Guess the Japanese Gadget!

What does this pink egg shaped thing do?

I used my awesome Photoshop skills to blurt out some hints, hahha!

Have a wonderful weekend and remember to send in your Guess the Gadgets- Win Japanese gadgets and commission!!

Click here to see Gadget Revealed


[Japan][gadget]

No Bleach Live Action Film?

Check out the LA Times for an interview with Bleach creator, Tite Kubo- Charles Solomon caught up with the creator at the San Diego Comic Con.

Bleach is the hugely popular manga, anime series in Japan and has many fans all over the world.

The Bleach creator essentially thumbs down hopes of a live action film:

"If it were possible to do 'Bleach' as a live-action movie, I wouldn't have drawn the manga. I want to draw something that can only be done as a manga."

I am sure some fans will rejoice and others disappointed with Mr. Kubo's decision, as anime fans are divided over the Dragonball Live Action Film in production now.

Bleach on YJ
Bleach Japan Stores
Bleach Rakuten

Bleach Cel Pictured Above On YJ Auction HERE




[Japan][bleach manga][japan anime]

Teru Teru Bozu Wind Chimes

"Teru Teru Bozu" is a classic Buddhist tradition and the little white dolls can be seen hanging all over Japan.

... traditional hand-made doll made of white paper or cloth that Japanese farmers began hanging outside of their window by a string. This amulet is supposed to have magical powers to bring good weather and to stop or prevent a rainy day. "Teru" is a Japanese verb which describes sunshine, and a "bōzu" is a Buddhist monk (compare the word bonze), or in modern slang, "bald-headed."

These Teru Teru Bozu's are not made of cloth and are beautiful wind chimes you can keep forever.
Made of porcelain, you can choose the facial expressions available, or draw your own. Wipe clean and place a smiley, frown or other expression dependent upon your mood.





Price begins at 2940 yen, order via Rinkya Stores

Product Page

Quoted Info Via



[Japan][teru teru bozu][Buddhist traditions]

New Petite Blythe- Chocolat de Q-Pot!

Blythe doll creators collaborated with Q pot for their newest Petite blythe- "Mademoiselle Chocolat de Q-pot"

Q-pot is a designer in Japan and they make adorable accessories in the shapes of your favorite desserts. Rings, bracelets, necklaces and much more!



The doll is not released yet, so look for the upcoming release date.

Blythe on YJ
Q-pot on YJ

Online Q-pot Shop

Via Blythe Doll News




[Japan][blythe dolls][q pot]

CollectionDX East Coast Summit Wrap Up!

Our friends over at Collection DX had their Annual Summit a couple weeks ago.

Check out the great coverage on the event here!

For readers who are not aware, CollectionDX is the ultimate source for Japan collectibles- they review them, give you heads up about releases, showcase collections and much more.

Head over to them and get lost for a couple hours on their site!

Win A Japanese Gadget Contest!!

As readers know, we have a Guess the Japanese Gadget every Friday and leave it open for all you to guess all weekend!

Now it is your turn to stump our readers!

Submit your Guess the Gadgets!!

If you stump our readers, you will win one of the gadgets featured on blog (dependent upon the gadget's availability) and if you are a Rinkya user (or wish to become one)- you win the gadget AND a $20 commission credit on any auction!

What you need to do:
Send your submissions to laurelr AT rinkya DOT com
Only items from Japan stores or Japanese designers can be used
We will choose the best gadgets and feature them on a future Friday Guess the Gadget
Submissions due Sept 8th!


Here are just SOME of the gadgets up for the winners!
Cat Security Sensor
Pig EarPhones From Japan!
The Pen that Turns Into A Fishing Pole
Humping Dog USB

Ninjapin- The Stealth Ninja Push Pin

Ninjapin is the more awesome version of a push pin.
Why?
Cuz it does not ruin your walls and leaves a tiny mark!



Purchase Via Amazon Japan via Rinkya Stores only 840 yen ($8.15 USD) for 15 Ninjapins!



[Japan][ninja]

Monkey Stops Tracks in Tokyo!

A monkey was discovered walking the tracks at a train station in Tokyo, causing a delay in the morning commute.

Police chased the monkey, but he eluded authorities and escaped.
Amused onlookers snapped photos of the monkey. Normally this would be a rare (and funny) sight, but this is the 3rd time a monkey has been seen in Tokyo this month- a two hour trek from their homes.

Via CNN

Pictured above is the Bape Milo logo, the famous logo from Japanese designer Nigo!




[weird news]
[Japan][bape]

Eco Friendly Bunny Bag Makes Being Green Easy!

The adorable bunny seen above turns into this!! :




All you do is clip the bunny anywhere (your purse, clothing etc) and unzip and pull out the bag when you need it!



I love the ease of this, I have a few reusable bags and forget to grab them before heading to the store all the time.
With this bunny, I would never forget, you can just keep it in your purse at all times!

The bunny tote bag (called Picinica) comes in four colors: orange, brown, gray, black


Japan certainly makes going green cute! Product Page


Go Green With Other Japan Products!

Reusable Chopsticks!
Frog Can Crusher!




[Japan][gadgets][reusable totes]
[go green]

Japanese Gadget Revealed

It is a crab catcher!

Product Page998 yen each purchase via Rinkya Stores!



[Japan][gadget]

Guess the Japanese Gadget!

I think this one is really hard, so I included two pictures!

Have a wonderful weekend!



Click here to see Gadget Revealed


[Japan][gadget]

Japan's Obon Festival

It is that time a year again, when many people in Japan return home to spend time with relatives and venerate the relatives that have long since passed.

Last Year's Blog post goes much more in depth on the Obon Festival, sometimes called the Halloween of Japan, please read here to learn about the beautiful festival. Learn what the lanterns above are for!


Yukata (Summer Kimonos)


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

Pic Via

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

What is Marimo?

Marimo is a green algae that has formed into a perfect ball shape. Only found in Japan and a few European countries, it is now protected under law after having been ravaged by tourists and others trying to bring home the unique spherical algae.




You can purchase marimo for your aquariums, they grow at a very slow rate, approximately 5mms per year and can grow to 20-30 cms (up to 12 inches)!
Therefore, large ones are much more expensive, as they are much older. They are more often sold as seen above, in small glass jars.




Every October, the Marimo Festival is held at Laka Akan in Hokkaido (home to some of the largest marimo in the world). The local Ainu people extract a marimo from the lake and return it to its' home on the third (and last) day of the festival. Fireworks, dancing and other rituals take place during the festival, meant to celebrate nature and the preservation of Marimos. Pictured above is the offering of rice wine to the gods.




As usual with most popular things in Japan, Marimo is also a very cute mascot.
There are many different stuffed toys, phone straps, available. Marimo pillow pictured above, avaiable on auction here!


(At attention, Captain!)

Also, in the oddness that is Japan, they have a collection of figures, stuffed dolls and toys with hard ons (or woody) (or stiff) (or erection), whatever is the preferred word nowadays. A Japanese blog devoted to Marimokkori "Marimo with an erection" is located here

And there you have it, more than you ever wanted to know about Marimo!

Marimo Items on YJ
Rakuten Shops
Other Japan Online Stores


Various Sources:
History
More Info


Pic Sources
Group of Marimo
In Jar
Marimo Festival




[Japan][marimo]

Sexy Toilet Seat Covers!

Make your bathroom look sexy and alluring with these lacy toilet seat covers.
Cuz the bathroom should be sexy?
Right?

I guess in Japan, that is how they roll!


Product Page purchase via Rinkya Stores



[Japan][design from japan]

Grapes Sell for Almost $1000!!

Ruby Roman grapes sold in Japan for a record breaking high of $910 USD. The grapes typically do sell for a high amount (for grapes) but are usually in the $250 range.

And What's so special about them, according to the article:

The bunch that fetched the top price had about 35 grapes, each slightly smaller than a pingpong ball, Isu said. "They're delicious -- sweet but fresh at the same time, very well balanced."

Check out Japan's Square Watermelons here!




[Japan]
[square watermelon]
[weird japan news]


VIA CNN

Japanese Gadget Revealed

It is a grater! Seen here grating radishes!

Thank you for all the guesses!



[Japan][gadget]

Guess the Japanese Gadget!

It is cute and functional- the perfect Japanese gadget!

Have a wonderful weekend!

Click here to see Gadget Revealed


[Japan][gadget]

Practice Your Putt While On The Toilet

Mine as well make your time on the toilet useful with this golf putting green.
Love the package design~ this model must have needed money pretty badly. Pretending to poo and play golf!

Comes with free Do Not Disturb Sign!

Product Page, only 1290 yen for the best gag gift!!! Order via Rinkya Stores


[Japan][gadget][golf]

Glue Toilet Paper Holders

Interesting toilet paper holder from Japan...




Product Page 1890 yen order via Rinkya Stores





[Japan][gadget]

Just Like His Mummy Put Him to Bed!

Wrap yourself up like a mummy for a comfy sleep anywhere (as seen by the pics on the item box) A car? A Farm with cows- I wouldn't want to sleep there?? Or you can show up at a costume party with other "cool" dressed people.




King Tut's head comes off and makes a nice comfy pillow!



This King Tut sleeping bag is a huge hit in Japan.




Thank you Tokyo Times!

Japanese Gadget Revealed

This little kitty has a sensor on the neck that makes a noise when someone walks by!
The cat will go "nya--n" (the sound a cat makes in Japanese, I guess they do not think cats say Meow!)


Product page- only 1200 yen! Purchase via Rinkya Stores




[Japan][gadget]

Guess the Japanese Gadget!

What does this cute little cat do?

Have a great weekend!!

Click Here to see Gadget Revealed






[Japan][gadget]