I bought my first Android phone made for the Japanese market

 Last week, when I was searching in Facebook Marketplace for a back phone. I stumbled one seller who sells Japan marketed phones. He sells a variety of Android phones for the Japanese market.

Sharp Aquos sense 5G phone
 

I scored a Sharp Aquos sense 5G phone for 5,000PhP! The version I bought is for AU KDDI. This phone was a second hand unit and from the looks of the unit, it seems the original owner was very careful in handling this phone. Good thing that the seller sells unlocked phones, otherwise it be will unusable here in the Philippines. By the way this phone was released in Japan last 2021. 

Back side

According to the Sharp website, this phone has guaranteed two year software upgrade. Meaning they will support for this phone up to Android OS 13. For full specifications, please see this site.

Checking out the MOS Burger restaurant!

 Yesterday, I went to SM Megamall to buy a pants at Uniqlo. It was past 3PM when I stumbled a MOS Burger branch. I have tried their burgers before but this is my first time to visit their restaurant. Where they cater burgers in a healthy way. By the way, MOS means Mountain, Ocean, and Sun. They started operation last year before Community Quarantine took in effect.

Welcome to MOS Burger!

I ordered the Family pack of MOS Cheeseburger, usually my mother orders the Yakiniku Burger Family Pack. While I am waiting for my take home order, I noticed that their are a few customers in line and dining in, it seems that Filipinos are really into Jollibee. Pricing might also be the reason, as one burger starts at 200PhP. Or Filipinos might think that MOS burger is fancy restaurant. This is like the Jollibee of Japan trying to snag a market share in the Philippines. 

MOS Burger's menu in display

The ambiance of MOS Burger here in the Philippines is different from ones in Japan, the restaurant here is like a cafe shop that you can chill and chat with your family or friends and well-lighted, while in Japan is usual come-and-go setting. No wonder that most restaurants in fast food in Japan are small and sometimes cramped spaces. 

Dining area

MOS Burger merchandise

Right now, MOS Burger has 2 restaurants open, Robinsons Galleria and Megamall, soon in Glorietta. I think in order gain more customers here they should advertise their products and review price (I think?). For me, the pricing is fair to me because goodness doesn't come cheap.  Because competing where flying bee's home base, will be difficult.

Visiting a Muji (無印良品) store in PH!

 I have been a fan Muji products, when a friend of mine introduced it to me in 2018. Since then, I became a Mujirer, a term used by Japanese people who are fans of Muji products. I always visit Muji every time I am in Powerplant Mall. But this time, I visited a branch Muji branch in Greenbelt 3 with my mother.

Muji's facade in Greenbelt Mall, Makati City

I helped my mother in her Christmas gifts for her friends. She bought a number of water-repellant Sacoche bag and shirt, and a pen. I only a pair of Black Blue ink refill to her gel pen as my pen will ran out soon. Filipinos liked Muji's stationary items such as gel pens and notebooks. My Muji favorite item are the shirts, because they are breathable (cotton made) and has simple designs. Their gel pens in 0.7 thickness which makes my writing smoothly.

What my bought at Muji!

I really liked Muji's "no-logo, no-brand' concept, in minimizing product noise, lessening consumer waste, and advocating the beauty of small space. Muji is cheap in its home base in Japan, pricing in the Philippines is some what pricey. Though, they are frequently dropping the price to meet the consumer market. The only difference from the Japan's Muji store to Philippine Muji stores is that, Muji stores in the Philippines doesn't sell food products. They also sell electronics but a limited number of items. I think they don't sell food products is maybe Filipinos may not like the food items and might be expensive when sold here.

Filipino loves stationary items

They also sell high quality kitchen items

I do hope they will add more products in their Philippine lineup such as food, some home appliances such as LED flash light, and powerbanks.
As of this time, Muji has five stores in the Philippines. Four of which are near in my house. I do hope they would add stores especially in the provinces who are craving for their items. 

Muji sneakers!

Muji's home organizer and cleaning systems!

Muji's clothing lineup!

My Experience from a Pinoy Proxy in Japan

Last June 2020, I ordered Gunpla kit for my birthday through a Filipino proxy in Japan. I ordered a pair of Gundam Tokyo 2020 Olympics and Paralympics kit. The Filipino proxy sells it for 1,300PhP per kit (2,600PhP total). After I placed my order and paid half of the items, he confidently affirm that the arrival of the kits will be on the second week of July. As the month of June ends, he informs me that the arrival of the kits will be moved to End of July. But after days of follow up, it was moved again to August, and moved again to September. According to the proxy, the boxes was apprehended by the Japanese Customs because of vast number of toys inside the box and they have to pay penalties, otherwise, those boxes will be confiscated.  It finally arrived in our office this October after 4 months of waiting. 

The GunPla kits I ordered through a Pinoy Proxy

Filipino residents in Japan are considering it as a sideline on top their work and I believe it does earn a lot, as they convert 1 yen as 1 peso. Meaning a 1,300JPY Gunpla kit is 1,300PhP! A 100 percent profit! By the way, they don't limit in selling toys and collectibles, they also sell branded goods and beauty products as well. These Filipino proxies are using the Balikbayan boxes in sending the items to the Philippines. As every OFW knows that they can squeeze items inside the box regardless of size and weight, as long as the goods can fit inside with a fixed shipping fee. I think there are some Pinoy proxy is having a hard time in filling up the boxes, deferring deliveries as supposed to be.

My advice to collectors in the Philippines is to check the reviews of the proxy. Some of them might be a bogus proxy and putting up bogus social media page. Check the prices online such as Yodobashi and BicCamera. Some proxy may overprice the items by more than 100 percent, Google is your friend! And a lot of patience in waiting as there might be logistic difficulties during transit, especially at this time of pandemic. This will be my first and last transaction with a Pinoy proxy, I would rather buy thru Mandarake's online shop or Buyee, as they are more faster than Pinoy proxy.

Uniqlo's Airism Face mask!

Today, I received my Uniqlo Airism face mask which I bought from a friend who are into selling of Japanese goodies. Uniqlo's Airism face mask became a hit in the land of the rising sun, as locals swarmed to the nearest store to buy the mask. So popular Uniqlo have to increase production of the Airism mask as most of the Uniqlo stores in Japan ran out of stocks fast.

Uniqlo's Airism face mask

My friend sells the mask for 850.00Php in white color. In Japan, it retails for 990 JPY + tax. In one pack, there are 3 washable mask with different sizes to choose from (Small, Medium, and Large). Tried the large size and it fits perfectly to my face. It also breathable (from my experience) and the ear lace doesn't irritate the ear over prolong use. The face mask consist of 3 layers that protects the user from Ultraviolet rays and bacterias and droplets.

In Japan, it retails for 990 JPY + tax. Pricing may vary from country to country

There are reports that some customers are having difficulty breathing while using the mask, the company made an update of their mask released last August 2020 with some changes and additional color variant (black). 

The Airism face mask is also available on selected countries such as US and Singapore. A report from Rappler last August that Uniqlo will introduce the Airism face mask in the Philippine market. Although, no confirmation as when it will be available nor official statement / advertisement from the retail giant. 

For the time being, online sellers sells these mask ranging from 800 ~ 1,000PhP or wait until Uniqlo Philippines finally made its announcement.

Buying items from Japan thru Buyee's proxy service!

Amidst of pandemic, a lot of sellers in Ebay were unable sell their items in a worldwide scale and limited for domestic buyers of their country, thus setting up exclusions to other countries. My friend and I were able to buy items from Japan thru Buyee's proxy service. This is our first time to try this service, although, this has been established years ago. There are a lot of establishments that provides proxy service to foreign buyers, but this time we tried Buyee first. 

Buyee's website

First is to look over websites such as Yahoo Auctions Japan to browse items we like to buy, and then, before we buy the items my logged in into his Buyee's account to confirm payment. Once order was taken place, the item must be paid right away (My friend used Paypal). Once payment is confirmed, the seller will send the item to their office. You can buy items to other sellers though. Once your items were received in their office, you can consolidate all your items in shipment and shipment options will be asked. My friend tried the DHL option because the DHL charges relatively close to EMS about 100php difference. Buyee sent the item last Friday and my friend received it Monday. My friend and I split the payment for consolidated and International shipping fee.

The parcel arrived in my friend's address

When using the proxy service, please do not that there will be fees to be paid on top of the item and International shipping fee. On Buyee's case, there are other fees such as Domestic shipping fee (Japan), Consolidated fee, and Buyee's fee. Charges and fees may be vary on other proxy company but always be prepare on other charges. Please be aware that Philippines Customs charges duties and tariffs if the total amount exceeds the 10,000.00Php de mini mis.

I bought a pop'n music 14 FEVER (PS2) Konamistyle edition

My friend bought some KitKats!

Proxy service is an alternative option in buying items in Japan during this pandemic, but please be mindful of the fees that you have to pay when you use this service. Ebay is relatively cheap than that of proxy service because you don't pay the service provider to buy your fave items and most Ebay listings are direct sellers. Next time, I will try the proxy service of locally residing Filipinos in Japan. If you want to try the proxy service please visit Buyee's website.

Postscript:

I would like to acknowledge my friend from A Tokyo in Manila for providing some photos in this blog entry. Please visit the A Tokyo in Manila Facebook page.

Collector's perspective: What's an Obi?

Every collector who collects Japanese retro video games or CD albums knows obi. An obi or spine card to some, is a piece of paper attached to the outmost left of the CD case that contains information such as the CD they bought, price of the CD, and promotions of the publisher. Obi is not limited to Compact Disc (CD), it is also used in books and laser discs. Although Obis are mostly available for the Japanese market.

Obi of a video game (KONAMI 80's Arcade Gallery game).

In the view of collectors, an obi is an essential part of buying CD's especially in used goods stores because it has a feeling of completeness, aside from pristine condition of the manual and the disc. Used item sellers who sells with an obi can mark their items a bit higher, some were able sold their item higher than the original price.

Tokimeki Memorial Laser Disc Obi 

When I am buying used video games, specifically PlayStation games, I always looked if an obi is included. On sellers online, some sellers are unaware of an obi exist and some of them tried to thrown it out not knowing of its vitality on their items. Some of people who bought CDs in record stores, after removing the protective sleeve, they just throw it away. For my game collection, I bought a clear CD jewel sleeve in order to attach the obi inside, just like new. Collectors nowadays are not bother at the price, they always looked at the completeness and condition of the item.

Obi attached to the CD Jewel using a clear CD sleeve

Game opinion: pop'n music portable 1~2

After the released the last PlayStation 2 for pop'n music in 2007, Konami continued making consoles version of the pop'n music thru PSP (PlayStation Portable). The first pop'n music portable was released in 2009. In-house BEMANI artist promoted and demonstrated the game during its campaign period. The interface and song list is based on pop'n music 15 ADVENTURE and one CS original. Two players can play thru 3 button or thru PSP's multiplayer. Game retail is 4,800JPY at the time of release.

Physical copies / box art of pop'n music 1~2

In 2011, pop'n music portable 2 was released. The interface and song list is based on pop'n music 16 PARTY!. There are features that the first pop'n music portable don't have such as; purchasing Downloadable songs and games thru Sony's PlayStation Network (for Japanese PSN accounts only). The only pop'n music portable game has the "PSP Best Hits" discount variant. Total song list including DLC is 146 songs, largest of all pop'n music (CS) games to date.

Available DLC for pop'n music portable 2 for PSN (Japan)

pop'n music is a good game but porting it to a handheld console is inappropriate for its gameplay. Using PSP's buttons doesn't have the real gameplay feeling and it may cause the PSP to fell if someone is playing 9-buttons in EX difficulty. They had the same outcome when they released it to Nintendo Wii, using the Wii mote and nunchuck as controller. The Wii version of pop'n music is targeted for kids not for arcade players. Konami should have continued releasing the game for PlayStation 2, knowing that some BEMANI games such as DDR and IIDX released their CS games until 2009 killing the pop'n music CS counterpart for that console early. Succeeding it to PlayStation 3 console would also a good suggestion, although, Konami will have to create a new pop'n music controller either in thru USB or wireless to port it to PS3. Konami also tried making a music game to Nintendo DS under the BEMANI moniker. I had an entry in 2017 about the game.

pop'n music portable 2 as a digital download in my PS Vita

Konami might have a valid reason on why they port it to handhelds, or somewhat made a bad decision and buried it after pop'n portable 2. Only the game Director and top management knows the answer. Moving forward, Konami is in its new path by bringing their Consumer Software thru powerful personal computers (PC) and adding more games for mobile devices portfolio such as iOS. If you are into retro game and music game collector, bragging rights is the only consolation you can get.


Here are the demonstration video links hosted by In-house BEMANI Artist;

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ne7Dh1TMULk&t=4s

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1lDFsnk3TMI

Reducing my video game collection

Over the last decade, I have collected quite a number of video games from BEMANI titles, Silent Hill, Metal Gear series, Winning Eleven series to Gundam titles. Over time, I accumulated too many games, too many that the games reached over the top of our apartment shelf. And by the way, not just game softs, I also accumulated video game controllers, soundtracks, and BEMANI related merchandise. You can see it on previous blog post from 2012 on how my video game collecting progresses.

My first photo in video game collecting (circa 2009)

There's a time that my Mother asked me to remove all of them because I am to hoard games and she don't want to see them clutter. At first, I ignored her, although, they are many, I always find a way in organized them and in some way she was able to accept the fact that my passion for collecting video games is intense. When I was 28 years old, I had this realization, the feeling that I am starting to outgrew them and starting to feel uncomfortable owning too many games. On that same day, I started to declutter them. My first attempt was a bit lame because I only disregard a few games (I think around 10 games) all are Gundam titles. I gave all my Gundam titles to a friend. A few weeks after, I tried again to declutter. This time, I declutter a lot of games such as Winning Eleven and Proyakyu (Baseball) titles. I handed it over to a friend.
On the third time, I was able to declutter prominent titles, such as Metal Gear and Silent Hill. I was able to sell it in an event which I earned a few thousands pesos. On my fourth declutter, I was able to donate it to a fellow video game collector who is living nearby. As for BEMANI merchandise and controllers, I am selling it in a group at Facebook.

My video game collection (circa Jan 2012)

While I am decluttering games, I am starting pile a number of game soundtracks, good thing I was sell it some of it right away. Aside from video games, I also sold my Gunpla kits to a close friend in cheap deal.

I also started collecting action figures, most of them are no longer in my possession (circa June 2012)

Currently, All I have are BEMANI titles (mostly from PlayStation 1 ~ 2) Artist albums from BEMANI (Some of them are for sale though), BEMANI actions figures, and a two Gunpla kits with a Jehuty revoltech figure from ZONE OF THE ENDERS .

Games I have in 2020

From what I have learned from this, It's good to be a collector, but collect on things that you are really passionate of. Being impulsive in collecting has repercussions in terms of household space, emotional and monetary stress. If you think its time to let go of your things; give it to a friend or better sell it. Right now, I am being selective, if I buy some thing; either I replace it on existing item or its for sale.

My soundtracks left

By the way, as of posting, Metro Manila is currently in Enhanced Community Quarantine due to COVID-19 pandemic.

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CoCo Ichibanya in PH

Earlier Saturday last week, I went to Rockwell Center and took my brunch in CoCo Ichibanya before heading to the arcades. I was around past 11 o'clock in the morning when I arrived. At that time, the atmosphere is well-lit although sunny lights passed thru the glass wall and there is one family (I think first customer of the day) inside the restaurant which is perfect so I can eat my lunch solemnly. Originally, I invited a chum of mine to eat here but she wasn't due to an inevitable event.

CoCo Ichibanya located in One Rockwell, Makati City

CoCo Ichibanya is famous chain of restaurant in Japan that serves Japanese-style rice curry. I never had the chance to try it in their home country although they are ubiquitous.

Menu cover

Customers can customise their curry on how mild or strong the hot taste of the Curry and add up to set 4 on your meal. The food I ordered was superb and servings are huge.  The whole set cost 588.00PhP and I think it's reasonable for a meal if you add set 4. The staff of the branch I visited are warm, accommodating and friendly.

I ordered the Pork Cutlet with Vegetable Curry

A mini salad, one of the sets you can order.

CoCo Ichibanya has branches in the Philippines. Aside from Rockwell in Makati, they have branches in cities of Taguig, Pasig, San Juan, Manila, Quezon City and one in Cebu City. On my next visit, I will try other meals on their menu and I will definitely drag my friend or a family member to try the Japanese-style curry.

I went to Japan 2019

Last March 2 to 8, 2019, I embarked my journey to Tokyo, Japan for the second time. I was supposed to cancel my trip due to work-related conflict. But, my urged to see the Sakura tree to bloom is more powerful.

Boarding a Boeing 787-900 aircraft

It is my first time to fly All Nippon Airways (ANA) to Japan. This will be my first time fly with Japanese airline other than Philippine Airlines (PAL). It will be a multi-airport as before but in an opposite itinerary. It is also my first time to board a Boeing 787-900 aircraft in which I was amazed by the large window with no flapped shade. The best part of this flight is that every seat have an In-Flight Entertainment.

En route to Haneda, I chose the chicken option with mashed potatoes on their meal service. For dessert, they served Häagen-Dazs ice cream. 

As we arrived at Haneda at 8 in the evening, as I disembarked from the aircraft, the cold weather welcomed me at 7 degress. I rushed myself going to my hostel in Akihabara. Fortunately, a rapid monorail was about to arrive at the terminal. It only took me for at least 45 minutes to get through to my hostel. After check-in, my first order of business is to eat in a nearby ramen house. It was delicious indeed! The meal is so heavenly, I finished everything. At 10, some shops are closed, good thing Taito station is still open, so I played a few rounds of REFLEC BEAT and NOSTALGIA.

Weather at Tokyo Area

My Ramen meal at Ramen Hidakaya

The next day, I revisited Akihabara, it always amazes me the intense anime and game subculture of Japan. I was able to buy BEMANI games, soundtracks, and figures in Book-off, Traders, Mandarake, and Surugaya. I also went to a Muji branch in AKIBA TOLIM. I only bought mostly food because the Muji in the Philippines doesn't sell food. 

My Shopping bag!

Not far from my hostel, I went to Ameyoko, located in Okachimachi Station. They sell a variety of goods such as branded shoes, luggages, bags, and street foods for a cheap price. 

On my third day, it was a drizzling day at Tokyo.  I went to Shibuya to buy Rootote bags, which my aunt asked me to buy for her. After that, I revisited the Shibuya Crossing and took a sip of White Mocha at Starbucks Tsutaya records. After Shibuya, I went to Shinjuku Station for some shots and searched for Book-offs nearby.

Next day, I went to Yokohama, to see the Ramen Museum, unfortunately, they are closed every Tuesday. Out of sadness, I just enjoyed the sights of Yokohama Pier and the Nissan Gallery where future of automobiles are being displayed. I also visited the Yokohama Ramen Museum, a museum dedicated for Ramen in all prefectures of Japan. The museum interiors is based from the old Kowloon area in Hong Kong. 

Panoramic view of Oosanbashi Pier

 

On my fifth day, I went to Ueno Park in Taito Ward, to see the Sakura trees blooming, although only a few of trees were blooming as Spring is still a weeks away during my stay. Had the chance to visit the Tokyo National Museum. Entrance fee to the museum is around 600 JPY. Unfortunately, photo taking is not allowed on some cultural artifacts, so I decided not to and just look around. While in Ueno, I stumbled a Muji shop that has Meal & Cafe. They had a lunch promo, 1000 JPY you have the option for 3 variants.

For only 1000 JPY

On the sixth day, Just before I leave my hostel, the accommodation management informed us that they will relocate all guests to other nearby hostels. They said that a faulty electric wiring was the cause of relocation. The hostel management will cover all expenses including the transfer fees.  I revisited, the Sensoji Temple in Asakusa. Thanking the deities for the blessing that I received. After Sensoji, I went to Yoyogi Park, it is located between Shibuya and Shinjuku, though the entrance to the park is in front of Harajuku Station. 

As I return to my hostel and packed up, the hostel management apologised for inconvenience and thanked me for understanding.  The new hostel has better facilities than the previous one, Although, the previous one has better transport connections especially going to airports.

On my last day, the hostel has breakfast buffet for 600 JPY which is reasonable. After breakfast and completely packed, I head off to Tokyo Station to take a bus going to Narita Airport. The airport bus only cost 1000 JPY. The bus station is located at the Yaesu Exit of Tokyo Station. For me, bus option is recommended for travellers with large with two luggages going to airport, as you won't be guarding your luggages and comfort.

Breakfast buffet in my new accommodation for only 600 JPY

Arriving at Narita Airport, all ANA international and domestic flights are at Terminal 1. After checking-in, had the chance to look around. There I was able to buy Royce' chocolates. The Royce' I bought were sold this season such as Sakuraberry chocolate.  Our aircraft going to Manila is a Boeing 787-800. This aircraft has First class cabin though not being sold to passengers. As we take-off, a beautiful sunset is in the scene as we increase altitude. En route to Manila, During meal service, I opted the Pork mushroom with rice, I was delicious! Also, I had the chance to buy an ANA tote bag for 1500 JPY. Good thing I was able to register to ANA's Mileage club. My purchase added miles to my account (1 mile = 100 JPY / approx. 50 PHP). A few minutes before descending to Manila, I browsing their In-Flight magazine, I found an article about ANA purchased stake from Philippine Airlines. Too bad that the article is in Japanese though.



 

 

ZARD music is available In-Flight

At 9:30PM I arrived in Manila and finally ends my one week vacation. I am looking forward to visit Japan again, as attractions are ever-changing and adding more. Maybe 2020 would be the best before Olympics fever starts.