Tuesday, August 29, 2006

Client testimonial #5

Client testimonial #5! I helped this client purchase KT Votoms Brutish Dog figure and Blue Knight Weathering version 3 piece set at Chara Hobby 2006. His testimonial is as follows:

I'd never heard of Tokyo Hunter before he started posting his blog updates on toyboxdx.com earlier this year. All I knew was that he was eager to provide foreign collecters with access to sometimes rare and obscure character toys from Japan. I had no real clue as to his reputation or trustworthiness. I watched his updates eagerly for items I'd be interested in, but I only became truly intruiged when he started offering convention exclusives. I was immediately drawn to two items in particular that were going to be available only at the Chara Hobby Convention. Those two items were the Kaiyodo KT-Figure 2 Brutishdog and the CM's Corporation 3-piece Blue Knight Weathering Version box set(which I later found out also included seated versions of the new pilot figures!!) The offer was too tempting to pass up so I e-mailed Tokyo Hunter and made the arrangements for the acquisition of those two items. Communication was a breeze, and I never got a sense that things might go sour. In any case, I can't imagine what it's like to try and get exclusives at a Japanese convention, but I've heard it's a nightmare. Tokyo Hunter came through. Thanks to Tokyo Hunter, I've now been afforded the opportunity to be among the first people to ever handle the new KT Figure and the Blue Knight pilots. Thanks Tokyo Hunter, and keep up the great work!

Thank you very much and looking forward to dealing with you again in the near future!

Monday, August 28, 2006

Tokyo Hunter eBay auctions are up!

Check out my eBay auctions here for a list of all 7 exclusive and rare items up for auction with starting bid at my original cost. Additional information and pictures will be provided upon request. Please contact me for shipping quotes to your country. Happy bidding!

Client testimonial #4

Another glowing client testimonial added! I got him a set of WF2006 Summer Wonda-chan & Reset figures.

I found Tokyo Hunter's blog using Google while I was searching for information on the WF Wonda-chan Evangelion figures just a week before the festival. The two testimonials that he had posted at that point sounded too good to be true, but I was so impressed by the blog overall that I thought it was worth the risk to contact him. I have been fortunate to have made a couple of trips to Tokyo in the past year and a half, so I am personally familiar with how extensive and exhausting the shopping can be, so his stamina and expertise are clearly the best. I'm also very picky, and I've had some stupid transactions on eBay with sellers who have been difficult.

I am VERY glad that I sent that first e-mail. Everything the other testimonials say is true about his very thoughtful and engaged correspondence during the entire transaction as well as the extremely careful and professional packing. The figures were delivered in perfect shape, more perfect than if I had gone to pick them up myself! Also they arrived in Los Angeles on the Friday after the Festival -- when I told some of the staff at Anime Jungle here that I already had my set they couldn't believe it! And with the very reasonable fees that he is charging, there is no doubt that he is providing an amazing service, so much so that I'm already worried that he is going to become very busy!

Since I had contacted him so late, he was very honest with me that there was a chance that he would not be able to get a set of the figures for me. His willingness to make the extra effort paid off, however, big time! From all accounts the Wonder Festival is insane, which makes me all the more impressed that he was able to get me a set with such short notice.

I am already working on a list of other items to send to him. And finally, I agree completely with the last testimonial that it is especially great to have someone real who knows what he is doing providing such a special service.

Thank you very much for your business and looking forward to your next order!

Tokyo Hunter eBay auctions list

Here's a list of all exclusive items that I will be listing up on eBay by Monday evening.

WonderFest 2006 Summer exclusives:
Kaiyodo Wonda-chan Loves Evangelion Wonda & Reset
Kotobukiya The Art of Shunya Yamashita: Sera-chan repaint - limited to 300 pieces
Kotobukiya Shana red hair version - limited to 300 pieces

Chara Hobby 2006 & WonderFest 2006 Summer exclusive:
CM's Corporation Rally Car Collection Extra (Mai-Otome)

Double Hero Festival 2006 exclusives
Bandai 30th Anniversary Special 5 Red Set
Bandai Kamen Rider Kabuto White & Brown Worms set

Rare item
NECA Resident Evil 4 Regenerator chase variant - 1 in every 5 cases

Click here for more pics of the items.

Starting price for each item will begin at my cost price, which is the retail price that I got the items for. It's up to the bidders on what the ending price will be for each item. I will post links to the auctions on my blog when they've all been added. Please email me if you have any questions regarding these items.

Sunday, August 27, 2006

Haul pics - 26 August 2006

Here are some stuff I brought back from my Saturday trip down to Akihabara and Shibuya. Mostly stuff for my clients and only the Sera-chan figures are mine. Click here for more pics.

Client testimonial #3

New client testimonial! I got this client from the United States a set of Wonda & Reset WF2006 Summer exclusive figures.

I'm a pretty avid figure buyer and have used different services in the past and there was always something that disappointed me. Either they were too slow, lacked communication, or the prices were outrageous. I didn't have any of those problems with Tokyo Hunter.

My story starts where I was trying to get the limited Wonda-chan figures from the 2006 Summer Wonderfest. I unfortunately found Tokyo Hunter too late as it was the day of Wonderfest. I had already emailed him before I realized my mistake. He returned my email promptly after the festival and explained that he could have gotten me a set if I had only emailed sooner. I later saw that Gainax's Eva store would be selling the Wonda-chan figures so I emailed Tokyo Hunter again to ask if he could order them from there, which he said could and was planning on ordering some from them as well. He placed the order but they wouldn't arrive till the end of September, so he said he'd go ahead and send me one of his extra sets since he noticed how keen I was on obtaining the figures and he'd wait for the one from the Eva store. The package came very fast and was packed securely, he even sent pictures of the package before it was sent! The items were in excellent condition and were obviously treated with great care by Tokyo Hunter.

The greatest thing about Tokyo Hunter is that there's a real person on the other end and that he has the same passion for collecting and understanding of the collector mentality. This is probably the best service I've used and will use again in the future.

Thank you very much for your support! More client testimonials coming soon!

Previous client testimonials:
Client testimonial #1
Client testimonial #2

Akihabara & Shibuya sightings - 26 August 2006

Prices shown are store prices, mostly with 5% government sales tax included. All items are in mint condition unless stated otherwise. Interested buyers please contact me at tokyohunter@gmail.com as soon as possible so I can help you with obtaining these items on my next trip.

Liberty
Kotobukiya Sera-chan - 13,440 yen
Kaiyodo Bome Collection vol 5 Kirasaki Yui - Replicant exclusive limited to 1000 pieces - 7,140 yen
Wave - A-02 Lilith XX veins version - 5,754 yen

Kaiyodo Hobby Lobby Tokyo
Wonder Showcase WonderFest 2006 Summer exclusive Accel kit - 8,000 yen

Some interesting stuff on display in Aso Bit City:
Giant Panda-Z
Yamato 1/60 YF-19 prototype
Yamato 1/12 Brutish Dog prototype
Art Works Monsters exclusives
1/1 Saber doll
Upcoming Creators Labo figures
Morrigan & Lilith statues
...and many more.

Click here to check them all out.

Nakano & Ikebukuro sightings - 16 August 2006

Prices shown are store prices, mostly with 5% government sales tax included. All items are in mint condition unless stated otherwise. Interested buyers please contact me at tokyohunter@gmail.com as soon as possible so I can help you with obtaining these items on my next trip.

Mandarake
Takatoku Orguss II Olsen Special - 42,000 yen
Takatoku Macross 1/55 VF-1J Valkyrie - 8,400 yen
Takatoku Macross 1/55 VF-1J Valkyrie - 15,750 yen
Takatoku Macross 1/55 VF-1A Valkyrie - 21,000 yen
Bandai Macross Hi-Metal VF-1A Valkyrie - 15,750 yen
Bandai Macross Hi-Metal VE-1 Elint Seeker - 63,000 yen
Bandai MG Gundam RX-79(G) Desert Camo limited edition - 5,250 yen

Click here for more pics including Ultraman Festival 2006, official Sakura Cafe in Ikebukuro, and Animate main store in Ikebukuro. Enjoy!

Akihabara sightings - 15 August 2006

Prices shown are store prices, mostly with 5% government sales tax included. All items are in mint condition unless stated otherwise. Interested buyers please contact me at tokyohunter@gmail.com as soon as possible so I can help you with obtaining these items on my next trip.

Liberty
Fewture Models EX Gohkin Black Getter Ryoma Mode - 52,500 yen
Kaiyodo FOTNS 200X WonderFest 2000 Kenshiro vs Raoh bloody version - 63,000 yen
Kaiyodo FOTNS 200X Raoh & Kokuou-Go - 15,540 yen
Kaiyodo FOTNS 200X Raoh version 2 repaint - 4,179 yen
Kaiyodo FOTNS Clear Crystal Box with Kenshiro, Rei, Toki, Shuh, and Jyuza figures - 5,229 yen
Max Factory 1/6 Kasumi C2 Black version - 19,740 yen
Fate/stay night Saber 2005.9.25 Event Special ver. - 18,690 yen
Bandai SIC Vol 19 Agito - 3,654 yen
Kotobukiya FFVII AC Play Arts Extra Parts for Cloud - 4,179 yen

Animate
Pinky:cos 2P Animate exclusive - 735 yen

Kotobukiya Shop
Hot Toys Superman Returns - 19,800 yen
Hot Toys Batman Begins - 19,800 yen

Click here for more pics including Kingdom Hears II display at Kotobukiya Shop, 1/48 VF-1A Angel Bird in Battroid mode, and Akiba Maid Deli Moe Burger. Enjoy!

Shibuya sightings - 14 August 2006

Several interesting stuff on this trip down to Shibuya:

10,000 yen durian
Square watermelon selling at 12,600 yen!
Blister store in Shibuya
VCD 501st Clone Trooper Blister exclusive - limited to 1,000 pieces - 6,090 yen SOLD OUT!
Superman costume prop. And yes, I touched it ... ;)
The Man of Steel, guarding the main entrance to Blister store in Shibuya.
Upcoming Kingdom Hears 2 figures display at Animate store in Shibuya.

Click here for more pics.

Tuesday, August 22, 2006

Chara Hobby 2006 coverage is up!

Check out Anime News International's website for my Chara Hobby 2006 coverage!

Monday, August 21, 2006

Chara Hobby & WonderFest haul pics

I managed to grab some exclusive hauls from CharaHobby and WonderFest for my clients' orders. Pictured are all the items that my clients ordered except for Sera-chan and Shana WF exclusives, which will be auctioned off on eBay with a starting bid at the items' original retail prices at 5,800 yen and 4,000 yen respectively. I will announce it on my blog when the items are up for auction within a few days' time. In the meantime, check out pics of my exclusive hauls here.

WonderFest 2006 Summer coverage

I've been reporting for Anime News International (ANI) to provide them with coverage of Chara Hobby and WonderFest 2006 Summer. My WonderFest 2006 Summer coverage on ANI can be viewed here. I'm currently uploading Chara Hobby pics to them and will be completed real soon. Do check out ANI's website for my coverage of both events!

Sunday, August 06, 2006

Bandai Museum pics - 05 August 2006

I visited Bandai Museum on Saturday for the second time (my first visit was back in May 2005) and found it dissapointingly the same as what I've seen in my first trip. There were some slight changes like the addition of a Keroro Gunsou store and a really cool realization of Keroro's room with a 1/1 scale Keroro model, and the addition of the latest Boukenger, Kabuto, SIC, SOC, and Gundam toys on display at the museum. Other than that, everything else remains the same, like this 1/1 scale Gundam RX-78 and 1/1 scale Zaku head. It's a museum that you'd wanna visit only once every 5 years or so. I visited it again this year since this is Bandai Museum's last month in Matsudo after having it open to the public for the past 3 years there. Bandai Museum will be relocated to Shizuoka where their new Bandai factory is located, and waaaaay to far and expensive for me to visit even for an annual trip. Bandai will be releasing a Bandai Museum exclusive First Grade Special Color 3 piece set of Gundam, Zaku, and Char's Zaku model kits as a final exclusive for their museum in Matsudo before they close and relocate. Sale of the exclusive set begins on 12 August 2006.

Click here for my Bandai Museum pics. 372 pics in total!

Saturday, August 05, 2006

Akihabara sightings - 05 August 2006

Prices shown are store prices, mostly with 5% government sales tax included. All items are in mint condition unless stated otherwise. Interested buyers please contact me at tokyohunter@gmail.com as soon as possible so I can help you with obtaining these items on my next trip.

Kotobukiya
Hasbro Star Wars 501st Stormtrooper SDCC 2006 Exclusive - 3,990 yen
Gentle Giant Star Wars Darth Vader Bust-Ups SDCC 2006 Exclusive - 2,800 yen
NECA Pirates of the Caribbean Cannibal Jack Sparrow SDCC 2006 Exclusive - 4,725 yen
Mezco Toys Edward Scissorhands The Professor SDCC 2006 Exclusive - 6,040 yen
Toynami Macross 1/100 VF-1S Valkyrie Hikaru Ichijo SDCC 2006 Exclusive - 12,600 yen
Mezco Toys Living Dead Dolls Friday the 13th Part 3 Jason SDCC 2006 Exclusive - 12,800 yen

Kaiyodo Hobby Lobby
Kaiyodo Wonder Showcase Plus Cammy Authentic White - 7,140 yen
Kaiyodo Wonder Showcase Plus Cammy Fascination Black - 7,140 yen

Toys Goldenage
Popy Jumbo Machinder Great Mazinger - complete with box, swords, missiles, and Scramble Dash - Item in C8+ condition with C4 condition box - 68,000 yen
Shogun Warriors Daimos - missing box, accessories, and several stickers - Item in C7 condition - 39,800 yen

Liberty
Bandai 1/100 MG Strike Gundam Deactive Mode 2004 Plamodel Rajicon Exclusive - 6,279 yen
Bandai 1/100 MG Gelgoog Coating version - 9,954 yen
Bandai 1/144 HG Hyaku Shiki Bandai Museum Special Color version - 6,279 yen
Bandai 1/144 Destiny Gundam & Strike Freedom Gundam Bandai Museum Exclusive Clear version - 3,654 yen
Bandai 1/144 Wing Gundam vs Tallgeese Coating version - 3,129 yen
Bandai GFF #0004 G-Armor (RX-78 and G-Fighter) Clear version - 9,240 yen
Bandai Gundam Fix Box The Works of Katoki Hajime - 16,590 yen
Bandai 1/100 MG Modeler's Cup Zeta Gundam Gold Coating version - 20,790 yen
Bandai Gundam Seed Plamodel Special Kit GET Campaign Aegis Gundam Clear version - 2,079 yen
Bandai Gundam Seed Plamodel Special Kit GET Campaign Launcher Strike Gundam Clear version - 2,079 yen

Mandarake
Takara Transformers Exclusive version Black Rodimus - 8,400 yen
Takara Transformers Generation 1 Ultra Magnus (Original first release version) Complete - 10,500 yen

More pictures here including FFVII AC statues on display at Kotobukiya store.

Friday, August 04, 2006

Client testimonial #2

Another glowing testimonial, this time, from my second client in New York. The item that I helped purchase for him was a vintage Popy Jumbo Machinder Raideen.

I don't happen to have any friends in Japan, and don't have the flexibility to jet to Japan just to buy some toys, so until recently all the great vintage stuff sitting on shelves all over Japan have been completely out of reach. Even the handful of proxy bidding services out there only provide access to those goods being auctioned or sold online. I don’t have any numbers, but common sense tells me these online goods represent just a paltry fraction of the market…

On the face of it, his commissions are on par with those charged by the proxy bidders, but whereas the latter make a tidy profit for - let's face it - not a lot of effort, Joseph's fees are what they are just to cover his expenses travelling two hours round trip to Tokyo, then running all around town from store to store shopping for all of us. He's an avid toy collector himself who's practically running a non-profit operation for those of us not so lucky to be physically located in the mecca of Japanese toy shopping. Even his day job is in the toy world. For those who balk at the fees, they should do the math and employ just a bit of common sense. And besides, the first item is commission free! I've got a beautiful mint in box Jumbo Machinder sitting in my display case, for which I had to pay only shipping and just a little bit more for bubble wrap. (Joseph was careful enough to wrap the item in bubble wrap to ensure careful transit on the train ride from the Mandarake store to his home.) Yes, Joseph actually LOST money on this transaction with me. Frankly, this service is a complete no-brainer. What other alternatives are there?

Prompt and excellent daily communication via email and MSN Messenger. Immediate trip out to Shibuya first thing Saturday morning the week I placed my order. High-resolution pictures of my purchased item from multiple angles, before and after packaging for shipment. Bubble-wrapped item shipped in original Mandarake shopping bag, with receipt taped to it....with everything smothered with air pillows inside an over-sized, sturdy, brand new (not recycled) shipping carton. Sent EMS Monday, arrived in New York City Wednesday. From emailed purchase order to receipt of merchandise, about one week. What more could I possibly ask for?

Thanks, buddy!

A million thanks to you, too! I'll keep you informed with the latest Jumbo Machinder findings! ;) Client #2's reference available upon request.

Wednesday, August 02, 2006

Client testimonial #1

I've just received a positive feedback from my first client after he had received his Garo Vol 4 Garo & Gouten box set that I helped acquire for him. Here's his feedback:

Big thanks to our Tokyo Hunter friend. I've just recieved my first purchase from him, Garo vol4 Gouten. He was easy to work with and gave honest prices as proven by the reciept included (taped onto figure box) for the item and the label (noting the shipping prices) on the box. The packaging inside the box was very good as well. The shipping box he used was much larger than the item itself, and the empty space was filled with those air bag things. I'll never be going to ebay for any of these import purchases again, as I don't want to pay those overcharged shipping prices. In the end, I highly recommend Tokyo Hunter. Email responses were sent very quick and whatever problem had arose, it was solved.

Small touches should be noted too. It is very considerate for even including the purchase reciept inside. Thus eliminating any feelings that someone had ripped you off.

Tokyo Hunter does his job very well, and I've had no problems whatsoever. For a plus, the shipment was very quick even on SAL. Even faster than HobbyLink Japan which, when I purchase from them, takes almost a week longer.

A million thanks to Yanho for the positive feedback! If anybody would like to ask for a reference, contact me and I'll provide Yanho's contact as a reference.

Tuesday, August 01, 2006

WonderFest Summer 2006 Exclusive Items List

The following is a list of most of the exclusive items that will only be avaialble at Chara Hobby 2006. Interested buyers please contact me at tokyohunter@gmail.com as soon as possible so I can help you with obtaining these exclusive items during the event.

WonderFest Official Goods
Wonda-chan Loves Evangelion - Wonda x Rei & Reset x Asuka 2 figure sets - 2,500 yen

Good Smile Company
Fate/hollow ataraxia Iriya set - 4,000 yen
Nendoroid Hetare Saber - 4,000 yen

Medicos Entertainment
Kinniku Man Golden Mask series 2nd Color Version - 3,000 yen for 5 piece set / 5,000 yen for 8 piece set
Jojo's Bizzare Adventure Phantom Blood Prepainted PVC statue Limited to 1,000 pieces - 2,000 yen

Max Factory
Red Baron (left) prepainted sofubi model - 3,500 yen
Red Baron (right) prepainted sofubi model - 3,500 yen

Yamato
Air Gear Shimca Resin Kit - 16,000 yen
SIF EX Excel Saga Ropponmatsu Nishiki Gold Color Version - 5,040 yen

Chara-Ani
Nadesico Misumaru Yurika Swimsuit Figure Pink Version Prepainted PVC Model - 5,040 yen

Yamahonya (my translation might be wrong)
Okusama wa Mahou Shoujo Anies Bell Resin Kit - 10,000 yen

CM's Corporation
Rally Car Collection Extra - 3,000 yen

Zero Goods Universe
C.D.S Leiji No.09 Mori Yuki 1983 White Uniform DX version - 52,500 yen
C.D.S Leiji No.10 Sexaroid Yuki SDF Uniform - 18,800 yen

GSI Creos
Pinky:st Wonder Festival 2006 Summer Special version - 800 yen

Toranoana
Palm Characters Maroone & Plum - 1,000 yen

Atrod
Fate/hollow ataraxia Saber Oruta 1/7 scale Resin Kit - 9,800 yen

Medicom Toy
RAH Wing Man - 13,000 yen
VCD Tie Fighter Pilot Limited 500 pieces - 6,090 yen

Yujin
SRSP Shining Wind Zekuti Prepainted PVC Model - 2,000 yen

West Kenji
Fake Ultraman Prepainted Sofubi Model - 5,000 yen

Sangatsu
Bakku Beado Monokuro Version Prepainted Sofubi Model - 6,000 yen

U.S. Toys
DX SB Sofubi EX Series Buuska - 5,145 yen
SB Sofubi Series Black Kanegon Sanbasuto - 4,725 yen

Art Storm
Noko Noko Godzilla - 2,500 yen
Noko Noko Hedora - 2,500 yen

Hobby Stock
Tsuyo Kiss Otome Kurogane Prepainted PVC Model WF2006 Summer Limited Edition (Pink) - 4,800 yen

Sinbad Toy
Crazy Thunder Prepainted Sofubi Model - 5,000 yen

Evangelion Store
1/6 scale Rei Resin Kit - 10,000 yen
Momoko Doll as Gainax Girls 001 Rei - 16,800 yen
Momoko Doll as Gainax Girls 002 Nono - 16,800 yen
Momoko Doll as Gainax Girls 003 Nadia - 16,800 yen
Bome Collection Buster Machine #7 Nono - Price unknown
Poseable Figure Buster Machine #7 Nono - 10,000 yen

Click here for more pictures.