J's Chimes: Itasha Laptops

Tony Taka, a top erotic illustrator who drew for the H games like Sora No Iro Mizu No Iro and Fault! have had his drawings Itasha on Laptops. Costing 150,000 yen or approximately SGD$2346, the specs are more or less sufficient if brought to our country. Comes with 2 designs but would prefer the gothic dress girls a lot more. Tony Taka is also famous for drawings in Shining Wind and it's a shame Xecti wasn't a model in this Laptop Itasha. Well, there are still many ways in which you do get this for cheap... For example printing it out and pasting it on your laptop for the same effect and all or have it done through retail shops which can help print it and make a new cover for your Laptop...

J's Chimes: Final Fantasy XIII To Get Part 2

Strangely enough, Final Fantasy XIII is getting a continuation this year as announced by Square Enix. Despite the criticism about the previous game, it seems like they had decided to lay another bet which many fans doubt it would be enough to fully satisfy what they really want. The Final Fantasy Franchise has been wobbly these years due to the fact that the RPG eras have been long gone and FPS have been the hottest in recent years...


Despite all of that, a little introduction video of the new FFXIII-2 is not only visually stunning, but seems kinda fun in some ways or another. However, I would probably wait for the reviews and judgment first before deciding on purchasing anymore Final Fantasy series games...

J's Chimes: Japanese Spiderman...

It's kinda weird to have found out that there was actually a Japan version of Spiderman that was aired long time ago. What's even weirder was that in this version, Spiderman has a motorbike just like Kamen Rider and also a giant robot to control and defeat even villains just like the power ranger megazoids. Didn't know Spiderman was so much more high tech and rich the last time but what happens now? Spiderman can't even afford to pay his rents and depicts as a nerdy guy now... Nevertheless, this is a serious classic in which we could all laugh out loud...

J's Chimes: Anime Characters Top 100

The charts are out for last year's top 100 anime characters and surprisingly, much of it goes to either K-On! and Hakuouki. Characters like Suzumiya Haruhi has taken a deep plunge and Kirino from Ore No Imouto is positioned at 28. To view the charts, please click on the picture above to enlarge. Anyway the top 10 position are as follows:

1.) Yui - K-On!
2.) Azusa - K-On!
3.) Hajime - Hakuouki
4.) Souji - Hakuouki
5.) Toshizou - Hakuouki
6.) Mio - K-On!
7.) Kazemaru - Inazuma Eleven
8.) Izaya - Durarara!
9.) Shiro - Inazuma Eleven
10.) Ricchan - K-On!

It is unknown why the usual moe characters are mostly being replaced by male characters in the top 10 position... Perhaps there are more fuyoshi taking the lead soon?

J's Chimes: I Love Milk!

One of the funniest commercial I've ever seen in regards to advertising milk. And with an anime twist, this seems somewhat more of a R18 animation than something pure. But nevertheless, it does grab the attention of people that milk is good... Yup, a little too good coming from something else other than cows. Even the farmers are happy.

J's Chimes: Weird Japanese Ads And Signs

Japan has the most weirdest advertisements ever to be displayed in public which catches the eye of tourists like you and me from other countries... Well whatever the case, it is quite common in Japan and are often useful in a sense that it catches people's attention, laughing out loud and remembering them in the process... A truly awesome marketing strategy to get you thinking...


However some signage are extremely kids unfriendly due to the fact that certain adult-themed signs are being placed out in the streets for viewing... And perhaps maybe some happy-go-lucky tourist will stick their heads into the holes given to take a photo of it... Anyway the text reads 'Zettai Dorei' which basically means Absolute Slave in direct translation...


An ad for a water theme park which features visitors crying out loud at the extreme enjoyment that they are going through... Basically, an exaggerated way of saying that they are having so much fun till they shed tears of excitement...


Some crazy advert cover for an adult-theme pudding which features 2 jelly like substance that's of skin color with an anime girl for the back cover. Feeling hungry? How about sucking up on these 2 err... puddings of joy.


You wouldn't believe that this is actually a pharmacy if you didn't read he sign properly... Perhaps the displays are a bit off topic... extremely off topic I mean... Who would put some gravure idol posters and models in front of a medical shop? Or perhaps maybe they provide other services as well?

J's Chimes: My Little Sister Can't Be This Porno...

With the popularity of Ore No Imouto sweeping across Japan, the anime is easily being at the watchful eyes of the porno industry and sooner than you expected, something of a parody version came out in the market... This is one of the crazy examples of anime taken to extremities in which am not in favor of. Popular animes like Evangelion to K-On! had already been targeted and it's nothing new to this industry.


Perhaps the most unacceptable thing about these DVDs is that the actors and actresses taking on the role of Kirino, her brother and Kuroneko aren't really impressive, causing criticism and a stir in forums. Likewise, how can this ugly guy be Kirino's brother?! And Kuroneko being so well endowed?


And here's a short clip for you to ponder about why this guy can be the main character of this 'Soap Opera'... A little comparison between the anime version from the bottom left and the main show provided for all your criticism needs...

J's Chimes: Manga Ban In Action...

It's been reported that the Tokyo Manga Ban is put into action this year with convenient stores separating mangas from general sections and into the 18+ section where adult magazines are being placed... Sadly to say, some books like Manga Home which have a couple of obscene parts have been classified for matured audiences only... Even Shounen Jump may be in danger of such. But the question is if manga is placed in the adult section, what would happen to the manga industry now? Lots of doubts and fears come in about this coming ban which may affect the industry as a whole and also freedom of expression. Hopefully enough it will not affect other countries as well such as Singapore...

J's Chimes: Unique Japanese Trains

Very often we take trains to reach our destinations but how often is it for you to see trains like those in Japan that even has a theme to it? Believe it not not, there's a train service that uses Strawberries as its theme known as the Ichigo Densha or Strawberry Train.


Even the logo is a strawberry... check out the interior design. You really don't get to see these things everyday... The train really looks like it just popped out from a fairy tail world, one that's really extraordinary cute that somehow resembles Hello Kitty.


Somewhat the interior designs definitely looks more comfortable than your travel with our local train service. There are banners of strawberry, posters and pictures of strawberries... And what the heck, even the cushions for the seats are strawberry prints...


And it's only in Japan where such trains are equip with something that looks like snacks and drinks for their passengers... Well even so, don't do it in Singapore cause ya gonna get fine even just by popping a sweet into your mouth...


The other unique train service in Japan is called the Omocha Densha. Briefly translated as the Toy Train, this train is specially design in its interior and even its exterior for kids and their parents to hop on board. Well as you can see, even the exterior is design something as to that of a toy to match its theme...


The whacky interior is somewhat refreshing and it looks like a playhouse for kids to play... But didn't your parents since young told you not to play on a moving train before? So why now?


The train is even equip with a Gacha Machine for those little kids to churn out a little toy... Nice way to make a little more money for a train delicated to kids...


Surprisingly there's even a bed included for small infants to ride on the trains too. Another thing you don't get to see everyday... Now that's what I call extreme customization for a train...


There are even toys being displayed in the cabinets of the trains... Perhaps to tempt them into getting one? I wonder with all that shaking and movement of the train, wouldn't the figures be under extreme turbulence?

J's Chimes: Japan Vending Machines

Vending machines are great because it is a much convenient and easier way to get your stuff. However in Japan, vending machines are a norm almost everywhere and are used widely for just about anything in which you could name. And so we can see from above where breads are sold in a box...


Can't get your eggs in the market? How about a little vending machine that looks like lockers where you'd need to put 200 Yen to get one of these...


Even alcohol can be sold via vending machines... Sometimes I wonder how do they restrict young customers from buying... Perhaps that's the reason why Singapore doesn't have any of these...


What would you do if it rains heavily? How about vending a umbrella? That's really something you wouldn't see everyday...


Oh no, you meeting starts in 5 minutes but you forgot to bring your tie or had stain it during lunch... Now you know where to get a new replacement...

J's Chimes: Figure Randomness

Some fan decides to do a stop motion video using figmas, MMS and Revoltechs from various animes. Kinda comedic though as it looks as if some kid is playing with his toys with lots of randomness but in some way or another it seems rather unique and nice. It takes really lots of time just to snap and move the figures into place and perhaps this 'director' does have all the time in the world to do so. To watch more of his hilarious and awesome videos, you can click on here to view them in Youtube.

J's Chimes: TA-Q-BIN

TA-Q-BIN is a courier service based in Japan but had recently establish itself in the Singapore market. I only got to know of this company back when they had displayed their services at the Anime Festival Asia X (AFAX) back in November 2010. A survey was done to allow more people to get to know about TA-Q-BIN and a gift will be sent to them upon completion of the survey. Well it had finally arrived at my doorstep yesterday and am eager to open up the contents...


Was rather happy with the service as they would message you about the product date of arrival and will call you on that day of delivery. Rather smooth transaction which is similar to Speedpost in Singapore. But sad to say I would rarely use this service because ain't really got anything bulky to send or received in Singapore, not to mention overseas... (Unless... J's Chimes could have a contest and would use TA-Q-BIN to deliver the goods to those lucky winners...lol)


The contents include a TA-Q-BIN mascot plushy, a 'manual' fan and a letter of gratification. Not much for a surprise but its the thought that counts. Imagine having to deliver the same stuff round Singapore for those who take the survey and got the freebies... Anyway, now the Cat is displayed on my computer desktop... (Because it looks like Fenix the Cat from a classic cartoon...)


For more information about TA-Q-BIN, you might wanna visit their main website for Singapore residents at http://sg.ta-q-bin.com/. Perhaps you have some stuff to deliver so a best time to find a courier would be now...

J's Chimes: Capsule Hotels

Capsule Hotels are unique in Japan because of the rooms that guests checks in and offers a cheaper alternative for those staying for a night. Hotels are really expensive in Japan and especially so in busy areas like Central Tokyo. Thus to maximize usage, Capsule Hotels offer guests a room in a shape of space capsules and basic amenities for a night's stay.


A typical example of a capsule room is as shown above where guests climb into their rooms or known as pods. These rooms are design just enough for you to sleep inside comfortably for the night. However these area is shared between other guests so it might get a bit noisy at times.


An example of space limitations for a simple capsule room. Perfect for anyone who just needs a night of sleep and traveling. Seriously why spend more for a hotel stay when you could have this at cheaper rates.


Basic amenities would include a tv, hanging rack and lights in a capsule. You would probably have to sleep with your bags inside unless you'd wanna use the lockers provided but it would cost more. Other than that, there are other amenities which include toilets and a eatery which is shared and located in the vicinity.


An example of a small canteen in the hotel. All food can be bought via vending machines. And 1 thing amazing was that the hotel is almost self-service without staffs in operation besides the room servicing and maintenance workers. A truly unique concept which could be seen in Japan as most things are automated.

J's Chimes: When Management Meets Manga

Surprisingly, Peter Drucker; a management guru, has somehow blend into the Japanese culture as a book by Natsumi Iwasaki. A pure coincidence maybe since am doing a Management Degree too. I guess management practices will soon be a hit in Japanese animes prompt the industry to go into that genre real soon... But who knows? But whether or not the public would accept this is another story... Click on the picture to read more about it.

J's Chimes: Reaching You Live...

With the second season of Kimi No Todoke announced coming next year, let's look back into the previous storyline in part 1. Well it seems like the first season has received great popularity that it has become a live action movie in Japan. Somehow or rather this wasn't shown in other countries though. Anyhow, this is the trailer for Kimi Ni Todoke back quite some time ago.


The live action movie trailer is more or less the same as the anime and in comparison, the female lead actress for Kuronuma Sawako resembles a lot. But it's just too bad this movie wasn't shown elsewhere... In any case, season 2 is coming real soon after this season's anime so am looking forward to it...

J's Chimes: A Ronery Christmas

Christmas is supposedly a day of joy and giving but to ronery people out there, it may be somewhat of a sad day where you'd would probably be celebrating at home with your anime characters. Couples wouldn't probably understand why and think these are creepy...


Some would go to the extend of purchasing a sumptuous meal to ease their loneliness and indulge, while other worship their favorite anime characters and spend this special day with them.


Don someone with dakimakura and you'd get an anime character in 3D right in your house to celebrate with.... What a great ideal. Somehow or rather, KFC is pretty popular as a christmas meal...


It somehow even looks like a praying altar now that you mention it... Well, this is the life of a single guy without any girlfriends to celebrate with...

J's Chimes: Cupboard Gundam

Someone has extremely lots of free time and decided to make a Gundam out of ordinary cupboard boxes. Surprisingly, it turns out really well for a mere USD$25. I seriously do not know how he did it because cupboard boxes are quite fragile and bulky pieces to work with. Not to mention it doesn't really last long...


Well what ever the case, this is really awesome as its posable and looks fantastic and detailed. However the case, this is not a cosplay but just a statue but with works like this, nothing really comes close...

J's Chimes: Japan Love Hotels

Ever wonder what love hotels would look like inside? Well surprisingly, it's not your average hotels in which you would see when you travel. The interiors are so well furnished and attractive that it would amazed you with each room you visit. Yup, the rooms are furnished into many different themes and taste preferences according to customers demands... One such example would be this Hello Kitty above.


Even the common corridor is well furnished and look different. Perhaps to get people into the mood and arouse your excitement?


There are seriously many different themes in each room and one such would be this cage-in bed which sort of gives an SM theme to it. Talk about creativity...


And if you'd like to reminisce your childhood past, how about a room which reassembles a carousel? I didn't even know they could actually do that in a small room...


The bathrooms are also uniquely design and could well be better than your house... Well, if you love some bubble time with your loved ones, I don't see why not...


Some themes for the rooms are absolutely beautiful that they look so much like a museum of arts rather than a love hotel room. I think one would spend more time admiring the room rather than doing what you'd supposed to do here...


However, these rooms doesn't really come cheap. What surprises me is that Love Hotels are able to scrap out a profit though Japan is ranked as one of the least sexually active country in the world as to compared with others.

J's Chimes: Chips Hand

Hate to eat chips because it dirties your hands when picking it up with your fingers? Well I guess some creative guy came up with an idea of an amazing tool that will help solve your problems...


This interesting gadget helps you to grip any chips in your nag without dirtying your fingers. Works pretty much like a torch where you press down a button on the handle to activate the device.


It's not battery operated and works with a mechanism lever inside. And the Japanese even dubbed it as NBCS (No Broken Clutch System) which makes it sounds so professional... Interestingly, you would need to exert little force to grip a chip but would crack it if you push the button harder.


An example of a perfect grip... feels kinda strange though. Eating a chip not with your fingers but fingers that work using your fingers to control it...


Well if you really got some money to spare or so, perhaps you might wanna buy this... other than that, what's so difficult to just wash your hands clean after a snack?