J-list Blog

It's always fun 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. Today I caught a radio ad for AM/PM Mini Mart whose message was essentially that we should all live the "good life" and treat ourselves to a candy bar today, and that "more is more, at AM/PM." It was similar to the commercials from Taco Bell promoting "fourthmeal," a meal between dinner and breakfast that supposedly we should all be eating. Advertising approaches like this probably wouldn't fly in Japan, a country where bottled unsweetened oolong or green tea is preferred three to one over Coca Cola and where, when given a choice between small and large cans of canned coffee that cost the same money, many will pick the smaller can because that's all the coffee they feel like drinking just now. Even though I'm a big American, when I go to Wendy's I'm content to get the smallest Frosty they sell, which is bigger than the large at Wendy's in Tokyo.

Raising kids in Japan is certainly an educational experience, and I've enjoyed watching my kids go through many phases in their lives so far. For my son, there was the fascination with Shinkansen trains that every Japanese boy goes through, and together we learned the names of all of them, from the blue and white Hikari that runs between Tokyo and Kyoto to the Tsubasa, the only bullet train that can run on normal tracks when needed. Around the age of eight he started his "bug phase," staying out for hours to catch beetles and keep them as pets -- his favorite was the Hercules Beetle, but I always liked the coloring of the classic scarabs. When Yu-Gi-Oh came along, my son turned his friends on to collecting the American cards, and they'd sit for hours comparing the differences between the Japanese and American versions. I wonder what his next phase will be?

Television in Japan is quite different from the U.S. First and foremost, there are a lot fewer channels to choose from in Japan, although more and more choices come along every year. The majority of television is provided by the "big five" commercial networks, Fuji TV, TBS, TV Asahi, Nippon TV and TV Tokyo, which create the sports, news, "doramas" (what Japanese TV dramas are usually called by fans, due to how the word is pronounced in Japanese) and anime programming that everyone enjoys watching. Japan is slowly switching from analog to digital broadcasting, and there are satellite and cable options, too. The past decade has seen a lot of investment from American companies, resulting in choices like local versions of Cartoon Network, the Discovery Channel and CNN International, and the cable-only version of Fox has been a big success as Japanese TV fans get hooked on U.S. shows. Not all of these television imports from the States have been welcome: lately it's hard to flip channels without running into lame American infomercials dubbed into Japanese, advertising exercise devices and weight loss gimicks and whatever. All things considered, I could do without that little piece of home.

J-List brings you many fun and wonderful products from Japan, including the super cute monster who happens to be the official mascot of Japan's public broadcasting network (NHK), Domo-kun. Today we've gotten in a cool new Domo-kin T-shirt for guys and girls, featuring an outlined version of our favorite monster. Check it out now!

This month's "Game of the Month" is Tokimeki Check in! One of the most memorable titles from Peach Princess, this outstanding game puts you in the role of owner of a traditional hot springs inn, hosting beautiful women to come to take relax in the bath. The first true blockbuster bishoujo game to be ported to English, this game has it all -- gorgeous characters, a huge story with a mind-blowing 17 possible endings, music by I've Sound and more -- plus, it's a wholesome game that will teach you a little about Japan as it entertains you. One of the best dating-sim games ever translated, the game is available at a special price this month -- check it out now!

Here are today's "really cool products" that I thought were especially noteworthy. Note: the J-List links below may be for adult products and should probably be considered "not safe for work." To see all the J-List products, check out J-List or the JBOX.com updated products link.

Kamikaze Headband -- Kamikaze Hachimaki

Hachimaki (headbands) as they are known in Japanese carry great slogans from the more modern eras of Japan. Still popular at parties, rallies, and other functions where the speaker(s) want to incite the crowd to join their cause, they carry slogans such as this one: "Kamikaze" ("Divine Wind") and is one of the most easily recognized Japanese slogans around the world. It's a great way to show your Japanese spirit, and even just your own unique fighting spirit! Grab one today and let the world...

KIDS Red Tatami Sandal with Hanabi/Fireworks Strap ~ 18cm

Give your little ones (that's either children or feet, depending on your situation) the comfort of Japanese tradition with these out-of-this-world cute and natural tatami sandals. We normally carry this type of sandal for adults, but these were so cute we just had to get them for the kids out there. These are sturdy and well-made with real Japanese tatami and reinforced stitching along the edges. The straps are soft and comfortable and the foam soles are bouncy and light. Now the young ones can...

Comic AG Super Erotic Manga Anthology vol. 60

Comic AG is always fun to read because it's fully translated into English! In this issue "Afterschool Sex Slave Club" But the Tuna Empire, "Love Balance" Tanuki Kamogawa, "Biscuit Love" by Kazu Shimao, "Please Miss Yuri" by Syowmaru, and "Sexy Losers" by Clay B. Large breasts, oral play, shaved pussies, much more. Completely uncensored, and printed from the original artist's pages! A great new release from Icarus Comics. (More like this)         Comic AG can also be...

Domo-kun (Black Outline) - Standard Men's

Domo-kun is the cutest monster in all Japan, the official mascot of Japan's venerable NHK broadcasting network. This is our latest T-shirt, featuring Domo-kun in an attractive outlined form on a black T-shirt. Great for fans of this wacky character from Japan. This is the standard sized men's T-shirt. Choose S, M, L, XL and XXL (Extra charges for sizes XXL). (More like this) (Direct link to this product) 15% off 3 or more shirts or hoodies. Click for shirt size info. Why are our shirts better?

Domo-kun (Black Outline) - Girls' Fitted

Domo-kun is the cutest monster in all Japan, the official mascot of Japan's venerable NHK broadcasting network. This is our latest T-shirt, featuring Domo-kun in an attractive outlined form on a black T-shirt. Great for fans of this wacky character from Japan, and your customers will go ape for them. This is a fitted T-shirt for girls. Choose S, M, L, and XL. (More like this) (Direct link to this product) 15% off 3 or more shirts or hoodies. Click for shirt size info. Why are our shirts better?

Sake Skin Lotion

In Japan it is common knowledge that the hands of sake brewers are youthful and beautiful, which is why there are many new products being made with sake in them (as opposed to just pouring it in your bath). This beatifying skin lotion is made with the age-defying properties of sake in mind -- great for your skin after the drying effect of using soap. Also contains Vitamin C, B2, and Amino Acids. 200 mL bottle. (More like this)

Lifting of Nakadashi -- Mihiro

Mihiro, a former softcore nude idol seems to feel more comfortable with the title of being an AV superstar with each passing production. Delving into something that she's never done before, she allows a privileged few to enjoy the experience if ejaculating inside her tight love hole (nakadashi) to make this ground breaking production possible. A production by Max-A that has all the Mihiro trademarks included, from her loving gaze and pause just before she quickly devours your penis with a smile...

Sake Skin Lotion

In Japan it is common knowledge that the hands of sake brewers are youthful and beautiful, which is why there are many new products being made with sake in them (as opposed to just pouring it in your bath). This beatifying skin lotion is made with the age-defying properties of sake in mind -- great for your skin after the drying effect of using soap. Also contains Vitamin C, B2, and Amino Acids. 200 mL bottle. (More like this)

KIDS Red Tatami Sandal with Hanabi/Fireworks Strap ~ 18cm

Give your little ones (that's either children or feet, depending on your situation) the comfort of Japanese tradition with these out-of-this-world cute and natural tatami sandals. We normally carry this type of sandal for adults, but these were so cute we just had to get them for the kids out there. These are sturdy and well-made with real Japanese tatami and reinforced stitching along the edges. The straps are soft and comfortable and the foam soles are bouncy and light. Now the young ones can...