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It has taken a few months of development but, gradually getting there with a website!

Features:
Wide range of original gifts from Japan
3% Bitcoin discount
Finely-tunable shipping options
Price matching

Currently running an open beta - open to product submissions and are prepared to source anything you would like to see in store!

http://www.japanbit.com
http://i.imgur.com/4OJfdS6.png
http://www.japanbit.com

There are around 200 items at the moment but more are being added daily so will be trying to keep everyone updated!

Any feedback is greatly appreciated (constructive criticism also very welcome!)

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Hi BC. You are partially right - there are a number of Japanese sweets made using mochi as an ingredient. Plain mochi itself is rather bland, so it is often combined with sweeter flavors (or flavors are added to it to make it sweeter).

Are you a chocolate-y kind of person? Prefer fruits or something? What kind of sweet flavors do you like in particular?

Right off the bat though, I will recommend these:

http://i.imgur.com/CzM3t.jpg

Chocolate mochi
They mix cocoa in as an ingredient for the mochi casing, fill it in with some textured chocolate in the middle, and finish with a dot of ganache at the center.

The slight chew to the mochi draws out the melty chocolate taste, suspending it for the duration of the treat. The ganache is that final nail in the coffin, at the funeral of your self-restraint.

Be right back. Just going out to buy some chocolate mochi.

You wouldn't be referring to this rather unique set would you?:

http://i.imgur.com/XU1rI.png

Demonstration: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Gr-qewC-4gY


I created a price list here: http://goo.gl/PRSjp

(please select the 'SWEETS' tab at the bottom of the sheet)

Thanks for your interest - let me know what you think!

.

Hello qukkM, thanks for expressing your interest.

Unfortunately there is no such thing as export models available here.

Your best bet (I believe) would be to try and source something like that from China. I did see some available on Dealextreme years ago.

Hello Dalkore, thanks for your interest.

I would be translating your name for you and then ordering the inkan on your behalf.

Personally, I would recommend ordering your inkan with katakana as opposed to romaji, as katakana is closer in authenticity for personal inkan (romaji is typically only used for company inkan).

For example, your bitcointalk username 'Dalkore' could translate to ダルコア in katakana, and that would be written on the base of your inkan, like this:

http://www.nipocultura.com.br/wp-content/uploads/2008/07/inkan.jpg

Contrary to popular perception, wax stamps are not part of Japanese culture. While antique seals (specifically made to order) can occasionally be found at auction, there was never any mainstream domestic production out here, sorry.

If you have any further questions, please feel free to ask them here in the thread - others may be interested to know more too!

One of the most fun things about first arriving in Japan is wandering around stores full of products that you only have a vague idea of what the contents may be.

(Yes I have bought salt instead of sugar once. That was an interesting coffee morning)

I want to extend that opportunity to you (in a way). I think I've found a pretty neat way of doing it but, please tell me - what you think of something like this?:

Sweet Selection A		Description / Weight / Price
http://i.imgur.com/b54sW.jpg		1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. 7. 8. 9. 10. 11. 12. 13. 14. 15. 16. 17. 18. 19. 20. 21. 22. 23. 24. 25. 26. 27.

I think the premise of what I am proposing is pretty clear - you look through the image and see if there's anything there that grabs your interest. Before I run with it though - I' be really grateful for some feedback (constructive criticism is very welcome!).

Thanks!
M

Completely happy to oblige aznjack - Please PM me with your desired quantities so I can work out shipping costs.

Hello Jello!

I think I can help you!

If you are interested in a big box of those chips (recommended), I could get you something like this:

http://ec2.images-amazon.com/images/I/51X9f%2Bm-XsL.jpg

It contains 33 x 20g packs. I can get it to you via economy shipping (~2 weeks) for $40.

If you are interested in smaller amounts, please let me know!


As to the chelsea espresso mix selection - my research suggests they were a one-off special edition released around August last year? All places I checked so far are out of stock just now, but I will keep trying to track some down!

Let me know how you would like to proceed! (via PM)

hi b!z, thanks for your interest. (and nice username)

My service is a bit like Jlist, sure - except for a couple of points.

For one, I don't think they accept bitcoins on that site.

In a more overreaching manner, if you find something on there that you like, by all means please send me a PM! Due to the low merchant (transaction) costs of bitcoin, there is a high probability that I can get you the same item at a better price.

Thanks again for raising the point - grateful for the comparison!

Regard,

M

http://i.imgur.com/KYnGb.jpg

Have you ever wanted something from Japan? But couldn't get them to send it to you? Or maybe you just really want something but no idea what you want? Well, I'm here to make your day! I can get that thing you want!. Furthermore, I can introduce you to things you didn't even know you wanted until now.

These are Inkan - identity seals (stamps) used by the Japanese for doing everything you need a signature for in the West.

*** SPECIAL OFFER ***
FIRST 5 ORDERS WILL GET FREE REGISTERED SHIPPING INCLUDED IN MAIN PRICE ***
2 ORDERS REMAINING!

You have an opportunity to purchase one for yourself I will translate your name into Japanese (katakana) and get a custom-engraved signatory inkan for you. (or a friend)

I am currently offering free (unregistered) shipping on these seals!

Inkan come in different mm diameter sizes - (10, 12, 13.5, 15, 16, 18). I have selected the 12mm size type, which is typical for almost everyone.
I have opted to selected 10mm type to help reduce the price! If you want a larger inkan please tell me!

JUST ADDED! Birch wood with colored cow-hide effect case. PRICE: http://goo.gl/PRSjp

http://i.imgur.com/YQQ8r.jpg + http://i.imgur.com/siD4z.jpg


JUST ADDED! Birch wood resin composite with colored cow-hide effect case. PRICE: http://goo.gl/PRSjp

http://i.imgur.com/DtbYN.jpg + http://i.imgur.com/siD4z.jpg


Black plastic with plastic case - this is the most basic kind of inkan available, all synthetic. PRICE: http://goo.gl/PRSjp

http://i.imgur.com/qhFp9.jpg + http://i.imgur.com/xjseN.jpg


Colored plastic with plastic case - there are many colors to choose from, not just green - please ask me. PRICE: http://goo.gl/PRSjp

http://i.imgur.com/fN1Y6.jpg + http://i.imgur.com/xjseN.jpg


Mulberry wood with colored cow-hide effect case - mulberry wood has been a common material for inkan for centuries. PRICE: http://goo.gl/PRSjp

http://i.imgur.com/PieYN.jpg + http://i.imgur.com/siD4z.jpg


Ebony wood with colored cow-hide effect case - ebony is also frequently used due it's jet-black quality. PRICE: http://goo.gl/PRSjp

http://i.imgur.com/9rkFx.jpg + http://i.imgur.com/siD4z.jpg


Buffalo horn (natural) with luxury cow-hide effect case - harvested from water buffalo horn. PRICE: http://goo.gl/PRSjp

http://i.imgur.com/4XVq9.jpg + http://i.imgur.com/LKa11.jpg


Buffalo horn core with luxury cow hide effect case - harvested from the core of buffalo horn, has a shimmering 'tiger eye' effect. PRICE: http://goo.gl/PRSjp

http://i.imgur.com/9EUDb.jpg + http://i.imgur.com/LKa11.jpg


Mulberry wood with crocodile-hide case - as above but with crocodile skin case. Other case colors available. PRICE: http://goo.gl/PRSjp

http://i.imgur.com/PieYN.jpg + http://i.imgur.com/xpcPe.jpg


Cow horn (pure white) with luxury cow effect hide case - harvested from cattle, this is modern ivory (not elephant!!). PRICE: http://goo.gl/PRSjp

http://i.imgur.com/kDlr9.jpg + http://i.imgur.com/LKa11.jpg


Titanium with luxury cow hide effect case - the latest in durability - titanium! NOW ON SALE! PRICE: http://goo.gl/PRSjp

http://i.imgur.com/yXrsf.jpg


Your name in Japanese would be custom etched on the bottom of the inkan of your choice!


Remember - I am currently offering free (unregistered) shipping on these seals!

(If you would like to upgrade to registered (tracked) shipping - please let me know.)

Thanks for reading - let me know if you're interested!

---

If you are talking about the engine-block, please PM me.

Hello Unuser, thanks for your interest.

I did some research on what you were looking for. There are many stores within reach - I tend to search/capture online since it takes less time and expense!

As to your requests, I understand the Akihiko figurine that you are referencing - they come up about once a month or so at auction. (they have been getting increasingly expensive lately - the averaging around BTC5.34.

I can't find any references to a Shinjiro figurine yet though, sorry.

Due to the cult following of Akira, the T-shirts are sought after and are fetching relatively high prices. I think because the film was made in 1988, they are starting to creep into the 'vintage' category. Please PM me if you would like to know more.

Hello Serenata - thanks for expressing your interest.

I am currently in the process of drawing up some charts to work out shipping costs worldwide - there are many considerations alongside just the weight (in some cases, certain shapes of packets can be shipped at cheaper rates, for example)

As a start I have made one for EMS COURIER rates (the fastest/easiest to insure) in google docs here:

https://docs.google.com/spreadsheet/ccc?key=0AnJrxTNZFpu6dGc0UHNSNEJza1h4c0VCMjBYYXMzbnc

Like I say, I am working on some cheaper shipping rates at the moment but I have to translate the details from Japanese first. (shipping by sea is always the cheapest but, depends how patient you feel! I will get around to finding all rates though)

As to my cut, I am still gauging interest in this idea at the moment, so for the time-being I am just sourcing products for people based on the budget they allocate for an item (please find me x for budget y). If the transaction is successful, purchaser is happy etc - then I am thinking to basically add that item to a 'catalogue' so others can see it and buy one for themselves if they want. Anyway sorry it's so loose for now - this idea is still on the runway at the moment!

Hope it makes sense! (sorry it's 1am here now. ) Please PM me if you have any questions, etc

Doing my best I promise! Just juggling a lot of things (and a different timezone!) at the moment - also, I PM'd you - thanks!

Hello jwzguy - I have been working out here in Japan for 5 years now so, pretty established! Started as a teacher at schools, still teaching now too but, for corporate clients/adults mainly these days. I've been studying Japanese since the beginning - I'm not a scholar or anything but I can hold my own during conversations (easier) and reading through websites/magazines, etc isn't a problem anymore (unless it's on something particularly specialist - then I need my dictionary!).

Long history of selling online at auctions/forums (in UK, where I am from, and in Japan too) - can give you some of my feedback etc, no problem.

Let me know if there's something you would like in particular. I remember how hard it is to see what's out here from afar but, if there's anything at all you've seen or been interested in please just ask - I will do my best to explain/help.

Cheers!

Thanks for your support kwoody! I think sweets might become a real winner too!

I can get hold of any of the candy you mentioned - I will write something about them more definitively later for everyone else.


I also found a supplier for this crazy kit:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Gr-qewC-4gY

PM me anyone if you want to try it!

Hi jborkl. I did some searching around for you... this show is one of the many spinoffs from the kinnikubanzuke series (筋肉番付 - literally 'muscle ranking').

I have found many more products related to the muscle ranking series in general, but specific to the sasuke (ninja warrior) show though are these two things I found:

1) A playstation (1) game called "Road to Sasuke"
Youtube vid of the game: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CliRFJ3ATZw

2) A game unit that plugged directly into your tv:
http://epoch.jp/gt/taikan/sasuke/item.html

Sorry they are so random. Have you ever heard of 'Muscle ranking'?

Hi squid - 25 years old suntory - well, I did check for you, and yes if you have about 1200 dollars worth of bitcoin lying around...

In all seriousness though, I am thinking liquid-weight might be a bit of a difficult problem to overcome in terms of shipping.

I have made a chart here which details the costs of shipping by courier from Japan: (no other option for alcohol)

https://docs.google.com/spreadsheet/ccc?key=0AnJrxTNZFpu6dGc0UHNSNEJza1h4c0VCMjBYYXMzbnc

I made it import the BTC price from bitcoincharts JPY data, so those are today`s theoretical shipping rates.

With that in mind, might be cheaper for you to get it from a local distributor (who imports by the cargo-container!) Sorry!

Hi Jaryu, I agree it is a beautiful watch.

Sorry about the pricing but, I have to follow the market really! (they don't come up very often... almost never with box and papers - collectors really go for it)

Thanks for your interest!

Yeah that is me too, and no it's not the sold watch.

Thanks for your interest though. (or... accusation? thanks anyway!)