Gundam Pulls a Pinocchio!

If you are short the $250,000 price tag for the Gundam made of pure platinum (found here), the figure above is available.

Carved from wood, the lines and detail are amazing and available for a much smaller price tag at 50,400 yen (approx $440 USD)

Available here, order through Rinkya!

Via


To pick up your very own Gundam collectibles:
Gundam on YJ




[Japan]
[Gundam]
[Bandai]

Nintendo DS Lite New Colors- Japan Only (of course...)

Nintendo Japan announces two new colors to the DS lite Lineup- Metallic Rose and Gloss Silver.

No idea if they will hit the US, the pretty color Ice Blue (my personal fav) never reached our shores.

Want one of the new colors?
Order through Rinkya Stores

Japan has a habit of releasing original colors, check out the Gold PSP available only in Japan here

Like Nintendo?
Check out other Blog Posts:
Pokemon Mystery Dungeon
Nintendo Movie
Super Paper Mario Wii

Or get some rare goods on YJ:
Nintendo

Via

Nintendo Japan Site for All Colors

[Japan]
[nintendo ds lite]

A New Star Wars?? (*fingers crossed*) UPDATED

George Lucas plans to make a huge announcement today- and many are thinking (or hoping) the director will announce a new Star Wars film.

Star Wars celebrates 30 years this week and many fans are adorning their Storm Trooper, Darth Vader and Princess Leia outfits to the theaters re-playing the much loved series that spans 30 years and many generations of fans.

Star Wars on our Blog:
Darth Vader Samurai

Star Wars on YJ

**Updated- Looks like no new Star Wars planned and it was just another web rumor, sigh. **

Via


[Japan][Star Wars][Darth Vader]
[samurai]
[george lucas]

The Doggie Manicure Cleaning Set from Japan!

Move over Paris Hilton and her designer hairdos and pedicures for her pups.

Japan has its' own personal foot washer to get those paws clean and shiny- no beauty shop visit needed.

Buy one today for your pampered dog!
Purchase through Rinkya Stores

Japan is known for spoiling their dogs rotten, check out the designer duds and wacky fashions for your pup on YJ: Beware VERY cute auctions listed below!
Kimonos
Hats
Bandanas
Jackets
Large Dogs




[Japan]
[pet clothes][dog clothes][japan wacky]

Harry Potter Movie Will Make Its' Premiere in Japan!

To this blogger's disappointment but to Japan's excitement- the newest Harry Potter slated for summer release will make its' world debut in Japan on June 28th.

The US premiere will not open until July 8th, opening in UK July 3rd (JK Rowling's home!)

Japan is not a typical choice for a world premiere, however Spiderman 3 just did it (read about it here), so perhaps they are trying to repeat the success of Spidey's opening (the largest gross in all time- but watch out Pirates 3 hits theaters this weekend!)

Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix is the fifth book in the series put to film.
The final book, Harry Potter and the Deathly Hollows debuts this summer on July 21st.

Poster shown above available for auction here


Get some of the rare Harry Potter Japan collectibles now:
Harry Potter

Check out our other Summer Blockbuster Posts:
SpiderMan 3 Collectibles
Transformers Toy Exclusive


Via



[Japan]
[harry potter][harry potter and the order of the phoenix][summer blockbusters][summer sequels]

Japanese Designers & Rolling Stones Collaborate!

The 2006 collaboration of the Rolling Stones and 13 Japanese artists was so successful, the company Buddy Z has enlisted 12 more artists for the 2007 Rolling Stones Design collection.

Each designer creates t-shirts and trucker hats illustrating the Rolling Stones.

Check out the design page for all the looks and order anyone you wish through Rinkya Stores!

Via Hypebeast



[Japan][rolling stones][exclusive fashion]

Ms. Butterworth's Meets Darth Vader

Pictured above is the world's first robot designed to discuss and present vinegar.
Yes, you read correctly, it says "vinegar".

Tamanoi Vinegar Corporation begins using the 6 foot, 220 pound robot in July.
No wonder Japan felt the need to draft laws on robots.

He looks scary to me, maybe he is pissed he has to talk about vinegar and that they put him in a skirt.
He does not have a light saber but he does have a pointer, so do not mess with him!

Watch videos of the robot here

View more of Japan's cool Robots:
Robot Butler
Receptionists
Beer Pourers
Wine Connoisseurs
Musuem dedicated to Robots!

Search Japanese Robots here and bid today on your favorites:
Asimo
Beer Robots
Sony Aibos
Robots


Via Pink Tentacle


[Japan]
[Robots][Asimo][Aibos][Sony]

Exclusive Transformers Toy with Advance Movie Ticket in Japan!

An exclusive Bumblebee toy will be given away with advance tickets to see the Transformers in Japan!

Item will be a deluxe 1974 metallic painted Camaro mold.

Expect the exclusive toy to hit YJ in numbers!
We will provide updates with links for the item as it appears on YJ and maybe grab some for our online store BuyRinkya!

Going to the movies in Japan is a unique, pricey experience.
Japan releases exclusive goods for nearly every popular movie- sold only at the theaters! Many savvy sellers place them on YJ after purchasing!


Transformers on YJ

Other Summer Blockbuster Posts:
SpiderMan 3 Exclusives

Transformers Posts:
Nike Transformer

Via Seibertron


[Japan][spiderman 3][transformers]
[ japan collectibles][exclusive movie goods]

Pokemon Mystery Dungeon 2 Website Open!

The Japanese website for Pokémon's newest game is open here

Pokémon Mystery Dungeon part 2 is a much anticipated follow up to the success of the first Mystery Dungeon!

Visit the website for more information, characters and first looks at the upcoming release! Everything is in Japanese but use your favorite translator to read up!

Pokémon On YJ- games, collectibles, posters, movies and more!
Nintendo


[Japan][Pokémon][pokemon][mystery dungeon][videogames][nintendo]

Bikini-Clad Golf Tees from Japan! **UPDATED**

Now available from BuyRinkya- Buy direct for $12 a pack- Ships today!


Japan loves golf, if you discuss sports in Japan, it inevitably leads to discussing golf. Another popular discussion is bikini-clad women. So basically Japan is not much different from the rest of the world.

A combination of these two loves are brought together with this golf tee direct from Japan!


Or Buy some Non-Conforming Drivers from BuyRinkya today!

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]

Calling All Directors for Nintendo Movie!!

Nintendo announces- Nintendo Shortcuts- a contest that gives you 10K for the best Nintendo- themed movie!

The movie only has to be 3-5 minutes long and can be any Nintendo Theme- GameCube, Wii, Mario Brothers, Pokemon, DS Lite, etc etc...

Winning movie will show at Tribeca Film Festival in New York City- many more prizes detailed on link below, including tons of gaming equipment!

Lack of Inspiration?
Check out YJ for the rare Nintendo Items- Yoshi yo-yos, Pokemon pillows, Mario & Luigi pez holders and much more!


Nintendo Wii GameCube
Nintendo ALL
Mario Brothers
Pokemon

Contest Guidelines

Via CrunchGear



[Japan][nintendo]
[gamecube][mario brothers][nintendo wii]

Apple X Be@rbricks!

The Apple website in Japan is offering Apple Be@rbricks with Mac purchases!

Rare and soon to be on YJ:
Be@rbricks
Apple Computers

Check out other Be@rbrick Releases here:
Jack Sparrow
Spiderman Kubrick


[Japan][apple computers]
[be@rbricks][kubricks][mac]

Pokémon Mystery Dungeon 2!

CoroCoro, a Japanese gaming magazine, has revealed the newest Pokémon Game- Pokémon Mystery Dungeon 2.
Two versions of the game will be released- a Time Exploration Team & Darkness Exploration Team.

The Japan release is expected in the fall.

Murmurings of the release started way back in March but this is the first actual news development containing screenshots and information!

Via

Pokémon On YJ- games, collectibles, posters, movies and more!



[Japan][Pokémon][pokemon][mystery dungeon][videogames]

Rare G-Shocks Added to BuyRinkya!

BuyRinkya, Rinkya's online shop, just placed some rare Casio G-Shocks up for sale.

BAPE and World Cup G-Shocks available now.
Both come with the case, instruction & warranty card.

Check them out here

Or find your favorite G-Shocks on YJ:

G- Shock
G Shock Limited Editions
Baby-G
Baby G Limited Editions


[Japan][casio g-shocks][bape][baby g][limited edition watches][world cup]

Security in Japan- Infrared UnderWear!

Tired of people looking through your clothing?
Inhibiting your basketball game? Looking over your shoulder?

The athletic company, Cramer, has put a stop to that with infrared blocking underwear. The underwear prevents any see through images of women athletes, a growing problem with the use of infrared based photography used at sporting events.

As our post below indicates maybe this can be used for Engrish clothing as well- so no one stalks you to get a picture!

Search for Fashion Choices on YJ:
Fashion

Via



[Japan][infrared underwear][cramer][Japan fashion][Japan gadgets]

Engrish Strikes On A Japanese Woman's Dress! (and not in a good spot)

I am not sure what this could mean.

Stop looking at my butt and open your mind to other things?

A way to a woman's mind is through a key to her butt?

Any suggestions?

I am not sure what is scarier though- the dress or that my coworker stalked the poor woman to take a pic?

Check out some Engrish found on Elmo HERE

Have an engrish photo you would like to share?
Send it in and we will post it (with your name of course)!
Email laurelATrinkya.com




[Japan][engrish ]

More Studio Ghibli News!

Ghibli Channel is an online streaming video show that will include cast interviews, previews on new movies and any Ghibli information the fans will find of interest.

Unfortunately, the viewing of these videos is limited to Japan residents, other IPs are blocked. The good news is Ghibli World (the premier online Ghibli resource webpage) has been granted access and is showing the videos on the website.

The current videos include: an interview with Ghibli Museum director Nakajima Kiyofumi, a report about Studio Ghibli at the Tokyo Anime Fair 2007, Ou to Tori trailer and Haru no Mezame trailer. (from site)

Ou to Tori is "Le Roi et L'Oiseau", an animated film from France by Paul Grimault and Haru no Mezame is Russian Director Aleksandr Petrov's, "The Old Man And The Sea".

We can hardly wait to see a trailer of Miyazaki's newest film- Ponyo On a Cliff to make an appearance- hopefully soon!!

Please visit Ghibli World for the video and more info!

Please visit YJ for your Favorite Studio Ghibli Items:

Studio Ghibli

Blog Posts of Interest:
Ponyo On A Cliff
Miyazaki Films



[Japan][ghibli channel][miyazaki]
[ghibli][Haru no Mezame][ponyo on a cliff]
[Ou to Tori ]

Security for your Computer- Japanese Style!

The mouse above scans your iris and then you can login to your computer.
Hold the mouse up to eye and the mouse compares the iris to the original iris information stored.

According to the website the recognition takes seconds and is no time nuisance at all. The mouse costs 37,800 yen.

Seems rather excessive for normal home computers, I would rather have one on my USB stick, perhaps that makes me paranoid?


[Japan][usb drives][mouse security]
[ computer security][japan gadgets]


Read more here
Thanks Plastic Bamboo for the tip!

Spiderman 3 Exclusive Japan Collectibles Available Now!

Spiderman 3, the most expensive movie ever made- smashed box office records for most earned opening weekend, the title once held by Pirates of the Caribbean: Dead Man's Chest.

In Japan alone, the film brought in 3.5 million on its' first day of release.

SpiderMan 3 has one of the largest merchandising campaigns- figures, posters, even its' own Ice cream flavors at Baskin Robbins.

Toy store Blister Shibuya of Japan held an event May 5th in commemoration of the release of SpiderMan dedicating an entire floor to Spidey merchandise.

Of course- for the event they released exclusive figures ONLY available in Japan.

The exclusives have already made appearances on YJ, pick up some today through Rinkya
SpiderMan 3 On YJ

Stay tuned to our blog for ALL the summer blockbusters and their exclusive merchandise ONLY from Japan- Buy Direct through Rinkya!



[Japan][spiderman 3][medicom toys]
[ japan collectibles][venom]

Happy Children's Day!

May 5th is the celebration of children in Japan. Originally the holiday was known as Boy's Day (Tango no Sekku) but today it is considered a celebration of all children and known as Children's Day (Kodoomo no hi).
It is one of the holidays of Golden Week- a week with a number of holidays and festivals in Japan where many travel and relax.

Girl's Day discussed here is a separate holiday falling on March 3rd. Since the Girl's have their own holiday, many still practice Children's Day with the original traditions from Boy's Day.

Families go outside and fly huge carp-shaped streamers (koinobori pictured above)
and also set out warrior dolls, ornaments and weapons to symbolize the past Japanese heroes-- many boys dress up in these outfits as well.

The warrior dolls from the past are now precious antiques- showcasing the art and design of the different periods.

Find your own Warrior doll on YJ:
Samurai

Or purchase the Darth Vader Samurai outfit HERE released May 5th in celebration of Boy's Day.

More Info



[Japan][kodomo no hi][Children's Day][japan festival]
[samurai][warrior dolls][Boy's Day]

Blythe Exclusive Designer Charity Auctions!

Over 100 dolls are available for auction- specially designed by fashion designers, visual and recording artists for the Darling Diva Auction!

Fashion Designers Charlotte Ronson, Jennifer Nicholson, US celebrity Kelly Osbourne, Jpop star Aya Fujimoto, Gothic Lolita designers- Angelic Pretty and Baby the Stars Shine Bright are just a small number of the many stars that created the unique dolls.

Proceeds will be going to the Organ Transplant Association!

The Open auctions are located here and can be bid on through Rinkya!

Please visit Blythe News for the auction Schedule and to look at all the dolls available.



[Japan][charity auction][blythe dolls]
[ Charlotte Ronson][j pop][ angelic pretty][baby the stars shine bright]
[ Jennifer Nicholson][gothic lolita][ Aya Fujimoto][kelly osbourne]

Romeo X Juliet Anime Online for Free Viewing!

Gonzo is streaming the first episode of the anticipated Romeo X Juliet anime series, the free special ends May 5th.

View it here

Search your favorite Anime Items on YJ:
Anime


[Japan][romeo and juliet][gonzo]
[anime]

The Skeletons of Your Favorite Animes!

Missing X Ray Vision? Ever Wonder what Pikachu looks like underneath his skin?

Well, Artist Michael Paulus has!

He designed the skeletal systems of some famous cartoon animation characters, some seen above and much more- Hello Kitty, Charlie Brown, etc...

Very creative, grotesque and interesting!

Pokemon
Powerpuff Girls
Peanuts


Visit the Artist's Gallery Online



[Japan][powerpuff girls][pokemon]
[peppermint patty]
[charlie brown]
[Michael Paulus]

Darth Vader Meets Samurai Warrior!

The 30 year anniversary of Star Wars is approaching and a dollmaker in Japan has decided to take Darth Vader back to his roots- his Samurai roots.

Darth Vader's original costume was modeled after the Samurai outfits, Yoshitoku has designed a Samurai kabuto (helmet) and yoroi (armor) for the Dark Lord.
A bow and sword replace the infamous lightsaber.

The outfit is 90 centimeters and is made from silk, aluminum and brass.

The store will sell the pieces as a combined set- yoroi, kabuto, bow, sword (330,000 yen) or you can purchase the kabuto with bow and sword separately for 180000 yen.

Only available in Japan at this time, but anyone can preorder from Rinkya Stores.

The items will be officially released on May 5th- Boy's Day in Japan.

Product Info


[Japan][Star Wars][Darth Vader]
[samurai]
[Boy's Day]