Kotaku: Otaku

2 Girls, 1 Cup (And A Witty Japanese Pun)

Brian Ashcraft — Tue, 17 Jun 2008 05:00:00 MDT

Not only is pantsu flashing fighter Ikkitousen hitting the PSP, but it's also rolling out the limited edition goods! Ikkitousen is inspired on Chinese epic Romance of Three Kingdoms and is set against a backdrop of warring high school students. The PSP version, called Ikkitousen Eloquent Fist, is getting a figure set that features Hakufu and Hakufu's flirty, booze drinkin' mom Goei. While Westerners will be quick to see the (unintentional?) 2-girls-1-cup joke, the actual Japanese joke is a pun and has quite a different meaning! This is an "oyako donburi figure" set: "Oyakodon" literally means "parent-and-child donburi" and refers to a dish that consists of egg, chicken and rice. And "Donburi" is a "rice bowl dish." Geddit? HILARIOUS.

Hit the jump for another pic of this limited edition oyako don figure set.

Ikkitousen LE Goods [MMV via Insert Credit]

Nintendo's Fischer Apologizes For Geeks And Otaku Comment

Mike Fahey — Fri, 13 Jun 2008 11:20:00 MDT

It almost goes without saying, but Nintendo of Europe's managing director Laurent Fischer deeply regrets stating that "geeks and otaku" were the only people concerned about running out of space on their Nintendo Wii due to WiiWare and Virtual Console titles, comments that ticked off gamers and developers alike. Speaking to videogaming247, Fischer offered the following by way of apology.

“I have huge respect for those who, like me, share a common passion for Nintendo and want to make it clear that I would never use and I didn’t use this terminology in such a context or way to cause offense,” he said.

“I regret that this misunderstanding has created such offense and disappointment within the community.”

You know, in all honesty "geek" and "otaku" are way low in the list of things I've been called that cause me offense, but I can certainly see how some people would get upset. As for Laurent, all I can say is always talk as if what you say is going to end up on the front page of a major gaming blog, because it generally is.

Exclusive: Nintendo’s Laurent Fischer “regrets” geeks and otaku remark [videogaming247]

Internet Vigilante Searches For Akihabara Tragedy Grinning Morons

Brian Ashcraft — Tue, 10 Jun 2008 07:00:00 MDT

Previously we brought word of the tragedy that hit Tokyo's gaming/anime/manga district Akihabara. A 25-year-old-man attacked 17, killing 7. Horrible, horrible stuff. When reporters showed up on the scenes, some idiots got very excited to be on TV! Because when people have been mowed down with a truck and stabbed, there's nothing more exciting than getting on TV. Forget that, you know, the streets were literally covered in blood. Huge Japanese forum 2-channel has launched an effort to actually expose the identities of the shameless dummies who grinned and waved at the TV cameras. A "Wanted" YouTube video even popped up recently. Certainly, these people acted disrespectful, but not sure if vigilante internet justice is appropriate either.

Hit the jump for the YouTube video.

More Screens Here [Japan Probe]

Upright New Persona 3, Oneechanbara VorteX Figurines

Brian Ashcraft — Thu, 05 Jun 2008 04:00:00 MDT

Japanese figure maker Alter has put up new listings for its fall figurine line-up which includes a Persona 3 Elizabeth from sculptor Fumiki Saitou and an Oneechanbara VorteX Aya from Goutarou Takeuchi. The Elizabeth (pictured) is 22cm tall and books at ¥6,090 (US$58), while the Aya (after the jump) is 25cm tall and priced at ¥8,190 (US$78). Aya, of course, is more expensive because she is 3cm higher and not because she is in her skippies and carrying swords. Oh no.

Out This October [Heisei Democracy]

Another Moe English DS (With Game Promo Video!)

Brian Ashcraft — Thu, 29 May 2008 23:00:00 MDT

Remember that English-teaching jailbait DS game featured on Japanese site Famitsu? Well, here's another. Innocuous enough! Dubbed Moe Sta, the title features 5,000 English questions that cover the spectrum from junior high school school tests to the Tokyo University entrance examination to help players "level up" their English. Hit the jump for the slightly NSFW promo trailer that features the angels Grammar, Idiom and Word. Might want to watch it without the sound — unless you want a headache. Or have developed a tolerance to being jabbed in your ear drums with sewing needles.

Moe Sta [Akiba Blog]

DS Game Teaches English With Jailbait

Brian Ashcraft — Wed, 28 May 2008 05:00:00 MDT

English-for-otaku book Moetan is getting a DS game. Because DS owning nerds should learn English, too. Every day, players can learn ten new words — words like "lunatic"! Then after three weeks, players will be tested on their knowledge. And depending on the test score, players can then touch the game's heroines. (So think typical DS English learning game meets Doki Doki Majo Shinpan.) Hit the jump for a MAXIUM RISKY look at the game's transformation scene with the game's 17 year-old main character. There's butt crackage and a duck in a hat. Might be NSFW.

Moetan DS [Famitsu]

Gundam Looks Nice In A Pink Plastic Dress

Brian Ashcraft — Thu, 08 May 2008 01:00:00 MDT

Needs more pink! Some Japanese lady thought a MG Gyan Gundam figure wasn't girly enough, so she was "inspired" to give it a more "feminine air." The customized model has been covered with faux jewels, and the plastic surface has been treated and lacquered. The attention to detail is astounding (like on the dress, for example), sure, we're just enthralled with GLOWING SWORD.
MG Gyan For Sale [Yahoo! Auctions via Sankaku Complex via Giapet]

Japanese People With Xbox 360s! Amazing Photo Proof!!

Brian Ashcraft — Fri, 02 May 2008 03:00:24 MDT

Face it: The Xbox 360 hasn't done so hot in Japan. That doesn't mean everyone in Japan hates it. Oh, no! Not at all. In fact, at least a handful people really like the Xbox 360. Look at the above picture. This individual likes the 360 so much, he/she/it bought back-ups. If that's not undying adoration, we really don't know what is.

Xbox In Japan [Hatimaki]

We Do Not Believe This Dead or Alive Character Is Swimming

Brian Ashcraft — Thu, 24 Apr 2008 03:00:24 MDT

And the shameful Dead or Alive toys continue! This Tina figure is totally bra swimming. But look at her face. She could be waiting for a bus for all we know. And what about her hair? That's not swimming hair. We are disappointed to say that this Tina figure just isn't very realistic.

More pics of this Tina sample over at Akiba Hobby if you like.
Venus on the Beach! [Akiba Hobby]

Butt Flasher Lady Returns For More Butt Flashing!

Brian Ashcraft — Mon, 21 Apr 2008 01:00:55 MDT

Even cops can't stop Ass Flasher. Tush thong lady Asuka Sawamoto hit Akihabara this week and hit it hard — two cheeks at a time. Previously, Sawamoto mooned all of nerdom, causing a mob scene of sweaty dorks with cameras and boners. The act hit Yahoo! News Japan. While the cops have been cracking down on Akihabara street performances to hopes of avoiding such shameful (and potentially dangerous) displays. The "singer" was back for the hat trick this Sunday, putting her arse out for the third time. This time TV crews were on hand to catch the cheeky act and butt in for a quick interview or two.

Hit the jump for a pic of the ass flashery madness! It's somewhat safe for work. But creepy as hell.

Sawamoto Flashing [Akiba Blog]

Erotic PSP Game Smothers Mario Kart Wii In Sales

Brian Ashcraft — Fri, 18 Apr 2008 00:00:04 MDT

Defeated. Beaten. By boobs. While Mario Kart Wii posted healthy numbers across the country during its first week on sale, in more discerning Akihabara shops, the game was outsold by PSP erotic game title Bokudake no Kajitsu ("Only My Fruit"). The "game" is actually considered an UMD video and hasn't been approved by Sony or even been rated by CERO, Japan's ESRB. But since it uses interactive menus, Bokudake no Kajitsu can be played like a typical point-and-click PC eroge, complete with animated "event scenes." According to shop Messe Sanoh's sales chart, MK Wii was outsold by two PSP titles:

1. Monster Hunter Portable 2nd G
2. Bokudake no Kajitsu
3. Mario Kart Wii

Clearly Nintendo has underestimated Akihabara shoppers. Needs more monsters, more jubblies, less kart.
Mario Kart Wii Outsold [ASCII]

The Erotic Game Robot

Brian Ashcraft — Fri, 11 Apr 2008 07:20:09 MDT

Robots are awesome. Really, really awesome. Robots made from erotic games? Ditto. The Sofmap in Akihabara made this "erotic game robot" out of 80 copies of PC ero title Slave Commander Clarice. The name of this shameful game 'bot? "GR01-CLARICE ROBO." What does it do? It stands there and radiates NSFW. That's enough! The creativity that Japanese retailers have with ero games never ceases to amaze.
Sexy Game Robot [Akiba Blog]

Americans Turn Maid Cafes Into Arty Maid Cafes (Wha?)

Brian Ashcraft — Wed, 09 Apr 2008 23:00:58 MDT

Maids! No, wait. American maids! That's right, instead of reading about maids, you Americans can go visit them in America. Previously, a maid opened in Canada. Then it closed! And now, another maid cafe is giving North America a go. This month, Royal/T Cafe is having its grand opening in Culver City, Southern California. Though, here's the pickler. The website describes the cafe as a "playful collision of spaces — café/shop/art space — presented in stunning fusion. An eclectic mix of retail and contemporary art reimaged in the surrounds of LA's first Japanese-style cosplay café." That's LA-talk for "Since this café is based on places where Japanese nerds go sip milk tea and play paper-rock-scissors, we've decided to add pretentious artsy-fartsy shit to appeal to American hipsters."
Royal/T [Official Site via Clockwork Machina via a geek by another other name]

Big Headed Freaky Assed Haruhi Suzumiya Doll

Brian Ashcraft — Mon, 07 Apr 2008 23:00:37 MDT

Ack! CREEPY. Human heads are not that big. Found at the Den-Den Town Kotobukiya shop, these are staff-created customized Haruhi Suzumiya Pullip dolls — poses, uniform and everything. There's another nightmare inducing pic of these dolls after the jump. *shiver*

Pullip Dolls [Senaka Blog]

Maniac Mario Collection

Brian Ashcraft — Mon, 07 Apr 2008 05:00:38 MDT

Some people like Nintendo. Other people like Nintendo. The person who lives in this room, well he/she/it is clearly very bananas for Nintendo. Look at all those Marios packed in there like sardines. The cruelty!

Like Nintendo [popgive via Go Nintendo]

Foreign People Can Maid Cafe, Too

Brian Ashcraft — Mon, 07 Apr 2008 02:00:12 MDT

Here at Kotaku, we have one rule and one rule only about maids: Post. Above are two maids from Akihabara maid cafe @home. One is Japanese, the other isn't! That's Eva, who became so interested in maid cafes during her visit to Japan, she decided to enlist herself. Besides serving drinks, Eva translates for foreign visitors. Maids don't only entertain nerds with games of rock, paper, scissors, they bridge gaps. International nerd gaps.
American Maid [Sankei via Alafista via Danny Choo]

Ass Flasher Idol Planning More Ass Flashery

Brian Ashcraft — Thu, 03 Apr 2008 06:00:15 MDT

Tush thong lady speaks! "Singer" and swimsuit model Asuka Sawamoto has hiked up her mini skirt to Akihabara nerds many times. No big whoop for her! It is for the Tokyo Metropolitan Police, who have been cracking down after her flashing incidents ended up on Yahoo! News Japan. Sure, we've all seen Asuka's hindquarters, but what about the woman behind the behind? What does she thing of the ballyhoo? The 22 year-old self-described "multi-sexy idol" says:

"I've always performed in sets of a live performance and photo shoot... I've been doing this stuff in Akihabara since July last year... I'm the most hated person in Akihabara... I can't help it if some people want to complain... And I'd say the warmer weather probably means I'll be showing even more skin than I have until now.

Yeah, coppers. She's been doing this since last July and always does live sets and photo shoots! Geeeez. Is this what the world has come to, where a multi-sexy idol can't even climb up on street posts and show her fundament to 200 plus Akihabara nerds? Whatever will the police think of next... Sawamoto Speaks [Mainichi]

Akibahara Cracks Down on Crack Showing

Brian Ashcraft — Wed, 02 Apr 2008 03:00:38 MDT

Cops are on the look out. They don't want it to happen again. Last time, it was an embarrassing spectacle. And then the time after that, embarrassing again! That's right, Akihabara police are doing their best to prevent ass flashing. Previously, "singer" Asuka Sawamoto hitched up her skirt, splashing her tush thong all over the internet. The story snowballed and was even picked up by Japan's Yahoo! News. The following Sunday, she showed up again, ready to perform and show NSFW rear-endage again. No wonder last Sunday, when girls in maid outfits (and other costumes) sing, dance and stand in the Akiba streets and sidewalks, police were on handle to prevent any ass hattery. That's right, cops were on patrol. Butt patrol.
Police On Patrol [Akiba Blog]

On Otaku, On Kotaku

Brian Ashcraft — Wed, 02 Apr 2008 01:00:35 MDT

Kotaku. What the hell does that mean? "Kotaku" is a made up word. "Ko" means small in Japanese (小), and otaku means, well, we'll get to that. Over at the always brainy Néojaponisme, they've got a look at what the word "otaku" means. While the word originally is a polite way to say "you" (something like "thou"), its nerd connotations first debuted in print back in 1983 when writer Akio Nakamori defined the subculture in his essay "The City is Full of Otaku". Prior to this, otaku were referred to as mania (maniacs), nekura-zoku (the gloomy tribe) and byouki ("sick"). It wasn't until 1989 that the term became widespread when Nakamori used the word in his biography of serial killer Tsutomu Miyazaki and Tomohiro Machiyama's best seller The Otaku Book. As author and game translator Matt Alt explains, "From humble roots, 'otaku' flowered to become the de facto term for individuals who pursue their hobbies with a single-minded passion bordering on obsession." (Like game otaku, for instance!) Alt has even translated the Nakamori's 1983 essay — apparently the first time its ever appeared in English! Swing over to Néojaponisme. It's worth a read. Tell 'em Kotaku sent cha.
Read The Essay [Néojaponisme via AltJapan] [Pic]

Lucky Star To Get Shit-Faced With

Brian Ashcraft — Mon, 24 Mar 2008 07:00:47 MDT

Lucky Star... sake? Starting tomorrow, a Saitama Prefecture liquor shop will begin selling limited edition bottles of Lucky Star sake. The anime/manga/video game franchise is set in Saitama. The sake is probably just regular sake with a Lucky Star label slapped on it.
Order Here [Official Site via Canned Dogs]

Osaka's Otaku On Parade

Brian Ashcraft — Sun, 23 Mar 2008 13:00:20 MDT

Late last week was the annual "Nipponbashi Street Festa" in Osaka's nerd village "Den-Den Town." The main street Sakaisuji was shut down for foot traffic only and the event featured cosplaying, maids and general geekery. I've been several times in the past. Good fun!
Street Festa Pics Here [Iza via Danny Choo]

Japan So Wants To Adventure With Cat Head Girl

Brian Ashcraft — Wed, 19 Mar 2008 05:30:26 MDT

Quick! If you go go on an innocuous adventure with any celebrity, who would it be? If you lived in Japan, odds are, you'd say you'd want to escape with cat-head swallowing otaku celebrity Shoko Nakagawa. According to research site Oricon Life, Shokotan was the number choice for the 900 men and women surveyed. Hit the jump for the breakdown. Japanese celebrities ahead!

Overall Results
1. Shoko Nakagawa
2. Becky
3. Chinatsu Wakatsuki
4. Koda Kumki
5. Yui Aragaki

Male Voters
1. Shoko Nakagawa
2. Aki Hoshino
3. Ai Otsuka
4. Becky
5. Masami Nagasawa

Female Voters
1. Shoko Nakagawa
2. Becky
3. Chinatsu Wakatsuki
4. Koda Kumi
5. Yui Aragaki
5. Aiko

Adventure Poll [Oricon via alafista] [Pic]

Otaku "Singer" Flashes Akihabara

Brian Ashcraft — Mon, 17 Mar 2008 06:00:51 MDT

Every Sunday in Akihabara, it happens. Girls in maid outfits (and other costumes) sing, dance and stand in the Akiba streets and sidewalks. Some of them attract some crowds, some of them attract large crowds. The Tokyo Metropolitan Police Department is starting to crackdown for "safety" reasons in accordance with traffic laws. "I have no real understanding of what standards they're using to drive the maids off the streets. I could understand if they were dressed in schoolgirls' swimsuits or costumes that flash a lot of skin, but maid outfits are nothing like that," says economic analyst and Akiba lover Takuro Morinaga. Thing is, it's not just maids.

Take this past weekend, for example. "Singer" and swimsuit model Asuka Sawamoto (link slightly NSFW) showed up in Akihabara, wearing a very short skirt and a pair of red underpants. Sawamoto proceeded to stand on the sidewalk and flash all of nerdom, which mobbed and took photo after photo. All this so Sawamoto could promote a live concert. Guess she succeeded! She also succeeded in giving the grounds for this police crackdown more weight. Good for her.

Hit the jump for Dead Rising version of this pic that Luke was kind enough to PhotoShop for shits and giggles.

Maid Hunt in Tokyo [Mainichi via Dark Diamond]
Totally NSFW Pics Here [Akiba Blog]

Bandai Makes Lucky Star Fugly

Brian Ashcraft — Thu, 13 Mar 2008 04:00:52 MDT

Ack! POM-POM HANDS!! Here's a toy figurine of Tsukasa Hiiragi from Lucky Star. It's made by Bandai, better known for its Gundam modeling. At ¥850 (US $8.45), it's certainly not an upper end figure as clearly even by its overall freakish appearance. We're sure it has a good personality, though.
Q Joy Lucky Star [Akiba Hobby via Danny Choo]

Five Very Dirty Shoko Nakagawa Doppelgangers

Brian Ashcraft — Thu, 06 Mar 2008 05:00:11 MST

Certainly, you haven't forgotten admitted-cat-head-swallower Shoko Nakagawa. Besides being a popstar and a big cosplaying otaku, she also co-hosts Sunday morning cartoon show Pokémon Sunday! With nerd cred the inevitable shameful movie homage (NSFW) complete with Shokotan lookalike shouldn't be surprising. Here's what is: Another (yes, another) phony Shoko Nakagawa adult flick has been released. Okay, so? So! This one stars not one, not two, not three Shoko Nakagawa clones, but five. That's correct FIVE. And they appear on screen at the same time! It's like they're cleaving off each other or something. Hit the jump for a slightly safe-for-work screen cap of them sitting around and talking to each other. Creepy!

New Shokotan Imposter Video [NSFW via Amazon]

Feast Your Eyes On Drool Worthy Figures!

Brian Ashcraft — Mon, 03 Mar 2008 23:00:15 MST

The Wonder Festival is long over, but our memories of it live on. In the gallery below, there are upcoming retail garage kits of Street Fighter II, Street Fighter Zero, Street Fighter III, Street Fighter Online, Melty Blood, Guilty Gear, Persona 3, Quiz Magic Academy, Dead or Alive Xtreme 2, Trigger Heart Exelica and moar. Take a look! They're neato.

WF 2008 [Akiba Hobby]

Life-Size Haruhi Suzumiya Has "Moveable Groin"

Brian Ashcraft — Fri, 29 Feb 2008 02:00:29 MST

Ack! Freaky giant doll alert. March 1st (tomorrow!) pre-orders start for this huge, freaky-assed life-sized Haruhi Suzumiya figurine in Japan. According to the maker, the five-foot statue has a moveable head, shoulders, elbows, lower back, knees, ankles, fingertips and, ahem, "groin." This Haruhi has an expected sticker price of ¥380,000 (US$ 3,628.72). But can you really put a price on something so creepy? Yes, apparently!

Haruhi Sample [Akiba Hobby]

Cosplaying with Cosplay Figurine

Brian Ashcraft — Wed, 27 Feb 2008 03:00:08 MST

This is a Kotaku first, I believe. We've featured cosplaying tons on Kotaku. Ditto for figurines. But, we've never covered people cosplaying with figurines that are cosplaying. Here, cosplayer Usagi Tsukimiya poses with a Hobby Wave Haruhi Suzumiya bunny figure. Even though Tsukimiya was a Hobby Wave booth companion at the recent Wonder Festival in Japan, something about this photo shoot seems oddly profound. A cosplayer posing as a figurine character in cosplay? Damn, that's deep.

Haruhi Cosplay Figure Review [Moeyo]

Problems that Plague the Erotic Game Industry

Brian Ashcraft — Wed, 27 Feb 2008 01:00:01 MST

Japan's erotic gaming industry isn't all raindrops and lollypops! Website Canned Dogs has a look at what's hurting the once ~~throbbing~~ thriving genre. Apparently, erotic game companies have hit hard times and are restructuring. With doujin games generating a bigger and bigger fan base, erotic games are having a difficult time competing. Doujin games are typically made by only a few people, and some doujin makers are popular enough to even make a living off selling their wares, while avoiding all the headaches that go with being an actual company. To compete, eroge companies try to offer better quality art than the "amateur" doujin titles. The thinking is that they can sell the game just based on screenshots. Companies are also restructuring, and the first to go are the writers. Not good for text heavy erotic games where sharp writing is key! What's more, many eroge writers have moved on from naughty games and are publishing novels instead. Companies are forced to outsource stuff out to freelancers to varying degrees of success. And with the erotic game industry becoming less and less appealing, the new talent pool shrinkage. Hey, that's not erotic at all!

Eds Note: Hobby Blog has some interesting insights on this as well.

Eroge Industry Probs [Canned Dogs]　

Unofficial Haruhi Suzumiya Game Smacked Down

Brian Ashcraft — Thu, 21 Feb 2008 06:40:06 MST

Doujin-made game The Fierce Fighting of Haruhi Suzumiya has been killed off! The doujin circle behind the game has pulled it at the (scary?) request of Kadokawa Shoten, the publisher that originally put out the Haruhi light novels and manga, plus distributes the anime and is releasing the upcoming Wii game. The totally unofficial The Fierce Fighting of Haruhi Suzumiya had characters from the franchise battle each other in Dynasty Warriors-style battles. Rad! It even had cameos from another Kadokawa property, Lucky Star! Kadokawa hates on those who use its IP without authorization, going as far as to make YouTube take down unauthorized vids and whatnot. I can understand where Kadokawa is coming from, but it seems like a place in the oh so distant past.
Haruhi Doujin Game Canned [Canned Dogs via Anime News Network Thanks, icepick314!]

Pick Your Favorite Haruhi

Brian Ashcraft — Fri, 15 Feb 2008 06:00:24 MST

Oh, Haruhi Suzumiya. We love you even when you are not dancing. Japanese site Byonabi has a collection of various Haruhi incarnations — some official, some not. My question: Which one do you like best?
Haruhis [Byonabi]

Mai Shiranui Toy Stripped Topless

Brian Ashcraft — Thu, 14 Feb 2008 06:00:41 MST

That Kasumi figurine topless teardown revealed something was missing. Well, two things were missing. Website Heisei Democracy has an in-depth review of the 33 centimeter tall figurine of SNK fighter and doujin favorite Mai Shiranui. From the review:

Two final production notes: first, her fans are made of paper and wood and actually collapse and unfold like real folding fans, which is a really cool touch, though they should be treated with care to avoid breakage. Also, while clearly not intended for castoff it's easy enough to pry the front of her costume away from her breasts and peel the front back over her shoulders — though that's as far as it goes.

Somewhat NSFW gallery of the teardown placed safely after the jump. More explicit and risky pics at Heisei Democracy!

Mai Review [Heisei Democracy]

How To Find Your Way In Akihabara

Brian Ashcraft — Wed, 13 Feb 2008 01:00:09 MST

Akihabara is good fun. But let's face it, visiting can be stressful if you don't know the lingo. To help, here's an English map of all the major sites and stores in Akiba. The map makes note of things like "Consumer Games", "PC Games", "Arcades" and "Doujin." While it won't help you deal with store clerks, it will at least get your foot in the door. If you are ever thinking about visiting, bookmark this page. Who knows, it may help.
Printable Akiba Map [Akihabara Channel via Anime News Network]

Kotobukiya Once Again Proves It Has Halo Down

Brian Ashcraft — Mon, 11 Feb 2008 22:00:25 MST

Figurine maker Kotobukiya has done a fine job with Master Chief. Its badass Master Chief from last summer was pretty great as were its blue and red Spartans. And it's latest Master Chief? Ditto on pretty great. The Halo 3 statue features changeable hands and weapons. It lists for around US $90 and goes on sale this June. And the one is, well, pretty great, too.

Thrilling press release after the jump:

HALO 3: MASTER CHIEF - FIELD OF BATTLE - ARTFX STATUE
A KOTOBUKIYA Japanese import! From the worldwide smash hit X-box 360 game HALO 3 comes the second release in the high-end ARTFX Statue series. Locked in deadly combat with the Covenant, the indomitable Spartan super-soldier MASTER CHIEF stands in the field of battle.

With a discharged grenade at his feet and the bubble shield dissipating, Master Chief readies his armaments and begins to rise. Master Chief holds two M7 SMGs (Caseless Submachine Guns), or you can switch the bonus arms and have him grip his Assault Rifle. When not using the Rifle, it can be stored on his back. Additional hands are also included for expression, and as a special bonus for fans that collected the first Kotobukiya ARTFX Statue, you can swap weapons and hands with the first release!

This 10 34" tall pvc statue is fully assembled and ready to display out of the box. Highly customizable, and highly detailed...and highly desired by all Halo fans!

srp $99.99

Available in AUGUST

© 2008 Microsoft Corporation. Based on a game rated Mature by the ESRB

Master Chief Field of Battle [Hobby Search Thanks, Markus!]

Haruhi Suzumiya Gets Model Car

Brian Ashcraft — Mon, 04 Feb 2008 05:00:59 MST

Vroom vroom! Just on the heels of the Haruhi Suzumiya PS2 game, comes this: The Haruhi model Mazada RX-7. The car is an itasha (sticker-covered car) covered with Haruhi decals. Just on sale, the 1/24 scale model has already sold out at numerous Akihabara retailers. No surprises there!
Selling Out [Akiba Blog]

Tommy Lee Jones Plays with Maid

Brian Ashcraft — Mon, 04 Feb 2008 04:00:31 MST

In a series of Boss coffee ads, Tommy Lee Jones plays "Alien Jones" as he tromps around Japan, learning about life on Earth. In the latest spot, he's landed in otaku ground zero, Akihabara, and learns the meaning of moe from a spoon-feeding maid.

Paku Mune Ga Kyuun [Canned Dogs]

Kasumi Toy Stripped Topless

Brian Ashcraft — Fri, 01 Feb 2008 03:00:03 MST

This is shocking. So so shocking. It's so shocking and TOTALLY NOT SAFE FOR WORK that we're putting the gallery after the jump, and the pics in the gallery have been censored by the site that originally posted them. Well, it's not that shocking, but it's certainly NSFW! Japanese figure-centric site Moeyo.com has a review of SEGA Prize Dead or Alive Kasumi figure designed by figurine sculptor Shunya Yamashita. Moeyo takes the regular Kasumi figurine and removes her plastic clothes. For those who have never seen a Moeyo review, be warned. They embarrass her. Horribly.

Moeyo censored the pictures. And no, the figure's breasts don't have nipples. Moeyo added the tank top for shits and giggles.
Kasumi Figurine [Moeyo]

The Chikan Express Game Display

Brian Ashcraft — Tue, 29 Jan 2008 04:00:58 MST

Japanese shops go balls to the wall for their erotic game displays. They are so not screwing around! In the past, we've seen this (NSFW) and this (ditto) — both impressive retail set ups. Now, we bring you the TOTALLY NOT SAFE FOR WORK in-store display for Japanese erotic game Nonstop Chikan Tokkyuu ("Nonstop Molester Limited Express Train"). That, dear readers, after the jump!

Note: The cardboard cutout isn't life-sized, but 1/2 sized.

More Pics Here [AkibaOS NSFW]

Erotic Game Stamp Rally

Brian Ashcraft — Mon, 28 Jan 2008 06:40:11 MST

Over the weekend, there was an erotic game company stamp rally. Yep! Folks were given a stamp sheet (above) and had to get stamps at 12 different Akihabara locations. Doing so warranted a free tote bag from ero game They Are My Noble Masters And I'm Their Servant as well as a calendar from 15 ero game companies that participated in the campaign. Those companies included: Cotton Soft, THE JOLLY ROGER, Chuable Soft, HighKuo Soft, GIGA, HOOK, FIZZ, LOVERSOUL, Minato Soft, SMEE and August. Sounds like good clean fun!
Ero Game Stamp Rally [Akiba Channel]

Otaku Screams, Kicks Counter

Brian Ashcraft — Fri, 25 Jan 2008 03:00:26 MST

Some of those who don't live in Japan seem to be under the impression that Japanese folks are reserved and orderly, that don't get pissed off, freak out and throw fits. Western stereotyping aside, of course they do. There's lots of people in Japan! You know, different types of people. This customer in the clip? He kicks the counter at the Shibuya Bic Camera game counter. Scary!

Crazy Otaku Dude [fuckedgaijin]