / RESERVE http://www.jlist.com/product/RESERVE131 )

J-List also give away these anime glasses with each order - perfect for those who prefer to look discreet by not wearing expensive sunglasses.

NyanType Dec 2013.

Unbreakable Machine Doll on your watch list?

This post contains a video, click here to view.

Arpeggio of Blue Steel.

This post contains a video, click here to view.

Enjoying Kill la Kill?

This post contains a video, click here to view.

Freezing Vibration...

This post contains a video, click here to view.

Looks like Mikasa playing with some "water."

This post contains a video, click here to view.

The Chuunibyou girls.

This post contains a video, click here to view.

Looks like we have a Kancolle casualty.

Megami Magazine Dec 2013.

E2 vol. 40 ~ Etsu.

Dengeki Moeoh Dec 2013.

The calendar that comes with this issue of Dengeki Moeoh.

Illustrated by Shirahne Nao-sensei ^o^

Push! Illustration Carnival - 100% ecchi ^^

Find out more about the Culture Japan girls >>>

Mentioned it back in August but Volks is about to close their pre-orders for the Hatsune Miku Dollfie on the 1st of December. If she tickles your fancy then prob best to place your order soon.

Miku DD will cost 65,100 yen and be released around August 2014.

These photos taken recently at the Volks Hobby Tengoku store in Akihabara.

And here is the CM.

This post contains a video, click here to view.

And this is the Senbonzakura outfit that you can order at the same time.

If you get along to Akihabara before the 1st of December, you will see her all over the gaff.

So how many of you ordering DD Miku?

And this is what the DD Miku display looks like at the Volks store in Seoul - photo by Toel-uru.

「創作造形©ボークス・造形村」©1998-2010 VOLKS INC. All rights are reserved.
「創作造形©ボークス・造形村」©2003-2010 VOLKS INC. All rights are reserved.
スーパードルフィー®、ドルフィードリーム® はボークス社の商標登録であり、その全ての権利を所有しています。

Read more about Mirai Suenaga >>>

Its that time of the month again - time to check out the latest n greatest in the holy land in this week's instalment of Akihabara Shops. Compared to last time however, the temperature has dropped quite a bit ><

Today we take a lookie at stores like Volks Hobby Tengoku, Sofmap, Akihabara Gashapon Kaikan, G-Tune : Garage, Akiba Culture Zone, Kotobukiya Store, Sega Game Center, Animate, Yodobashi, Lammtarra and other small stores situated in the back alleys.

First up is Volks Hobby Tengoku - a store filled with tons of Gunpla, dolls, figures and anime merchandice. Detailed coverage report lives here.

Custom Dollfie Dream DDH-05 in a wedding gown.

Another custom Dollfie Dream - the head mold for this one is DDH-06.

Dollfie Dream Asuna - released at the previous Dolpa.

Tons of optional body parts available for your Dollfie daughters.

If your Japanese can do with a bit more ninja juice then firstly you need the help of Moesensei.
Secondly, Hede-san can also help you out if you are looking for something particular too.

Mmmmmm - the smell of fresh new figures.

MG scale Wing Gundam Proto Zero (Endless Waltz).

This is what our first floor currently looks like too ><

Ichika Takatsuki 1/7th scale figure by Good Smile Company. How many of you are familiar with Ano Natsu?

Just about every anime character gets the Beach Queens treatment!
Mirai only managed a Figma and Nendoroid ><
But then again I guess she did skip the scale figure and went directly for the robot form ^^;

1/24 scale Itasha plastic model kit featuring Kongou Kai 2 from Kantai Collection.

Dakimakura brides - say goodbye to those ronery nights.

Which do you take to be your bride?

Mirai Senki Sleipnir [未来戦姫スレイブニル] illustrated by Ninoko-sensei.

This post contains a video, click here to view.

Sword Art Online mini-posters.

Nendoroid Mikoto Misaka by Goodsmile.

Grabbing another whiff of fresh new figures at Sofmap.

Anime trading card games (TCG).

And now moving onto Sofmap's educational software floor.

The ladies from Maou no Kuse ni Namaiki da! 2 [魔王のくせに生イキだっ！2] covered in what seems to be shampoo.
Released by Luxury on October 25th.

Try not to step on the girls when walking.

More cuties from the eroge Koi ga Sakukoro Sakura doki [恋がさくころ桜どき] out on April 25th, 2014.

Illustration by Tsubasu Izumi-sensei.

Imouto no Okage de Motesugite Yabai [妹のおかげでモテすぎてヤバい] illustrated by Akane Ikegami-sensei - out on November 29th.

This post contains a video, click here to view.

Eroge Magicalik Skyhigh [まじかりっくスカイハイ] by whirlpool. Out on December 20th, 2013.

This post contains a video, click here to view.

Color contacts for cosplayers by Qualite.

New rice burger noms by Mos Burger.

Akihabara Gachapon Kaikan has loads of gachapon with a wide variety of goodies - some cute and some ecchi.

These ecchi gachapon figures - 500 yen each.

G-Tune Garage located in one of the back alleys of Akihabara specializes in gaming computers.
〒101-0021 東京都千代田区外神田 3-13-2
View location with Google Maps

This post contains a poll, click here to view.

Jobs released in Japan on November 1st.

This post contains a video, click here to view.

Cute tapestry spotted at Akiba Cultures Zone 2nd floor - illustration by karory-sensei.

Collectible Star Wars busts.

And now moving on to the Kotobukiya Store.

Durarara Izaya Orihara 1/8th scale figure by Alter.

More Beach Queens figures by Wave.

Kudryavka Noumi Beach Queens figure.

Lamp Miku figure by Alphamax.

Insane BRS figure by Goodsmile.

Super Sonico Koakuma Nurse ver figure by Orchid Seed.

Are you bored of your tissue box that you use every evening? If so then you need ita-tissue box covers.

Shiki Ryougi 1/8th scale figure by Kotobukiya.

Cu-poche figure series on display.

Cu-poche Tomoe Mami.

Cu-poche Kaname Madoka.

Dark Angel Olivia 1/8th scale figure from Shingeki no Bahamut.

Tales of Viva Matsuri event was held at Kotobukiya Store 5F featuring a load of artwork from the Tales Series. Events like these are held regularly at the store.

Sega Game Center - a must visit place for UFO catcher fans.

Snow Miku plushies.

Super Sonico plushies.

Bipedal walking robots on display at Tsukumo. If you love robots then check out the International Robot Exhibition post for more.
If you want your own then wait just a bit more till Summer 2014.

This ad here says you can become an idol for only 1,000 yen per hour.

Used manga can be picked up for cheap - these are 50 yen each or 3 for 100 yen.

How many of you buy used manga or comic books? Or do you prefer new ones instead?

Megami Magazine, Famitsu and Card Gamer. Some of these recently reviewed.

Colonel Sanders and parts of Akihabara are already in the festive mood.

For folks who need their soul looking into.

Huge Little Busters billboard spotted outside Sofmap.

Looks like an interesting pattern on the wall. Wonder what it could be?

Looks like a bowl of pears to me. If you disagree then go to Melonbooks to check it out.

Etsu and Dengeki G's Festival.

Kadokawa's Comptiq magazine featuring Kantai Collection.

Kantai Collection guidebook - Kancolle Chinjufu Seikatsu no Susume Vol.1.

Speaking of moe battleships, how many of you are watching Arpeggio of Blue Steel this season?

This post contains a video, click here to view.

Hentai Ouji to Warawanai Neko Vol.7.

Unbreakable Machine Doll light novels.

This post contains a video, click here to view.

Infinite Stratos (IS) clear files.

Women's fashion magazine "Spoon" featuring Kyoukai no Kanata.

How many of you are playing God Eater 2? - released on November 14th.

This post contains a video, click here to view.

Lammtarra - from the outside it looks like a DVD store but on the inside its a "DVD" store.

Striped lolita pantsu.

Of late, you can find products like these which are supposed to simulate the "scent" of school girls and otokonoko - these ones by Tamatoys.

Looks like shelves filled with some sort of sauce - I guess this would be comparable to the ketchup and mustard shelfs that you would find in a supermarket.

Speaking of which...

Previous installments of Akihabara Shops listed up below.

• Hatsune Miku Doll
• Japan Donki
• Melonbooks
• Akihabara Shops 11
• Akihabara Shops 10
• Hobby Tengoku
• Akihabara Shops 9
• Akihabara Shops 8
• Akihabara Shops 7
• Akihabara Shops 6
• View more

• Hatsune Miku Doll
• Japan Donki
• Melonbooks
• Akihabara Shops 11
• Akihabara Shops 10
• Uchimizu 2013
• Hobby Tengoku
• Akihabara Shops 9
• Akihabara Shops 8
• Akihabara Shops 7
• View more

Find out more about the Culture Japan girls >>>

Its that time of the month again - time to check out the latest n greatest in the holy land in this week's instalment of Akihabara Shops. Compared to last time however, the temperature has dropped quite a bit ><

Today we take a lookie at stores like Volks Hobby Tengoku, Sofmap, Akihabara Gashapon Kaikan, G-Tune : Garage, Akiba Culture Zone, Kotobukiya Store, Sega Game Center, Animate, Yodobashi, Lammtarra and other small stores situated in the back alleys.

First up is Volks Hobby Tengoku - a store filled with tons of Gunpla, dolls, figures and anime merchandice. Detailed coverage report lives here.

Custom Dollfie Dream DDH-05 in a wedding gown.

Another custom Dollfie Dream - the head mold for this one is DDH-06.

Dollfie Dream Asuna - released at the previous Dolpa.

Tons of optional body parts available for your Dollfie daughters.

If your Japanese can do with a bit more ninja juice then firstly you need the help of Moesensei.
Secondly, Hede-san can also help you out if you are looking for something particular too.

Mmmmmm - the smell of fresh new figures.

MG scale Wing Gundam Proto Zero (Endless Waltz).

This is what our first floor currently looks like too ><

Ichika Takatsuki 1/7th scale figure by Good Smile Company. How many of you are familiar with Ano Natsu?

Just about every anime character gets the Beach Queens treatment!
Mirai only managed a Figma and Nendoroid ><
But then again I guess she did skip the scale figure and went directly for the robot form ^^;

1/24 scale Itasha plastic model kit featuring Kongou Kai 2 from Kantai Collection.

Dakimakura brides - say goodbye to those ronery nights.

Which do you take to be your bride?

Mirai Senki Sleipnir [未来戦姫スレイブニル] illustrated by Ninoko-sensei.

This post contains a video, click here to view.

Sword Art Online mini-posters.

Nendoroid Mikoto Misaka by Goodsmile.

Grabbing another whiff of fresh new figures at Sofmap.

Anime trading card games (TCG).

And now moving onto Sofmap's educational software floor.

The ladies from Maou no Kuse ni Namaiki da! 2 [魔王のくせに生イキだっ！2] covered in what seems to be shampoo.
Released by Luxury on October 25th.

Try not to step on the girls when walking.

More cuties from the eroge Koi ga Sakukoro Sakura doki [恋がさくころ桜どき] out on April 25th, 2014.

Illustration by Tsubasu Izumi-sensei.

Imouto no Okage de Motesugite Yabai [妹のおかげでモテすぎてヤバい] illustrated by Akane Ikegami-sensei - out on November 29th.

This post contains a video, click here to view.

Eroge Magicalik Skyhigh [まじかりっくスカイハイ] by whirlpool. Out on December 20th, 2013.

This post contains a video, click here to view.

Color contacts for cosplayers by Qualite.

New rice burger noms by Mos Burger.

Akihabara Gachapon Kaikan has loads of gachapon with a wide variety of goodies - some cute and some ecchi.

These ecchi gachapon figures - 500 yen each.

G-Tune Garage located in one of the back alleys of Akihabara specializes in gaming computers.
〒101-0021 東京都千代田区外神田 3-13-2
View location with Google Maps

This post contains a poll, click here to view.

Jobs released in Japan on November 1st.

This post contains a video, click here to view.

Cute tapestry spotted at Akiba Cultures Zone 2nd floor - illustration by karory-sensei.

Collectible Star Wars busts.

And now moving on to the Kotobukiya Store.

Durarara Izaya Orihara 1/8th scale figure by Alter.

More Beach Queens figures by Wave.

Kudryavka Noumi Beach Queens figure.

Lamp Miku figure by Alphamax.

Insane BRS figure by Goodsmile.

Super Sonico Koakuma Nurse ver figure by Orchid Seed.

Are you bored of your tissue box that you use every evening? If so then you need ita-tissue box covers.

Shiki Ryougi 1/8th scale figure by Kotobukiya.

Cu-poche figure series on display.

Cu-poche Tomoe Mami.

Cu-poche Kaname Madoka.

Dark Angel Olivia 1/8th scale figure from Shingeki no Bahamut.

Tales of Viva Matsuri event was held at Kotobukiya Store 5F featuring a load of artwork from the Tales Series. Events like these are held regularly at the store.

Sega Game Center - a must visit place for UFO catcher fans.

Snow Miku plushies.

Super Sonico plushies.

Bipedal walking robots on display at Tsukumo. If you love robots then check out the International Robot Exhibition post for more.
If you want your own then wait just a bit more till Summer 2014.

This ad here says you can become an idol for only 1,000 yen per hour.

Used manga can be picked up for cheap - these are 50 yen each or 3 for 100 yen.

How many of you buy used manga or comic books? Or do you prefer new ones instead?

Megami Magazine, Famitsu and Card Gamer. Some of these recently reviewed.

Colonel Sanders and parts of Akihabara are already in the festive mood.

For folks who need their soul looking into.

Huge Little Busters billboard spotted outside Sofmap.

Looks like an interesting pattern on the wall. Wonder what it could be?

Looks like a bowl of pears to me. If you disagree then go to Melonbooks to check it out.

Etsu and Dengeki G's Festival.

Kadokawa's Comptiq magazine featuring Kantai Collection.

Kantai Collection guidebook - Kancolle Chinjufu Seikatsu no Susume Vol.1.

Speaking of moe battleships, how many of you are watching Arpeggio of Blue Steel this season?

This post contains a video, click here to view.

Hentai Ouji to Warawanai Neko Vol.7.

Unbreakable Machine Doll light novels.

This post contains a video, click here to view.

Infinite Stratos (IS) clear files.

Women's fashion magazine "Spoon" featuring Kyoukai no Kanata.

How many of you are playing God Eater 2? - released on November 14th.

This post contains a video, click here to view.

Lammtarra - from the outside it looks like a DVD store but on the inside its a "DVD" store.

Striped lolita pantsu.

Of late, you can find products like these which are supposed to simulate the "scent" of school girls and otokonoko - these ones by Tamatoys.

Looks like shelves filled with some sort of sauce - I guess this would be comparable to the ketchup and mustard shelfs that you would find in a supermarket.

Speaking of which...

Previous installments of Akihabara Shops listed up below.

• Hatsune Miku Doll
• Japan Donki
• Melonbooks
• Akihabara Shops 11
• Akihabara Shops 10
• Hobby Tengoku
• Akihabara Shops 9
• Akihabara Shops 8
• Akihabara Shops 7
• Akihabara Shops 6
• View more

• Hatsune Miku Doll
• Japan Donki
• Melonbooks
• Akihabara Shops 11
• Akihabara Shops 10
• Uchimizu 2013
• Hobby Tengoku
• Akihabara Shops 9
• Akihabara Shops 8
• Akihabara Shops 7
• View more

Find out more about the Culture Japan girls >>>

I'd like to dedicate this post to a special friend of mine - Mr Solomon Freeman. For the past few years he has been helping us out as an Associate Producer for Culture Japan.

Associate Producers are typically not full time employees of Culture Japan due to their other job or schooling commitments but they provide important support in their region for our globalization roadmap.

Nostalgia! Mr Solomon cosplaying as me back in 2009 ^^;

Back then Solomon worked with local folks like Comic Fiesta and Little Akiba to create collaboration displays.

Solomon-roid at Comic Fiesta who coordinated production of our displays and screenings of Culture Japan TV.

Solomon has been producing Itasha in Malaysia for a few years now - this is his latest work which was on display at Comic Fiesta 2012.

Solomon was also on the team which rolled out Culture Japan Convention 2013.

I first met Solomon back in 2010 at the first CJ Night Malaysia. CJ Night (Culture Japan Night) is a great place to network - find new comrades and opportunities.
At the last CJ Night in Singapore - I shared an opportunity to become a blogger for Good Smile Company - the person who got the job will be flying to Japan at least once a year on an all expenses paid trip to visit the GSC offices.

Anyway, so why am I dedicating this post to Mr Solomon? After many years of helping out as an Associate Producer, Solomon is moving on to bigger and better things - he will be pursuing his own dreams in Japan as a continuous Serial Entrepreneur.

Many folks who regularly comment on this site will know of Solomon's participation in the community and may have met him at the various events he has attended with us around Asia.
Solomon is *the* man to get things done - ask him anything and he either gets it done or magically pulls it out of his Doraemon pocket ^^
I wish Solomon the best of luck and will miss his contribution to our team ><

This also means that we need a replacement Associate Producer in Malaysia - if you are interested then you need to show us your ninja skills somehow - if you truly are a ninja then you will understand how to demonstrate your abilities.

While Solomon prepares to come over to Tokyo, please direct all your queries back to me at support at mirai dot fm.

Even if you are not in Malaysia and are interested in helping out the Culture Japan brand in anyway then I'm all ears in hearing what you have in mind.

Folks who I'm looking for now are robotics engineers (for Smart Doll), Ruby on Rails devs, Android devs and folks who can help out at events in the Philippines and Vietnam which are the next territories that we want to visit in 2014.

Read more about Mirai Suenaga >>>

While I don't really get to make as many Gunpla as I did before, I'm still a fan of the Gundam series - in particular the older generations.
Recently I came across the opportunity to work with Okawara Kunio-sensei - the mecha designer who did Gundam, Votoms, Vifam and more - the result of our collaboration is Mirai Project and which was revealed at our booth at the 2013 Tokyo Motor Show.

Snapped together with Okawara-sensei at our Mirai Project booth - a really nice and down to earth guy!

The focal point of the Mirai Project is Hiriko - an electric powered urban mobility vehicle. Originally developed by MIT (Massachusetts Institute of Technology) and currently being developed into a commercial product in Spain, Hiriko will soon be on the roads of the Niigata prefecture in test runs.

Together with Okawara-sensei, I'm on a team of folks who are focused on pushing this product out not only as a real vehicle to carry people around - but also as a vehicle for content too and thats where Mirai Suenaga fits in.

Okawara-sensei has designed the outer shell for the Japanese version of Hiriko which is driven by Mirai Suenaga. Everything up to here is reality and we have a roadmap to get Okawara-sensei's version of Hiriko on the roads in the future.

From here on its content - Hiriko then transforms into a powered suit which is also worn by Mirai - this part is designed by Skan Surisuwan - the lead designer for Square Enix's Front Mission.
The contents we are considering are various media including animation and merchandise too.

Here are the original sketches of Okawara-sensei's Hiriko sketches showing the car transformation - the wheels move inwards so that it can spin around on the spot. Sensei added arms to aid the driver in various situations like "help carry the shopping" ^^;
2560px x 1600px wallpaper lives here.

And here are the design sketches of the Hiriko Powered Suit - worked on by both Skan and Puppy52.
Wallpaper lives here.

And here is the Moekana version of Mirai by Ikkyuu-sensei - wallpaper here.

The Tokyo Motor show runs for about a week at Tokyo Big Sight. While there were a sprinkle of anime collaborations, it seemed that a lot of attention was focused on our booth ^^;

And here is a 1:1 scale mockup of Okawara-sensei's design of Hiriko complete with Mirai-chan colors.

Looks kinda plasticky at the moment but was the best we could do in the couple of weeks we had to make it - done with 3D printing.

Watch the European version of Hiriko in the video below.

This post contains a video, click here to view.

Okawara-sensei and I also had a talk session at the booth last Sunday.

Our booth featured bits n pieces of Okawara-sensei and Mirai-chan's work.

First we take a look at Okawara-sensei's corner.

Okawara-sensei also has a small factory where he makes various gadgets.

How many of you have watched the Votoms series?

This post contains a video, click here to view.

And how many of you have checked out the original series of Gundam?

This post contains a video, click here to view.

The following photos cover Mirai-chan's corner.

This illustration by Koizumi Amane-sensei.

From next year I'll be able to have Smart Doll as part of our displays on a regular basis but for now this is all we got ><

These are our main products at the moment - Moekana and Moekanji for Japanese learning.

Moekana and Moekanji desk cases.

The following photos cover the shenanigans at the booth.

I'd like to thank Hion-san for helping organize the Mirai and Kanata cosplayers at the booth who are:-

Arisu, Kurozaki Sakuya, Sachibudou, Chihaya, Misao, Yuuma and Hion.

I don't have high res photos of all the girls right now so will add them to this post later ><

Can't remember what publication this was but Mirai Project was picked up by quite a few media outlets in and outside of Japan.

And here are a few photos of the project brochure handed out at our booth which has interviews with some of the key staff involved.

Read more about Mirai Suenaga >>>

While I don't really get to make as many Gunpla as I did before, I'm still a fan of the Gundam series - in particular the older generations.
Recently I came across the opportunity to work with Okawara Kunio-sensei - the mecha designer who did Gundam, Votoms, Vifam and more - the result of our collaboration is Mirai Project and which was revealed at our booth at the 2013 Tokyo Motor Show.

Snapped together with Okawara-sensei at our Mirai Project booth - a really nice and down to earth guy!

The focal point of the Mirai Project is Hiriko - an electric powered urban mobility vehicle. Originally developed by MIT (Massachusetts Institute of Technology) and currently being developed into a commercial product in Spain, Hiriko will soon be on the roads of the Niigata prefecture in test runs.

Together with Okawara-sensei, I'm on a team of folks who are focused on pushing this product out not only as a real vehicle to carry people around - but also as a vehicle for content too and thats where Mirai Suenaga fits in.

Okawara-sensei has designed the outer shell for the Japanese version of Hiriko which is driven by Mirai Suenaga. Everything up to here is reality and we have a roadmap to get Okawara-sensei's version of Hiriko on the roads in the future.

From here on its content - Hiriko then transforms into a powered suit which is also worn by Mirai - this part is designed by Skan Surisuwan - the lead designer for Square Enix's Front Mission.
The contents we are considering are various media including animation and merchandise too.

Here are the original sketches of Okawara-sensei's Hiriko sketches showing the car transformation - the wheels move inwards so that it can spin around on the spot. Sensei added arms to aid the driver in various situations like "help carry the shopping" ^^;
2560px x 1600px wallpaper lives here.

And here are the design sketches of the Hiriko Powered Suit - worked on by both Skan and Puppy52.
Wallpaper lives here.

And here is the Moekana version of Mirai by Ikkyuu-sensei - wallpaper here.

The Tokyo Motor show runs for about a week at Tokyo Big Sight. While there were a sprinkle of anime collaborations, it seemed that a lot of attention was focused on our booth ^^;

And here is a 1:1 scale mockup of Okawara-sensei's design of Hiriko complete with Mirai-chan colors.

Looks kinda plasticky at the moment but was the best we could do in the couple of weeks we had to make it - done with 3D printing.

Watch the European version of Hiriko in the video below.

This post contains a video, click here to view.

Okawara-sensei and I also had a talk session at the booth last Sunday.

Our booth featured bits n pieces of Okawara-sensei and Mirai-chan's work.

First we take a look at Okawara-sensei's corner.

Okawara-sensei also has a small factory where he makes various gadgets.

How many of you have watched the Votoms series?

This post contains a video, click here to view.

And how many of you have checked out the original series of Gundam?

This post contains a video, click here to view.

The following photos cover Mirai-chan's corner.

This illustration by Koizumi Amane-sensei.

From next year I'll be able to have Smart Doll as part of our displays on a regular basis but for now this is all we got ><

These are our main products at the moment - Moekana and Moekanji for Japanese learning.

Moekana and Moekanji desk cases.

The following photos cover the shenanigans at the booth.

I'd like to thank Hion-san for helping organize the Mirai and Kanata cosplayers at the booth who are:-

Arisu, Kurozaki Sakuya, Sachibudou, Chihaya, Misao, Yuuma and Hion.

I don't have high res photos of all the girls right now so will add them to this post later ><

Can't remember what publication this was but Mirai Project was picked up by quite a few media outlets in and outside of Japan.

And here are a few photos of the project brochure handed out at our booth which has interviews with some of the key staff involved.

Read more about Mirai Suenaga >>>

MoeManga Japanese Learning

Here are some of the keywords you may want to remember for your Japanese studies.

球体型

球体型 [きゅうたいがた (kyutai-gata)] - spherical. “球体” means “sphere" and “-型” means “type". “-型” can be mixed with other kanji to create words like below:

• 猫型 [ねこがた (neko-gata)] - cat-type.
• 人型 [ひとがた (hito-gata)] - humanoid.

ロボット

ロボット [ろぼっと (robotto)] - a robot.

相棒

相棒 [あいぼう (aibou)] - a partner/sidekick.

世界中

世界中 [せかいじゅう (sekai-jyu)] - all over the world/worldwide. “世界” means “world” and “-中” means “throughout".

ネットワーク

ネットワーク [ねっとわーく (netto-waaku)] - network.

繋がっていて

繋がっていて [つながっていて (tsunagatte ite)] - to be connected. The plain verb is “繋がる” [つながる (tsunagaru)].

膨大

膨大 [ぼうだい (boudai)] - a vast/immense amount of something.

情報

情報 [じょうほう (jyouhou)] - information.

瞬時

瞬時 [しゅんじ (shunji)] - instantaneously.

アクセス

アクセス [あくせす (akusesu)] - to access/connect.

ピンチ

ピンチ [ぴんち (pinchi)] - a crisis/pinch/trouble.

時

時 [とき (toki)] - time/moment.

変形

変形 [へんけい (henkei)] - to transform.

いつも

いつも [itsumo] - always.

一緒

一緒 [いっしょ (issho)] - to be together.

世界一

世界一 [せかいいち (sekai-ichi)] - world’s most ~ / number one ~ in the world. If you want to scale it up or down, swap “世界” with something else like “宇宙” [うちゅう (uchu)] which means space or “日本” [にほん (nihon)] which means Japan.

幸せ

幸せ [しあわせ (shiawase)] - happy/lucky.

More MoeManga listed up below:

• MoeManga 00D: Eiji Seiun
• MoeManga 00C: Kanata Hoshikawa
• MoeManga 003: Lucky Kitty
• MoeManga 00B: Haruka Suenaga
• MoeManga 00A: Mirai Suenaga
• Introducing MoeManga
• MoeManga 001: Lost your phone?
• MoeManga 002: Brain Power
• View more

Learn more Japanese Kanji with Moekanji Japanese Kanji Learning Cards >>

Find out more about the Mirai Millennium girls >>>

You fan of God Eater? Your fave character happen to be Alisa? If so then this figure of her by Alphamax may be of interest. I really really like her eyes - especially the bottom parts ^o^

Details of this lovely lady below.

• Product Name: Alisa Ilinichina Amiella (アリサ・イリーニチナ・アミエーラ)
• Series: God Eater Burst
• Height: Approximately 20cm in height
• Spec: Painted PVC 1/8th scale figure with stand excluded
• Sculptor: 2%
• Retail Price: 10,800 yen (tax excluded)
• Release Date: April 2014

If you like Alisa's eyes too then you can try to track her down on one of the trusted online retailers below.

• http://1999.co.jp/eng/
• http://amiami.com
• http://hlj.com
• http://jlist.com
• Amazon Japan

I've been playing God Eater since the first PSP version and recently got God Eater 2.
If you want to give it a whirl then you can download the trial version for free from the playstation store.

This post contains a video, click here to view.

These photos taken recently at the Alphamax offices in Akihabara.

I think anybody in battle with Alisa would be way too distracted to be able to put up a decent fight ^^;

Lovely sculpt - cant wait to have her on my desk distracting me ^^;

Read more about Mirai Suenaga >>>

I was in Seoul this week for some Mirai Smart Doll related work - some of her clothes and wigs are made in Korea where there is quite a healthy doll industry - they even have their own Volks store.

I've been to Korea a few times over the past couple of years but this was the first time I've done a CJ Night which was held at a doll shop & cafe called Nine9 Style - here one can bring along their dolly sons n daughters while nomming on snacks, buying clothes and accessories or taking snaps in the various photo booths.

To get to Nine9 Style, get off at the closest station which is Hongik University on the green line 2. Address as follows.
301 Gukil building, 449-43 Seogyo-dong Mapo-gu. Seoul.
서울시 마포구 서교동 449-43번지 301호
View location with Google Maps

A load of comrades came from various parts of the world to join in on the shenanigans with the locals.

A load of lovely daughters joined us too ^o^

I'm going to leave you with a wall of photos taken that night which include photos of the shop section that has a load of doll apparel made by Nine9 Style.
If you are interested in ordering stuff then check out their English shopping site.

Ah! But before I do leave you I want to introduce you to these bunch of folks from Green Tea Graffiti who I met at CJ Night. They are from the US and currently work in the KPOP scene but do a load of Japan related stuff too and speak English, Korean and Japanese too.

Had a candid interview which can be seen below where I am forced to choose between Soju or Sake, PS4 or XBOX One, AKB48 or NMB48 and so on.

This post contains a video, click here to view.

This post contains a video, click here to view.

Group shot with some of the folks who managed to stay until the end.
See you in Seoul again soon!

Read more about Mirai Suenaga >>>

I was in Seoul this week for some Mirai Smart Doll related work - some of her clothes and wigs are made in Korea where there is quite a healthy doll industry - they even have their own Volks store.

I've been to Korea a few times over the past couple of years but this was the first time I've done a CJ Night which was held at a doll shop & cafe called Nine9 Style - here one can bring along their dolly sons n daughters while nomming on snacks, buying clothes and accessories or taking snaps in the various photo booths.

To get to Nine9 Style, get off at the closest station which is Hongik University on the green line 2. Address as follows.
301 Gukil building, 449-43 Seogyo-dong Mapo-gu. Seoul.
서울시 마포구 서교동 449-43번지 301호
View location with Google Maps

A load of comrades came from various parts of the world to join in on the shenanigans with the locals.

A load of lovely daughters joined us too ^o^

I'm going to leave you with a wall of photos taken that night which include photos of the shop section that has a load of doll apparel made by Nine9 Style.
If you are interested in ordering stuff then check out their English shopping site.

Ah! But before I do leave you I want to introduce you to these bunch of folks from Green Tea Graffiti who I met at CJ Night. They are from the US and currently work in the KPOP scene but do a load of Japan related stuff too and speak English, Korean and Japanese too.

Had a candid interview which can be seen below where I am forced to choose between Soju or Sake, PS4 or XBOX One, AKB48 or NMB48 and so on.

This post contains a video, click here to view.

This post contains a video, click here to view.

Group shot with some of the folks who managed to stay until the end.
See you in Seoul again soon!

Read more about Mirai Suenaga >>>