fashion | One Map by FROM JAPAN

7 Tips for the Fukubukuro Hunting Season

Fukubukuro Season in Japan is basically the equivalent of Black Friday in the United States. Starting from the day after New Years and usually lasting until January 5, stores try to get rid of products left over from the previous year, by packaging them into bags called fukubukuro and selling them at ridiculously discounted prices. Usually, the fukubukuro is sealed to prevent you from looking inside, basically making it a mystery shopping event; however, in an effort to draw more customers recently some stores have departed from the surprise aspect and now post fliers showing what’s inside. That way, the customers don’t feel like they got a raw deal. Interestingly, it seems to be working for the stores as fukubukuro are as popular as ever.

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G-Shock x Gundam: The Best G-Shock Watch 2014

(Image Source: weekly.ascii.jp)

G-Shock is undeniably one of the biggest names today when it comes to highly fashionable watches. What makes it a popular choice is the fact that apart from its uniquely stylish aesthetics, it is also very durable and a timepiece that any gender and any age can use. The brand’s owner, Casio, keeps the G-Shock name interesting by continually coming up with editions that mirror the interests and cultures of today’s generation in a way that blends seamlessly with the watch’s cutting edge advancements in technology. The G-Shock x Gundam GD-100 Model happens to be one of the company’s great Japanese pop culture creations.

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Japan’s Anime Nails: A Look at the Ultimate Naruto Nails and More!

Japan’s youth culture has never shied away from strange and fascinating fads, including the use of nail art as an extension of their often extreme fashion statements. Recently, a new style of nail art has become the form of expression for the country’s otaku who can afford it—anime nails!

anime nails

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G-shock Celebrating 30 Years of Timepiece Innovation

G-shock is celebrating 30 years of timepiece innovation. In celebratory fashion they are releasing a series of fashionable, limited, and highly desired models. Collectors and aficionados from all over the world are keeping their ears to the ground in hopes of getting in on the action, as some of these beautiful art works are collaborations with powerhouse names and will only be released in limited quantities for Japanese audiences. Not familiar with limited releases? Here are a few to get your feet wet.

Evangelion x G-shock

Anime is no stranger to Japanese markets and there’s no surprise why the award winning series Evangelion has teamed up with G-Shock to release two movie editions. The red with orange accents DW-6900, which is reminiscent of Asuka the fiery red hair Unit-02 pilot. This particular model brands Asuka’s profile on one band and the numbers 02 followed by her name on the other. The second is black with purple accents DW-5600 and is designed with Unit 01 the “Test Type” in mind. The word Evangelion is printed in purple on one band and the words “Nerve, God’s In His Heaven, All’s Right With the World” is printed on the other. Both models are limited and can only be found in Japan. Get your own Eva G-Shock here.
evangelion g-shock

Search for Evangelion x G-shock

One Piece x G-shock

Not a fan of Eva? What about Gundam, Akira, or perhaps One Piece (Straw Hat Pirates)? One Piece Straw Hat Pirates is limited to 3,000 units and is with no doubt one of my favorites. The straps brands silhouettes of all the Straw Hat Pirates. The LED screen illuminates the crews Jolly Roger, or a skull and cross-bone for those of you who aren’t familiar with the series. The backplate depicts Shank putting a straw hat on young Luffy’s head, and as if those meticulous details weren’t enough, the actual watch case is designed to resemble a treasure chest. Act fast if you want to secure your super rare One Piece G-Shock and buy it here.

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