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Greetings from J-List

Wednesday, September 1, 2010

The question of who the most famous Japanese person in the world is can be fun to debate. In previous eras the honor went to men like film director Akira Kurosawa, "Sukiyaki Song" creator Kyu Sakamoto, or composer Ryuichi Sakamoto. Novelist Yukio Mishima was another Japanese persona who enjoyed widespread fame in his day, and he had what has to be one of the most unique deaths in the 20th century, trying to inspire a pro-Emperor coup d'etat among Japan's military then committing ritual disembowelment (Seppuku) when it didn't work out. So who is the most famous Japanese person in the world today? The answer will depend a lot on who you ask. Anime fans might pick animation director Hayao Miyazaki, while sports fans might choose pro golfer Ryo Ishikawa, and Hollywood superstar Ken Watanabe would also be a good candidate, especially with the success of Inception. But you never know who will be the most famous Japanese person among different groups. For example, in Indonesia the honor goes to saucy JAV film starlet Maria Ozawa, who is a household name in the country, for some reason.

Who do you think is the most famous Japanese person in the world?; it's rare for prices to rise in Japan.

For the past fifteen years, Japan has been fighting against the spectre of defure or deflation, in which prices decline in real terms rather than rise slightly year-to-year. While having things get cheaper sounds pretty cool, in reality deflation is bad because it can smother economic growth, cause factories to sit idle and cause the economy to shrink despite the fact that everyone is working hard. Since I visit the U.S. once or twice a year, I often notice when things get more expensive than they were the last time, but this certainly isn't the norm for Japan, where prices pretty rise rarely. Actually, I can only remember a few things that actually got more expensive in the nearly two decades I've lived in Japan: Coca-Cola went from 100 to 120 yen, the train fares got raised once, and the shop I've bought fried croquettes at for years raised the price from 50 to 60 yen. (The lady was very apologetic to me.)

It's interesting being back in the U.S., because I get to experience that rarest of sensations, reverse culture shock, when things I see in my home country surprise me because of my years spent in Japan. I am often surprised at how unhealthy food is advertised at people by companies, such as AM/PM Mini Mart telling us that we should all live the "good life" and treat ourselves to a candy bar today, and that "more is more, at AM/PM." Or Taco Bell promoting "Fourthmeal," a meal between dinner and breakfast that supposedly we should all be eating. I'm a big fan of brewed iced tea, and make sure to drink it whenever I'm grabbing lunch, even if it's in a fairly unhealthy place like McDonald's or Taco Bell. But several times this trip I've found myself being told sorry, we don't have unsweetened iced tea, would I like Raspberry Blast™ Super Sweet Iced Tea instead? It brings a tear to my eye, really. If you're looking for a refreshing and healthy drink, we recommend Japanese mugi cha (barley tea), a great gift from Japan to the world.


Today's New Items

Megami Magazine Deluxe vol. 15
Megami Magazine Deluxe vol. 15

Neat! A new issue of Megami Magazine Deluxe, the magazine that compiles all your favorite anime posters in one high quality volume.

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PIECES 3  Wild Wet Quest **preorder** -- Masamune Shirow
Masamune Shirow Artbooks Restocked

The epic Shirow Masamune artbook have been restocked, and we love them because the art he creates is so detailed.

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Shigi 1/8 Cast off Figure  Queen's Blade Rebellion **Preorder**
Shigi 1/8 Cast off Figure ~ Queen's Blade

Talk about awesome, this is an outstanding figure from the Queen's Blade Revolution universe that's superb for all fans of sexy anime figures. In stock!

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Azusa Nakano Figma Action Figure  K-ON! **Preorder**
Azusa Nakano Figma Action Figure ~ K-ON!

Another day, another fabulous Figma toy that I must own. This is Azusa from K-On!, known as Asa-nyan by fans since she looks so darned cute with those cat ears. Which are included as a separate piece with this set, by the way.

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Totoro 2011 Schedule Book
Studio Ghibli 2011 Schedule Books

Plan your daily schedule in style throughout 2011 with these adorable schedule books from Studio Ghibli, featuring Totoro and more. Just about the coolest things in the world for a Ghibli fan!

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Swimming Zenmai Ponyo
Ponyo & Totoro Items Restocked

Then see fun Ponyo and Ghibli items for you, including the Ponyo Swimming Toy for your bath plus the amazing plush keychains featuring all your favorite Miyazaki friends.

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Project DIVA Presents  Miku Hatsune 39's Giving Day  (Blu-ray Disc)
Project DIVA Presents ~ Miku Hatsune (Blu-ray Disc)

Virtual idol Miku Hatsune live in concert - the rumors are true. See the actual digitally voiced idol singer live in HD Blu-ray, for the first time! Do want!

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Stripe Panty and Half Top set -- Shimapan set  Mint
Miku Hatsune Stripe Panties

Then, cosplay as the super cute Miku Hatsune with these new shimapan, the iconic pantsu of everyone's favorite Vocaloid. Restocked again today.

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COSMODE May 2010  Super Cosplay Magazine 033
COSMODE ~ Super Cosplay Magazine 033

The coolest cosplay from Japan is on parade in the pages of COSMODE! Check out event reports, costume making guides, studio shoots and much more.

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The Ninja Mask  Black
Big Restocking of Cosplay Products

Then, those awesome ninja masks are in stock, perfect for a quick disguise this Halloween?

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egg Sep 2010
egg Sep 2010

A new issue of everyone's favorite "kogal" fashion magazine is here, for all the latest trends in this strikingly beautiful Tokyo gal look. Look here for tips, new outfits, street photo shoots and more!

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Monotone Gothic Lolita Dress  size M
Monotone Gothic Lolita Dress

A super cute goth-loli dress for you, in a great classic black and white pattern with super-long sleeves. Kawaii fashion straight from Japan.

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Geisha Doll Display / Maiko
Geisha Doll Display / Maiko

A gorgeous traditional Japanese gift item, this elaborately costumed kimono-wearing geisha will look great on a mantlepiece or in a collection of other refined Japanese memorabilia.

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Double Eyelid Makeup
Double Eyelid Makeup

Remember that J-List is the official home of "Wacky Things from Japan" and you can always find things you never expected to see, like this item, adhesive makeup for girls' eyes that promises to make your eyes look larger and more like a gaijin's.

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Mushiro Setta / Old Style Check Strap
Mushiro Setta / Old Style Check Strap

A traditional pair of sturdy woven Japanese sandals, reinforced and padded with a high quality strap and rubber sole. A stylish accompaniment to your summer yukata or your year-round casual attire.

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Samurai Sword Umbrella  Nobunaga Oda
All Samurai Sword Umbrellas Restocked

What if an umbrella were made so that it looked like a samurai sword, complete with beautiful wooden hilt? The result would be the nerdiest and most awesome umbrella in the world. Restocked today.

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Ame de Wata Ame (Cotton Candy Maker)
Ame de Wata Ame (Cotton Candy Maker)

The most amazing invention we've seen from Japan in awhile, this cotton candy maker will create spun sugar confections from any hard candy placed inside. Which means you can make Food Drops or Kompeito cotton candy!

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Electric Takoyaki Maker
Takoyaki Items Restocked

We love takoyaki, the batter balls that contain a bit of octopus meat inside. See the popular electric takoyaki maker, plus the right brush for applying oil before cooking.

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New Japanese Snacks
New Japanese Snacks

You know we always have some fun new snacks from Japan for you, including Glico Collon Maple Syrup Flavor, Thin Pretz in Sweet Potato Flavor (?) plus Watering Kiss Mint gum -- yum!

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Rilakkuma Microwave Rice Cooker
Rilakkuma Microwave Rice Cooker

Rilakkuma is taking over your kitchen with three awesome new products! Make steamed white rice, spaghetti or ramen in no time at all with these fun gadgets!

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Family Size SAKURA Shaped Genuine Lacquered JUBAKO Bento Box  Rabbit  Motif
Family Size SAKURA JUBAKO Bento Box

We've restocked the jubako stacking bento box we love so much, plus that Rabbit and Moon traditional bento that's one of our most popular items.

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Hello Kitty Shaking Salad Pot with Ice Pack
Hello Kitty Shaking Salad Pot with Ice Pack

Level up your personal health with this handy Hello Kitty salad container, which has its own built-in ice pack in the lid so it'll be nice and chilled. What a great idea!

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Shinkansen Chopsticks N700 SAKURA **Preorder**
Shinkansen Chopsticks SAKURA

J-List is the place to visit if you want interesting chopsticks, that's for sure. Today we're posting...Shinkansen chopsticks, made in the image of Japan's most famous bullet trains. Now in stock!

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Vegetable Shaper Assortment Set  SAKURA, Plum, Maple Leaf, Chrysanthemum
Restocked Bento Accessories

They are among the most popular bento accessories we have for you. Click to view the restocked items today.

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Love Plus
Study Japanese (and Love) with Love Plus

The Nintendo DS dating sim that defined a genre, Love Plus is only getting more popular since its release. Learn Japanese with these tender girls!

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XCALGO  Overhead Type Stereo Headphones
Awesome Products from Elecom

Those cool folding overhead stereo headphones from Elecom are back in stock, as is the SCOPE NODE computer mice, the most awesome pointing devices ever.

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Fairy Tale -- Mai Oshima AKB48
Restocked Photobooks from Japan

See fresh stock of several awesome photobooks, including Mai Oshima of AKB48, the gorgeous idols of Onedai Muscat, plus cool haikyo (modern ruins).

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Chirimen  Belt
Chirimen Belt

A belt made of the finest quality of kimono chirimen cloth - talk about a Japanese fashion statement that you can wear in style.

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Super Desktop Hariko Daruma -- Red
Restocked Traditional Items

See more miniature Daruma dolls for displaying on your desk, a super Ryoma Sakamoto phone strap with screen cleaner, Kyoto bath salt and more.

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Evangelion Key Board **Preorder**
Evangelion Key Board *Preorder*

If you've ever dreamed of decorating your room like NERV HQ, this awesome keyboard will add a unique Evangelion look to your computing rig. Preorder now open.

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Halo:Reach Jun Playarts 'Kai' Action Figure **Preorder**
Halo:Reach Jun Playarts 'Kai' Action Figure *Preorder*

Some of the most realistic action figures we've seen are here to celebrate the new Halo game - check these out, now available in preorder.

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Haruhi Suzumiya Nendoroid Figure 'Shoushitsu' ver. **Preorder**
Haruhi Suzumiya Nendoroid Figure *Preorder*

Some great new Haruhi preorder figures for you today, a Nendoroid and a Figma Haruhi fresh from her appearance in the Disappearance of Haruhi Suzumiya movie. I want this so bad!

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SUPPLIO Green  Aroma Mechanical Pencil  Leads -- for Healing
Restocked Japanese Aromatic Pencils, Fun Erasers

Then: can a pencil heal you? The SUPPLIO mechanical pencils, which contain special aromatic leads that emit a pleasant scent as you write, promise. Back in stock now after many months of being sold out!

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Kyoto Candy -- Kyou Nishiki
Traditional Kyoto Candy, Other Snacks

Finally, today's restocked Japanese snacks include Japan-only Mix Fruits Mentos, Seishun Shigekix Ramune Flavor, Calbee potato snacks, Glico Squeeze Gum, plus traditional Kyoto candy that's made in Kyoto.

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