20.07.2008 · by Adrian A. Lozano
It's back, I'll be there will you?
From now till the end of the month you can find me nightly at Queen Dolce. Ahhhh...... the stuff that really matters to many foreign Otaku, oh yeah they have live penguins too.
ニャンニャンニャンニャン ニーハオニャン ゴージャス デリシャス デカルチャ～
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20.07.2008 · by Patrick W. Galbraith
Return of the otaku
July 20, 2008, in a small room on the second floor of a building on Showadori in Akihabara, otaku, idols and cosplayers banished from Chuodori came together. Mini-itasha were on display for photographers, but the event was mostly no pictures. Nonetheless, many familar faces were on site. The event was small, but the heart was large. Well done to all organizers and participants!
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20.07.2008 · by Eva
Perfume Makes Oricon Smell Good
According to Oricon Style, press outlet for the Japanese musical statistics corporation Oricon, the new Perfume song "love the world" which was released July 9 has sold over 810,000 copies, earning it the number one spot in weekly single rankings as its debut to the charts.
As far as "techno artisits" are concerned, the former record holder was the Yellow Magic Orchestra's single "Kimi ni Mune Kyun," which debuted in the number 2 spot back on May 2, 1983 - making this the first in over 25 years.
Their newest album Game, which was released in April of this year, also obtained number 1 in the weekly rankings, meaning this may be the year of their big break.
Source: Otasuke
Why is Perfume so awesome? I advise you ask , and then see if you can resist.
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17.07.2008 · by Adrian A. Lozano
Crazy stuff you stumble on in Akihabara.
While on my weekly walk through Raido Kaikan, my coworker happened to stumble across these. Alright character themed Yujin Nintendo DS styluses, hold on a second WTF?
EWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWW......... but pretty funny at the same time.
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17.07.2008 · by Eva
Ani-store Express Replaces Akiba Express at Comiket 72
Due to high gas prices among other factors, the bus service connecting Akihabara and the Comiket event site (Tokyo Big Site) known as the "Akiba Express" has been suspended indefinitely. However, it was recently announced that it will be replaced by the "Ani-store Express," connecting Comiket with Animate Ikebukuro and Animate Akihabara for the duration of the Comiket 74 convention.
Animate, anime and game related merchandiser and Ani-store Express organizer, also announced that an original DJ radio program will be broadcast throughout the bus during the trip. Though the main personalities for the show have yet to be decided, there is rumor that passengers taking the Ikebukuro route will be riding with cast members from Animate Concierge, Animate
Three buses traveling from Comiket to Akihabara and Comiket to Ikebukuro daily will run daily. The ride is priced at 1,200 yen and comes with a CD of the radio broadcast. Tickets will go on sale in the end of July, and can be reserved through the Animate Tsushin Sales area of all Animate stores nationwide.
source: Otasuke
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17.07.2008 · by Eva
Macross F Event at Queen Dolce
From July 19-31, Queen Dolce will be having their second team-up event with anime Macross F, which debuted on Japanese television this past winter.
For the duration of the event, Queen Dolce will be offering special character and mech themed cocktails. Every customer ordering one of these drinks will receive a special character trading card, and other opportunities to get Macross F original goods. In addition, downstairs neighbor Dragon Ice will be offering a special item on their menu called Macross F Dragon Ice, which will also come with a trading card. The shaved ice dessert, which is pictured on the official even site, looks sweet and fruity, and is priced at 600 yen.
Queen Dolce is a dan-sou, or cross-dressing cafe and bar with all female staff. It is located on Chuo dori in Akihabara near Suehirochou Station. Hours of operation are 2pm-10pm Tuesday through Friday, and 1pm-10pm Friday, Saturday, and holidays.
Tags: Macross 0 Comments
16.07.2008 · by Eva
Akihabara Gamer's Grand Re-open
Anibro was established on January 23, 2007, the result of a joint venture partnership between companies Broccoli and Animate. The re-opening of Gamers is only one part in plans to expand their shops and anime merchandising business.
The new shop will be adjacent the former Gamers location, on a corner lot facing main shopping artery Chuo dori. The lot previously housed the store Rocket No. 1, though a new building has been constructed in its place. While the old Gamers building will be dedicated to anime, the newer establishment will specialize in games, making for a combined total area of 2,388 square meters.
In conjunction with the new store opening, the old store branch will also have a renewal opening, and a series of special campaigns will commemorate the event. With the purchase of any one game software, customers will receive a sticker mouse pad. In addition, customers purchasing books and magazines, character goods, CDs, DVDs, and hobby goods will get one card kisekae sticker per checkout. Both come in many varieties and will be distributed on a first come first serve basis. Also, from the 22nd through the 25th, customers with total purchases amounting to over 5,000 yen will be presented with a special Dejiko store mascot telephone card. The cards will be replenished daily, but will also be in limited supply. Other special events and goods are still in the works.
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16.07.2008 · by Eva
Kaiyodo Revoltech's Krauser plus Legendary Guitar!
On July 15, Kaiyudo will release the new series of Detroit Metal City (DMC) figures as part of its Revoltech Yamaguchi series, sculpted by Katsuhisa Yamaguchi.
The three figures included in the line-up are "Krauser II," "Alexander JAGI," and "Camus." Each figure will come with various customized accessories; Krauser will be equipped with his legendary guitar, roaring mic, an alternate head, six alternate hands, and two speed-guitar hands. Alexander JAGI comes with his bass guitar, mic stand, "JAGI's flame," alternate head, four alternate hands, and a display base. The Camus figure will include a DMC sign board, two cobra sticks, two drumsticks, flying serifs, three alternate hands, and a display base. Each measures about 135mm in size and will be priced at 1,995 yen.
The figures are inspired by the gag manga Detroit Metal City by Kiminori Wakasugi, serialized in Hakusensha's Young Animal publication since 2005. It follows the story of pop singer Soichi Negishi, who finds his true passion in death metal, transforming him into the personality "Johannes Krauser II" to play guitar and lead vocals for the band DMC. Since publication, volumes 1-5 of the manga have sold over 2.5 million copies. Though a DMC anime DVD is also set for release sometime this summer, the DMC movie adaptation will hit Japanese theaters August 23.
Tags: Figures 0 Comments
16.07.2008 · by Eva
Maid Crime Prevention Seminar
In order to prevent crime and encourage precautionary action, another Maid Crime Prevention Seminar has been organized by the Manseibashi Police Station in Akihabara. The seminar will be held tomorrow at Maid Cafe Filles; contents will include instruction on women's self defense and dialing 110, the emergency hotline in Japan. Though entrance is free, only 30 seats will be available and attendants should reserve in advance.
The first Maid Crime Prevention Seminar was held last summer in response to the influx of organized crime and other incidents involving the assault of maids in the area. Held at the Manseibashi Police Station, it mainly consisted of a distributing a prospectus designed to raise awareness of crime prevention, including the formation of volunteer patrol groups, and cooperation with the police. Representatives from three maid cafes attended to disseminate information.
Source:Hagemaru
Source:Maidblog.net
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15.07.2008 · by Eva
Asuka and Rei: Dream Come True?
According to the July issue of Volks News, special limited edition Dollfie Dream (DD) makes of Ayanami Rei and Soryu Asuka Langely will be available at the Home Town Dolls Party 5 in Osaka. They mark the newest additions to Volks Evangelion Complimentary Design Project.
The spherical joint dolls, which stand 27cm high, will be clothed in popular maid-inspired costumes. The costumes first appeared as part of a pachinko promotion, featuring the two Evangelion characters on special limited edition member cards in summer of 2007. Last winter, the same characters graced limited edition cans of UCC coffee. The costume includes: a one piece dress, apron, petticoat, underwear, choker, decorative cuffs, head piece, white thigh-high socks, and school issue brown loafers.
In addition to costumes, the dolls will have custom made heads, eyes, and wigs on a DD Base Body II with white colored skin and medium sized bust. Each will be priced at 54,000 yen. A "Tokyo 3 First JHS School Uniform," including a shirt, blue jumper, red ribbon, white undergarments, black socks, white indoor shoes, and black satchel bag, will be available separately at a price of 16,000 yen. Both dolls and the school uniform will available in limited quantities and only at the upcoming Osaka Dolls Party.
Volks Home Town Dolls Party Osaka 5 will be August 3 at Intex Osaka, Building 3. Admission is 1,500 yen, which includes an official guide book.
Tags: Volks 1 Comment
14.07.2008 · by Adrian A. Lozano
Busy Busy Weekend it's a dirty Job.....................
Friday I attended the MegaHouse Mega Expo, and got the Mospeada mail way set in my attendee gift bag. Anything Mospeada being produced these days is worth its weight in platinum.
Saturday I had to work a short shift at the real job in Akihabara, but got out in time to see the Megumi Nakajima seiyu of Ranka Lee from Macross Frontier perform live at Soft2. Great little show and packed!
Sunday was a full work day but after I headed to Shinjuku to see Ghost In The Shell 2.0, now that's a great way to end such a busy weekend. I should have a review of the film up in a day or two. I have to let it set in... not sure if I liked the changes made to it or not?
Tired, need sleep, have to work in 6 hours! This past week was busier more than usual, had better get used to it.
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11.07.2008 · by Eva
It's a Rumic World - Rumiko Takahashi Exhibit
Shogakukan's Shonen Sunday weekly publication announced the first ever original art exhibit for world renowned writer and illustrator Rumiko Takahashi via its website yesterday. Among the 150 pieces will be different Shonen Sunday artists' rendering of the character Lum, in addition to original art from other Takahashi series published in Shonen Sunday. The exhibit will be on the eighth floor of the Matsuya Ginza building and run from July 30 - August 11.
Rumiko Takahashi is famous for the works One-pound Gospel, Ranma 1/2, Urusei Yatsura, and Mermaid Forest among others. Last June, she finished her longest running serialized manga Inu Yasha, which was published over the course of nearly 12 years.
Source: Otasuke
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11.07.2008 · by Eva
Sekirei Event at Cafe with Cat
Akihabara anime, manga and doujinshi retailer Toranoana will be having an event commemorating the broadcast of anime Sekireiat its resident eatery Cafe with Cat. In addition to cosplaying staff, the cafe will be featuring special menu items the weekend of July 19 - 20. Though no special purchase is required, tickets must be obtained prior to seatings, which will be held hourly from 11am until close.
The special menu for the event will feature three items. The first, "Musubi's Special Curry Feast," will consist of curry and rice topped with large pieces of beef and potatoes. At "Musubi's request," it will be available in regular, large, and huge portions, all priced at 1000 yen. "Ku-chan's Fresh Sweets" will be a fruits and ice cream dessert for 600 yen. Lastly, "Tsukimi's Cafe au Lait" may seem like iced coffee topped with whipped cream, but was apparently made with the character's "two-sided" personality in mind, represented in the layers of black and white. Served straight, with gum syrup on the side, at 500 yen.
Though selection from the special menu is not mandatory, one food or beverage purchase per customer is required. Also, other rules of the cafe including no photography will remain in effect. Tickets will be available at the door of Cafe with Cat, situated on the second floor of Toranoana's Main Store in Akihabara.
Tags: Sekirei Akihabara Anime Manga Doujinshi 0 Comments
10.07.2008 · by Eva
Gundam 00 Second Series Announced
According to the official website, popular anime series Mobile Suit Gundam 00 will begin a second season starting this fall. The first season ran from October 2007 to March 2008. Networks MBS and TBS have already confirmed broadcasts of the new show Sundays at 5pm from this October.
Source: Moonphase
Tags: Gundam 0 Comments
10.07.2008 · by Ein
Akiba Maid Casino at Summer Sonic
The popular Maid Casino called "Akiba Guild" has announced that it will have an official booth during at the Summer Sonic Festival 2008.
Summer Sonic is a music festival that is host to many local and international acts. Coming in as a second after Fuji Rock Festival, Summer Sonic had about 180,000 visitors in 2007 and has experienced rising ticket sales ever since it was first held in 2000.
The booth will be placed in the special "Sonic until morning" section, a spot reserved for all night DJ's and film screenings, and will enable the guest to engage in Black Jack and Roulette games. Just like in the original casino in Akihabara customers will not be able to win money but rather recieve the usual gifts and presents like cheki, stickers etc. as it is custom in most proper japanese maid cafe establishments.
The owner of Akiba Guild and the Organizer of the Summer Sonic festival have stated that they expect a huge party where the customers will enjoy fun games together with the staff.
This seems like an interesting new step into an area outside of the ususal Akihabara culture
Note: unconfirmed rumours have stated that the SS08 organizer and the Akiba Guild owner came up with the idea during a drinking session
Source: AKIBA Today
Tags: Maids 0 Comments
09.07.2008 · by Dominique
Comments enabled!
Fate/Stay Night kept me from finishing this but finally, as Avalon has been reached, so has the comment function. Tell us your valued thoughts on all relevant articles on this page. They're most welcome. Stay tuned for moar!
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09.07.2008 · by Eva
Figure Inspired USB Flash Memory
In late June, technology firm Buffalo released a new series of USB flash memory drives called "Swattears," consisting of a 2GB capacity drive built into a 7cm cubric figure. The memory resides in the legs of the figure and becomes accessible through a port that folds down from the back when the figure is in a seated position. Each Swattears comes with a "sofa," or external USB docking port upon which the character can rest when not sitting on your computer. As a bonus to Windows OS users, the drive will be represented by a corresponding character icon on the desktop while mounted. The total package, which includes a USB extension cable, is priced at 2,980 yen.
So far, both Ultraman and Puchi Eva Ayamami Rei versions have been created. However, as both were priced reasonably and limited to only 3,000 pieces they sold out quickly. According to an Akihabara Keizai Shinbun article, Buffalo said that no plans for any character re-releases are underway, and that they are still considering which characters to employ for future releases. Some crafty individuals are already reselling theirs at for over four times the price. However, this may be what it takes to have these all-time-favorite characters "always at your side," as Buffalo's inspiration for the Swattears series suggests.
Tags: Gadget USB Ayanami Rei Puchi Eva 0 Comments
04.07.2008 · by Adrian A. Lozano
Hey.... Listen...... You Smell Something?
I love late 80's to early 90's Anime and that brings me to Laserdiscs. Ever since the last Anime Con (pre-Anime Expo) I loved to go through boxes of imported Anime LDs. There was something magical about flipping through boxes full of LDs, or maybe it was just toxic. That LD smell to me is the official smell of Anime. Unfortunately for me it is getting harder to find boxes of Anime LDs in this day and age.
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01.07.2008 · by Patrick W. Galbraith
It’s a Gundam! ...workstation
Absolutely incredible. This is a workstation from Novelquest, a pod with a three-panel display and surround sound:
www.gizmodo.jp/2008/06/enperor.html
One day, mark my words, there will be a Char Special for this, and it will be mine.
Tags: Gundam 0 Comments
30.06.2008 · by Adrian A. Lozano
It all starts from here!
I finally found a good use for a stack of personalized name cards I never asked for. They were never intended to represent me or what we've set out to do.
We are finally all here! It's been a long road full of trust, fun, creativity, and silliness then out of left field came deception, finger pointing, stress, and finally abandonment. Good thing most of us picked ourselves up from all that, regrouped and rebuilt what we all wanted to do in the first place. This is just the first stage of what is to come, and we hope there's something for all our Otaku brothers and Fujoshi sisters worldwide to enjoy and be a part of.
デカルチャー！！！！！
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