英語版

FFCC:CB, Higurashi no Naku Koro ni Jan, the hot title games released this week!

Thu, 12 Nov 2009 23:15:01 +0900

Introducing game titles released this week!

The first title is the Action RPG "Final Fantasy Crystal Chronicles:The Crystal Bearers" for Nintendo Wii.

"Final Fantasy Crystal Chronicles:The Crystal Bearers" is the latest edition from the "Final Fantasy Crystal Chronicles" series released in 2003 for Nintendo Game Cube. The main character is "The Crystal Bearer" Layle controls a strange gravity-based power and pursues Amidatelion of the Yuke caravan a clan which should not exist in this wold.

The biggest feature of the game is the interacting with the characters in the game and the combat against the enemy utilizing Layle's gravity-based power. And with the use of Wii controls and nunchucks, players are able to enjoy the game as they synchronize with Layle themselves.

The sales at Akiba shops were divided to "Selling well" and "It's doing OK". It seems that there is a divide in shop customer blocks that results in the sales.


"Final Fantasy Crystal Chronicles:The Crystal Bearers" for Nintendo Wii		Shop demo pics of "FFCC:The Crystal Bearers". As the side story of the "FF" series, Chocobo appears in this title also.

The second title is the mahjong game "Higurashi no Naku koro ni Jan" for PSP

"Higurashi no Naku koro ni Jan" is a mahjong game based on "Higurashi no Naku Koro ni" produced by 07th Expansion. This title is from the arcade version released this July with original mode for home-use "Pai Kuzushi Hen" added.

In the "Pai Kuzushi Hen", original story filled with gags by newly created mini "Higurashi" characters lively acts across the screen, differing from both anime and ADV games. The limited edition, that went on sale the same day has Body pillow cover/original drama CD/setting info packet included.


"Higurashi no Naku koro ni Jan" for PSP limited/regular edition


Sofmap special telephone card	Messe Sanoh special telephone card	MAG*mani special telephone card	Gamers special telephone card

Third title is the latest release of "Sakatsuku" series, the simulation game where players become an owner of a soccer organization and by managing the club and the team, aims for the top of the world, "J.LEAGUE Pro Soccer Team wo Tsukurou! 6 Pride of J".

From this edition, players can select from all 36 existing J league teams and "promotion" to increase supporters by fan attracting rate and fan satisfaction as management factors, gives the players more realistic perspective in experiencing club management. And as a early purchase special, a limited card with product code to aquire Zico as a player is added. For further info, see feature article below.

to Kakaku.com game feature "J.LEAGUE Pro Soccer Team wo Tsukurou! 6 Pride of J"


"J.LEAGUE Pro Soccer Team wo Tsukurou! 6 Pride of J" for PSP

The fourth title is "Sengoku Hime -Senran Ni Mau Otometachi-" for PS2/PSP which ported from the popular PC simulation game "Sengoku Hime -Senran No Yo Ni Homura Tatsu-". In a world in warlords are beautiful girls, players decide which master to choose from Shimazu Yoshihisa ,Mouri Motonari ,Oda Nobunaga ,Uesugi Kenshin and aims to unify the country.

The story and the difficulty level changes with masters the players serve and Date Masamune can be captured in "Date Route" in the PS2 version, and PSP version will include "ootomo clan Route" which Tachibana Dousetsu is able to foray is added.

In the limited edition that will go on sale the same day, special art book with setting info packet and design drafts of the bishojo warlords and a walkthrough info will be enclosed.


"Sengoku Hime -Senran Ni Mau Otometachi-" for PS2 special/regular edition "Sengoku Hime -Senran Ni Mau Otometachi-" for PSP special/regular edition		instore demo play


Sofmap PSP special telephone card	Sofmap PS2 special telephone card	Gamers PSP/PS2 special telephone card	MAG*mani PSP/PS2 special telephone card

Other games, such as the RPG "Hexyz Force" for PSP, RPG "Lunar: Harmony of Silver Star" for PSP, race game "Need for Speed: Shift" for PS3/Xbox 360/PSP, and action game "DRAGON BALL RAGING BLAST" for PS3/Xbox 360 has come out.


"Hexyz Force" for PSP		Sofmap special telephone card	Messe Sanoh special telephone card


Gamers special telephone card	"Lunar: Harmony of Silver Star" for PSP		Sofmap special telephone card


"Need for Speed: Shift" for PS3 "Need for Speed: Shift" for Xbox 360 "Need for Speed: Shift" for PSP	"DRAGON BALL RAGING BLAST" for PS3 "DRAGON BALL RAGING BLAST" for Xbox 360

Self-made cover of "K-ON!" vol.3! Notice of new fair including Azu-nyan

Wed, 11 Nov 2009 21:45:01 +0900

The 3rd volume of "K-ON!" comic will go on sale on December 18th and AKIHABARA GAMERS main store is displaying a predicted cover by a shop staff.

* for more "K-ON!" info, see article below:
to http://akiba.kakaku.com/hobby/0909/15/223000.php

The cover idea of vol.3 of "K-ON!" predicted by the shop staff was "Ritsu". With vol.1 with Yui in a red background and Mio on vol.2 in a blue background, "It's gotta be Ricchan this time" "The color gotta be yellow" was commented on the poster and designed a cross-legged sitting Ritsu on the drum set was drawn in a yellow background. What was also said on the poster was, "I just did it in the heat of the moment. I'm not sorry about it..."

A new "K-ON!" fair "Sakuragaoka High School Festival" is expected to start at Gamers and Animate December 3rd. There will be a autographed pictured given away to customers per 1,000 yen worth of purchase of "K-ON!" related items. There will be 10 in all (there were 8 in the previous fair) with Azusa Nakano a.k.a. Azu-nyan lined up. As it was the previous fair, pictures are selectable.


The vol.3 cover predicted by Gamers' staff


"I just did it in the heat of the moment. I'm not sorry about it..."		December 2009 issue of the "K-ON!" carrying "Manga Time Kirara"


A new "K-ON!" fair starts December 3rd. The 10 pictures are selectable. Scramble for Azu-nyan?

Anime Mags on sale on the 10th(December 2009)

Tue, 10 Nov 2009 21:00:01 +0900

Introducing the latest issue of 3 major names in Anime Magazines ( all on sale the 10th every month)"ANIMAGE (Tokuma Shoten)" "ANIMEDIA (Gakken)" and "NewType (Kadokawa Shoten)!

Last month's cover (November issue) had different titles with "Hetalia Axis Powers" "Macross Frontier The Movie: The False Diva" and "kobato." but this month's issues synchronized with "Macross Frontier The Movie: The False Diva". It is the second time this year that all three magazines had same titles for their cover since "Mobile Suit Gundam 00" in April.

* for more info on "Macross Frontier The Movie: The False Diva" that will hit the theaters November 21st, see article below:
to http://akiba.kakaku.com/hobby/0907/22/160000.php

Lanka Lee was Sheryl Nome the cover girls for Animage with part 2 of "Macross Frontier The Movie" key visual poster, questions to director Shoji Kawamori, interviewing Yuichi Nakamura (as Alto) and May'n (Sheryl Nome's singing voice), report of Macross Over Live. Appendixes include "Animage limited Chara-fortune Nyan Nyan Lanka Lee Ver."

Animedia which features "Macross Frontier" for the consecutive month, featured "SMS Popular Music Festival". Also featuring Shoji Kawamori related articles and interview of May'n. There will be a size B2 poster of "Macross Frontier" as well. The cover for female readers (?) is a picture of Alto.

Newtype had a special double-cover issue. The covers are Sheryl Nome in her stage costume from the theatrical feature and Lanka Lee in her off stage outfit, the top page article is a full feature of the the title. The appendix "Ultra Silver Screen CD" has Yuichi Nakamura, Megumi Nakajima (as Lanka Lee), Hiroshi Kamiya (as Michael Blanc), Megumi Toyoguchi (as Klan Klang) in a radio special and a comedy drama recorded.


"Animage"by Tokuma Shoten December 2009 Cover: "Macross Frontier The Movie: The False Diva" Lanka Lee & Sheryl Nome Appendix: "Animage limited Chara-fortune Nyan Nyan -Lanka Lee Ver.-" etc.


"Animedia"by Gakken December 2009 Cover:"Macross Frontier The Movie: The False Diva" Alto, Lanka Lee & Shryl Appendix: 2009 autumn/winter anime song book, poster (Macross Frontier The Movie/Fate the Movie)postcard etc.


"Newtype"by Kadokawa Shoten December 2009 Cover: "Macross Frontier The Movie: The False Diva" Shryl Back Cover: "Macross Frontier The Movie: The False Diva" Lanka Lee Appendix: "Macross Frontier" CD, "kobato." postcard etc. (* the postcard on the right is a Gamers special)

The List of Covers of the 3 Anime Magazines from April 2006 to December 2009 by Akiba Souken

	Tokuma Shoten "Animage"	Gakken "Animedia"	Kadokawa Shoten "Newtype"
December 2009 (the latest issue)	Macross Frontier The Movie: The False Diva	Macross Frontier The Movie: The False Diva	Macross Frontier The Movie: The False Diva
November 2009	Hetalia Axis Powers	Macross Frontier The Movie: The False Diva	kobato.
October 2009	K-ON!	FAIRY TAIL	Melancholy of Haruhi Suzumiya
Sepember 2009	FULLMETAL ALCHEMIST	FULLMETAL ALCHEMIST	Melancholy of Haruhi Suzumiya
August 2009	K-ON!	K-ON!	EVANGELION:2.0-YOU CAN (NOT) ADVANCE-
July 2009	FULLMETAL ALCHEMIST	Code Geass: Lelouch of the Rebellion R2	EVANGELION:2.0 -YOU CAN (NOT) ADVANCE-
June 2009	Code Geass: Lelouch of the Rebellion R2	Hayate the Combat Butler	FULLMETAL ALCHEMIST
May 2009	FULLMETAL ALCHEMIST	FULLMETAL ALCHEMIST	Shangri-La
April 2009	Mobile Suit Gundam 00	Mobile Suit Gundam 00	Mobile Suit Gundam 00
March 2009	Kuroshitsuji	FULLMETAL ALCHEMIST	Melancholy of Haruhi Suzumiya New Animation
February 2009	Mobile Suit Gundam 00 Second Season	Code Geass: Lelouch of the Rebellion	Macross Frontier Theatrical Feature
January 2009	Code Geass: Lelouch of the Rebellion R2	Mobile Suit Gundam 00 Second Season	Mobile Suit Gundam 00 Second Season
December 2008	Kuroshitsuji	Kuroshitsuji	Mobile Suit Gundam 00 Second Season
November 2008	Mobile Suit Gundam 00 Second Season	Mobile Suit Gundam 00 Second Season	Mobile Suit Gundam 00 Second Season
October 2008	Code Geass: Lelouch of the Rebellion R2	Code Geass: Lelouch of the Rebellion R2	Code Geass: Lelouch of the Rebellion R2
Sepember 2008	Mobile Suit Gundam 00 Second Season	Mobile Suit Gundam 00 Second Season	Code Geass: Lelouch of the Rebellion R2
August 2008	Ponyo on the Cliff by the Sea	Macross Frontier	Mobile Suit Gundam 00
July 2008	Code Geass: Lelouch of the Rebellion R2	Code Geass: Lelouch of the Rebellion R2	Melancholy of Haruhi Suzumiya New Animation
June 2008	Mobile Suit Gundam 00	Soul Eater	Soul Eater
May 2008	Code Geass: Lelouch of the Rebellion R2	Code Geass: Lelouch of the Rebellion R2	Code Geass: Lelouch of the Rebellion R2
April 2008	Mobile Suit Gundam 00	Mobile Suit Gundam 00	Mobile Suit Gundam 00
March 2008	Shakugan no Shana II	Mobile Suit Gundam 00	Code Geass: Lelouch of the Rebellion R2
February 2008	Mobile Suit Gundam 00	Code Geass: Lelouch of the Rebellion	kobato.
January 2008	Bleach the Movie: The DiamondDust Rebellion, Another Hyorinmaru	Bleach the Movie: The DiamondDust Rebellion, Another Hyorinmaru丸」	Mobile Suit Gundam 00
December 2007	Shakugan no Shana II	Shakugan no Shana II	Mobile Suit Gundam 00
November 2007	Mobile Suit Gundam 00	Mobile Suit Gundam 00	Mobile Suit Gundam 00
October 2007	Hayate the Combat Butler	Magical Girl Lyrical Nanoha StrikerS	EVANGELION: 1.0 -You Are (Not) Alone-
September 2007	Code Geass: Lelouch of the Rebellion	Hayate the Combat Butler	EVANGELION: 1.0 -You Are (Not) Alone-
August 2007	Code Geass: Lelouch of the Rebellion	Code Geass: Lelouch of the Rebellion	Mobile Suit Gundam 00
July 2007	okiku Furikabutte	Hayate the Combat Butler	Code Geass: Lelouch of the Rebellion
June 2007	Code Geass: Lelouch of the Rebellion	Code Geass: Lelouch of the Rebellion	Heroic Age
May 2007	Shakugan no Shana	Magical Girl Lyrical Nanoha StrikerS	Code Geass: Lelouch of the Rebellion
April 2007	Code Geass: Lelouch of the Rebellion	Code Geass: Lelouch of the Rebellion	Code Geass: Lelouch of the Rebellion
March 2007	Heroic Age	Code Geass: Lelouch of the Rebellion	Code Geass: Lelouch of the Rebellion
February 2007	Code Geass: Lelouch of the Rebellion	Negima!?	Negima!?
January 2007	BLEACH	BLEACH	Mobile Suit Gundam SEED DESTINY
December 2006	Code Geass: Lelouch of the Rebellion	Kekkaishi	Code Geass: Lelouch of the Rebellion
November 2006	Gin'iro no Olynssis	Buso Renkin	Code Geass: Lelouch of the Rebellion
October 2006	BLOOD+	Negima!?	Rebuild of EVANGELION
September 2006	Mobile Suit Gundam SEED DESTINY	Tsubasa: Reservoir Chronicle	Melancholy of Haruhi Suzumiya
August 2006	Gedo Senki — Tales from Earthsea	「xxxHHOLiC」	Tsubasa: Reservoir Chronicle, xxxHOLiC
July 2006	Ouran High School Host Club	Mobile Suit Gundam SEED DESTINY	GOTHICMADE
June 2006	Mobile Suit Gundam SEED DESTINY	Tsubasa: Reservoir Chronicle	Mobile Suit Gundam SEED the Movie
May 2006	Okama related films ("Getsumento Heiki Mina" "Diebuster" "Himawari!" etc.)	xxxHOLiC	GOTHICMADE
April 2006	Mobile Suit Gundam III-"Love is the Pulse of the Stars	BLACK CAT	The Five Star Stories

Maaya Sakamoto's 17th single Magic Number on sale!

Tue, 10 Nov 2009 18:15:01 +0900

Maaya Sakamoto's new single "Magic Number" has come out.

Maaya Sakamoto is a popular voice actress known for her roles in "Evangelion: 2.0 You Can (Not) Advance" (Mari Illustrious Makinami), "Mobile Suit Gundam Seed Destiny" (Lunamaria Hawke), "Ouran High School Host Club" (Haruhi Fujioka) and "Kara no Kyokai" (Shiki Ryogi) .

Unlimited to anime, she has worked on dubbing roles on foreign films and dramas. She has been active as a singer as well since her first single "Yakusoku wa Iranai" (main theme of "The Vision of Escaflowne") when she was 16 and has released many hits in collaborations with Yoko Kanno.

The single, "Magic Number", is the 17th single of Maaya Sakamoto. It is the first single in a year since "Ame ga Furu". The title track "Magic Number" is the opening theme of the TV anime "Kobato." (created by CLAMP) is a pop tune featuring the lyrics of a positive thinking girl combined with a clear vocal.


Maaya Sakamoto "Magic Number" (First press edition)
Magic Number/ Private Sky/ Kazamidori -live version-/ Pocket wo Kara ni Shite -live version-

Coupling with "Private Sky" and bonus tracks added are the live version of "Kazamidori" and "Pocket wo Kara ni Shite" are from her concert at Tokyo International Forum Hall A on January 24, 2009. The first press edition will have a postcard for the live/talk event scheduled for February, 2010 and information of the advance reservation of her 15th anniversary live at Budokan scheduled March 31st, 2010 included.

Anime shops in Akihabara held areas playing her tunes and PVs. comic TORANOANA Akihabara store B displayed the CDs in a "MAAYA" shape and distributing clear files as their original special item.

The closing theme of the TV anime "Kobato.", "Jellyfish no Kokuhaku" by Megumi Nakajima is expected to go on sale December 9th.


comic TORANOANA special clear file	at comic TORANOANA Akihabara store B. "Maaya" on CD	"Maaya song at her best" "It's Pop, cute and fantastic"


AKIHABARA GAMERS main store. A postcard as the purchase special		Sofmap Akihabara main store	"Kobato."'s closing theme will go on sale December 9th

Reservations for FF13 LIGHTNING EDITION starts at Sofmap

Fri, 06 Nov 2009 18:30:01 +0900

Reservations for "FINAL FANTASY XIII LIGHTNING EDITION" started at Sofmap Akihabara main store and SofMap Sofmap amusement store.

"FINAL FANTASY XIII LIGHTNING EDITION" that will go on sale December 17th is a limited set model of SQUARE ENIX's RPG "FINAL FANTASY XIII" that comes with a special PS3.

The PlayStation is colored "Ceramic White" and has a image of the "FF 13" hero, "Lightning" printed on the top cover. Another catch is the point that the HDD memory has been boosted up from the regular 120GB to 250GB and can hold more contents.


PLAYSTATION 3 FINAL FANTASY XIII LIGHTNING EDITION CEJH-10008

The shops and internet sites that started their reservations at September after its announcement had orders rushing in. It sold out in a matter of hours and still is hard to get a hold of. Even at this time of this article, the lowest price at Kakaku.com is at 51,780 yen (tag price 41,600 yen).

Reservations at Sofmap Akihabara main store and Sofmap amusement store is priced at the tag price of 41,600 yen with 3,000 yen deposit (for the time of 5pm, November 6th). People considering of purchase might have to rush to the store.

Games that hit the stores this week including 3D Dot Game Heroes

Thu, 05 Nov 2009 21:30:01 +0900

Introducing games that hit the stores this week!

* for info on "Pro Evolution Soccer 2010", see article below
to Pro Evolution Soccer 2010 for PS3/Xbox 360 out!

The first hot title is "3D Dot Game Heroes" for PS3. Is an RPG that has recreated a 2D dot into a full 3D figure by state of the art technology. The features are the nostalgic since the games from the 80's and the simple operability,combined with many play-on elements and real graphics, the title creates a distinct characteristic.

"Spelunker" made its appearance in the game. By clearing certain requirements, players are able to select the main character of "Spelunker", the weakest action game character ever. Of course, by choosing this "Spelunker Mode", a mere step can mean an instant death to the character pumping up the difficulty level.

for further detail of the game, see article below:

to http://kakaku.com/article/pr/09/3d-heroes/p01.html


"3D Dot Game Heroes" for PS3

Other popular titles include the Xbox 360 version of the PC adventure game and now an anime feature "Tayutama", "Tayutama: Kiss on my Deity" and simulation RPG game for Nintendo DS, "Summon Night X: Tears Crown" with Akiba shops preparing special items such as telephone cards.


"Tayutama: Kiss on my Deity" for Xbox 360. Special telephone cards from left: Gamers, Messe Sanoh, Sofmap


"Summon Night X: Tears Crown" for Nintendo DS. Special telephone cards from left: Sofmap, Gamers, MAG*mani

Pro Evolution Soccer 2010 for PS3/Xbox 360 out!

Thu, 05 Nov 2009 20:45:01 +0900

"Pro Evolution Soccer 2010" for PS3/Xbox 360 has come out.

"Pro Evolution Soccer 2010" is the latest edition of the world famous soccer game "Pro Evolution Soccer" series. The new system "Slider", that controls the teams' offensive/defensive style and "Play style card" which emphasises on each players' movement are added making the game "The ultimate personal performance and The ultimate team strategy" possible.

The 360-degree control is introduced compared to the previous eight-directional control. 7 additional fake moves were added as well, with motion captured movements of Lionel Messi (FC Barcelona) is featured. The fan favorite "Master Mode" added new components such as sponsorships/Youth teams/team staffs (coaching, scouting staffs) making it a club operating simulation game with more depth.

for further details, see article below:

to http://kakaku.com/article/game/report/0911/we2010/index.html


"Pro Evolution Soccer 2010" for PS3 / premium pack (limited console bundled edition) "Pro Evolution Soccer 2010" for Xbox 360 / premium pack (limited console bundled edition)

Special areas were set up at MESSE SANOH main store and Sofmap Akihabara main store in Akiba with huge screens. Each shops had soccer-freak businessmen coming between their breaks. Sofmap amusement store held a try out session.

It seems that the PS3 version is selling better for the moment.

Mayoi Snail Records all-time high initial sales for BD as a TV anime!

Thu, 05 Nov 2009 13:30:01 +0900

Blu-Ray of "Bakemonogatari Vol.2 Mayoi Snail"'s complete limited production edition (released October 28th) has recorded the most initial copies sold for BD as a TV anime.

*for more info on "Bakemonogatari Vol.2 Mayoi Snail", see article below
to http://akiba.kakaku.com/hobby/0910/27/201500.php

According to the press information, the title has sold 39,000 copies on its first week of sales and ranked no.1 on ORICON's Blu-Ray general ranking chart for the week of November 9th. 39,000 copies for initial sales is 2nd to 49,000 copies sold by "EVANGELION:1.11" and tops 33,000 copies sold by "K-ON!"'s Vol.1 for TV anime.


"Bakemonogatari Vol.2 Mayoi Snail" Blu-Ray limited edition
episode 3:"Mayoi Snail, Part One", episode 4:"Mayoi Snail, Part Two"episode 5:"Mayoi Snail, Part Three"

Vol.1 of "Bakemonogatari" -"Hitagi Crab" (released September 30th) has ranked no.1 on Blu-Ray charts on the weeks of Oct.12th and 19th and were running short in Akiba at the time of release.

"Bakemonogatari Vol.2 Mayoi Snail"'s complete limited production edition is ranked 2nd on KAKAKU.com's anime DVD sales ranking.

・kakaku.com"Bakemonogatari Vol.2 Mayoi Snail" Blu-Ray limited edition

Japan Team crowned for the first time! Ragnarok Online World Championship 2009

Mon, 02 Nov 2009 05:00:01 +0900

The world tournament for the on-line RPG "Ragnarok Online", "Ragnarok Online World Championship 2009（RWC2009)" and GungHo Festival 2009 was held at Pacifico Yokohama on November 1st.

"RWC" is a competition to seek the Strongest Guild in the World. Guild teams that won their countries' championships gathered from countries that provides the online services competed in a tournament to see who has the best technique and teamwork.

Japan was the host for this "RWC2009" which a record 14 teams participated. Team Japan that has lost in the first round and second round in the previous tournaments, had the hometown longing for their first championship.

Japan defeated Indonesia in the first round and Vietnam in the second to match up against Thailand in the semi-finals.

Thailand has won 2 consecutive titles in RWC 2007 and 2008, and has beaten Korea that was runner-up 2 years in a row. Many feared Japan would struggle against this team but it turned out to be a straight win winning 2 sets straight. And to the finals they marched.

The finals was against the Philippines.

With 3 wins needed to grasp the title, it was tied with wins a piece after 2 matches. Fearing that it would be difficult to gamble after the 4th match, Japan changed its strategy and has paid off winning the 3rd and 4th matches winning 3-1 in front of the large crowd.

With the local crowd cheered on, Japan finally gets crowned as RWC champs. Would like to see them again to defend their title next year.

DIY PC Expo 2009 report! Festival for home-made PCs

Mon, 02 Nov 2009 01:45:01 +0900

"DIY PC Expo 2009" overall self-made PC event was held at BELLESALLE AKIHABARA from October 31st to November 1st.

This "DIY PC Expo", which is the 3rd time this time around is an overall self-made PC event hosted by DIY PC Expo operating committee. It featured exhibit/demos of new products of makers distributed by ASK, sessions by partnership makers Microsoft/Intel/AMD/NVIDIA. Also, there were new project such as sales area and special sales area.

The exhibit area was the 1st floor of BELLESALLE AKIHABARA had PC parts of SSDs, video cards, PC cases, and electronic power supplies on display. It also showed a 3 screen simultaneous output using one single Radeon HD 5850 video card attracting attention. The latest info of AMD and NVIDIA was unveiled at the seminar held at B1F. The event was a hit for both PC beginners to specialists.

the following are pics from the booths

(* the details of the session will be posted later)


OCZ. Showed the PCI Express connected SSD "Z-DRIVE" The demo proved its speed. It is excepted to go on sale between November to December


HANA Micron. Displayed SSD disassembly examples and flash memory


SAPPHIRE. Demo played 3 screen simultaneous output using their Radeon HD 5850 video card. They also exhibited their unreleased VAPOR-X models with Radeon HD 5750/5870


ASUS. Demo using USB3.0 corresponding product


COOLERMASTER. Displayed the ATX electronic power supply "Silent Pro M" that is expected to go on sale in November. Models with 1000W 850W capacity, both acquired 80 PLUS BRONZE. The cable is detachable


ZALMAN. Exhibited the CPU cooler "CNPS10X FLEX" that will gone sale November 13th, electronic power supplies, and memory coolers. Demos of 2D/3D displays too


INWIN. PC case for female users "Diva" with the BM639 chassis. With Swarovski on the front, is designed to attract female users. Is set to have a 160W electronic power supply


3RSYSTEM. Showed the fan-less Mini-ITX corresponding PC case "ITX-HTPC" as a referential exhibit. It is said to be made for ION mother board by ZOTAC. The case chassis work as a heatsink. Other products such as ATX electronic power supply "ICEAGE series" and ATX case "R650" with unique heatsinks and its variation models were also on display


APC JAPAN	ECS	ELSA


ENERMAX	G.Skill	MSI


Thermaltake	WesternDigital	CyberLink


EVGA(SYNNEX)	Microsoft area（SYNNEX)

BAYONETTA for Xbox 360/PS3 out!

Thu, 29 Oct 2009 20:00:01 +0900

Game soft for PS3/Xbox 360 "BAYONETTA" has come out.

"BAYONETTA" is an action game directed by Devil May Cry Viewtiful Joe series and ookami creator Hideki Kamiya at Platinum Games in cooperation with publisher SEGA. BAYONETTA is a witch who shapeshifts and uses various firearms, along with magical attacks she performs with her own hair, to dispatch her foes. Dubbed in a "Climax Action" genre, players can enjoy non-stop action from the very start of the game.

The main feature is the witch BAYONETTA's combo of head-on combat and weaponry with her supernatural body strengths and power. She possesses four handguns—two hand-held, and one attached to each heel—called "Scarborough Fair" and perform magical attacks to defeat various enemies and bringing to life its fast-paced, dynamic climax combat.

for further details, see the featured article below

to http://kakaku.com/article/game/report/0906/bayonetta/index.html


"BAYONETTA" for Xbox 360 / "BAYONETTA" for PS3

MESSE SANOH main store and Sofmap Akihabara main store/amusement store played demo movies on large sized screens in Akihabara. TV ads and hard work of promotion seemed to have paid off combined with the fact that it was released right after many people's payday, we were able to hear many comments saying "It's selling well". Xbox 360 version seemed to be selling better than the PS3 version at each stores may due to the lightness of the Xbox 360 version.


Reservation/ First Purchaser's Special is a soundtrack CD	Sofmap Akihabara main store	Sofmap amusement store	MESSE SANOH main store

Windows 7 Exposition Report!

Wed, 28 Oct 2009 14:00:01 +0900

A Microsoft event "Windows 7 Exposition" was held at at BELLESALLE Akihabara Building on the weekend of October 24th and 25th.

"Windows 7 Exposition" is an users event commemorating the release of Windows 7. There were many multi-touch screen display and laptops on the scene with sessions and stage shows of guests to convey the new features and amenity of Windows 7.

The stage shows that caught people's eyes were the "7"meets"Seven" with Ultra Seven & Ultraman Zero and "Home-built PC course" with the voice actress Nana Mizuki. Unlike other PC events, the guests attracted people of all ages.

Yasuyuki Higuchi, president of Microsoft Japan was the special guest of "7 meets Seven" by Ultraman and demonstrated the multi touch feature that was added on Windows 7. There were scenes which the feature didn't react, but a roar from the audience was heard when the it functioned normally.

The PR of the upcoming Ultraman series movie with Seven and Zero, "Mega Monster Battle: Ultra Galaxy Legend The Movie" was announced. The trailor was shown making it fun for both adults and kids alike. There was a meeting session with Ultraman afterwards.


Between UltraSeven and UltramanZero stands Yasuyuki Higuchi, president of Microsoft Japan came as a special surprise guest. Higuchi talked about the new operability of Windows 7 by operating the multi touch display


The upcoming Ultraman series, "Mega Monster Battle: Ultra Galaxy Legend The Movie" was announced after the session. Unlike other PC events, making it fun for both adults and kids alike

"Windows 7 de Home-built PC course" that seiyu Nana Mizuki appeared as a special guest started off by introducing the fun of home-built PCs with Windows 7 by PC technical writer Toshiya Takahashi. Along with the strengthened display driver WDDM1.1 and the attribution to DirectX 11, optimization to SSD, and loading of XP Mode, he explained the merits of Windows 7 and noted home-made PCs are the points where users are able to enjoy the latest technology first hand.


Many gathered even before the session started there were tickets for this specific event and had entrance regulations

The topic turned to the Home-built PC cheering character, "Nanami Madobe". The crowd knew that the seiyu for this character's voice, Nana Mizuki would soon appear. Then, sample voice of Nanami "Hello, I'm Nanami! I will cheer people building home-made PCs!" played and Nana Mizuki came on stage.

Compared to the bit nervous looking Takahashi, Nana Mizuki seemed to be cool. When asked "Do you regularly use your PC to net-surf and check your blog?", she answered that she updates her blog on her Windows 7 machine. She was also asked "Do you have any requests on Nanami Madobe?" by the MC, she replied "I'd like Nanami to be (Microsoft's) official character", stumping the MC.


There were people around the building when the session started

"A real light-user", Nana Mizuki asked "What is needed for a home-made PC", "Points to be careful", and "budget" with Takahashi answering "going to a parts-shop, like the ones in Akihabara will be the best way to start. They can give you good advice", "Try to be careful not to hurt yourself while constructing", "The will be a minimum (about 50,000 yen) but, the sky is the limit so building a PC of your need will be important".

Lastly, Nana Mizuki commented that "There are so many things I don't know about PCs, but I feel a certain destiny with the same name of 7 (Nana) and would like to try and learn more about computers".

Aki Toyosaki solo debuts with love your life!

Wed, 28 Oct 2009 13:00:01 +0900

Aki Toyosaki's debut single, "love your life" has come out.

Aki Toyosaki is a voice actress known for her role as Ninagawa Amuro ("Kenko Zenrakei Suieibu Umisho"), and Su ("Shugo Chara!"). Made her major break in 2009 with "K-ON!"'s heroine Yui Hirasawa. Is considered to be one of the hottest young seiyus with starring roles in the new titles, "Hatsukoi Limited" 's Koyoi Bessho and "Kanamemo"'s Kana Nakamachi. She also belongs to a seiyu unit "Sphere".

This "love your life" is Aki Toyosaki's debut single. Although she has released character songs from "K-ON!" and other titles as well as a member of the seiyu unit " Sphere", this will be her first credited single. The 2 tracks will be "love your life" and "Nanika Ga Sora O Tonde Kuru", both tunes features Toyosaki's soft smooth voice.

The first press limited edition is a Degi-Pack with a DVD featuring "love your life" PV. The release day of October 28th is Aki Toyosaki's 23rd birthday.


"love your life" by Aki Toyosaki first press limited edition / regular edition love your life/Nanika Ga Sora wo Tonde Kuru/ Instrumental versions of both tracks (first press limited edition special) love your life Music Clip/love your life TV SPOT (15 sec.)/love your life TV SPOT (30sec.)

Anime shops in Akihabara handed out original picture cards to the first customers. AKIHABARA GAMERS main store and comic TORANOANA Akihabara store B were giving out queuing tickets for the event but ran out soon. Gamers Honten is giving out/collecting birthday messages on cards to give to Toyosaki until November 1st. The cards will be handed to her in person at the event.


Sofmap special	comic TORANOANA special	Gamers Special	MAg*mani special


Event ticket ran out as soon as the hand out started		AKIHABARA GAMERS main store is holding a birthday card event. Flyers were handed out (only Akihabara shop in Akiba)

The Cutest British girl Beckii Cruel's Akiba live!

Sun, 25 Oct 2009 21:30:01 +0900

Beckii Cruel, a British beauty sensation who is titled "Can anybody be any cuter?" has hit Japan and held her first ever solo stage at Akihabara on the 25th.

Beckii Cruel is a Japanese anime/music loving 14 year old from Isle of Man. Gained popularity through uploading her dances on movie sites by the User name "Beckii" and "xBextahx". Her movies has counted over 4.3 million times of play (by October 19th) and her debut DVD release and vocal participation to a compilation album has been decided.

This live performance was a stage event in "Akihabara Enta-Matsuri 2009" held at Akihabara UDX. More than 300 fans came to see the very first solo stage in the world for Beckii.

The started kicked off by showing the PV of "Danjyo" (from her debut DVD) that brought her fame. As the audience got warmed up, Beckii herself appeared on stage. Her "Minna arigatou!" in Japanese echoed.

Accompanied with a large round of applause, Beckii went on to her first tune "Danjyo"'s vocal and dance. The crowd went wild from her sharp yet soft dace and dynamic action added to the attractive voice that comes from this slim but slender body of a 14 year old. Of course her un-3D appeal was enough for the audience to think (or actually say) "Can anybody be any cuter?"

After she straightened out her costume and announced her debut DVD release, she performed dances from "NOAH" and "Ren-ai Rider"

She gave it all she's got in her 3 tune performance not holding anything back. That's just what you'd expect from a real 14 year old.

Taro, the producer of "Danjyo" appeared as a guest. After a brief "Hisashiburi! (Long time no see)" by Beckii and "Congratulation on your DVD release!" response by Taro, the event wound down to the final tune.

The last number was "Danjyo" of Taro on vocals with Beckii's dance. There was a "Ei Ei!" call-response giving it a sense of unity. The sight of Beckii having to leave the stage was the lasting impression with the applause and roar from the audience.

Her debut DVD "This is Beckii Cruel!" which will go on sale December 9th, will feature her dance performance in many costumes/situations and her first visit to Japan. Prior to the DVD, 2 compilation albums "No, Ballad Matsuri" and "No, Upper Matsuri" will go on sale November 4th. Both will feature her first vocal tune as the first track ( "Tooi Sora Kumo wo Kuguri" / "Danjyo" ) which will be a must for fans to check it out.

Sneak preview of JEANS MATE 24 Akiba Asobi-Kan held!

Fri, 23 Oct 2009 18:45:01 +0900

A sneak preview of "JEANS MATE 24 Akiba Asobi-Kan" located in the vacant lot where Asobit Character City used to be in behind LAOX The Computer store was held by "Will make Akiba a Fashion town" group. It will open Friday, December 11th.

According to the handed out information, its biggest feature will be the event space and variety floors. This shop will center strongly on Akiba users by holding idol events and Akiba-character related hobby/apparel items.

The 5th floor will feature a special area from 1st to 4th floor that is a representation and matches the Akiba spirit. There will also be coordination area by Akiba maids. For Your Information, the 4th floor will be a floor specializing in men's apparel.

According to an official, there seems to be some shop openings in talk (or some that already closed the deal?) which makes the strategy(?) and the title of this sneak preview "Will make Akiba a Fashion town" sound real. It has also mentioned its uniqueness and interestingness with "Akiba Fashion" and "Fashion of animation characters that attract attention from the world"

"JEANS MATE 24 Akiba Asobi-Kan" is expected to be open 24 hours and the floor coordination is expected to be as follows: (due to still being in blue-print,there might be some changes)

6F free space
5F coordination event
4F men's tops/bottoms
3F parody items/ Tokyo souvenirs (apparel centered)
2F general merchandise/variety (Character items)
1F general merchandise/variety (Akiba Character items)

for further information, see article on AKIBA GUIDE blog

【Related article】(Japanese)
http://akiba.kakaku.com/etc/0910/14/222000.php

【Related site】
http://kakaku.com/book_cd_dvd/
http://bbs.kakaku.com/bbs/-/CategoryCD=4512/
http://www.jeansmate.co.jp/

【Related shop】:JEANS MATE 24 Akiba Asobi-Kan