Japan.CoolerThanThou.net - Cool Stuff From Japan

KTV in your pocket

With the holiday season almost coming to an end, what a better way to celebrate it by belting out a song!

What? you can't sing? uh huh, same here, well for those days when you feel like beyonce or something. i highly recommend getting yourself a Hi-Kara by tomy takara. it's a portable karaoke gadget available in pink and white. you can add more songs into it thru preloaded cartridges, although blank ones, for your own songs are also available. it has a 2.4" LCD screen on it's 7cm cube body.

You may use a combination of earphones and microphones with it. so what are you waiting for? sing your heart out, even just inside your bedroom. i'm sure your neighbors won't mind.

Sony's Netbook in 2009

Almost every computer brand had already launched their own netbook version, and sony's version is yet to be seen.

Anticipation for the first SONY Netbook is rising as an image leak from FCC shows the backside of this tiny "notebook PC" marked as PCG-1P1L and PCG-1P2L, synanymous to Sony's product codes. We see tests for Bluetooth, 802.11b/g/n WiFi, and both EVDO and HSPA data courtesy of Qualcomm's Gobi chipset. As the label says (128-mm wide), we can estimate dimensions at just over 9.5 x 4.5-inches making this netbook even smaller than the 10.3 x 6.56-inch HP mini 1000.

This product is said to be launched early january 2009.

If we may have wishlists before its actual launch:

1. that it's available in tons of colors

2. it should have integrated web cam as well

3. the speed should be just as good as bigger webcams

4. wider screen despite its pocket size body

5. touch pad keyboard

i could harldly wait for this one! This is being compared a lot to sony's picture book although it's quite expensive but hopefully it will be just as competitively priced as the current netbooks in the market.

Some say that its size seems that of a pocket notebook, it couldn't be placed in the same classification of the netbooks. it could be a subnotebook of a netbook. It's quite funny though that the netbooks are subnotebooks of a laptop who is a subversion of a PC.

Haha, must be hangover.

photo: endgadget.com

RTW Spring 2009

all photos from style.com

Christmas is just a few days ago and i know it's still blaring cold right now. but then again, who wouldn't want to look forward for the warmer weather a few months from now. Straight from the runway, here are my picks from the latest collection of Japanese brands and designers.

1.Commes des Garcons

reminds me of a soccer ball. i would totally wear an a-line-mini-skirt version of this one

2. Junya Watanabe

- probably the only colorful one in this pack. i like the interesting mix of her denim skirts and tops.

 

3. Y3

for those really casual days. calling sporty spice?

 

4. Yohji Yamamoto

i've always loved his penchance for details. the rigidity of his tailored vests and blazers would make a soft top work appropriate.

 

for more on the latest fashion coverage of spring rtw 2009 please visit style.com

Online Wishlist

Kawaii Wishlist i did some online window shopping. Please indulge in my rant: I wanna go shopping!!!

1. SUPERLOVERS

Violet Studded Watch - have i mentioned i love violet stuff? and with studs? omg. there's one in black and white though but i heart this shade.

 

Fuschia Leopard Socks - one of the most adorable warmers for winter

black and white stockings - i like contrasting colors particulary the black and white scheme. this is so cute!!!
 

BABY PINK LEOPARD HOODIE - this is so cute, although i'd probably change the lining inside. not so much a UK fan though.

 

SKIRT WITH PANTS - i love wearing skirts and this is just perfect for winter.

 

http://www.rakuten.co.jp

2. Metamorphose temps de fille

Give me a black and white combination for this pair, and i'd get both of them. although the creme and brown color is not such a bad idea anyway. 

 

http://www.metamorphose.gr.jp/onlineshop_eng/index.htm

 3.onatoko

i love flowy tops like this one.
 
Colored Trench Coat

i'd probably shop for more color this year. the times are depressing enough to be in black all the time.

 

www.onatoko.com

4. uloveshop.com

i know i said im not a brit fan, but these are just adorable!

 

Pleated Blouse - one detail i'm also obsessed about are pleats, and lots of them.

Cropped Pants - so adorable, maybe i'd pair them with thick stockings in plaid or prints

 

5. lolita kisama i guess i really am into color today

Cute Fuschia Cap
 

Pink Lace up boots

Pleated tops - you should know by now why i like this

Burberry-inspired dress - instant posh

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https://www.lolita-kisama.com/

Winter Gadgets in Japan

Warm it UP!!! It's so cold right now, i know, brrr! here's the latest gadgets from japan to keep you warm:

1. The Kairo Hand Warmer

 Eneloop Kairo features: Temperature: 43C/109F degrees (High), 39/102 degrees (Low)

 Colors: Black, Pink, or White Continuous heating

time: 5 hours (High), 7 hours (Low)

Size: 84 x 62 x 19mm

Power: Rechargeable internal Eneloop AC

adapter: 100V (included)

Manual: Japanese

2. Share a chair and cuddle together

(creationsgallery.com)

3. USB Gadgets

 since we're inevitably always infront of the computer. these gadgets come in handy to keep you warm. just plug it in your laptop's usb port. i love the monkey thing though.
winter shoes
 

hand warmer - it looks cute when your hand looks like it's being bitten. lol.

monkey slippers - kawaii!
 

handy hand warmers

 type type away!
 

monkey gloves - if you pair this with the monkey slip-ons, i wonder what your boss would think of you? haha.
 

mouse that warms up
 

eyewarmer - geesh talk about luxury sleeping at it's finest.

cute warmers

 

(http://usb.brando.com/hk)

 4. Hand Gloves for your touch screen gadgets like iphone or ipod touch

I've always thought yeah i know it's so cold to use the iphone outside. but then the open ended gloves are terrible to use. so anyway, these dots gloves are a lifesaver. pretty cool huh?

(dotsgloves.com)

FREE HUGS in JAPAN

Hi everyone! If you don't celebrate Christmas how was your holidays anyway?

Did you get the latest gadget as presents? Were there something you wished for that someone finally gave in, and wrapped it up for you?

Well, i know everyone's happy and i think it should always be this way. Despite the recession and everything, yes, we do experience the trickling effect of this worldwide problem, from here too.

Several japanese have started the free hugs campaign, wherein they walk with cardboards on the streets, with signboards that read: FREE HUGS

although, if i may comment, it'll be better if they placed a japanese translation below to make it more quick to comprehend.

hugs! hugs! hugs! i know people are staring like them like, are you crazy?

but then i think this is a very brave and touching move. i mean, in times like these, who needs to sulk and be pessimistic about the future? with a simple hug, even just for a few seconds, we cast away our worries.

so how about it? want free hugs anyone?

in case you've had a hugging campaign of your own, feel free to post a link on our comments section below this blog.

Merry Christmas everyone!!!

HUGS HUGS HUGS!!!

Japan's YouTube Darling: Magibon

here's the latest video from Japan's youtube darling: Magibon

Never heard of Magibon? She's a 22 year old girl from Pennsylvannia who rocketed to stardom,in youtube Japan at least, through her innocent videos, where she just smiles and nods infront of the camera. Being a fan of Japanese music and pop-culture, thus her name came from Morning Musume's band member Aibon.

After some videos, she started speaking in Japanese which she was quoted to explain that she was merely practicing her Nihonggo. Her cute charm and innocence won her more than a thousand subscribers and has even won her as one of youtube's most subscribed channel of all time in 2008.

In case you want to know why she's japan's new sweetheart: click here.

MAC + Hello Kitty = KAWAII!!!

MAC comes up with another exciting collection and this time no other than with SANRIO's Hello Kitty. I was expecting to see a baby pink collection of packaging and all that, and i was genuinely surprised to see it in Black. But just the same, i think it's still so cute!!!

If you're just new to MAC, most of these collections come in limited edition shades, and it's also nice to expand your make-up collection in such fun packaging and assorted colors.

We take a sneak peak of MAC and Hello Kitty's Products and Photos from Kiss and Makeup.

LIPSTICKS

there's a cute hello kitty engraved on the lipstick. hmmm...i might try not to use it up just to keep the engraving intact lol. accordingly, there are 6 shades to be launched and i can't wait to see the other colors! I like the finish of the packaging as well, it reminds me of MAC's slimshine except that it's printed

LIPGLOSS

BEAUTY POWDER

the prints on the packaging are just stickers but don't worry about them they are not that easy to be removed. i have my Fafi beauty powder and they're still intact up to now. and i have them in my bag, with my keys etc...and not a scratch anywhere.

PIGMENTS and GLITTER EYELINER

EYESHADOW PALETTES

I'd probably get both palettes as i don't have the other colors yet. i know that the colors seem dupeable, but then it saves us more to buy them in palettes instead. you do the math.

This collection will be launched on February 2009. Start saving up for this awesome haul!

source: tempalia and WWD

How to TRY the Lolita Look

Ok the operative word is "TRY". While this look has been very trendy in Japan, as seen in the growing number of lolita brands, even in the department stores, i'm sure there's still a handful of you who are hesistant to give this look a try. Well for the newbies and those who simply don't get it, here are some tips.

1. Get some inspiration. For starters try watching this video:

2. Decide which lolita you'd like to be:

Gothic-Lolita - usually dark or black outfits. black and white combination is also popular.

or Sweet Lolita - as the name suggests, it should be sweet. Therefore, light and pastel colors belong here.

Actually it's like having to choose between naughty or nice lolita, i don't know about you, but no matter how i try, i just don't look sweet and so i'm always into the gothic one. Oh other versions also include, classic lolita, punk lolita, go crazy maybe you can try ethnic lolita. lol.

3. Get the details

a. Lace

b. Ruffles

c. Ribbons

d. Hat

4. Now tone it down.

- if you have one outrageous top, pair it with plain skirt or skinny pants instead of the puffy skirts altogether.

- try to coordinate the colors or limit them to three.

- pair it with something modern, like leather jacket or shiny PVC boots

5. Accessorize. If you're too simple to begin with, you can play with your accessories to get the lolita look.

For gothic lolita:

Smokey Eyes

Dark Eyeliner - MAC fluidlines in black track or technakol

Plum lips or Red Lips

For sweet lolita:

Neutral Makeup

Pale lipstick

have fun!

all clothes and accessories by www.asiajam.com

Tokidoki Jacket

A cool Tokidoki jacket. I particularly like the "heart and crossbones" zipper. Is this for men? Women? Both?

Photo: eob