Cara Clegg – SoraNews24 —Japan News— https://soranews24.com Bringing you yesterday's news from Japan and Asia, today. Tue, 03 Dec 2019 01:57:49 +0000 en-US hourly 1 https://wordpress.org/?v=7.1.4 https://soranews24.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2020/05/en_rocket_1024.png?w=32 Cara Clegg – SoraNews24 —Japan News— https://soranews24.com 32 32 176746664 Japan Archives offers a (free) trip back through Japanese history via visual media https://soranews24.com/2016/07/09/japan-archives-offers-a-free-trip-back-through-japanese-history-via-visual-media/ https://soranews24.com/2016/07/09/japan-archives-offers-a-free-trip-back-through-japanese-history-via-visual-media/#comments Sat, 09 Jul 2016 03:00:47 +0000 http://en.rocketnews24.com/?p=331404

A new website looks back on 150 years of modern Japanese history in visual format.

Japan Archives went live on June 30th and contains a treasure trove of information on modern Japanese history from the Bakumatsu through the Meiji and Taisho eras and up to the present day, covering everything from politics and economics to sport, nature, and the everyday life of the people.

Who even needs museums anymore when you can now experience the most important events in the country’s history through photographs, posters, postcards, woodblock prints, and other visual media from the comfort of your own home.

While only available in Japanese, the site is conveniently organized by time period and genre, making it user-friendly and easy to browse.

There’s a wealth of historical media to sift through, and even if you can’t read the Japanese captions you can still enjoy the nostalgic images which bring the samurai and geisha of the past to vibrant life on your screen. And best of all, it’s all freely accessible! Follow this link to see more.

Source: Japaaan Magazine, Japan Archives
Images: Japan Archives (1, 2, 3, 4)

]]> https://soranews24.com/2016/07/09/japan-archives-offers-a-free-trip-back-through-japanese-history-via-visual-media/feed/ 0 331404 img_5674de451e10d6-thumb-autox404-33983 img_5674de451e10d6-thumb-autox404-33983 img_5674cc54c6f529-thumb-autox404-33523 img_5675760da60ad5-thumb-autox404-38466-650x372 Screen Shot 2016-07-07 at 3.04.18 PM Gal Gun English collector’s edition includes handy screen wipe shaped like girls’ panties https://soranews24.com/2016/07/06/gal-gun-english-collectors-edition-includes-handy-screen-wipe-shaped-like-girls-panties/ https://soranews24.com/2016/07/06/gal-gun-english-collectors-edition-includes-handy-screen-wipe-shaped-like-girls-panties/#comments Wed, 06 Jul 2016 04:00:07 +0000 http://en.rocketnews24.com/?p=330885

Every game should come with a pair of panties.

Sexy Japanese game Gal Gun Double Peace is coming to PlayStation 4 and PlayStation Vita in English this August, much to the excitement of fans of cute anime ladies and borderline hentai. As with the first entry in the rail shooter franchise, this sequel sees the protagonist fending off more hordes of lovestruck highschool girls, shooting them with his Pheromone Gun to send them into spasms of ecstasy so they’ll leave him alone. This time there’s also a cheeky devil who can throw a spanner in the works and make the girls angry at him instead. And of course, the protagonist has just one day to find the love of his life, lest he end up forever alone. Other features include “Doki Doki Mode” where you can “touch, rub, and poke the girls to climax” and a Mom’s Just Walked In mode on the PS4 version which will transform the game into retro RPG style for so you can avoid that awkward moment when your mum bursts in and asks what the heck you’re playing.

And if this premise hadn’t already got you hot and bothered enough, there will be an exclusive collector’s edition of the game for the Western release. Available only via the official store, the Mr Happiness Edition includes a copy of the game, costume DLC, an artbook, wallscroll and soundtrack CD, and…a Mr. Happiness ‘screen cleaner’. What could possibly be so interesting about a screen cleaner? Well this one just so happens to be shaped like a pair of panties.

As you can see in the image below, they come in a cute blue and white striped shimapan design with a logo on the front. We’re not sure just how big they are yet, but they may even be life-sized! You have to hand it to them for providing such a cute and, more importantly, useful item. After all, your screen is bound to get dirty, particularly with the handheld Vita, and these panties provide the perfect solution. Unfortunately they don’t come with any helpful transformative abilities for when mum walks in; explanations will be on you.

▼ Check out some gameplay in the video below.

Gal Gun Double Peace Mr Happiness Edition is available now for pre-order at $94.99 for the Vita version or $99.99 for the PS4 version.

Source: Yurukuyaru, Gal Gun official English website
Images: Gal Gun official English website

]]> https://soranews24.com/2016/07/06/gal-gun-english-collectors-edition-includes-handy-screen-wipe-shaped-like-girls-panties/feed/ 0 330885 chrome_2016-07-05_15-28-59 chrome_2016-07-05_15-28-59 vlcsnap-2016-06-21-11h27m28s792 chrome_2016-07-05_15-19-17 4bb89d68 Sharin no Kuni Kickstarter campaign launches to localize dystopian-themed adult game https://soranews24.com/2016/06/30/sharin-no-kuni-kickstarter-campaign-launches-to-localize-dystopian-themed-adult-game/ https://soranews24.com/2016/06/30/sharin-no-kuni-kickstarter-campaign-launches-to-localize-dystopian-themed-adult-game/#comments Thu, 30 Jun 2016 02:00:36 +0000 http://en.rocketnews24.com/?p=329722

Another popular visual novel is headed West.

First released over a decade ago in 2005, Sharin no Kuni, Himawari no Shoujo has long been regarded as one of the best visual novels around. English-speaking audiences have already had a chance to experience it through the legally-dubious means of a fan translation, but, with the recent surge in popularity of visual novels in the West, its developers feel that it’s time to bring an official, updated version to new audiences.

The developer of the game, AKABEiSOFT2, has already had their title The Devil on G-String brought to Steam by Sekai Project, while the publisher, Frontwing, has enjoyed success in the West with their hugely popular Grisaia trilogy and the recent funding of all-new title Corona Blossom via Indiegogo. This latest venture between the two veteran Japanese eroge (adult game) companies aims to bring yet another classic title to Western audiences.

After a lukewarm reaction to the news of the localization and their Prefundia page, the team seems to have worked hard to take on board and respond to fans’ concerns as evidenced in their clearer pitch for the recently launched Kickstarter campaign. Now with an official translated title of Wheel Country, Sunflower Girl, this version of the game will use the existing fan translation as a base for an all-new, polished translation. While the original game for PC was rated 18+ and featured erotic content, this will be a localization of the multi-platform all-ages versions which followed, although a patch for the adult scenes has been promised.

Eroge often take an undeserved bad rap for being nothing more than masturbatory aids and while there are plenty such titles (known as nukige), there are others that offer deep, complex narratives and delve into mature themes of life, love, and loss. Behind its moe-girl anime aesthetic, Sharin no Kuni’s story has been praised for its interesting characters and unique look at a dystopian society where justice takes a different form to what we’re used to.

The campaign has a target of $140,000 to cover localization and merchandise costs, and backers will have the chance to purchase many physical goodies such as art books, towels, prints, and even bed sheets! Pending a successful crowdfunding campaign, the game is set to be released in December 2016.

There will also be a poster giveaway held by Tokyo Otaku Mode, who are managing the campaign (see here for more details), and both TOM and Frontwing will be giving away free goodies at their Anime Expo booths over the weekend of July 1-4 in Los Angeles.

Source & Images: Kickstarter/Sharin no Kuni – A Visual Novel Localization Project, Tokyo Otaku Mode Inc., Frontwing Co., Ltd., AKABEiSOFT2

]]> https://soranews24.com/2016/06/30/sharin-no-kuni-kickstarter-campaign-launches-to-localize-dystopian-themed-adult-game/feed/ 0 329722 completion completion ev_natumi_02b ev_sachi_01a ev_touka_01a syarin_himawari_cover Spicy Japanese potato snack Kara Mucho is now 800% spicier https://soranews24.com/2016/05/27/spicy-japanese-potato-snack-kara-mucho-is-now-800-percent-spicier/ https://soranews24.com/2016/05/27/spicy-japanese-potato-snack-kara-mucho-is-now-800-percent-spicier/#comments Thu, 26 May 2016 22:00:18 +0000 http://en.rocketnews24.com/?p=322546

Blast your taste buds to hell and back this summer with extreme spicy Japanese snacks.

Kara Mucho is Japan’s most popular spicy potato chip snack. Over the 30 years since they launched in 1984, they have appeared in various permutations of flavors, and this summer the company behind the snack, Koikeya, is launching a super spicy hot chili flavor that’s apparently eight times spicier than the regular product.

Snackers can expect a delicate balance of flavour and “gekikara” extreme spice that, in Koikeya’s own words, “goes beyond spice” to compete with the fast-approaching summer heat. Go ahead; your colon may not love you for it but your mouth will!

The price has yet to be announced but the chips are due to go on sale at convenience stores nationwide on June 6 and supermarkets from June 13. We can’t wait to try them and see if they really are as spicy as their maker claims!

Source & Images: NariNari

]]> https://soranews24.com/2016/05/27/spicy-japanese-potato-snack-kara-mucho-is-now-800-percent-spicier/feed/ 0 322546 spicy 2016-05-26-113428 Plus-size Thai model’s super low-budget prawn cracker cosplay goes viral https://soranews24.com/2016/05/26/plus-size-thai-models-super-low-budget-prawn-cracker-cosplay-goes-viral/ https://soranews24.com/2016/05/26/plus-size-thai-models-super-low-budget-prawn-cracker-cosplay-goes-viral/#comments Thu, 26 May 2016 14:00:22 +0000 http://en.rocketnews24.com/?p=321597

This super-cute Thai girl shows there’s no barrier to high fashion!

Sine, the Thai manager of a plus-size clothing store in Thailand, has gone viral for her hilariously inventive and super low-budget recreations of famous celebrity outfits.

The pretty lady has said that she first started cosplaying in order to promote her shop, and never expected the level of attention her photos have garnered across the globe.

So just how cheap are her creative cosplays? Well, her infamous prawn cracker dress, parodying the one worn by actress Chompoo Araya at this year’s Cannes Film Festival, is made from plastic bags filled with the crackers her mum makes!

Other celebrity looks she’s taken a stab at include Chloe Moretz, Poy Treechada, Claire Danes and Katy Perry. Check out the comparisons below and visit her store on Facebook for more of her brand of cosplay as well as cute plus-size fashion shoots.

Source: Facebook h/t Coconuts Bangkok
Featured image via Facebook

]]> https://soranews24.com/2016/05/26/plus-size-thai-models-super-low-budget-prawn-cracker-cosplay-goes-viral/feed/ 0 321597 13220737_276860805982575_2347170334981201916_o 13220737_276860805982575_2347170334981201916_o New gaming chair aims to be the ultimate in comfort for Japanese players https://soranews24.com/2016/05/21/new-gaming-chair-aims-to-be-the-ultimate-in-comfort-for-japanese-players/ https://soranews24.com/2016/05/21/new-gaming-chair-aims-to-be-the-ultimate-in-comfort-for-japanese-players/#comments Sat, 21 May 2016 01:00:50 +0000 http://en.rocketnews24.com/?p=321410

This gaming chair will comfortably cradle your butt during long hours in front of the screen, recline when it’s nap time.

Japanese company Bauhutte has recently launched a new range of chairs specifically aimed at gamers who are typically in front of their computers for long periods of time. Available in three colours and designed in the image of a car seat or cockpit to bring more realism to your gaming experience, the stable frame will support your posture for long hours at your terminal or in front of your giant TV.

It features reclining and rocking functions and easy and convenient adjustment of angle and height. With the simple pull of lever you can set it to your desired angle or even recline it all the way back for a comfortable sleeping position that reportedly feels just like being in a hammock, perfect for taking breaks between games.

Simple but impactful color coordination and solid and unique stitch lines aim to evoke a “near-future” design.

Made with 100 percent polyester fabric, the seat offers comfortable support for your shoulders and back, and arm rests can be easily moved to facilitate gaming with either a keyboard and mouse or controller.

The chair went on sale in Japan this month for 34,000 yen (US$308) plus tax.

The design and in particular the colour schemes remind me a lot of the popular DXRacer gaming chairs, which are already available in Japan at a similar price point. However, Japanese consumers often display a preference for products made by Japanese companies, so perhaps this new entry has a chance at quickly capturing a share of the PC-gaming market here.

Source & images: Bauhutte

]]> https://soranews24.com/2016/05/21/new-gaming-chair-aims-to-be-the-ultimate-in-comfort-for-japanese-players/feed/ 0 321410 Screen Shot 2016-05-19 at 3.59.44 PM Screen Shot 2016-05-19 at 3.59.44 PM Screen Shot 2016-05-19 at 4.00.43 PM Screen Shot 2016-05-19 at 4.00.19 PM Screen Shot 2016-05-19 at 4.01.12 PM Screen Shot 2016-05-19 at 4.00.06 PM Screen Shot 2016-05-19 at 4.01.00 PM Japan’s top 10 mobile games account for roughly half of the entire market’s revenue https://soranews24.com/2016/05/20/japans-top-10-mobile-games-account-for-roughly-half-of-the-entire-markets-revenue/ https://soranews24.com/2016/05/20/japans-top-10-mobile-games-account-for-roughly-half-of-the-entire-markets-revenue/#comments Thu, 19 May 2016 19:00:03 +0000 http://en.rocketnews24.com/?p=320940

Survey reveals unique traits of the Japanese mobile gaming market.

The results of a survey of the Japanese mobile game market by Japanese PR and advertising firm Dentsu and US app analytics service App Annie have been published as a report titled What You Need to Know About Japan’s Mobile Gaming Industry, aimed at foreign developers interested in targeting the lucrative Japanese market.

The results show that the revenue of the Japanese mobile game market grew by about 25 percent over the one year period between 2014 and 2015. However, this revenue is concentrated among the top game publishers, with the top 10 games in the marketplace accounting for around 50 percent of total revenue. Japanese companies account for over 90 percent of this overall revenue, showing that foreign companies are still finding it hard to find a foothold.

It also shows the strong preference Japanese users have for certain genres. “Casual games” and Role-Playing Games (RPGs) account for over 75 percent of the top 200 most downloaded games. In terms of revenue, RPGs are the overwhelming winner, comprising over half of the total earnings of the top 200 games. The hugely popular games Puzzle & Dragons and Monster Strike fall under the category of RPG.

App Annie has the following advice for devs setting their sights on the Japanese market:

“Japan is a massive opportunity for those in mobile gaming. Despite intense competition, the Japanese mobile gaming market is generating a significant level of revenue across iOS and Google Play and has demonstrated 15% year-over-year growth last year and has one of the most engaged user bases.

But having your app present in Japan’s app stores isn’t enough to ensure success. There are many characteristics unique to the Japanese mobile gaming market that publishers need to take into consideration when entering the country. While Japanese gamers are a highly engaged, highly monetizable audience, they show a strong preference for culturally relevant art styles, game mechanics and storylines. This is evidenced by the fact that more than 90% of mobile gaming revenue generated in Japan in 2015 went to Japanese companies.”

While the Japanese mobile games market is clearly a growing and profitable one, it’s extremely competitive and hard to break into, particularly for non-Japanese developers. However, with new technologies continuously under development and gamers’ tastes constantly shifting, who knows what changes the coming year will bring.

Source: App Annie via Jin115
Featured image © RocketNews24

]]> https://soranews24.com/2016/05/20/japans-top-10-mobile-games-account-for-roughly-half-of-the-entire-markets-revenue/feed/ 0 320940 10115 10115 Japanese freehand tattoo artist’s work ranges from bloody & erotic to delicate & beautiful https://soranews24.com/2016/05/17/japanese-freehand-tattoo-artists-work-ranges-from-bloody-erotic-to-delicate-beautiful/ https://soranews24.com/2016/05/17/japanese-freehand-tattoo-artists-work-ranges-from-bloody-erotic-to-delicate-beautiful/#comments Tue, 17 May 2016 01:00:54 +0000 http://en.rocketnews24.com/?p=320211

Talented freehand tattoo artist combines the unconventional with the traditional.

Gakkin is a Japanese tattoo artist operating out of Harizanmai tattoo studio in Kyoto. He works freehand, mostly doing what he describes as “a new approach to traditional Japanese themes”. He’s willing to think outside the box and ink designs that others might shy away from, and some of his favourite themes include namakubi (severed heads), blood, and shunga (erotic art). While he’s no stranger to inking permanent depictions of genitalia and graphic sexual scenes onto his clients’ skin, he still sticks to traditional “wabori” rules such as tigers going with bamboo, and cherry blossom and maple leaves never appearing together in the same design.

Leaving the more shocking stuff aside, Gakkin’s work is stunningly beautiful, and some of the most impactful designs use only black with a dash of red. Enjoy this taster of his work below and check out more on his Instagram account.

https://www.instagram.com/p/BDQSnReKxGH/?taken-by=gakkinx

https://www.instagram.com/p/leerJ2KxIJ/?taken-by=gakkinx

https://www.instagram.com/p/BEsS4TgqxEo/

https://www.instagram.com/p/8dSWhBKxPT/

https://www.instagram.com/p/_jVo4KqxKt/

https://www.instagram.com/p/BBw-r_HqxKw/

https://www.instagram.com/p/1se_evKxLy/

https://www.instagram.com/p/_q__hxKxIS/

https://www.instagram.com/p/BB2MgoTqxE_/

Which one’s your favourite?

Source: Tattoo Artist Magazine via Design Taxi
Images: Gakkin on Instagram

Now read:

Irezumi: Getting tattooed in Japan【Photos】

]]> https://soranews24.com/2016/05/17/japanese-freehand-tattoo-artists-work-ranges-from-bloody-erotic-to-delicate-beautiful/feed/ 0 320211 chrome_2016-05-16_15-09-42 chrome_2016-05-16_15-09-42 phro_tattoo-222 Saikaku’s Edo-era tales of gay samurai love reimagined for a modern audience as Boys Love manga https://soranews24.com/2016/05/14/saikakus-edo-era-tales-of-gay-samurai-love-reimagined-for-a-modern-audience-as-boys-love-manga/ https://soranews24.com/2016/05/14/saikakus-edo-era-tales-of-gay-samurai-love-reimagined-for-a-modern-audience-as-boys-love-manga/#comments Fri, 13 May 2016 23:30:07 +0000 http://en.rocketnews24.com/?p=319958

Saucy Edo-period literature is being brought into the modern era as gay manga.

Ihara Saikaku is still known today as the master of bawdy literature in the Edo era. While artists such as Hokusai were creating ukiyo-e, the woodblock prints that remain intrinsically linked to Edo Japan in our minds today, Ihara was busy writing ukiyo-zōshi, the stories of the floating world. Samurai, courtesans and merchants from the pleasure districts of ancient Kyoto, Osaka, and Edo came to life in his vivid, boisterous prose in such racily titled publications as Life of an Amorous Man, and the contemporary audience went wild for his titillating tales. His collection of homosexual stories, The Great Mirror of Male Love, was published in 1687 and depicts the romantic and sexual relationships between warriors and monks and samurai and kabuki actors.

Art and literature with homosexual themes is still a popular form of entertainment in Japan today, although these days it flourishes mainly within the anime world in the form of manga and doujinshi (fan comics) written by and for women. But perhaps there’s no better time for fans to look back at the long-standing tradition behind the genre, as Saikaku’s stories of male-male dalliances are now being brought to a modern audience in the form of a Boys Love manga. Published by B’s-LOVEY Comics on May 14 for a retail price of 1,000 yen (US$9.20) plus tax, The Great Mirror of Male Love – Samurai Collection – depicts these stories of the tragic and heroic love of the honourable samurai who gave up their life in service to their lords.

The competition between samurai for the affections of a lithe young kabuki actor, or the illicit love of a vassal for the beautiful youth who has already captured the eye of his feudal lord; the stories that once entertained the insatiable consumers of amorous entertainment in Tokugawa-era Japan are now tinged with the exoticism of the past, and the themes of forbidden love are as likely to set pulses racing today as they did 300 years ago.

Source: B’s Lovey Comics
Header Image: Wikipedia
Insert Image: Amazon JP

]]> https://soranews24.com/2016/05/14/saikakus-edo-era-tales-of-gay-samurai-love-reimagined-for-a-modern-audience-as-boys-love-manga/feed/ 1 319958 Samurai_kiss 618IE1THy3L._SX350_BO1,204,203,200_ Akihabara’s first capsule hotel for women only set to open later this month https://soranews24.com/2016/05/13/akihabaras-first-capsule-hotel-for-women-only-set-to-open-later-this-month/ https://soranews24.com/2016/05/13/akihabaras-first-capsule-hotel-for-women-only-set-to-open-later-this-month/#comments Fri, 13 May 2016 11:30:29 +0000 http://en.rocketnews24.com/?p=320214

The otaku haven’s first women-only capsule hotel will celebrate its opening with an anime collaboration.

For a long time Japan’s capsule hotels have predominantly been for men only, but with the success of places like Shibuya’s Nadeshiko Hotel, it looks like this is now changing.

It’s not just men who need a place to crash after missing the last train, and capsule hotels are also a novelty experience for tourists, so it only makes sense to cater to both sexes. That being said, it’s a surprise to hear that a new women-only capsule hotel is set to open on May 26 in Akihabara of all places! Tokyo’s otaku capital is often seen as predominantly a destination for men to go and lose themselves in a world of 2D waifu, and this will be the first women’s capsule hotel in the area.

Capsule units in the Akihabara Bay Hotel are two square meters each and are stacked two high, like bunk beds but with more privacy. The cost will vary depending on the day you’re staying, but it will generally set you back between 3,300 yen (US$30) and 6,500 yen ($60).

Your personal space for the night comes with a bed, charging station which also accepts USBs, Wi-Fi, and an alarm clock. The hotel also has microwaves, kettles, and coin-operated washers and dryers, as well as showers with free shampoo, conditioner, shower gel, towels, hair brushes and hair dryers, meaning there’s everything you need even for an extended or impromptu stay.

Reception and showers (seen below) are on the ground floor, there’s a lounge in the basement, and the capsules can be found on floors 2-5.

To celebrate the opening the hotel is teaming up with Ensemble Stars, a multimedia project based around a card-collecting game for mobile platforms which features a tonne of cute anime guys. Sixty-five of the 130 capsules at the hotel will be part of the promotion and, according to the Bay Hotel Group’s official Twitter account, if you stay during the promotional period you can get your hands on Ensemble Stars goodies such as pens, key chains, folders, and sweets, while the capsules will be decorated with special wall stickers. Nine units will even feature life-sized panels! Unfortunately, slots for the special promotional rooms have already been snapped up, but you can still make a reservation for a regular capsule.

【あんさんぶるスターズ！×BAYHOTEL】
【専用スペース】には等身大パネル以外にも「何か」があります！
※エントリーは明日9日（月）23:59迄→ https://t.co/hqpWPKHPFt#あんスタ#あんスタ１周年 pic.twitter.com/MQMQnlNA3S

— 【公式】BAY HOTEL Group (@BAYHOTEL_Group) May 8, 2016

Akihabara Bay Hotel Information
Address: 44-4 Kanda-Neribeichō, Chiyoda Ward, Tokyo
東京都千代田区神田練塀町44-4
Telephone: 03-5256-0015
Checkin: 17：00-24：00, Checkout: 10：00-11:300
Website

Source & images: 1up

]]> https://soranews24.com/2016/05/13/akihabaras-first-capsule-hotel-for-women-only-set-to-open-later-this-month/feed/ 0 320214 Untitled-1 rimg unit_side2 unit_01 ShowerRoom Seiko’s blingtastic luxury watch based on Hokusai’s Great Wave costs a pretty yenny https://soranews24.com/2016/05/10/seikos-blingtastic-luxury-watch-based-on-hokusais-great-wave-costs-a-pretty-yenny/ https://soranews24.com/2016/05/10/seikos-blingtastic-luxury-watch-based-on-hokusais-great-wave-costs-a-pretty-yenny/#comments Mon, 09 May 2016 19:00:56 +0000 http://en.rocketnews24.com/?p=319259

The Japanese watchmaker’s dazzling new timepiece has an incredible price to match.

Seiko is set to release a new wristwatch based on ukiyo-e artist Hokusai’s famous piece The Great Wave off Kanagawa. Part of his Thirty-six Views of Mount Fuji series of woodblock prints from the 1830s, the painting is known and admired throughout the world and is perhaps the most recognizable piece of Japanese art ever to have been created. Seiko, the watch company with a history almost as long as the Great Wave itself, has been inspired by this classic print to design a distinctively Japanese watch under their luxury brand Credor which combines “traditional craftsmanship with contemporary, high-end technology”.

Named the Fugaku, the stunningly detailed piece has been crafted by three of their most talented craftsmen as the ultimate artisan watch, and is lacquered by celebrated Japanese lacquer artist Isshu Tamura. Delicate mother-of-pearl inlays in the upper half depict stylized clouds and plover birds while the lower section features a traditional seigaiha wave pattern, and the “CREDOR” lettering on the dial is done in gold lacquer work. Silver and gold waves rear up around the hands, and surrounding the face is a 43-millimetre diameter platinum case decorated with 43 blue sapphires.

Perhaps some will think all the jewels and bling are going a bit overboard, but there’s no doubt that this watch oozes luxury. But how much will it set you back?

The limited edition engraved model will go on sale across Japan on Friday May 13 for a sum of 50 million yen. Yes, 50 million. That’s about US$465,000 at today’s exchange rate. Oh, and that’s without the 8% tax whacked on top.

It does look like something of a niche design, but with only eight pieces in existence we’re sure there will be enough people with enough money rushing to snap up this unique timepiece that can serve as a talking point at many a board meeting to come.

Source: Japaaan Magazine
Images: Seiko

]]> https://soranews24.com/2016/05/10/seikos-blingtastic-luxury-watch-based-on-hokusais-great-wave-costs-a-pretty-yenny/feed/ 0 319259 a a chrome_2016-05-09_16-23-11 d PanKore panty collecting game is no joke, boasts over 1,000 panties https://soranews24.com/2016/04/30/pankore-panty-collecting-game-is-no-joke-boasts-over-1000-panties/ https://soranews24.com/2016/04/30/pankore-panty-collecting-game-is-no-joke-boasts-over-1000-panties/#comments Fri, 29 Apr 2016 16:00:39 +0000 http://en.rocketnews24.com/?p=317791

Amass a collection any pervert would be proud of!

The beta for panty collecting game Gokujo Ubau! Pantsu Korekushon has gone live, proving once and for all that it wasn’t an April Fools’ joke.

Back at the start of the month, we reported that registration for the game had opened at midnight on March 31, which as we all know was the official start of April Fools’ Day. Convinced that this couldn’t possibly be for real, we even called up DMM’s customer support line where they politely insisted that yes, it was a very real game. Honestly, after the things the Japanese gaming industry has brought us, we really shouldn’t have been so sceptical, but with that timing can you blame us?

The game is based on the manga Gokujo: Gokurakuin Joshikōryō Monogatari (“Extreme Woman. The Tales of Gokurakuin Girls School Dorm”), which was also adapted into an anime whose more explicit episodes were streamed on DMM’s site. DMM already has a huge catalogue of online games, from the innocent to the shocking, so perhaps it’s not such a surprise they’ve come up with this.

In between short visual novel sections, the game is based on a battle system where the female characters from the manga go up against one another in fights for their undergarments.

Shortened to PanKore (a pun on KanKolle), the game boasts over 1,000 panties to collect!

From the screenshots it appears that each character will have a variety of underwear to unlock, appealing to the completionist crowd.

While it certainly can’t be described as anything other than risqué, there is no overt nudity, and it should be remembered that the obsession with panties in Japan is kind of a joke by this point. I mean, when you’ve got panty-themed scrunchies, face masks, hats, and even panties for your drinks bottles, it’s hard to be too shocked by the sight of yet more peachy bums covered by stripy scraps of material. So by aiming for an audience squarely in between the all-ages and the adult-only crowds, will this latest collect-a-thon online game be a hit or a miss? Your guess is as good as mine.

You can give the game a shot now over on the DMM website (Japanese only), and we’ll of course be checking it out too; it’s our duty as reporters, after all!

Source: Hachima Kikou
Images: Hachima Kikou, DMM

]]> https://soranews24.com/2016/04/30/pankore-panty-collecting-game-is-no-joke-boasts-over-1000-panties/feed/ 0 317791 499469jp-2 499469jp-2 7115d493-s 499469jp-3 499469jp-1 499469jp-6 499469jp-7 499469jp-8 Trying Virtual Reality for the first time at Bandai Namco’s VR Experience in Odaiba, Tokyo https://soranews24.com/2016/04/29/trying-virtual-reality-for-the-first-time-at-bandai-namcos-vr-experience-in-odaiba/ https://soranews24.com/2016/04/29/trying-virtual-reality-for-the-first-time-at-bandai-namcos-vr-experience-in-odaiba/#comments Fri, 29 Apr 2016 11:30:36 +0000 http://en.rocketnews24.com/?p=317297

Two of RocketNews24’s VR virgins get to grips with virtual reality—but does the new technology live up to the hype?

My fellow RocketNews24 writer Preston and I recently had the opportunity to try out a handful of virtual reality setups at a special event being held for a limited time in Odaiba, Tokyo, called VR Zone Project i Can. While I’d watched plenty of hilarious videos of my fellow reporters and YouTubers wearing silly VR goggles and freaking out as various digital creatures lunged at them, none of it had prepared me for the reality of virtual reality, and I still wasn’t quite sure what to expect.

“I still wasn’t convinced that I’d fall for it.”

The word “immersive” is often used when virtual reality is discussed in print and online. In truth, this is something I’d always scoffed at, writing it off as a buzzword thrown around by those in the industry and then latched on to by the media, but it turns out that is exactly how I would describe my own VR experience. Even as I walked into the room and heard the headset-wearing attendees screeching and laughing around me, I still wasn’t convinced that I’d fall for it. I’ve played video games for decades—there’s no way my brain would be tricked into thinking that I was anywhere but an exhibition hall with a plastic box strapped to my face.

Oh boy, was I wrong.

Now that you’ve had a good laugh at our reactions, let’s get down to the nitty-gritty.

We were given an hour and a half to try out the six experiences on offer, and we managed to get through four of them. (The only two we missed out on were train and racing simulators, which probably wouldn’t have made for such embarrassing captivating footage.) You pay on a per-play basis at the event using a card that you can charge at stations within the area, with each game costing between 700 and 1,000 yen (US$6.50–$9.00) per try.

▼ The VR lineup

▼ Blade-wielding nurses with glowing eyes! What could possibly be scary about that?

Perhaps naively, we opted for the horror experience first, a grueling 12-minute-long “ride” through an abandoned hospital—or, more accurately, a dark, terrifying building filled with blood, guts, grotesque creatures, and heart-stopping jump-scares. You play as a character in a wheelchair, using joysticks to move forwards and backwards, although you’re essentially on a set path, so the experience is similar to journeying through a haunted house.

“I felt trapped in the game”

Before settling into our seats, we were warned by the booth attendant that the experience was most definitely not for the faint of heart, and she wasn’t kidding. The moment the headset and earphones were placed on my head, I felt trapped in the game. Moving slowly past the grisly set-pieces akin to something out of a Saw movie, I felt completely cut off from the real world to the point that the virtual one very quickly felt like my new reality. When you’re playing a video game, no matter how scary it is, you’re still somewhat removed from what’s going on on the screen, but that feeling of distance shrinks considerably when it comes to VR. The sense of immersion is very real.

Okay, confession time: we both called it quits less than half way into the game! For a very first experience with VR I think we overstretched ourselves a little! Suffice it to say, if you’re not a fan of horror games to begin with, you’ll want to steer well clear of anything remotely scary on VR.

My second experience was a skiing simulator, which involved standing on a machine similar to a cross-trainer at the gym and leaning left and right to steer. Again, the headset convinced my brain that I really was in the virtual environment, suddenly atop a snowy mountain and whizzing through snowdrifts, to the point that I swear I actually began to feel cold! Unfortunately I wasn’t very good at controlling my skis and it turned out to be almost as terrifying as the actual horror game as I crashed into rocks and sailed off cliffs. However, I have a feeling this might have more to do with the fact that I’ve never actually skied in my life, so I’m sure it’ll be great fun for avid skiers who are missing the slopes.

Upon removing the headset, however, I have to admit I felt a bit queasy. The issue of nausea often comes up when discussing virtual reality, and eliminating it is something the hardware’s designers have worked hard to achieve, so it was something I was wary of going in. It wasn’t too much of a problem for me in-game, however, and mostly set in after the headset was off and my brain readjusted to longer being in perceived motion. This is definitely something to watch out for if you have a tendency to get sick on theme park rides, but the benefit here is that you’re not stuck until the ride is over; you can turn it off at any time if it gets to be too much, and the feeling passed quite quickly afterwards.

▼ Another of the VR experiences we tried—this one putting us in control of a giant mecha.

The headset used for all the different setups at Bandai Namco’s event is the HTC Vive, the model that received the full backing of Valve, the same company that brought us the Steam software distribution system. In truth, found it quite heavy and it sometimes pressed down on my noise to the point I had to breathe through my mouth—something that was especially troublesome in the mecha piloting/shooting game where you had to move your head to aim at the targets. Still, at least said game was, breathing issues aside, an enjoyable rather than a white-knuckle experience, plus it included a rather busty virtual anime lady helping you out with your mission (I’m sure there are many games in the works that will allow you to get more intimate with characters like this!).

“All was well and good until … CRACK! half of the plank snapped off.”

Probably the most bizarrely realistic sensation of the day came from the seven-minute-long “walk the plank” experience we saw in Bandai Namco’s promotional video last month. The game puts you in an elevator that shuttles you up to the top of a high-rise building where there is, inexplicably, nothing but a wooden plank sticking out over the ground far below, with a tiny cat sitting at the end of it awaiting rescue. It was my job to step out onto the plank—in both the virtual world and the real one—and inch my way towards the kitty (a real-world toy with sensors pinned to it) without falling off.

All was well and good until I had the “cat” in my hands, and then CRACK! half of the plank snapped off, leaving me with mere inches of wood to balance on. Cue being stuck at the end for a while, too scared to even turn around. Logically, I knew there was absolutely no danger, and yet I couldn’t override my base instincts to just freeze and stay where I was, lest I plummet to my certain death.

Overall I was blown away by my first virtual reality experience and, now that I have an idea of what to expect, I would jump at the chance to go back again. After finally trying VR for myself, I’m definitely interested in getting my hands on a headset for my own personal use, whether it be the HTC Vive, an Oculus Rift, or Sony’s Playstation VR headset. That being said, at this stage I’m still a bit concerned about the headsets becoming little more than something to whip out during parties, a gadget that I’d pull out when friends are over and, while we’d no doubt have a blast, never feel the need to use the rest of the time. What I experienced at Bandai Namco’s event is of course way beyond what the average home user will be getting, regardless of which headset they choose, what with the elaborate setups and specialized equipment. But I could totally see an event like this being made into a permanent attraction and becoming the game center for a new generation, where you can hang out at the weekend and experience the thrills of virtual reality without having to drop vast amounts of cash—after all, even the most budget-friendly option, PlayStation VR, is far from “cheap” at US$399.

Will virtual reality become a permanent part of our homes in the near future? Only time, and the quality of the software, will tell. Even so, it’s definitely true what they say about this new technology: you really have to experience virtual reality for yourself to truly appreciate it.

VR Zone: Project i Can experience will run until October and operates on a reservation-only basis. It’s definitely popular, so make your booking now to avoid disappointment! Reservations can be made online at the Project i Can website (Japanese only).

Photos & video © RocketNews24

]]> https://soranews24.com/2016/04/29/trying-virtual-reality-for-the-first-time-at-bandai-namcos-vr-experience-in-odaiba/feed/ 0 317297 vertigo 13123272_10103950901413793_7592326744726804804_o Screen Shot 2016-04-28 at 17.09.17 Scary Screen Shot 2016-04-28 at 17.06.20 Screen Shot 2016-04-28 at 17.10.06 IMG_5052 Screen Shot 2016-04-28 at 17.05.40 IMG_5055 Build your own micro burger with McDonald’s x Nanoblock collaboration https://soranews24.com/2016/04/27/build-your-own-micro-burger-with-mcdonalds-x-nanoblock-collaboration/ https://soranews24.com/2016/04/27/build-your-own-micro-burger-with-mcdonalds-x-nanoblock-collaboration/#comments Tue, 26 Apr 2016 17:24:52 +0000 http://en.rocketnews24.com/?p=313822

McDonald’s celebrates launch of humongous burger with teeny tiny toys.

To accompany their launch of the limited edition Grand Big Mac (two meat patties) and Giga Big Mac (FOUR meat patties) earlier this month, McDonald’s Japan has teamed up with Nanoblock, the “amazingly small micro-sized building block”, to offer a matching build your own burger set.

In contrast to the irregularly large burgers, these toys use the world’s tiniest building block to recreate the chain’s iconic burger, fries, and soda.

Each kit costs 400 yen (US $3.60) or you can get the three-item set for 1,150 yen (US$10.40) and they’ll be on sale at McDonald’s stores across Japan while stocks last.

Check out our post for more details on the mega burgers shown above or, if you’re more into miniature Lego-like toys than meat monstrosities, take a look at Nanoblock’s upcoming Evangelion Unit-01, due on sale later this month.

Source: Narinari
Images: McDonald’s, Nanoblock

]]> https://soranews24.com/2016/04/27/build-your-own-micro-burger-with-mcdonalds-x-nanoblock-collaboration/feed/ 0 313822 screen-shot-2016-04-07-at-5-04-35-pm Screen Shot 2016-04-07 at 5.04.09 PM Screen Shot 2016-04-07 at 5.04.35 PM gm-0 Toyota’s wooden concept car serves as a time capsule for generations to come https://soranews24.com/2016/04/27/toyotas-wooden-concept-car-serves-as-a-time-capsule-for-generations-to-come/ https://soranews24.com/2016/04/27/toyotas-wooden-concept-car-serves-as-a-time-capsule-for-generations-to-come/#comments Tue, 26 Apr 2016 16:00:26 +0000 http://en.rocketnews24.com/?p=316660

Forget the DeLorean; there’s a new time machine in town.

Toyota Motor Corporation’s unique wooden concept car, the Setsuna, debuted at Milan Design Week earlier this month. Although it is just that—a concept—and neither set to go on sale nor suitable for driving on the roads, it is nevertheless a functional vehicle and can perform basic driving, turning, and braking.

Okay, the Setsuna is not advanced enough to whiz you forward to a future where everybody’s using hoverboards and munching on dehydrated pizza, but what it will do is age gracefully over the years, becoming a “time capsule” for the family it belongs to.

▼ This moving animated concept video exemplifies exactly what the Setsuna hopes to embody; a car that becomes a valued part of the family and embodies the memories of its owners from generation to generation.

The wooden beauty was conceived “to embody the affection owners grow to feel for their cars, and to show how cars continue to change and offer new value as they are taken care of with love over time” and every single detail has been designed with this in mind.

The smooth, boat-like form was brought to life using wood because of the way the colour and feel of the wood changes over time, “respond[ing] directly to the love that it is given.” As the car is passed down through generations of the family, it transforms into something personal that embodies the memories of its owners.

The wooden panels are fitted together using traditional Japanese joinery techniques called okuriari and kusabu which use no nails or screws, just like how the famous platform at Kiyomizu-dera in Kyoto was built.

The type of wood was also carefully selected for each section of the body of the car, and the Japanese cedar external panels can be exchanged for either straight grain or cross grain to change up the look. All 86 panels of the main body are completely replaceable so that individual panels can be taken out for repairs if necessary, creating a wooden patchwork quilt of memories.

The Setsuna’s circular emblem expresses the idea of “the accumulation of moments”.

A meter on the dashboard uses rotations to keeps track of time for the next 100 years.

Seats are inspired by a welcoming park bench, with leather cushioning that will age along with the wood.

Lacquer finish has been carefully applied by hand to the mirrors, seats, steering wheel, and body banding lines.

Aluminum serves as a contrasting accent in the wheel caps, steering wheel, and seat frames.

The Toyota Setsuna exhibit was displayed in a stylish booth at Milan Design Week, and we hope to see it on show at other events in the future.

What do you think of the Setsuna? Do you wish it was more than just a concept car? Let us know in the comments section below!

Source: Toyota Global Newsroom
Images: Toyota Global Newsroom

]]> https://soranews24.com/2016/04/27/toyotas-wooden-concept-car-serves-as-a-time-capsule-for-generations-to-come/feed/ 0 316660 toyota SETSUNA_004_s SETSUNA_003_s SETSUNA_017_s SETSUNA_019_s SETSUNA_022_s SETSUNA_021_s SETSUNA_029_s SETSUNA_027_s SETSUNA_030_s SETSUNA_042_s As earthquakes rock the region, Kyushu Shinkansen commercial is more poignant than ever【Video】 https://soranews24.com/2016/04/20/as-earthquakes-rock-the-region-kyushu-shinkansen-commercial-is-more-poignant-than-ever%e3%80%90video%e3%80%91/ https://soranews24.com/2016/04/20/as-earthquakes-rock-the-region-kyushu-shinkansen-commercial-is-more-poignant-than-ever%e3%80%90video%e3%80%91/#comments Tue, 19 Apr 2016 19:00:10 +0000 http://en.rocketnews24.com/?p=316062

This moving video shows the people of Kyushu on a happier day.

On April 14, 2016, Japan’s southern island of Kyushu was shaken by the first in a series of earthquakes that have resulted in the loss of at least 42 lives. As strong tremors continue to assault the region, thousands of people are living in evacuation centers amidst fears that aftershocks could cause further damage.

And so it’s with a bittersweet feeling that we bring you this commercial for the opening of the Kyushu Shinkansen.

The video below was released to coincide with the opening of the Shinkansen line between Hakata and Kagoshima-Chūō in March 2011. With the tagline “Congratulations! Kyushu”, it features people from all over the region celebrating the arrival of the much-anticipated high-speed train service. The official YouTube account (now defunct) on which the ad was shared recorded 3.5 million views, rocketing the video to the number one most-viewed spot, excluding music and earthquake-related videos, which was a truly unprecedented response. If you watch it, I’m sure you’ll understand why.

The video shows the masses of people gathered along the new bullet train line, all of whom turned out to celebrate the opening of the line in all kinds of crazy, eye-catching ways, from acrobatics and martial arts to a couple in their wedding get-up. It’s estimated that as many as 20,000 people, from families to farmers, participated all in all, resulting in a colorful and diverse procession all along the tracks. You can also see an extended 25-minute edition here.

Among the stations the train speeds through, you can see Kumamoto Station and Shin-Tamana Station in Kumamoto Prefecture, the area currently affected by the earthquakes. Seeing the smiling, excited faces of the people contrasts with the scenes we’re seeing on television at the moment, of families huddled together tired and scared in evacuation centers, wondering when the tremors will subside. I have to admit I had a hard time getting to the end of the video without tearing up, especially with the lyrics to Maia Hirasawa’s song “Boom!” ringing out more poignantly than ever; “I wanna go home, home, home, home.” At the same time, the video instills a strong sentiment that, with the determined cooperation of the local people, Kumamoto will recover.

If you’re wondering if there’s anything you can do to help with the situation, you might want to check out the links below:

Japanese Red Cross
Donate to Japanese Red Cross Kumamoto Emergency Relief Fund [Japanese only]

Source: JR Kyushu, ttee1999 on YouTube
Images: ttee1999 on YouTube

]]> https://soranews24.com/2016/04/20/as-earthquakes-rock-the-region-kyushu-shinkansen-commercial-is-more-poignant-than-ever%e3%80%90video%e3%80%91/feed/ 0 316062 chrome_2016-04-19_10-35-25 chrome_2016-04-19_10-35-25 chrome_2016-04-19_10-35-51 Birdie dating sim Hatoful Boyfriend finally arrives on the Japanese PS Store https://soranews24.com/2016/04/07/birdie-dating-sim-hatoful-boyfriend-finally-arrives-on-the-japanese-ps-store/ https://soranews24.com/2016/04/07/birdie-dating-sim-hatoful-boyfriend-finally-arrives-on-the-japanese-ps-store/#comments Thu, 07 Apr 2016 07:00:41 +0000 http://en.rocketnews24.com/?p=312625

Fowl-themed dating sim Hatoful Boyfriend gets a PS4 and Vita release in Japan at last.

After going on sale in the North American PlayStation Store on July 22, 2015, there was no further word on the PS4 and Vita releases for Japan — until now.

Japanese audiences can finally enjoy the bird-loving action on their PlayStation devices! Both Hatoful Boyfriend and the fan disc Hatoful Boyfriend: Holiday Star are now available for the PS4 and Vita in Japan for 1,000 yen (US$8.90) each. The content is the same as the HD versions available on Steam and the Mac App Store, although the additional route with Tohri Nishikikouji added to the North American PS Store releases is not yet included, but will be available as free DLC sometime in the future.

Head on back to St. Pigeonation’s to ruffle some feathers and romance the bird of your dreams!

Source: Hachima Kikou
Header Image: The Brute Tigrex on YouTube
Other Images: PlayStation Store

]]> https://soranews24.com/2016/04/07/birdie-dating-sim-hatoful-boyfriend-finally-arrives-on-the-japanese-ps-store/feed/ 0 312625 maxresdefault maxresdefault Screen Shot 2016-03-31 at 4.19.32 PM CUSA01957003 Kidnapped girl escapes from abductor after two years in confinement https://soranews24.com/2016/04/01/kidnapped-girl-escapes-from-abductor-after-two-years-in-confinement/ https://soranews24.com/2016/04/01/kidnapped-girl-escapes-from-abductor-after-two-years-in-confinement/#comments Thu, 31 Mar 2016 17:30:11 +0000 http://en.rocketnews24.com/?p=312602

A girl who was apparently held captive in Tokyo for two years has escaped and been reunited with her family.

Ana Saito was 15 years old when she disappeared on her way back from school in Saitama Prefecture on March 10, 2014.

The alleged kidnapper is a man named Kabu Terauchi, an engineering graduate of Chiba University, who is currently being treated in hospital after attempting suicide with a box cutter. He is expected to be formally arrested after he has recovered.

A police source said that the girl is claiming that her abductor tricked her by telling her that her parents were divorcing and saying he would accompany her to a lawyer’s office. Saito told police that she had been kept under close watch in at least two different apartments, after being forced to send a letter to her parents telling them not to look for her. However, not believing that she would simply run away, her parents continued their efforts to find her over the following two years. The final residence from which she escaped was in a residential area of Higashi-Nakano, in Tokyo, which raises questions as to how her whereabouts remained unknown in such a populated area.

Ana managed to escape on Sunday March 27 when Terauchi went out and left the door unlocked, calling police from a nearby payphone.

Most information being reported on the case comes from “police sources” and is still unconfirmed, so many details are yet to emerge. For now we’re glad to hear that Saito escaped unharmed, and wish her all the best for the future.

Source: The Independent
Image: Ick in Japan

]]> https://soranews24.com/2016/04/01/kidnapped-girl-escapes-from-abductor-after-two-years-in-confinement/feed/ 0 312602 higashinakano higashinakano Let hot moon men lead you to the land of nod in new otome drama CDs https://soranews24.com/2016/03/30/let-hot-moon-men-lead-you-to-the-land-of-nod-in-new-otome-drama-cds/ https://soranews24.com/2016/03/30/let-hot-moon-men-lead-you-to-the-land-of-nod-in-new-otome-drama-cds/#comments Tue, 29 Mar 2016 22:00:06 +0000 http://en.rocketnews24.com/?p=311973

Can these hawt anime boys lull you to sleep, or will they keep you up all night?

For those nights when you can’t sleep, the ever-churning otome goods machine has just the thing to help. Let beautiful boys charm you to sleep in this new series from Rejet, the company behind such famous franchises as DIABOLIK LOVERS and VitaminX.

Drama CDs of all kinds are popular in Japan and most otome (a term used to denote anime-style products, often games, aimed at women) franchises in Japan will have a plethora of tie-in CDs with the seiyuu (voice actors) for the characters interacting with each other or speaking directly to the listener. However, this new drama CD series, called YotoHolic, isn’t based on any existing game or anime, and has a very specific theme.

The setting is that you encounter six handsome young men whose role is to lead you to dreamland. They are the 107th generation of the Yotogi family, who each inherit the title of a stage of the moon at night. You will experience a tale of you and him, with the main man speaking directly to you (and every other woman who listens), as he works his magic to give you the sweetest dreams and “teach you about the night”. Ooh-er.

▼ Merry from Makura no Danshi. You definitely wouldn’t catch me closing my eyes anywhere around him.

Perhaps a lot of women are having restless nights, as there was also a recent short form anime called Makura no Danshi, or Pillow Boys, which was based around bedtime and presented from the viewer’s point of view. Each episode featured a different man to cater to various specific tastes who would talk to you for a few minutes before settling down to sleep. Unfortunately, they turned out to be the stuff of nightmares with creepy expressions (see the above image) and vaguely, or sometimes overtly, creepy intentions. YotoHolic’s character designs are certainly a lot more attractive, but we’ll have to wait until the first CD is released to see if the creep factor is manageable.

The first character to go on sale on April 27 is Mikaduki, the host-style character, with the remaining six characters to follow one per month after that in the following schedule:

April 27, Mikaduki (Three-day Crescent Moon)

May 25, Akatsuki (Dawn)

June 22, Izayoi (Sixteen-day-old Moon)

July 27, Arata (New Moon)

August 24, Mitsuru (Full Moon)

September 28, Yumihari (Crescent Moon)

Each CD will cost 2,000 yen (US$18) excluding tax. You can check out the website for voice samples and ordering info (Japanese only, sorry).

Source: YotoHolic Official Website
Images: YotoHolic Official Website

]]> https://soranews24.com/2016/03/30/let-hot-moon-men-lead-you-to-the-land-of-nod-in-new-otome-drama-cds/feed/ 0 311973 chrome_2016-03-29_17-01-29 chrome_2016-03-29_18-57-41 makura02 img_chara2 img_chara6 img_chara5 img_chara1 img_chara4 img_chara3 Win real, natural gemstones at Saitama game center, which boasts over 300 crane games!【Video】 https://soranews24.com/2016/03/30/win-real-natural-gemstones-at-saitama-game-center-boasting-over-300-crane-games%e3%80%90video%e3%80%91/ https://soranews24.com/2016/03/30/win-real-natural-gemstones-at-saitama-game-center-boasting-over-300-crane-games%e3%80%90video%e3%80%91/#comments Tue, 29 Mar 2016 16:00:47 +0000 http://en.rocketnews24.com/?p=310978

Score a real gem in this high-class crane game.

A unique UFO catcher in Saitama where you have the chance of winning real gemstones has caught people’s eyes after it was featured on Japan’s Monday Late Show (Getsuyou kara yo fukashi) on March 21.

The game center it is located within, Everyday, is already famous for having a whopping 309 “UFO catcher” crane games, has made frequent appearances on Japanese TV, and has also been visited by Japanese YouTube superstar Hikakin. With so many units to fill with prizes, it’s no wonder they’ve expanded beyond the usual scope of stuffed toys and plastic figurines.

The reporters for the show went to check out the center’s current biggest earner, a UFO catcher which offers real gemstones, including rubies and diamonds – if you can grab them, that is. These two cute ladies from YouTube channel BonBonTV also went along and tried their hand at the famed crane game, and you can see for yourself what it’s all about in the video below.

So the big question is: how hard is it to win one of these precious stones?

As you can see in the video above, the gems are buried in a tray of a pink sand-like substance, and are stowed safely inside little boxes with plastic tags by which the hook can catch them. When the Monday Late Show presenters went to check it out for themselves, they were armed with 5,000 yen (US$44), with one try on the machine costing 100 yen (around 90 cents). After 500 tries, they were able to scoop up a grand total of… six gems. Sure, that’s not so many, but they then took the stones to a gem expert who verified and valued them at a whopping 46,000 yen (US$405)!! This would imply that, given extreme patience and skill, you could potentially turn playing this particular crane game into a full-time job?!

The YouTubers here also had suspiciously good luck, winning a blue sapphire apparently on their first try. However, as anyone who has ever tried a UFO catcher knows, this is highly unusual. I’m not immune to the “just one more go” phenomenon myself, and am certainly guilty of frittering away a ridiculous amount because I’ll definitely get the item I’m aiming for on the next try… Probably… Maybe. Those 100-yen coins add up quickly! The moral being, you might want to take this supposed evidence of easy wins with a pinch of salt.

That being said, it’s potentially worth wasting a few thousand yen on this machine if you end up hitting it big with an elusive diamond or a ruby. Just make sure you set yourself a hard spending limit beforehand!

If you’re in the Saitama area, go ahead and check out UFO Everyday at the location below. They provide an English-language website, and at the center they have “Crane Game Advisors” certified by the Japan Crane Game Association on standby to help you out with your technique!

With all those crane games to choose from, there’s bound to be something that takes your fancy, and who knows – you might even win something!

Arcade information
UFO Everyday
Address: 644-1 Shimooshi, Gyoda, Saitama
Tel: 048-598-8649
Open: Weekday 12:00 – 24:00, Saturday 10:00 – 24:00, Sunday 10:00 – 23:00
Website [English] Website [Japanese]

Source: AOL News JP
Images: BonBonTV on YouTube

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