New Sponsor: Please join me in welcoming our newest sponsor, Xenon Project. Xenon Project sells remote control and replica vehicles such as the Hawkspy Helicopter w/ Spy Camera, the Destroyer RC Boat, and the 1:18 Dark Knight Tumbler. I don’t collect RC stuff myself, but every year my family sponsors a family in need for Christmas, and [...]
Odds ‘n Ends > New Sponsor, Facebook Question, Turtles Classics Pics
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Star Wars entrepreneur's toys for grown-ups
The entrepreneur who secured the first Star Wars product license in Europe is entering the global adult collectable art toys market with the launch of Dudebox next month.
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Win Signed Marvel Minimates from Series 43!
This week, Diamond Select Toys is giving away a set of Marvel Minimates Series 43 — yes, that’s the set with Spider-Man, Daredevil, Jean DeWolff and the Sin-Eater, among others. But the set they’re giving away is a special one — its been signed by acclaimed comics writer Peter David! The man who wrote the [...]
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The optimum providers seen by complete survey for bicycle advertising and marketing in LA
Mobile Marketing on Vans: Customers use every last will mean of advertising but quite often you should not go for truck billboards, maybe since they do not know these an option exists although this is an superb variety of advertising. The posters or billboards implemented in this type of advertising and marketing are positioned on [...]
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Queen Amidala
Well, it’s another year, and once again, Hasbro treats us to another rendition of Padmé Amidala in the 2012 Star Wars Vintage Collection, right in time to promote the 3D launch of The Phantom Menace in 3D. This time it is Padmé as Queen Amidala (VC84), dressed in the black gown she wore after her plea to the
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to my 1:00 am owl buddy
Luckily I find the sound of “Whoo whoooooo … Whoo.” soothing and calming at 1:00 in the morning. Luckily it makes me think of midnight breezes, rustling spring leaves, and maybe a little moonlight. Because that big owl sitting outside my window every night might be a problem otherwise. I’m now going to also assume [...]
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A Week in Tokyo 70
The A Week in Tokyo series started back in 2007 - the purpose was to help me keep a log of my life and to share what life is like in Japan with folks around the world.
2007 was when I started up my company Mirai Inc and if you read through the series, you will be able to observe how I built my business over the years in Japan and how the expansion of the company has changed my life.
Of late, my company has started to become busier as we gain more clients and TV work. Its only the beginning of April as I write this and so much change has already happened this year.
TV production makes up the bulk of our income and I currently have two TV shows - Culture Japan and Check Time (which I will write about soon!). I'm currently working with two Japanese electronics manufacturers to introduce another TV show which starts this Summer.
After spending much time of late with my comrade Aki Takanori (Good Smile Company CEO), I came to the conclusion that I'm not agressive enough in running my business. He is only a year older than me and has achieved so much. I feel that I started off late in life - I started to regain my life after I discovered Japanese culture but I wish I has done so at an earlier age.
As I get older, my goals become clear but I dont have much time left to complete them. This is why I continue to encourage young folks out there to seek and discover what their passion is and set goals in life before its too late - but thats a full subject that I need to write up about soon ^^;
Anyway, I've missed out on a few of these A Week in Tokyo posts but want to catch up as I dont want to leave anymore voids in my life.
The last time I made a post was beginning of October 2011 - this post continues and covers most of October and a wee bit of November. First photo - out n about on the Yamanote line heading to a meeting.
I've been living in my neck of the woods for about 6 years now and Its still a new discovery everyday - out n about exploring a new shotengai area nearby.
Regular trip to Lazona in Kawasaki to check out whats going on.
Thai for dindins.
Broadcasting live from the iPhone - you can check this broadcast and my others over at Twitcast. Broadcasts are announced on my Twitter and Facebook.
The plastic device on the table is a beeper which you are given that lets you know when your food is ready.
I love Padthai!
Checking out some chairs at Muji and actually falling asleep. I can sleep just about anywhere at anytime ^^;
Checking out the beds - and actually falling asleep ^^;
These boxes can be used to keep your cables tidy just like this. More cable management ideas here.
Grabbing one of these down jackets from Uniqlo - missed out last year as they are so popular! Love they way they keep you warm and how you can roll them up and fit them up your nose.
The girls from Cold Stone sing us a tune.
Lovely!
Our trusty Mirai Itasha.
First time having lunch at this restaurant nearby - all I could taste was the smoke of *everybody* smoking instead - I guess that would make my dish "Smoked Chicken."
When its busy editing there is not much time to go out to eat - time for some Oden to save the day.
Editing one of the Culture Japan Season 2 episodes.
Starting to talk with various printers about the Moekana project. Plastic packaging costs quite a bit so decided to go with coated cardboard instead.
At Tokyo Station looking for some grub.
Taking a long train trip in Japan is all about the Bento boxes. Bento [弁当[べんとう]] is a Japanese lunch box which is usually filled with rice and other side dishes.
Movie about the spacecraft Hayabusa.
There is also a Shinkansen bullet train called Hayabusa too.
Today we are off to Nagaoka in the Niigata Prefecture [新潟県[にいがたけん]] as I've been invited to give a lecture at the Nagaoka Institute of Design.
It really is amazing watching folks clean the carriages with such passion - a positive example of "Only in Japan."
Our Bento for the trip up to Nagaoka.
Arrival at Nagaoka station. The face you see on the scarecrow is called "Heno Heno Mo He Ji" because its made up of the hiragana [へのへのもへじ].
I first learned of this when self studying Japanese from the manga Ranma.
About to give my lecture. Will post photos that I took that day in a separate post.
Lecture done - back off to Tokyo at the end of the day.
Now you know what a firework looks like on the inside.
Our ride for the day.
Meeting with Vividblaze - we are about to produce our first collaboration CD which will be called "Mirai Music."
Lunch at a cafe in Musashikoyama.
Mirai listening to some Mirai Music.
Vividblaze lead singer Miho-chan!
Today's lunch is Harumaki.
With our Mirai Suenaga voice actress UTACO after a session of voice dubbing for Culture Japan. Today we is being donning some animu glasses from JList.
These robot vacuum iRobot thingies became so popular in Japan that other Japanese manufacturers decided to make their own ones too!
Mio joins a new school and joins me for some tempura lunch.
Came down with a fever - time for some Shin Lulu A medicine.
Designing the Mirai Mousepad took months for many reasons. We were working with a factory in Taiwan who had to periodically send over samples - and it took ages to get the shape and print correct.
I wanted to make the softest ever health mousepad and after a few months we got it right. Folks who own the Mirai Mousepad should be able to tell you first hand how soft it is.
Working with the lads on the Yuzusoft website launch.
Dindins at the Palm shopping arcade in Musashikoyama.
Some chibi Kamen Rider up for grabs.
UTACO is back for more voice dubbing.
Some prezzies from voice actress Kitta Izumi - and its not even valentines day ^^;
At the Banei Studios dropping an episode of Culture Japan on to tape. TV production in Japan still relies heavily on tape distribution. How many of you working in the TV industry?
Yuki-chan keeps us company.
Some panties and stockings in our local arcade.
Halloween came and went.
Dindins at home! We do have a fair balance of eating home and out - how about you?
There is a poll embedded in this article.
There is a poll embedded in this article.
Its TIFFCOM (Tokyo International Film Festival Content Market) time and many folks seeking Japanese contents are in town. I'm having some brekkie with folks from Hong Kong TV station TVB.
With the top guys at TVB. Hope to announce something soon!
...."or your dog will chew on other peoples arms."
Japan is a bicycle culture which means that bicycles get left about everywhere. Posters like this let everybody know what a nuisance illegally parked two wheelers can be.
Me giving a talk at the Tokyo International Anime Festival. Its always an honor giving talks for the government and also a great opportunity to network with other folks in the industry.
Once you have discovered your passion and start to share it - good things will happen. I encourage you all to do the same!
Printing a few hundred new business cards for my trip to Singapore.
Testing out a sample T-shirt and trying (and failing) to be one of those magazine model types. This Mirai Millennium illustration is by Kazunori Iwakura who is also responsible for titles like Railgun, Toradora, Sky Girls, Kimikiss, Daphne in the Brilliant Blue, Shakugan no Shana, Hidan no Aria and more.
We streamed most of the voice dubbing sessions live on Ustream.
I has a sweet tooth as you may have already guessed ^^;
The K-ON! girls at our local shopping arcade.
One of the top folks from Anime Expo comes to town for a visit.
Wifey's Singapore Laksa om nom.
The office back in October.
Out n about in the Hanzomon area.
There is something cool about seeing kanji on the roads.
Google Maps in my iPhone lied to me and I got lost - me grabs a taxi to get me to my destination and I'm late ><
My main work with the Japanese government is everything "Cool Japan" and I'm usually called to give a talk at conferences which cover this topic. Today I'm giving a talk with a few other folks who are also doing their part to share cool Japan with the world.
This reminds me that my online profile has not been properly updated for over a year ToT.
Some Chinese food for dindins! Well most Chinese food in Japan is not actually Chinese as its been heavily adapted to local tastebuds. What about Chinese food in your neck of the woods? Authentic or localized in taste?
There is a poll embedded in this article.
More noms at home.
Culture Japan Season 2 production in full swing.
At the Italian family restaurant called Popolamama in Hatanodai.
Tsukemen [つけ麺[つけめん]] is where you dip noodles into a soup - I should try this more often as its quite yummy.
My fave sushi is Engawa [エンガワ] - do try it!
At out local sushi gaff.
The power drink S Cup teams up with Gundam for a collaboration. Collaborations are key to growing a business. Some folks may not like carrots but if carrots and apples team up then that collaboration may cultivate new consumers.
If you are starting a business but are not keen on working with others as you "want to maintain your share" then you are going to have to do double the work to make your brand succeed.
Picking up some Tepika Gell refill - a blob in your palm is enough to get rid of any dirt on your hands.
The Korean girl group Rainbow-A join their comrades to enter the Japanese market.
Typhoons brought down a load of trees in our local park.
Packing up to head out to Anime Festival Asia in Singapore.
More life in Tokyo in the photo posts listed up below!
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iGear Toys Mini Warrious MW-05 Cogz Reveal Homage to G1 Gears
lt;img src=quot;http://tformers.net/g/generated/17450/iGear%20Toys%20Mini%20Warrious%20MW-05%20Cogz%20G1%20Gears__scaled_600.jpgquot; /gt; iGear Toys have done it again with another sexy mini-robot reveal in their Mini Warrious series. Behold the MW-05 Cogz action figure that is a homage to the G1 Gears mini-bot character from the original cartoon series. iGear does not disappoint here either with more of their excellent designs gracing this popular toy, he's rife with detailing and articulation that t
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Huck Gee x The Beast Brothers - Royal Guard Skullendario...
Huck Gee x The Beast Brothers - Royal Guard Skullendario Azteca.
Lining the gates of the palace is the illustrious Royal Guard of the Azteca Empire. Cast in solid gold, adorned with rare jewels and crystals, and proudly displaying the royal flag.
Available exclusively from The Beast Brothers, this 8” custom collaboration with Huck Gee is hand-painted, detailed with Swarovski crystals, and comes signed by the artists in a laser-engraved wooden crate. This piece drops April 20th at 1pm EST and will only be up for grabs for 24 hours for $475.
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Will Google’s Project Glass Be A Success Or A Flop? [Reader Response]
Hi gang – here’s a new reader response post for you guys to interact with – I’m really hoping to get some strong responses in the comments below on this one. Google just recently announced Project Glass, which is a pair of augmented reality glasses that will be able to do all sorts of cool things. If you don’t know what Project Glass is, check out a post that I wrote on its features. What do you guys think – ...
Will Google’s Project Glass Be A Success Or A Flop? [Reader Response] is a post from: Cool Gizmo Toys
Will Google’s Project Glass Be A Success Or A Flop? [Reader Response] is a post by Jack Kieffer on Cool Gizmo Toys.
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New Preorders at BigBadToyStore – 4/9
Our friends over at BigBadToyStore.com just sent over the new listings of their new pre-orders: Transformers Generations 2012 Volume 01 – Artfire – Mailaway Japanese Exclusive http://www.bigbadtoystore.com/bbts/product.aspx?product=MPB10008&mode=retail Captain Action – Wave 02 – Dr. Evil, Thor, Loki http://www.bigbadtoystore.com/bbts/menu.aspx?menu=1312&company=0&category=7397 Mortal Kombat – 18″ Rain Statue http://www.bigbadtoystore.com/bbts/product.aspx?product=SYC10011&mode=retail DC, Star Trek, Star Wars Cufflinks http://www.bigbadtoystore.com/bbts/search.aspx?search=cufflinks
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It's about to get chilly! Jack Frost Nendoroid gallery
I'm so excited for little Jack Frost to make his way to my place in June! This adorable Nendoroid has my favorite pose of a Nendo I've seen yet! That super cute sitting down pose just makes me squeal with ultimate delight.
Akiba Hobby posted a nice gallery of a color sample of this little guy, and it just makes me incredibly happy. If you need a smile put on your face, be sure to hit up the gallery! You can still get your pre-orders in through the links in our original pre-order post.
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Mattel Reiterated at Neutral
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Who's That Girl?
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| Bus Stop Darla Daley Channels Twiggy |
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This Is How Badly iPhone Games Are Destroying Toys 'R' Us
Toys 'R' Us may have missed its opportunity to go public. The company announced it was going public way back in May 2010, but the IPO was repeatedly delayed as management waited it out for a better time.
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Should Everyone Still Invest Gold bullion?
Spend money on Gold. Still a brainy Move for the Portfolio. Wow, another reminder to get gold! Debka.com is reporting that India will make use of gold to acquire oil from Iran. India spends around $12 billion dollars a year to shop for oil from Iran. China is anticipated make use of gold because unit [...]
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Step2 Big Splash Waterpark
Step2 Big Splash Waterpark
Step2 Big Splash Waterpark - Step2 Big Splash Water Park provides hours of fun! Pour water down the waterslide or spin the water wheel. Catapult diving board flips the swimmers into the pool. Big splash water tower is durable and lasts for years. Open area to inspire imaginative water play. Drain plug and accessory set included.
Step2 Big Splash Waterpark
- Pour water down the waterslide or spin the water wheel
- Catapult diving board flips the swimmers into the pool
- Includes accessory set
- Open area to inspire imaginative water play
- Drain plug included
Buy this Pre-kindergarten toys - Step2 Big Splash Waterpark...
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Hot price on Magic: the Gathering – Urborg Skeleton – Invasion, now at $0.01 after 88% decrease in price!
Buy Now Magic: the Gathering - Urborg Skeleton - Invasion's price decreased by 88% from $0.08 to $0.01 at Amazon.com.Magic: the Gathering is a collectible card game created by Richard Garfield. In Magic, you play the role of a planeswalker who fights other planeswalkers for glory, knowledge, and conquest. Your deck of cards represents all [...]
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A Little Bit On The Live Action Pac-Man Side: We’ve seen...
A Little Bit On The Live Action Pac-Man Side: We’ve seen our fair share of Pac-Man fan films over the years here at Albotas, but this one easily takes the cake for it’s polished look and big budget feel. Hollywood, take note.
(via Geekologie)
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Jeff Lamm x Unbox Industries Spike Wad Release (04.08)
Jeff Lamm’s Spike Wad figure is ready for his highly anticipated release, which will be taking place tomorrow, Sunday, March 8th through the Unbox Industries Online Store. You’d think that there would only be one Spike Wad to choose from? Alas, you are mistaken, because Unbox will be dropping 5...
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More Pages to Explore .....
