More Final Fantasy VII 10th Anniversary Items!!

The Final Fantasy VII 10th Anniversary celebration has kicked off many exclusives from Japan!
The latest in upcoming specials is the Final Fantasy VII potion in soda cans. Each soda can (or potion can...) depicts a different character.

Tarding Arts mini figures will come out a month later in November with more character art on the cans.

We will have both for sale at Rinkya, so look for updates on the blog!

Other Final Fantasy Exclusives, available for pre-order on YJ:

Final Fantasy PSP Anniversary Bundle
Final Fantasy Potion

YJ Links:
Final Fantasy

Via Kotaku

[Japan]
[final fantasy VII][ japan exclusives]
[PSP]
[Playstation Portable System][final fantasy potion]

Special Edition Batman Comics Shoes!

Ubiq Fatima has created Batman Sneakers inspired by the classic comic books.
The shoes come in two styles- black & white comic and color. The shoes run 16,800 Yen (approximately $155 USD)

The shoebox they come in is almost cooler than the shoes, heavily wrapped in the classic vintage comic book style.

Order your pair through Rinkya Stores! Via


Read about the Batman Anime Coming Soon

Batman Items on YJ

Info:
Bat Blog and HypeBeast


[Japan]
[batman][DC comics]
[The dark Knight]
[batman begins]

A Rinkya Blog's New Feature Collector's Corner!

Welcome to our First Edition of Rinkya's Collector's Corner!

Our first interview is Blythe Collector, April.
Blythe Dolls are popular items in Japan and are sought after by collectors around the world.



How long have you been collecting?

I started collecting about three years ago when my daughter was born.

How did you get started collecting Blythes?

I started out collecting dolls that I had played with as a child. I wanted to be able to show my daughter some of the toys of my childhood.
I actually owned a blonde Kenner blythe doll (the original Blythe) as a child.
They were only produced for one year in 1972.
When I went to buy one on the resale market I was shocked to learn that they were fetching upwards of $1000 USD.
I learned of the resurgence of the Blythe doll's popularity after they began to be produced in Japan.
The story of Blythe's "rebirth" in Japan is fascinating. I bought one just to see what they were like and fell in love.


What is the “dream” item for you?

Ha! ha! It changes all the time! First it was the vintage Kenner dolls...then the limited edition Japanese Blythes. Now I have a passion for customized dolls. The Japanese are doing amazing work - they are preeminent customizers. This is one of the reasons that Rinkya is an indispensable service for me. It gives me access to a critical market I wouldn't otherwise have.


What is your favorite part of collecting Blythes?

Actually, you may find this surprising, but it is the creativity. Doll collectors are creative and talented people. They are painters, photographers and artists. Many sew all of their own outfits for their dolls. They create the most fantastic miniature worlds in minute detail. I learned photography so that I could share pictures of my dolls with other collectors. Now I have started customizing my own dolls now and I am really enjoying the creative process.

What is your favorite item you found thru Rinkya and why?

I have been a fan of the Japanese Blythe customizer known as Blastic.12 for a quite some time. He sells his beautiful creations on Yahoo Japan under the brand name Ragdoll Punch. I was lucky enough to recently acquire one of his custom dolls. She is a work of art and I am thrilled to have her!

Where can we see your treasures?

You can see many of the dolls in my collection on my flickr site at http://www.flickr.com/photos/blink_posse/

Thank you for taking the time to answer these questions and good luck with
your collection!!

Thanks for talking with me. It has been fun!

Check out the listings of Blythes on YJ!


Do you have a collection you want showcased on our blog?
Email us! laurelNOSPAM@rinkya.com

Image is property of owner.


[Japan][blythe dolls]
[kenner][japan collections]

Dancing Robot USB!

Our favorite wacky USB store from Japan, Solid Alliance, has released the dancing robot USB!

Attach to your computer and watch it jam to the music.

Order any of the USBs through 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]

30 Years Later- Star Wars Technology Hits Japan!

If anyone can make the technology and gadgets in Star Wars possible- it is Japan. And they have broken ground recently with tiny 3d image displays.

Hitachi has created a lightweight 3D display with hopes to include it in mobile phone technology.

The technology uses rapid spinning mirrors to create the image and place it in midair.

Other future prospects for the 3D image are architectural and engineering designs.

Star War Toys on YJ!



Via 3Yen News


[Japan][3d images]
[star wars]

Pizza Hut Creates Japan's Favorite Pizza!

Pizza Hut Japan recently ran a survey on favorite toppings in Japan.

The number one winner was Mentaiko & Potato- Mentaiko is roe (fish eggs) from the white fish, pollock.
The second favorite topping is Ebi Chilli (Shrimp and Chili)

To celebrate these favorite toppings of Japan, Pizza Hut will release the "Super Grand Prix 2007" in September.

Half the pizza will be Mentaiko, the other half Ebi Chilli.

Since these are the favorites in Japan, maybe the pizza will be very popular, but the two toppings on one pizza?

We will call Pizza Hut when orders begin and let you know how it goes!

Info

Don't forget to Submit your Entry to our Japan's Weird Food Contest!

Check out Pizza Hut's Double Roll review here!



[Japan][pizza reviews]
[pizza hut]

Nintendo Wii Fighting Stick Arcade Controller!

The Wii Fighting Stick will release in Japan August 30th!

The classic controller was re-created for Wii and unfortunately will not hit North America until November.

If you want it now order through Rinkya Stores!

Other Nintendo News:

Wii Accessory Exclusives From Japan
Nintendo DS Lite Pokemon Edition

Via

Product Page


[Japan]
[nintendo wii]

Funky Stools From Japan!

Can't get the Mega Mac from Japan?

Buy A Hamburger Stool!



















Or if you have a sweet tooth- try the pudding stool!





Not only does Japan have our favorite gadgets- they have fun and wacky designs too!

Check them out here and order through Rinkya Stores!







[Japan][design from japan][Mega Mac]
[hamburger stools]

Enter Rinkya's Japan Weird Food Contest!!

We have not had a blog contest since the Weirdest Hello Kitty Item way back in December 2006!
So, we decided that it is about time to have another one!

If you have read our blog before (which you should, it is really good!), you realize that Japan has a wackiness when it comes to food items.

From Pepsi Cucumber Ice, to maple syrup on Pizza, to Pineapple Kit Kats.
Some of these items are delicious, some do not quite make the cut.

Please submit your weirdest food/drink item from Japan and the winner will receive a package of the various Kit Kat flavors from Japan!
We are looking for the most unique find!
Please include a picture and/or link of the item. We will take entries until September 20th!

Please submit to laurelNOSPAM@rinkya.com

If you do not win, you can order any Kit Kat flavor from Rinkya for $2.00 here!

Please do not submit any food or drink items discussed on the blog, but please read about them here:

Kit Kat Flavors From Japan
Double Roll Pizza from Pizza Hut Japan
McDonald's Mega Mac
Square Watermelon
McDonald's Mega Teriyaki
Pepsi Ice Cucumber
Bilk- Beer & Milk!
Deer Poop Candy

For countries that cannot receive the items, an alternate prize will be given.

Image Via

Cute Cell Phone Straps Direct From Japan!

Visit Rinkya's new affiliate, Applaudir for cell phone straps direct from Japan!

For a limited time only enjoy FREE commission on all items purchased from this shop from Rinkya Stores!

Please click on Order in English- to receive any of the items!



Kewpies dressed as frogs, penguins, seals and more!




Minnie Mouse!
















Gold unko for luck!














Cookie monster and Elmo phone straps, make music when you open and close!

Many more characters and items are available!

FREE commission on these rare cell phone straps direct from Japan for a limited time only!

[Japan][cell phone straps]
[japan stores]

Japan Gadgets Protect Against Global Warming!

I wish I had one of these- I don't live in Japan, but here in the States, we are reaching record breaking high temperature just as they are in Japan.

However, Japan is much more gadgety then folks here in the US, so they refuse to stay warm and have innovative ways of staying cool!

First it was the USB powered necktie that came with a fan.
However, that only cooled the neck, so in addition we have these jackets above containing two small fans sewn into the fabric and run on a pocket-sized rechargeable battery.
The air circulation evaporates sweat and keeps you cool.

So put on your jacket, cut open your square watermelon and drink an ice cold Bilk to stay cool during these hot summer months Japan style!

Yahoo News


[Japan][gadgets]
[air conditioned jacket]

Go Green with The Frog Can Crusher from Japan!

Only Japan can make going green cute!

Crush your beer cans and more with the frog crusher shown above!

Product Page Order via Rinkya Stores



[Japan][gadgets]
[go green]

Murakami Does Kanye West!

Hip Hop artist Kanye West's newest album was designed by famed Japanese artist Takashi Murakami.

This is not the first collaboration of Kanye West and Japanese art- West's Stronger video featured anime characters and Japanese designs.

Graduation drops in stores September 11th.

Another Murakami Blog Post!

YJ Links of Interest:
Kanye West
Takashi Murakami
Louis Vuitton
Marc Jacobs

Via



[Japan]
[Takashi Murakami][kanye west]
[anime]

Japan's Obon Festival

O Bon is the Buddhist festival that venerates lost relatives and ancestors and takes place this week in Japan.

Spirits of loved ones are invited home to spend time with family- food offerings are made at home and temples.

For many in Japan, O Bon is a valued time to spend with family-many taking a break from work and returning to their hometowns.

Family members visit the graves of their loved ones- washing and cleansing the gravesite.

Glowing lanterns line the homes and streets to guide the ghosts of loved ones home.

The last night of O Bon ends with Toro Nagashi (floating lanterns) and the lanterns are released into a body of water to guide the ghosts back into the spirit world.

Bon Odori (folk) dances are very popular during the festival. Dressed in Yukata, (summer kimonos) people dance to the music of drums and flutes. Fireworks are also very common during these festivals.

If you can take the August humidity, O Bon is one of the most beautiful times to visit Japan and experience the culture, religion and beauty!

Yukata (Summer Kimonos)


More Festival Info from Rinkya:
Cherry Blossoms
Tagata Jinja- Harvest Festival
Children's Day
White Day
Girl's Day


Image
For More Info


[Japan][o bon festival]
[buddhist festivals]

Extreme Ironing Japan on Mt Fuji! Wacky Sports!

A first for the Extreme Ironing Sports World- Hitoshi Matsuzawa climbed to Mt Fuji and ironed clothes.

Hitoshi Matsuzawa founded Extreme Ironing Japan in 2004.
His ultimate goal is to climb Mt Everest and iron- with no oxygen.

Extreme Ironing is an international sport that involves taking clothes and ironing them on difficult to access locations.

Pictures are taken from the Extreme Ironing Japan website, click here for more odd ironing locations!

Via


[Japan][wacky sports]
[extreme ironing]

Protect Your Nuts! The Japanese Game Show!

Man, our game shows are boring and Japan's rule.

On NBC's show The Singing Bee, you get eliminated if you mix up the words to a song.
Big deal- you walk off, and maybe your pride is hurt.
Entertaining? I thought so until I saw this Japanese game show.

On this show if you mess up any of the tongue twisters on stage- you get hit in the nuts.
In the nuts.
With a machine.

Hilarity ensues.

That will teach them to get answers wrong!

Via



[japanese game shows][Japan]
[weird]

No More Sweat At Work- Plug in the USB Tie Fan!

Hot at work?
Throw away those silk designer ties, and get the USB powered tie from Japan with built in cooler fan!
As you can see from the man's expression, it is very soothing.

Want it? Buy it from Rinkya Stores!

Review our other USB Posts filled with more Japanese Wackiness:

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



Product Page via The Raw Feed



[USB Drives][Japan]
[gadgets]
[Computer]

T-Qualizer- Watch your Shirt Jam to the Music!

The T-Qualizer shirts from Japan actually move up and down with the rhythm of music and sound!
Shirts glow in the dark!

Visit the product page for videos of the shirt jamming during a karaoke session, motorcycle ride and drum beat!


Product Page

[Japan]
[gadgets]

Final Fantasy VII Sony PSP Special Edition!

This special edition bundle is a silver PSP (the slim version!) with Final Fantasy logo, Final Fantasy VII Crisis Core game, retractable headset, and wrist strap.

YJ Sellers have already placed the item up for presale, bid on yours here through Rinkya today!

Item ships Sept 13th!

Other Blog Posts of Interest:
Final Fantasy VII 10th Anniversary Potion
Special Edition Sony PSPs from Japan

[Japan]
[final fantasy VII][ japan exclusives]
[PSP]
[Playstation Portable System][Video Games]

Batman Anime To Be Released Before Premiere of The Dark Knight

A BATMAN DVD cartoon is set to be released- done in the style of Japanese Anime.

Six original stories will be written set in the period between the movie Batman Begins and the upcoming blockbuster feature- The Dark Knight.

Prolific comic book writer, Brian Azzarello; David Goyer- screenwriter of Blade and Batman Begins and Josh Olsen, screenwriter of History Of Violence, are three of the famed names contributing.

Batman on YJ

Via Bat-Blog


[Japan]
[batman][DC comics]
[The dark Knight]
[batman begins]

Gundam Invades the Fashion World!

Gundam went platnium, also has modeled in wood, and has his own amusement park ride - but it was not enough for the anime robot.

Gundam enters the high end fashion world with this Swarovski encrusted Gundam model T-shirt for 200,000 yen

Another, less expensive version will use glass beads instead of Swarovski crystals for about 38000 yen.


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


Via Samurai Soapbox


[Japan]
[Gundam]
[Bandai]

New Kit Kat Flavor Added!

White Peach Kit Kat available for purchase- in VERY limited supply!

Order here!

Also available on BuyRinkya are Every Burgers!


[Japan][nestle]
[kit kats][japan candy]