I haven’t done my Japan Envy column in a while and have gained a few new followers around the new year (thanks to all of you!), so just a quick recap: Japan Envy is my (ir)regular column where I talk about cool things/happenings that are only available in Japan that make me jealous or pine … Read moreJapan Envy: Rilakkuma Hot Cake Kit Kats
What do you get when you cross Doraemon with French actor Jean Reno? Jean Reno, from The Professional, among other films + Doraemon, Japanese children’s character adored nationwide = Renaemon? Yes, that is a 63-year-old world-famous actor with a bell around his neck. If I lived in Japan, I would be able to turn on my … Read moreJapan Envy: Jean Reno x Doraemon (update: now with video)
Anyone watch the Nintendo Direct livestream this evening (or morning, for those of you on the other side of the world)? Well, unfortunately for me, I was in the middle of having a late dinner and managed to miss the greater part of it, but I did tune in for the last 10 or so … Read moreJapan Envy: A 3DS that’s “A Little Bit Mario”
No matter how much I try to deny it, I’m a sucker when it comes to Pokémon. I only play the games so much (I’ve only ever beaten the Elite Four once!)… It’s the cuteness of the Pokémon themselves that gets me every time. Honestly, I’ll never pass up a chance to look at Pokémon merchandise. So when … Read moreJapan Envy: Pokémon x Famitsu for Game Dot Series
EDIT: Well, thanks everyone for all the page views! People seem to be taking my offhand Ruby/Sapphire remake comment and running with it. Honestly, I’m just saying that others have been speculating of a remake being in the works due to the new Pokémon time Hoenn series. You can read the post I referenced here at Pokémon Aus. … Read moreJapan Envy: Pokémon Center Limited Edition Merchandise
Anyone that has ever been to Japan, and probably a few who haven’t, will tell you that Japanese cell phones are pretty much as awesome as they come. They’re always at the forerunner of the latest and greatest technology, with high-quality cameras and music downloading sites that made listening to music on your phone easy … Read moreJapan Envy: CHiRAL MOBiLE
I know the whole point of these “Japan Envy” pieces is for me to share things from Japan that aren’t readily available to the rest of us, but I’d like today to highlight a wonderful US-based retailer that specializes in cute Japanese goods. The one time I visited Pittsburgh, PA (to look at colleges, actually), … Read moreJapan Envy: The America Edition! Celebrating ShopKawaii.com