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[Philosophy In A Teacup] Crew
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 Posted: Thu Nov 15, 2007 7:35 am
It's about damn time I made a new thread...
Okay y'all, so we all know that when it comes to Pokiemans merch, Japan has the best. I mean, c'mon--Mareep bread. Now, while Japanland has the usual merch, such as plushies and stickers and whatnot, they also have a few types that most North American fans probably have never heard of; CharaKids, zukan, PokéDex figures, Gashapon/Gachapon, Chougetto!/Chou Getto!, the list goes on.
I myself recently got introduced to these new forms of fandom love towards the end of summer when I joined the LJ comm Pkmncollectors and my stars, I cannot get enough. So I thought I'd share the love. Seriously, these things are awesome, especially the zukan. And if you already know of these, then hooray! o w<;;
CharaKids.
Often just called "Pokémon Kids" or simply "Kids", these are sold only in Japan, China, and Europe (possibly other parts of Asia, but I'm not sure). They're made of PVC and are hallow and mostly bottomless, which leads some people to call them "finger puppets" instead.
They're also extremely small. I just got my first two Kids yesterday and Tuesday and man... Tiny. Anyway, most Pokémon--bar a mjority of the fourth gen--have at least one Kid figure. Some have multiples, which are called Alternatives, or Alts. Kids also come in a normal form, as seen above, and a clear form, which is significantly rarer (normal Kids sell for about $2 ~ $7, depending on the species. Clear versions sell from $5 for the most unpopular species [Muk, Swallot, ect] to $15+ for more popular species and legndaries).
Kids also come with a card (for the older serieses) or a sticker (for the newer serieses) as well as a piece of candy, but it seems that the candy is a Japan-exclusive, since neither of mine came with candy (and I've seen a lot of sellers advising to discard the candy and not eat it, but I have no idea why).
Zukan
So far my favorite. These could also be considered Gashaphon, but there's way too many, so they get their own catagory. Pretty much, zukan are figures that meet EXACT Pokédex measures, but only at 1/40th of the scale. They come from Gashaphon/Gachaphon machines (think those little toy machines you see at the store) for ¥200, or about $1.50 and assembly is required.
Usually, each zukan includes all the evos of a particular species. If the Pokémon doesn't evolve, then it usually shares a zukan with its counterpart (such as Zangoose and Seviper). There's also zukan of Professor Oak and Jessie/James/Meowth, but I'm not sure forthe other characters.
Some zukan even come with stylized bases, rather than that plain black one. Usually, only special zukan though, such as legendaries or featured Pokémon (Lucario, starters, ect). Some zukan doesn't even have bases, mainly because they're too big. So far, I know Giratina, Dialga, Palkia, and possibly Groundon don't have bases.
If you'dlike to find more zukan, you can search for them on eBay with the phrase "pokemon 1/40". Expect to pay at least $10 for a single yet popular/legendary/retired zukan. For me, I've paid $22 for Kyogre, $17 for Rayquaza, $16 for Groundon, and around $15 for Dialga. And $0 for Giratina because I got him for free. :>
Chougetto!
Translating to "Super Get!", I don't now much about these, since they're not as popular as other forms of merch and I don't own any myself. Some what I can gather, they're just normal figures that also come on hexagonal-ish stands that interconnect with other stands. I suppose they're pretty nifty and if I remember correctly, I have a Ninetales Chougetto! on the way...
Pokédex Figures.
These, though simple, are super fun. I believe they could also be considered Gashaphon toys, but deserve their own catagory. Pretty much, all they are are MORE tiny figures on square stands that also bear some basic info on the Pokémon, as well as it's foot print.
Some assembly is required, as you've got to attach the figure to the stand (took me a few moent to understand how for mine), but it's way more easy compared to some of the zukan (Giratina had a bajillion pieces). I forget how much these guys go for, but I can check when I get home, since I've got the capsule inserts as well.
Gashapon/Gachapon.
You know when you go to the store (Wal-Mart, Taget, nameless grocery store) and they have those machines that, for a quarter or two, give you a handful of candy or a small toy? Japan calls those gashapon (or gachapon, depending on how you want to Romanize it) and theirs are way better. You can get TONS of hings from the gasha machines, from figures to DS stylii to cellphone/DS/PSP holders.
There's tons upon tons of different kinds of Pokémon gashapons, including everything I listed above, as well as "Sound drops" (little keychain that, when you press a button, play a sound clip of the featured charater, such as Ash). Zukan and 'Dex figures come from gashapon machines and eBay actually carries a great deal of gashapon stuff. You've just got to hunt for it.
Okay, that's all I can think of for now. If anyone else knows of a different type of Japanese merch that I didn't cover (no figures, stickers, pogs, cards, clothing, plushies, or other generic stuff, please), feel free to give me a head's up!
Tippy, all this sounds neat and I want some! But I can't find anything [I want] on eBay! What do I do now?!
I'd suggest using a deputy service, such as Shopping Mall Japan. They act as a middle man and allow you to buy from Japanese sites or bid on auctions in Yahoo!Japan Auctions, even if the sellers don't sell/ship outside of Japan and/or don't speak English. Though for a small fee, of course. I use SMJ myself. :]
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Posted: Thu Nov 15, 2007 4:46 pm
...This is just plain awesome.
Though they were doing the 1/40 figures for R/S/E when it came out and stuff.
Mareep Bread.
*drools*
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Melody Hikari-Shinu Anson
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[Philosophy In A Teacup] Crew
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Posted: Fri Nov 16, 2007 6:17 am
Melody Hikari-Shinu Anson ...This is just plain awesome. Though they were doing the 1/40 figures for R/S/E when it came out and stuff. Mareep Bread. *drools*
But as far as I know, in North America, only normal action figures for RSE were released. 'Cause I've got a few of 'em and they certainly are not 1/40th (or 1/30th, since there's a set of special 10th Anniversary zukan that are that scale instead).
There's also Milotic bread. And Dialga bread. And Palkia bread. And freakin' SODA.
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Posted: Fri Nov 16, 2007 3:55 pm
Oh yeah, that's right. It was 1/33 size. xp. I can't remember for the life of me where I learned it.
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Melody Hikari-Shinu Anson
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Posted: Thu Nov 22, 2007 6:53 am
OMG...
Does this mean that if I collect figurines from gachapon machines, I can sell them on eBay for a higher price once they've retired? eek
I maybe have found a money making measure...
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Posted: Thu Nov 22, 2007 11:58 am
kouri-chan_xx OMG...
Does this mean that if I collect figurines from gachapon machines, I can sell them on eBay for a higher price once they've retired? eek
I maybe have found a money making measure...
But hell, if you have those gashapon, I will PAY YOU to get me stuff. And if you can buy Kids figures, too. I have a TON of Kids that I want, but I can't afford the $4 each without shipping price tag people put on them.
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[Philosophy In A Teacup] Crew
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Posted: Thu Nov 22, 2007 4:28 pm
Wow... I'll go check if we have that gacsapon machine ANYWHERE, then XD If I do find it, I shall tell you!
Do you want that exact model, or does any other Pokemon thingo count? Because well there are loads O_o
Hmm I have never seen Kids figures anywhere in Hong Kong, sadly... sorry XD Maybe I'm not looking hard enough O_o
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Posted: Thu Nov 22, 2007 10:57 pm
that's soooo cool. biggrin i'd want all my stuff to be like, togetic-ish, or torchic-ish. sssssoooo awesome. <3
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Posted: Fri Nov 23, 2007 3:03 am
Philooo~
So I went to Causeway today, to look for those gachapon machines. I found Pokemon Chougetto 7 - 11 and Pokemon Projector Light 2.
Also the Melancholy of Haruhi Suzimiya (sp) 2.5 and 3 but those aren't really related..
Anyway are those the ones you want?
I'll try to look harder for the zukan =D
Oh and there were also those that were like mini-pokeballs... you press a button and the Pokemon comes out. Or something like that. And also phone accessory Pokemon =D All D/P though. I believe.
Hahaha I remember Pokemon Soda XDD
I couldn't find CharaKids either.. shall look harder XD I couldn't find Pokedex Figures either. BUT I REFUSE TO BELIEVE THAT THERE ARE NO GACHAPON MACHINES FOR ANY OF THOSE (except CharaKids..) IN HONG KONG. I SHALL LOOK.
edit: Could you please give me a guide line of what things would cost?
Also I think I have a bunch of old Pokemon figurines... but I think they are bootlegs D: Even though they say TOMY! They could be real but smuggled! Lmao! Anyway they look nice and original anyway! o.o Ok I guess the paint is kind of screwed up for most... like flaked off, and amputated or whatnot. Would they be of any worth?
edit 2: Oh my chougetto are from Nintendo D: With a big CHINA on them... is that bad? What's written on the bottom of your chougetto? Thanks for all this help XDD
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Posted: Fri Nov 23, 2007 9:56 am
 MAD for a seraph<<Waaaaaaaoooooo. 
If I could afford it, I'd start collecting these things as a hobby. o_o I want! *makes grabby fingers* D:
Goodness, I think I've seen some gashapon machines near a toy store here in the Philippines.
I don't recall seeing anything Pokémon, though. Just little figurines from some really old anime (like Dragonball). xd
I'll take another look if I ever happen to swing by the area again. :0 >>Caught in her DELUSIONS
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[Philosophy In A Teacup] Crew
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Posted: Sat Nov 24, 2007 1:54 pm
kouri-chan_xx Philooo~
So I went to Causeway today, to look for those gachapon machines. I found Pokemon Chougetto 7 - 11 and Pokemon Projector Light 2.
Also the Melancholy of Haruhi Suzimiya (sp) 2.5 and 3 but those aren't really related..
Anyway are those the ones you want?
I'll try to look harder for the zukan =D
Oh and there were also those that were like mini-pokeballs... you press a button and the Pokemon comes out. Or something like that. And also phone accessory Pokemon =D All D/P though. I believe.
Hahaha I remember Pokemon Soda XDD
I couldn't find CharaKids either.. shall look harder XD I couldn't find Pokedex Figures either. BUT I REFUSE TO BELIEVE THAT THERE ARE NO GACHAPON MACHINES FOR ANY OF THOSE (except CharaKids..) IN HONG KONG. I SHALL LOOK.
edit: Could you please give me a guide line of what things would cost?
Also I think I have a bunch of old Pokemon figurines... but I think they are bootlegs D: Even though they say TOMY! They could be real but smuggled! Lmao! Anyway they look nice and original anyway! o.o Ok I guess the paint is kind of screwed up for most... like flaked off, and amputated or whatnot. Would they be of any worth?
edit 2: Oh my chougetto are from Nintendo D: With a big CHINA on them... is that bad? What's written on the bottom of your chougetto? Thanks for all this help XDD
I don't think I'd be interested in the Chougetto yet, and definitely not interested in the Light Projectors. The drop-down Pokéballs perhaps, but CELL PHONE CHARMS? WHAT KINDS? xDD
*Whore for Pokémon cell phone charms.*
As for the prices, the zukan are ¥200 a piece, that I know for sure. Everything else I can only hazard a guess, but since the zukan are more... Massive, I'd say everything else (bar the Kids) is ¥200 or less as well. The Kids... No idea at all.
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Posted: Sat Nov 24, 2007 1:59 pm
`RibZ that's soooo cool. biggrin i'd want all my stuff to be like, togetic-ish, or torchic-ish. sssssoooo awesome. <3
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[Philosophy In A Teacup] Crew
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Posted: Sat Nov 24, 2007 11:44 pm
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Posted: Sun Nov 25, 2007 10:37 am
Heh... Ah, yes... I've got a few various sparklies around the room... Some places around me acutally have sort of Americanized gachapon machines. There're some in one of the malls, and in the local laser tag place, and the giant computer geek wearhouse. About half the stuff in them is your typical bouncyball/sticky hand junk, but then they've got pokemon figures and sometimes Disney character gachapon-y things. They're a buck a pop though.
There's also a tiny Japanese grocery store about 20 minutes away, and they've usually got pokemon stuff in stock. I've picked up a little Piplup candy machine, and some neat keychains featuring Dialga and Palkia. (Got a Turtwig too, but gave him to a friend)
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[Philosophy In A Teacup] Crew
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Posted: Sun Nov 25, 2007 12:06 pm
DDDDaaaammmnnn my love of legendaries. They all calling to me, but I'm like, "NNNoooo, you're Chougetto. I don't collect you yet... D:"
But just out of curiosity, how much would it be to get:
» Darkrai
» Dialga
» Palkia
» Giratina
» Cresscelia
» Maybe Manaphy
?
And I love the cell phone straps, so long as they're attached to legendaries. xD
@Jedi__Yeah, they're kinda expensive, but I'd totally blow my money on 'em. Yay for having a completely disposable income. But if you ever come across stuff with Ninetales/Typhlosion/legendaries/rest of my favorites, and I don't have it and want it, I'll totally pay you to get it for me, too. xD
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