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Spring 2015: 10 Highly Anticipated and New Figure Releases

With the month of April coming to a close, we say “Sayonara” to the end of spring—a season celebrating the birth of new things. For us Otaku, these new things include all new anime series, monthly chapters of our favorite manga, and highly-anticipated figurine releases.

Worried you may have missed the best of the best? Looking to grab a momentous figurine to signify your undying love for your favorite series? Then check our top ten picks for “must-have” spring 2015 figurines from Japan!

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English vs. Japanese Pokemon Cards: What Should You Collect?

Perhaps you’ve heard of the infamous “Pokemon Shock”—when Pikachu used an electric shock attack on a missile in episode 38 of the anime… and simultaneously gave 685 children epileptic seizures.

From banned episodes (James’ infamous bikini contest), to religious accusations of Satanism (the “Pokemon Rap” backwards), Pokemon is no stranger to controversy.

Among die-hard collectors, however, no aspect of Pokemon lore has been censored so much as its trading cards. Prepare your Counter Shield before reading any further, because what you find below may be as shocking as Pikachu’s trademark Thunderbolts! Here are the top eight banned Pokemon cards:

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Sailor Chibi Moon x DAL

The release of the next Pullip collaboration series has finally been decided : Sailor Chibi Moon x DAL! Dal is…

The Cutest Korillakuma and Rilakkuma Merchandise Ever Made

Denizens of Japan can’t overlook the soft toy bear, Rilakkuma, and his friend–the white bear cub, Korilakkuma. First appearing in the picture book, Rilakkuma Seikatsu, which tells the story of a toy bear who takes up residence in the apartment of an Office Lady, Rilakkuma has since become a mainstay plush toy and beloved character, appearing on cameras, stamps, and furniture; and even starring in his own videogames on the Nintendo DS.

Now, If you were actually expecting ugly Korillakuma and Rilakkuma goods, this article is going to disappoint you! Let’s face it, is it possible for this squishy and pudgy bear to NOT be cute?

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Pokemon Center “Nendoroid” Cynthia !!

Cynthia has been made into a "Nendoroid", and will be for sale as Pokemon Center official goods! Introducing Cynthia, the…

High-Tech Japanese Toilets are Awesome!

11 Reasons Why Japanese Toilets Are Awesome

Japanese Toilets

Perhaps you’ve heard of them–these majestic plastic thrones with the latest in rear-end pampering technology. To the Western eye they are a fabled bathroom wonder only available to Hollywood’s super-rich, but in Japan these “washlet” toilets are accessible to all, from train stations to shopping malls to private commodes, with 72% of Japanese households now performing their daily duty atop these electronic bidet toilets.

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