A tin of cute: Pikachu Printed biscuits 2009

(tags food, Pikachu)

I had this tin of biscuit cookies sitting in my room for the last month. It goes by the name of "Pokemon Print Biscuits Pikachu" (ポケモンプリントビスケット ピカチュウ), and sells for 680 yen, starting 2009-07.

I don't really care for the cookies. though. It's the picture design on the tin. So full of Pikachu. So full of win.

Thanks goes out to the ポケモンプリントビスケット ピカチュウ post by いそがないで歩こう blog.

At the Pokemon Center Osaka, there is a lot of unsold tins though, so I can snag another. There is no need, I do admit.

I am a recent Pokemon fan so I was shocked and appalled to see an older design of Pikachu.

The Pikachu, mass-marketed, requires cuter proportions. The older Pikachu design is cute for a video game, but the current design bests even Hello Kitty in straight up kawaii.

Pokemon: the first 60 hours

(tags Pokemon, Pikachu, Dual Screen)

Well my tryst with Ikaruga ended. Haha.

I got my Pikachu. I named the female Pikachu as Pika, and though she's become my tank and highest level soldier, she's pretty weak at defense. I can't assign most Hidden Moves to her either, which means I have to keep the ugly Bibarel for moving around the map. I do find the Pikachu's warm up before battling to be oh so cute. She waves towards the trainer, too bad she doesn't say "pika".

I also got a male Pichu through Global Trading System (GTS) the wireless world trading forum, making matching pair. At least I can raise and rename the Pichus, Pikachus and Raichus I want.

60 hours (almost). I think I'm almost done with the story.

I'm finding that this RPG is pretty boring at times. It really doesn't matter what Pokemon I raise, just as long as I land a hit that doesn't give the enemy a chance to retaliate. But if I invest time in the wrong Pokemon, I get hit hard at the trainer sessions. I also get frustrated with not having a clue sizing up the boss attacks. Finally the game tosses me a bone and gives me a hint application that tells what kinda attacks give the best counters, but it requires some homework.

I want to catch them all, but I get the feeling that it will take 200 hours to capture all the off-line ones. I do play this during the commute but it just feel like Kawaii Progress Quest infused with slot machines. I hate slot machines and anything that reminds me of money gambling.

Pokemon, it's an RPG that will suck the vitality out of me. So repetitive.

I choose you... Pokemon Platinum

(tags game, Dual Screen, Pokemon, Pikachu)

I finally bought a canonical Pokemon game, Pokemon Platinum. Well actually I had Pokemon Pikachu but I don't want to play black and white games anymore. I bought this version because I believed that this second iteration on the DS would be refined and fixed. Also I opted for the English version because I'm tired of reading katakana.

My first impressions were that this was going to be a grind... and a slow grind because of all the Pokemon creatures I can readily swap out. OMG, this is gamer lock-in, isn't it. Plus it's the kind of menu fighting that I wanted to quit. Finally, there's nothing to test my reflexes in this game. Luckily I'm still playing my Xbox and Rubik's Cube.

My goals are to:

• Get a Pikachu, a Pichu and other cute characters.
• Finish the story mode.
• Fill out my off-line game roster.

I've already spent 10 hours but the slow leveling up and the slow screen animations still irritates me. I am overwhelmed with all the things you can level up. I did take a peek at a GameFAQ but I will stop looking at it until after I finish the story mode. Also the GameSpot Guide was informative and spoiler-free.

I'm impressed with the promise of the online component. I don't know if I'll have anything valuable to trade, though.

The main thing that made me reconsider getting a canonical Pokemon game now was the limited chance to catch Shaymin from a Download Station in retail stores this last Golden Week. Unfortunately, it requires unlocking the "global roster" and probably the Japanese version of this game. Shaymin is one of the cuter characters that had a movie promotion last year, I think. I want one of those, too, but I doubt I can clear all of the required conditions before this promotion is over.

Pikachu nods off

(tags Pikachu)

I visited the Pokemon Center a weeken or two ago to checkout "Sleeping Pikachu" (「おねむりピカチュまつり」). It's just a common theme for a bunch of new merchandise. The first thing I checked out was a PVC figure of sleeping Pikachu. Nice, but already 3500 yen. Whoa.

(thanks to Kotaku)

Pikachu labeling: Tepra PRO Tape Cartridges

(tags Tepra, label, Pikachu, Pokemon, sticker)

Tepra PRO tape cartridge is an office supply that has Japanese national recognition, like Swingline Staplers in the States. At work, if we want to label something like a file folder or a cable automatically, we bring out the labeling machine and the Tepra.

I actually bought a labeling machine for my own personal use, but it was right before the models that support USB. I'm still kicking myself even now.

Today, after the Dream Party 2008-11 Osaka convention, I made my way through Nipponbashi and back to Osaka (station). There was no Mirror's Edge anywhere to be found, arrgh! The Pokemon Center was still open though at 6:10 PM, so I cruised on in. I spied this Tetra tape:

Such a happy little fellow. I'm a happy fellow for just looking at Pikachu. 和みますって！I suppose I have a bad case of Pikachu moe.

So I better start labeling, since each tape cost me about 1200 yen. 5 meters should last me a couple of years, ha.

This totally reminds me that I have another Pikachu post theme. I took a whole gang of pictures but I am too lazy to write the accompanying text. Perhaps in another month? Gotta space the Pikachu dosage out.

Dual Wield Dual Screen Duel: Pokemon Pikachu DS and games

(tags hardware, game, Dual Screen, Pikachu, Princess Maker, Ketsui, Chrono Trigger, telephone card, television)

The other reason I was in shop today was to pick a screen protector film for my Pokemon Pikachu DS. Yes I haven't opened it until now and I've really been meaning to do it. The film made by Suncrest and called "magic film", claims to "self-heal any scratches". Sure. I only tried it out because it's about the same price as the other films. Anyway, slap that puppy on. I'm pretty happy with how I positioned the film. Usually I'm pretty sloppy. Unfortunately air bubbles and dust never seem to leave me alone.

So I recommissioned the DS (lite) I have been using, my pink Love and Berry DS, as my permanent One-Seg TV in my rack. I can't keep it on twenty-four seven: there seems to be a hot-spot that whitens the center of the screen after a day or two. Don't worry, it seems to disappear after I power off for a couple of hours.

Anyways, in a couple of days, I will have two DS games in the "training" catagory. (How else do you translate "育成"?). One is Princess Maker 4, of course I cannot pass up the ero-kawaii Naoto Tenhiro telephone cards. The other is the Kumatan-chi (くまたんち). I only liked it for the 2D static graphics, then I saw a gameplay/official trailer video and I was completely (re-) sold. The animation is so fluid and so cute. Plus the telephone cards FTW.

And Japanese shopkeepers never remind you to preorder. That's just too pushy. Instead, they have a wall where you can anonymously gawk and slack. I took a ganderand there was Ketsui DS coming around on 2008-10-23. Shmup action on the DS, bring it! Also Chrono Trigger DS as dated as 2008-11-27. I am not missing this one either, in both senses of the word. (Still need to dig out Chrono Cross, ugh) Neither of them have telephone card type omake, but they come with soundtrack CDs, I think. Perhaps Ketsui has a "superplay" video disc?

Surely now I can restart my Mysterious Dungeon: Shiren The Wanderer stuff again?

Pikachu reuse

(tags kawaii, character goods, Dual Screen, hardware, Pikachu)

I stopped by the Pokemon Center on a quiet Friday. There seemed to be a lot more Pikachu goods for some reason. Maybe hard times are hitting the Pokemon brand?

Aww, the plastic case illustration is just so perfect. :-)

It's not like I'm going to use yet another Pikachu skin and case and stylus. But I will use the hand towel for bathing. Okay, no jokes about electricity and the bath, please.

Pikachu in World Hobby Fair 2008

(tags convention, Japan, Osaka, game, Pikachu, character goods, Wii, Dual Screen, PlayStation Portable)

Today was the World Hobby Fair 2008 in Osaka. To me it's a mainstream electronic game and toy hobby fair for kids ages 12 and under. These days one must bring a DS and PSP for the special goodies and opportunities, but I didn't bother. I went because I was planning to go to Den Den Town anyway. Plus there were video game demos from top-tier companies major like Nintendo, Sega, Capcom, etc. I know its ultimately a waste of time which is why I didn't go last year, even though I did go two years ago.

OMG hypocritical thoughts: There were far too many kids games about collecting or battling. It's horrifying to think about all this free time wasted on games, especially the fad games. I saw kids with hundreds of cards from those card battle games, toy cars on race tracks, kids/tweens walking around while playing whatever RPG on their DS lite or PSP, etc. Decadently vulgar mass consumerism. I wanted to shout, "Read a m!%'%'-f%)%(% book! And not a manga!" I kept on thinking to myself, man if ever become a father... yeah right. But this is what people will pay for, so the companies will provide. So essentially I was ignoring 95% of the wares being hocked.

Ahem, back to sparkle gazing. :-)

I saw the Star Soldier R download game for the Wii which was great because of my recent shmup mood (thanks Shikigami no Shiro 3 and Omega Five). It seems like it has a slightly tweaked power-up system, but it's definately Star Soldier, for better or worse. It makes me want to play my Gamecube or PSP version. I didn't bother entering the 2 minute high score contest because I already saw a contestant get one million and first place with excellent technique (eg shoot both targets at the same time). If I ever buy a Wii I'll probably get this. Are there any other shmups besides Shikigami no Shiki 3?

Super Smash Bros. for the Wii was up and playable in groups of four, though the demo movies were the same ones from E3 2006. I was surprised to see that it is in a widescreen format, because I always thought the Wii was only 4:3. And I've never played this franchise though, so the details are lost on me. I mean come on, Pikachu had 105% health but 30 seconds later it became 0%? Wut?!? I still want to get the SSB for the Gamecube because it was said to have a interesting collection mode. But I haven't wanted to buy it in the 6 years it has been out, so I don't think I'll ever get it.

Sony had their booth with the newest Ape Escape game. I wanted to play the Patapon demo, but I wasn't in the mood to wait in line. I also saw the refresh of the Taiko no Tatsujin for the DS, "7" something or other, but only in passing. Um what else? Nothing else I can remember, so the rest is not important.

On the non-video game front, I was surprised to see Speed Stacks there. I don't hold it in high regard, sorry to say, but it is indirectly useful for my Rubik's Cube hobby. They were selling the mat and timer for 5040 yen, ouch. I am kicking myself for not asking if the timer hooks up to the 2_0000 yen competition display. Show some courage, big guy. Well, I still don't need it yet.

Regarding anime and manga goods, the only thing that I found interesting was Hayate no Gotoku goods, but I resisted buying even a pencil card. The big A2 non-sale poster/tapestry at the back was a desirable Nagi design, ooh white dress. Okay that's enough.

The Pocket Monsters franchise had a big booth as always. I just had to take this picture of the inflatable playroom and big movie poster. I adore Pikachu but I have no idea about the stories or TV. Pikachu occupies the same area as Hello Kitty in my mind. It's enough just to sit around looking cute and kawaii.

Lastly I took a stroll through the exclusive goods area. I braced myself for the sell out signs because I arrived in the afternoon but all the Pikachu goods I wanted were available. Huh, lucky me. Unlucky wallet. Of course I want to show my haul:

I usually don't buy 3D representations of Pikachu (eg plushie dolls, figurines) but this coin purse was pretty much spot on. The silicone case for the DS lite was new to me, but its not an event exclusive, rather a regular Pokemon Center sale item. Lastly I never say no to pencil cards because they are relatively cheap and light to keep and store. Whoa, I have come to the conclusion that my favorite color must be yellow. :-)

The event was held at the Kyosera Dome Osaka, which I believe is an indoor baseball stadium. After leaving the event, I visted the baseball hobby shop on the first floor. I was surprised to see U.S. merchandise like official Major League Baseball shirts and hats. Even my home town team the San Diego Padres had some decent stuff there. Of course, there were a lot of fan goods of the Japanese dudes who made it big in the U.S. like Ichiro.

WHF has come and gone. At least Pikachu was there for me to keep me interested. :-)

Pikachu "Hatsumode" (2008)

(tags food, Pikachu, kawaii, promotion, collectable, 200801, Japan)

Greetz and howdy to your 2008. Hope you are having fun.

So, I did it. I went to McDonalds on New Year's Day and asked for the "Happy 2008 Pikachu ga ippai 50 pose sticker sheet", which meant I had to jump through the hoop of buying a Happy Set which I know as a Happy Meal but no fancy cardboard box. I did not bother to choose to recieve the default Happy Set toys, though. Gotta set the limit somewhere. :o

What is the phrase in Unreal Tournament? "It's been decades since I've seen one of these". :-)

Every time I think of McDonalds now I think of that picture of that Michelin tire fat kid sitting with the McDonalds bib. Going to McDonalds on New Year's Day just breaks all sorts of Resolutions, imagined or not. I'm not making any resolutions for this year but I'm going for goals. One goal is to make one Pikachu related post every month. :-)

Pikachu love: McDonalds Happy... ga ippai

(tags food, Pikachu, kawaii, promotion, collectable, 200801, Japan)

I ate at McDonalds yesterday, so Super Size Me. Anyway there's a special Pikachu sticker promotion if I buy a McDonalds' Happy Meal starting 2008-01-01. I didn't count how many pictures of Pikachu it was but... Oh wait, its on the net: Happy 2008 Pikachu ga ippai 50 pose sticker sheet.

I'm going to do it.

I'm going to do it so I can decorate my Pikachu DS lite. I'm going to do it so I can digitize it and use it as my wallpaper (to offset all the bishoujo moe).

Uh. I will be in a McDonalds on January 1, ordering a Happy Meal. I. Am. Sad. :-/

Life-sized: Paper Moon meido and Pikachu

(tags figure, Pikachu, kawaii)

Last year around this time I was able to see Paper Moon's life size dolls. This time they seem to have done the same exhibition again, but at the Akihabara UDX building. The event is called (my trans) "Real-size Figure Anime Party In Tokyo Anime Center" 等身大フィギュアパーティーin東京アニメセンター and its on till the 14th of December.

I know the building as "Cross Field". I like passing through it whenever I'm in Akiba because its not as geeky as the rest of the area and plus there's normal restaurants there. And the Center itself caters to the mainstream, even though its about anime. So yes it was surprising to see some of the risque Paper Moon figures there (through Moeyo! Akibajin blog, of course).

But the winner today is Pikachu. Aww, so adorable. Standing on a tree stump. There's no price here, so the figure is not for sale. They need to put this figure in the middle.

I'm kinda disappointed that black bunny suited figure from last time isn't there, though the meido brigade is. In the minority were some full-size anime figures like Doraemon and Gundam. Finally, I didn't see any new Paper Moon creations. Maybe they were too hawt for this event. Do they sell the demo ones or are these just for show?

Pikachu cute quota filled: Pokemon Dai-suki Select shop news 11/3

(tags goods, kawaii, Pikachu)

There's a reason why I subscribe to the HTML version of the Pokemon Center online store Pokemon Dai-suki Select Club Shop Mail Magazine. The pictures are killer kawaii.

The above is from 「【だいすきクラブ限定（げんてい）グッズが3アイテム登場！】ポケモンだいすきセレクトショップNEWS★11月3日号」 mail message. It is a bit Pikachu heavy. I like it that way!

Pikachu love: DS Lite, silicone case, backpack

(tags game, hardware, Dual Screen, character goods, Pikachu)

I've been sitting on this for a couple of weeks, but some stuff came now so I can now show you the height of my Pikachu obsession. Yes, I was able to buy a Pokemon Pikachu DS Lite (ポケモンセンターオリジナル ニンテンドーDS Lite ピカチュウエディション)! Thats the one on the left. The one on the right? Let's just say I didn't have faith in securing one through an online auction for it, so I canvassed Nipponbashi Den Den Town for it. Only 27800 yen, which seems to be around the fetching price on the auctions... Why another?

The flyer for the Pikachu DS Lite (shown top right) sold for 1000 yen on an auction, IIRC. When will I actually open one of these DS Lites? Soon now.

The top right shows a Pikachu backpack for small kids that I bought yesterday at Toys R Us. No way I will actually use this for its intended use. I will, however, use the backpack for storing my pristine Pikachu DS Lite. Ha ha ha!

But that's not all. Today my Amazon.co.jp shipment came in, though I doubted a timely delivery during the O-Bon holidays. In it was the yellow Takara-Tomy licensed Pikachu silcone case (Nintendo DS Lite ポケモンシリコンカバー イエロー) that received DSFanboy attention. I couldn't find this case in the usual children's shops, nor at Sofmap or other game related stores, so I did my first ever Amazon.co.jp ordering. The carrying case on the right is available everywhere, but I got it at the Pokemon Center Osaka.

I'm going to test out the silicone case on my Love and Berry pink DS Lite, which I can imagine is a vomit inducing color wonder. My intention is to use it on the Pikachu DS Lite, but again the color is probably horrendous.