The Best of Rinkya Blog!

Happy New Year!!!

Thank you to all our readers for making our blog a great success, we look forward to posting next year!

The top blog posts according to our readers!

You went crazy for our Man panties!





Looks like many of our readers are environment conscious- Go Green Can Crusher



The monster pizza Japan created (hot dogs, hamburger and much more) was reviewed by our staff and you readers loved it or rather could not look away!



Square watermelons caught your attention





Bikini Clad Golf Tees



Our cultural post on the Obon Festival
shows our readers not only look at us for silly Japan toys!





Deer Poop Candy Need I say more?



Japan's beer and milk- Bilk! Sales are unknown about Bilk (who knows if anyone bought it!), but you certainly loved reading about it!




A collection of Poop toys from Japan!



This sexy dart game made it hard to look away!





Fireworks Image Via

Reminder- Win $250 From Rinkya!

In celebration of A Rinkya's Blog One Year Anniversary, we are having our BIGGEST contest ever!


Announcing A Rinkya Blog's Re-Design Contest!


We are looking for a new design for A Rinkya Blog, something fun and that will match the spirit of the blog!


The winning entry will win $250 IN COMMISSION CREDITS ON RINKYA and of course your design will be seen by thousands who visit Rinkya Blog!


Rules:
Email entries to laurelNOSPAM@rinkya.com in an image format
Must be 1024x768 resolution
Must be able to code the page yourself
Accommodate the information already on Blog (Our friend links, Shop Japan, etc)
Deadline December 31st




Please contact me with any questions!

Christmas In Japan!

Christmas in Japan is more low key compared to most Christmas celebrations around the world.


Gradually some Western traditions have caught on, with Japanese families getting a Christmas tree and businesses decorating their buildings with lights.


Children get gifts and Christmas cake can be found at any bakery.
Christmas cake is traditionally angel food with strawberries (A USB Christmas Cake can be found here)


Christmas is not a national holiday and most people work Christmas day. While most people spend the night with their significant other, it is not a large family holiday.


Christianity in Japan is not very common, with only 1% of Japanese calling themselves Christians. This being the case, Christmas in Japan has little religious significance and is primarily a secular holiday.


The major holiday in Japan is New Year's, we will share the traditions of NYE on the blog later!




[Japan]
[christmas in japan][christmas cake]



Labels for this post- christmas in japan

Rinkya is Now On eBay!

Check out our eBay listings for rare items direct from Japan.

This week, we have animation cels, Unoa and much more!

Begin bidding here!


[Japan]
[anime cels][unoa]
[kill bill]

Apple Japan Lucky Bags/Fukubukuro Announced!

Apple has announced their Fukubukuro for the New Year! Through December 25th, you can enter to purchase one of the 200 lucky bags from Apple on Jan 2nd for 35000 yen.

The grab bags are an awesome New Year's specialty in Japan. They average 50-75% less than retail price and are filled with a mixture of goodies from the company. Fashion designers, computers, etc all partake in Lucky Bags.

As the New Year approaches, we will include the Fukubukuro listings from YJ on the blog, keep an eye out and let us know what company you would like to see!

Macintosh on YJ

[Japan]
[apple][lucky bags]
[fukubukuro]

Dehydrated Food Newest UFO Catcher Prize!

UFO Catcher prizes, like much else in Japan, often become coveted collectibles.

If dehydrated food is up your alley, then you will love the MRE's that now can be found in UFO catcher games in Japan.




The military survival foods (meal ready to eat) will include the following flavors: Hiroshima veggie pilaf, kimchi pilaf, crab fried rice, beef flavored beans and much more.

For your favorite UFO Catcher prize from Japan, check out YJ auctions and bid with Rinkya!


Anime, Disney, Mario Brothers and many more Stuffed toy prizes available!

Via Wired

Image via 3Yen



[Japan]
[ufo catchers]
[mres]

SpongeBob Squarepants & BAPE

Baby Milo and SpongeBob Squarepants come together in this awesome shirt from BAPE. Will be released Jan 2nd. Also available is a yellow tee with Spongebob's face.
So cute!!



Check out more rare, limited items on YJ:
Bathing Ape


Blog Posts Of Interest:
Bape Wonder Woman & MoreBatman Comic Shoes
Bape SuperHero

[Japan]
[bape][bathing ape][superman][batman][the flash][DC comics]




Via HypeBeast

Santa Booties Warm Your Toesies!

These Santa Booties will keep you warm on those cold nights on the computer.
USB powered (because nowadays everything has a USB attachment), I wonder if Japanese computers have extra USB ports? They seem to have a USB for everything!

More USB posts from Japan:
Merry Christmas USB Cake
Fan Tie
Dancing Robot

Order via Rinkya Stores from Thanko


Via Slashgear




[USB Drives][Japan]
[Jump Drives]
[Thumb Drives][Computer]

The Golden Turd Building- Only in Japan!

The picture above is the infamous Asahi Beer HeadQuarters in Japan.

The golden design was created by French designer Philippe Stark and is called the "Flamme d'Or" (flame of gold) but is better known in Japan as the "Golden Turd" or "Shit Building"

Just one of the many reasons I love Japan...

Come More Blog Posts of Interest:
Beer Robot
Bilk
Beer Can Crusher

Via



[Japan]
[asahi beer]
[golden turd]

More Keyboard Cleaners Direct From Japan!

Our Elvis and Afroman keyboard cleaners were so popular and we have now found two more additions- Biker Man and Salary Man!

The expert on the website says it is their Number One Keyboard cleaner used at their offices!

Order via Rinkya Stores Shopping Service via product page

Only 735 yen each!


[Japan]
[computer gadgets]
[elvis]

Hello Kitty-fy Your Cat!

We all know Japan is obsessed with Hello Kitty (cars, laptops, banana holders, headlights, etc) , they are also obsessed with dressing up their pets as well.

Bringing the two loves together is the Hello Kitty outfit for your cat (or if you so choose, you can place it on your poor dog) Outfit comes with a purse and some pink bows!

Check out this link that owners have put up of their pets (including somewhat sad doggies)

The Hello Kitty costume is available for 18,900 yen ($180) and can be purchased via Rinkya Stores- Japan Shopping Service!


[Hello Kitty][Japan]
[dog costumes]

Newest Miyazaki Film Ponyo On A Cliff Website Open!

"Gake no ue no Ponyo"- Ponyo On A Cliff's website is now open and a single from the movie will release in Japan today!

The theme song is available from Amazon Japan and can be purchased through Rinkya Stores!

Ponyo on A Cliff Website

Via GhibliWorld


[Japan][Kiki's Delivery Service][ Spirited Away]
[My Neighbor Totoro][Miyazaki][Studio Ghibli]
[Ponyo On A Cliff]

Fill Your Stockings With Japanese Candy- Available from Rinkya!

Just in time for Christmas, Rinkya is selling Japanese "Okashi" (candy) Grab Bags!

The entire selection can be found here Each grab bag will contain approximately 6 candies! The ingredients are listed on the page, and as you can see some ingredients definitely fall into the weird japan food category.

The candies are perfect for stocking stuffers or games with your friends- Wrap each candy in wrapping paper, number them in sequential order, challenge whomever you give them to and the person challenged has to finish the one they open before they can open up the next one. There are yummy ones and gross tasting ones, so be sure to record their expressions while eating!

These candies are nostalgic in Japan- most are dime store candies from years past.

Each grab bag is $10 and you can order on our ship request form here

Soy, egg, dairy, nuts and fish are in candies, so please read the ingredients page before ordering, if you have allergies!

R2-D2 Soy Sauce Pourer- Star Wars Fans Rejoice!

R2-D2 helps you eat your Sushi with this special soy holder for Star Wars fans.

Also available are R2-D2 pepper mills, shampoo bottles, and a dust box.

R2-Q5, the dark version of R2-D2, also makes an appearance.

Only 1725 yen with tax!


Product PageOrder Via Rinkya Stores


[Japan][star wars]

Qure Your Bad Breath!

These rose flavored breath strips are said to be "A Good Breathe For You"
Although promising to be romantic, our staff thought the breath strips tasted like an R rated word that rhymes with grass.
However they are certainly weight conscious, only 4 calories for the entire package of 24 strips.



[Japan][breath strips]

Take A Loaf Off, I Mean Load...

From the store that brought you the Ice Cream Lamp and Hamburger and Pudding Stools -- a sandwich chair! The chair has 5 different reclines for utmost comfort!


Product Page




[Japan][design from japan][sandwich chair]

A Rinkya Blog's One Year Anniversary & Our Biggest Contest Yet!

Today is A Rinkya Blog's one year anniversary! Thank you to all our readers, users, and affiliates for helping us grow!

In celebration of A Rinkya's Blog One Year Anniversary, we are having our BIGGEST contest ever!

Announcing A Rinkya Blog's Re-Design Contest!

We are looking for a new design for A Rinkya Blog, something fun and that will match the spirit of the blog!

The winning entry will win $250 IN COMMISSION CREDITS ON RINKYA and of course your design will be seen by thousands who visit Rinkya Blog!

Rules:
Email entries to laurelNOSPAM@rinkya.com in an image format
Must be 1024x768 resolution
Must be able to code the page yourself
Accommodate the information already on Blog (Our friend links, Shop Japan, etc)

Please contact me with any questions!

Merry Christmas USB Cake!

Solid Alliance, creator of unusual (to say the least) USBs has released a special Merry Christmas Cake USB Hub!

And what exactly are those strawberries:



Yep, USBs!

If you do not like strawberries on your cake, any USB stick will work!

Product Page Order Via Rinkya Stores


Review our other USB Posts:
Glowing Squid

Humping Dog USB
Gifts for a Techie
Wonderful World of Disney USBs
The Wacky, Weird & Fun USB Drives from Japan




[USB Drives][Japan]
[Disney][Jump Drives]
[Thumb Drives][Computer]

More Super Mega Hamburgers From McDonald's Japan!

The Mega Tomato and the Mega Egg debut in Japan on December 14th for a limited time.

The Mega Tomato is- 3 beef patties, tomatos, two slices of bacon, lettuce, cheddar and a hot mustard sauce.

The Mega Egg- an egg (of course), 3 beef patties, tomato, two slices of bacon, lettuce, cheddar, mustard hot sauce

As soon as we get calorie info we will update! Although it may be better to not know!

Check out other fast food items from Japan:
The Mega Mac that started it all!
Shrimp Mayo Crab Pizza
Pizza Hut Japan Double Roll Pizza

Via Japan Probe


[Japan]
[McDonald's]
[Mega Mac]
[Mega Teriyaki]
[Big Mac]

1.8 Million Dollar Christmas Tree!

Takashimaya department stores in Japan has the perfect gift for the person who has everything- a 1.8 million dollar preserved rose tree decorated with diamonds. Comes with a teddy bear wearing a diamond necklace!
Adorned with nearly 100 carats of diamonds from Southern Africa and Australia.
The tree is based on a design by Parisian flower boutique Claude Quinquau.

Takashimaya is no stranger to expensive gifts, last January they released a 100 million yen cell phone strap!

Via Luxury Launches


[Japan]
[diamond christmas tree]
[Diamond]

DragonBall Live Action Movie Summer 2008!

Great news for Dragonball fans, details have been released about the upcoming live action film!

Goku will be played by Justin Chatwin, best known for his role in War of the World's as Tom Cruise's son. The villian Piccolo is James Marsters- best known as "Spike" from Buffy the Vampire Slayer.

Dragonball has a release date of August 2008.

DragonBall on YJ

Via TokyoGraph


[Japan][anime]
[dragonball]

Geta Stacking Contest in Japan!

A 3rd Annual Geta Stacking Contest took place over the weekend in Sakaiminato, Japan.

Geta are shoes traditionally worn with kimonos and yukatas, but are also worn with normal clothing nowadays. Typically made with wood and the flap with cloth, they also elevate you inches (much loved by short Japanese woman!)

The "teeth" on the bottom of the shoe are used to stack the getas up high in the contest shown above.

Available on YJ:
Geta
Kimono
Yukata


Image Via



[Japan][geta]
[kimonos][yukata]

Scare Your Friends With This Rat!

What gets me about this remote controlled rat/mouse with scary eyes is that the controller looks like a hamburger? Why?
Scare your friends with the mouse or confuse them with the controller. Either way, sure to provide some kind of excitement.

Order Via Rinkya Stores Product Page


[Japan]
[remote controlled toy]

Bento Supplies Direct From Japan!

Last week for Halloween, I posted some creative Bento lunches! This week I decided to search YJ for supplies to make the Bentos at home on your own!

3 Stamps- Heart, Bear and Star- Only 980 Yen!


Auction

Make cute little faces with these sandwich makers, rice shapers, etc.



Auction

I absolutely love these expressions on these stamps!



Auction

And of course, Japan's mascot- Hello Kitty!



Auction


Don't see what you want here? Search all the listings for Bento on YJ and Bid Through Rinkya!



[Japan][halloween bento]
[bento box]

Butt Golf Tee Keychain Holders!

Never lose your golf tees again with these handy golf tee keychain holders. Male and female butts available!




Product Page Order Via Rinkya Stores

Also available are Sexy Bikini Golf Tees!


Japan has many rare golf items available, clubs you can get nowhere else, Search YJ for your favs:
Golf on YJ


[Japan][golf]
[golf tees][nonconforming drivers]

New Red PSP Color Released in Japan

PSP Deep Red is set to be released in Japan December 13th. The perfect sparkling red Christmas gift will come in two types of value packs, one with a digital TV tuner! Read here for more info!

There is no word yet if it will be sold outside Japan, but when released they are sure to be found on YJ and bid through Rinkya!

Via Gizmodo


[Japan]
[PSP]
[Playstation Portable System]
[Video Games]

Gackt To Release Gundam Album

Gackt announced on November 5th, the 66th birthday of Gundam creator Yoshiyuki Tomino, that he will be releasing an album devoted to Mobile Suit Gundam anime.

The album title is 0079-0088- a timeline of the first two major wars in Gundam and is set to be released December 19th.

Via Anime News Network

Image Source

[Japan]
[gackt] [gundam][jpop]

Tokyo Design School Creates Million Dollar Outfit

Bunka Fashion College, the distinguished school located in Shinjuku, showcased their students' talents with a glaring fashion show featuring 1500 Gold Austrian coins- worth more than 1.2 million.

Three pieces were designed- a full length gown and two jackets. The dress weighed 22 pounds, one jacket weighed 33 pounds! and the other jacket weighed 13 pounds.



The beautiful designs were kept under careful watch to avoid any theft.

Bunka Fashion College was home to fame BAPE designer, Nigo.

Designing with gold is not unheard of in Japan, back in July, Ginza Tanaka created a gold spun swimsuit and shawl you can see here


Source Via Luxury Launches

[Japan]
[gold dress] [fashion japan]

I Scream, We all Scream For Ice Cream- Lamps !

This ice cream lamp makes a yummy addition to any room!

Enjoy an ice cream lamp and grab a hamburger stool here for a room to attract alot of attention!

US$10.00

[Japan][design from japan][ice cream]