1.30.16 - Site Updates, GEM Virus Gabumon update

Megahouse tweeted this picture for the upcoming WonFes (Wonder Festival) event:

Thanks to Lark for the link!

Most of the new site is ready (at least, Yamato's section is complete). I am holding off until I get my deputy package for the year, as well as some last-minute ebay stuff before I update.

1.21.16 - Virus Gabumon up for preorder!

I wasn't going to really cover this much as technically Yamato has never had a Virus Gabumon, but I figure it would be useful to note that Den Den Hobby has the limited Agu/Gabu set for preorder. They were only availible at Jump Festa, IIRC, and will be up on the Premium Bandai website for a short while next month. These are very limited. They'll run you around $30 on DenDen until they raise their prices.

1.20.16 - CSA (Complete Selection Animation) Digivice unboxing and comparison

So, before I share this with you, let me say this half-review is late because my local postal carrier service is so messed up since December. TLDR; It's been sitting in my apartment's office for two weeks with no notification/having picked up other packages. ;__;

A quick note for the videos in this post. If you use Firefox like me you may not be able to view them. Switch to Chrome~

Now, here's how it looks once I opened my package from DenDenHobby~

The strap I traded to a friend, so I'm not opening it. There's a stock photo of what it looks like:

Now, the unboxing. I've heard the box was very nice and it is. I'm not big on packaging but it has almost a matte (>.>;) finish. The box includes a post card (which I'm considering selling/trading at this time).

Now for the videos:
This first video covers the Digivice activating (when you switch it to ON).

Gabumon voice clip. It plays when you select him with the left button:

This video covers all of Gabumon's sayings. I've listed the translations below. It also covers Gabumon evolving to Garurumon and part of Butterfly ~Tri. Version~. I'm not a huge fan of this version (my favorite is the ultra long 15th version). Let me say, you can really hear the seiyuu in these. It's really nice. Go Mayumi~ You're an amazing lady!

Sayings:
Yamato.
Petit Fire!
No matter what happens, I'm with you.
Let me hear you play your harmonica again.
KNIFE OF DAY? I love your music!

Gabumon to WereGarurumon. The colors really are amazing. I was under the impression they weren't that great, but they look better in person:

MetalGarurumon quite possibly being my favorite Digimon... here's his clip, too! The Digivice cycles through all the colors for warping. It's not just limited to Agumon and Gabumon, either. All the rookies have their megas (ultimates;JP) in this version, which is obvious considering they are in Tri:

The last clip is if you leave the Digivice idle long enough. Gabumon says, "Welcome back, Yamato." *feels*

Here's a bit of comparison on the size / detail to the original Digivice (Yamato color). I would compare it to the 15th, but mine is MIB and I'd rather not open it yet; plus there's not much difference between the originals and the 15th. As you can see the CSA has a bit more detail and is a bit bigger. They also run on different batteries. (The CSA runs on 2 AAAs).

Speaking of which, my remote was temporarily sacrificed for Digimon greatness:

Other notes about the CSA Digivice:
I love the look overall. It's a bit heftier than the 15th Anniversary edition. The inside, when it lights up during evolution, appears to light up some kind of inner mirror system where the Tri. evolution letters are engraved. The buttons are plastic (the original Japanese Digivice has rubber ones; unsure about the 15th). The outer part of the center is reflective like a mirror! I didn't expect that at all, since I'm used to the V-Pet screens. My only con to this item is that the Chosen/DigiDestined's voices aren't included and that this was aimed towards Tri. fans more than Adventure fans. However, I still reccomend it, especially for cosplay. It's not an item I'll probably keep in my collection as long as the others, but it's a very nice piece!

Easter eggs~ I found this video of me demonstrating the Gabumon Spinning Top toy from cereal boxes and my happy Garurumon on my Pendulum Zero:

1.11.16 - Comiket 89 Items up for preorder in Feb

Just a quick note. Premium Bandai updated with the C89 items. I'm only covering the tote bag here. I thought this was going to be a "post it and sells out quick" sort of deal, but apparently not... or? The description says up to 3 per order... so these will sell out quick once they are up. It is confirmed "limited stock".

They retail just around $30 USD a set for the tote.

Good luck, maybe you'll have better luck than me!

1.10.16 - Animate Cafe items on shop

Hey all.
Some of the Animate Cafe items are on the webshop (preorders aren't open, they open between later this month and March).

Since I've covered these items before, here's a quick list:
Agumon and Gabumon Teacup Charm Set - 600 yen
Adventure Can Badge Set (not garunteed full set) - 300 yen
Tri Can Badge Set (not garunteed full set) - 300 yen
Vending Machine Charms (random 1 of 16, there are 2 Gabumon in this set) - 300 yen

There are also some other items featuring the Crest of Friendship and some other previously released elsewhere merchandise.

Good luck out there collecting!

1.8.16 - Otomedia Feb Issue, FEBRI magazine, and a collection update

Hey all! With Tri. Part 2 approaching, there's lots of stuff out and about!

Can you guys believe it's been an entire year since they started putting out these Otomedia posters? LOL This is a preview of the Valentine's one for this year:

 This issue will include more fan-bait interviews, BUT if it's like last year we probably won't get a translation... :/ If anyone is willing to do some small spot translations for me, I have the original issue as well.

Also, you may or may not have heard about FEBRI Magazine's Vol. 32, which features Tri. I'm betting there is some Yamato and Hosoya related stuff, so I picked one up off of Mandarake.

Speaking of Mandarake... this also lead me to finding an insanely good deal. I've purchased from them before but never from their SAHRA Warehouse! Items are Spot-Sale, which means they are in-stock for you. I snagged the Koushiro GEM for a measely $75! Now all I need is Mimi for a complete set :3
I also have another small collection update!

This is one of those acrylic stands (I believe I covered the left image, the signboard keychains, already). They are beautiful and sturdy and I can see why they are trending in Japan!

These are images of a lot of gum wrappers I'm getting from a collector in Turkey. I think my favorite is Gabumon in the car!

Lastly.. it was Hell, but I finally won an auction for the tote bag/towel set! Just a reminder, these are limited to 300 only! I paid around $65 USD via Y!JP Auctions, almost double the retail~ Another reminder that these will be up on Premium Bandai but will sell out quickly. You may want to keep an eye out!

1.2.16 - Happy New Year, NicoNico stream announced

Hey there guys. Happy New Year!

Just wanted to give a quick heads up that Toku Taku still has the Garurumon GEM if you still need to preorder. Otherwise, I would wait for DenDen or Crunchyroll.

Not much news, except there will be a new Tri. related stream coming soon (the 15th, IIRC). I'll post any details when we have them!

Now, some of you may remember the Comiket 89 exclusive tote set. We confirmed the boys bag includes a towel and the girls bag included a scarf. To give you an idea of how much this sucks, only about 300 were made availible per version, per day. My contact was not able to snag me one at the show because they sold out and she went several days. She said that the tote/scarf/girls' version was always availible, though... :/ I have my deputy out looking as well as watching a few auctions. I would expect to pay a hefty price tag for it if you want it, though.

 

12.24.15 - Garurumon GEM preorder ; Cafe exclusives not so exclusive?

First off, a quick reminder that the Garurumon/Yamato GEM figure goes up for preorder within the next 24 hours! It still looks to be a PB exclusive, but I would hold out for Crunchyroll and DenDenHobby if you can. They will save you a bundle in deputy fees.

Now, something I found much to my irritation. The previously cafe-exclusive signboard keychains are now availible on AmiAmi, for almost $25-$30 each... hurts when you paid $50 a box a few months ago. Makes alot of us wonder what really is exclusive and what isn't anymore.

Volume 1 Set with Yamato/Gabumon
Volume 2 Set

On the bright side, though, I managed to snag the color theatre signboard recently for a decent price ($15) on Y!JP. Most of the boards are going for around 1600-2500 yen. Not bad considering the current exchange rate.

Merry Xmas / Happy Holidays everyone :)

12.17.15 - New Movic items (can badges), VirusGabumon DataColle, Otomedia special interview #2,, and update on Garurumon GEM

Lots of news. First up, Animate's online shop updated with a few items:

Can Badge - Retails for around 300 yen each (aka 2400 yen a set). As with most Animate items, these are only sold on Animate's site and only in a set. I would advise finding the one you want on Yahoo Japan! Auctions.

This Twitter scan (source) shows a DataColle collection of Virus Type Rookies, aka BlackGabumon. I won't be buying this set, but I wouldn't mind tracking down BlackGabumon later. There's also a small add for the Yamato/Garurumon GEM. Speaking of...

According to MegaHouse's Twitter, "[Digimon] 12/19, 20, held at the "jump Festa 2016," G. E.m. "garurumon & Ishida Yamato" painted prototype first exhibited decision! Digimon are other exhibition more... (Secretly come to the megahouse booth MB ♪ ‪#‎digimon‬ ‪#‎デジモン"
Basically, at Jump Festa 2016, we'll see the color prototype of Garurumon's GEM figure, as well as some other new items.

Lastly, this is a bit of old news, but work/sleep has kept me from updating. Otomedia did another special with the characters. Here are the bits relating to Yamato.

"This Year Is Special! We’ve Delivered Q&A Vol. 2!

How Grown-Up Taichi And His Friends Will Spend Christmas 

Yamato Ishida: Maybe as an annual custom!? Yamato will hold a Christmas concert and sing a new song with his new band. He might also prepare to perform some sweet Christmas songs for his fans. Uniting with them, he will have an exciting gig.

Sora Takenouchi: Sora will go to Yamato’s concert with Jun Motomiya. She still can’t get into Jun’s aggressive moshing. However, she might get carried away by Yamato’s voice and watch over him fondly.

Takeru Takaishi: Takeru might assist Yamato with his concert. To create a good mood he will invite lots of girls from his school and have fun. If he writes a blog about the concert later, he’ll probably take it upon himself to document everything.
"

There was also some mention regarding the Yamato/Takeru scene in Tri, somewhere, but I can't remember where I found it. It was basically just reminding everyone of the importance of their conversation (that they have grown closer) and of fanservice. I'll update if I find it!

(12.10 - Update!) 12.9.15 - HobbyStock posts phone accessories

Hobbystock has posted a few new items. An iphone6 case (3105 Yen) and some headphones (1583 Yen). I've been in dire need of some new headphones and I like these retractable ones. They have S and M sized earbuds. I may order two, just because~ I can't say much regarding the iphone case (I'm an Android user) but it looks clunky but cute.

FYI, looks like there will possibly be 2 waves of orders on HS as two entries of the same item were listed. :3

As always, HS stuff tends to appear on AmiAmi within a few days. I'll post when they're up~

Edit: They are up for preorder (released in March) on AmiAmi as of 12.10!

Guide to exclusive merch!?

I've made a page attempting to catalogue the exclusive merchandise as of late (for Tri. theatre screenings and the Animate Cafe). Please comment if you find anything inaccurate/missing.

Go check it out here.

11.27.15 - New Yamato / Garurumon GEM and new cafe charms~

AmiAmi has the Memo/Magnet set!

Also, this image has been going around. It's in the GEM line and probably will retail around $80-$100 USD like the Takeru/Hikari ones. Not sure if if will be PB exclusive but I imagine Crunchyroll and DenDen Hobby will get them too. If I had to guess it will go up in early 2016.

Also, thanks to Jess over at my group on Facebook, she found these exclusive cafe charms. They're random like gashapon and obviously exclusive to Japan, so if you're gonna track these down you may be scouring Y!JP auctions.

11.22.15 - Tri booklet scans

 Some scans of the Tri. theatre booklet are on the internet. These two feature Yamato's design and his harmonica prints (they appear identical to the Adventure ones, for obvious reasons). There may be more info in these but it hasn't been translated yet. I ran it through a translator and got the following:

 Lists Yamato's name and his seiyuu. The paragraph says stuff we've pretty much seen elsewhere. Yamato's enrolled in the class next to Taichi. Yamato seems cool at first glance and gets straight to the point. He has continued his band activities since junior high. His opinions often clash with Taichi. Yamato is in charge of vocals and bass for the band.

 

 For the harmonica section it reads (more or less): Harmonica: Blues harp fans know from when Yamato was young. Gabumon loves the tone. Yamato plays (well) when he is pensive.

Source: WtW

11.21.15 - More exclusive merch found

While on Y!JP, I found more exclusive items that have been released in the cafes but not announced elsewhere.

A can badge for the Ikebukuro screening (listed as Sega Lottery Prize):

 A can badge from the Animate Cafe:

A mini clear file you can get at theatre screenings:

11.20.15 - 320 Tri. screenshots for you Yamato fans~

I've just uploaded all of my screencaptures from Episode 1 of Tri. Please, please don't use these without linking back to my album in some form. These took a long time to capture/upload.

Check them out here~

11.21.15 - Tri, Tri part 2, Smart Edit Mook, AmiAmi, and other stuff

I'm assuming you've all seen Tri. Episode 1? I have to say I am pleasantly happy with it. (I'll post a review down the line, once I've had time to let it sink in. If I had to go off first impressions, I would give it an 8/10) Over the next day or so I'll be updating my About Yamato page with snippets here and there from Tri.

Also, Episode 2 is up for preorder on Amazon.co.jp. The cover is said to feature Mimi, Jyou, and their Mega evolutions, as well as Imperialdramon. This edition also includes a poster like last time, but no image has been shown yet that I'm aware of. Episode 2 will air in Japan in March and be released in April.

The previously discussed mook (magazine book) by Smart Edit shows a bunch of the merchandise associated with Tri. Crunchyroll updated with some better images:

Next up is AmiAmi has the microfiber cloth and clear file mentioned in this post availible for around 500-700 yen each. The chibi can badge sets can also be ordered for 2040 per set.

I'll be updating later today with screenshots and information from Tri! Stay tuned~
PS
A bonus. Screenshot of one of the Digimon cafes:

 

11.18.15 - More new merch appears on HobbyStock! (And AmiAmi)

Some new merchandise appeared on HobbyStock. It's all for tri (but whose complaining)? Unfortunetly I'm late to the game here. The can badges are listed as "stock is becoming low", basically, but the other 2 items are pre-order, it appears. Also, I'm pretty confident this stuff will show up on sites like AmiAmi (since other items like the stickers and keychains recently appeared!), so maybe patience is a virtue, considering I know most of us Digi-fans are pretty broke! Anyway, onto the merchandise!

Tri Chibi Can Badge Set (See the Digimon set here) God I want this Yamato badge so much. It's too cute! I've only pictured Yamato here, but it's a set of the 8 children.
This one says it is availible for order for 2400 yen. Release date: November

Yamato and Gabumon Microfiber Towel
The other 8 children are availible. Product is listed for Reservations for 648 yen. Release date: January

Yamato and Gabumon Clear File
The other 8 children are availible. Product is listed for Reservations for 648 yen. Release date: January

Also, a tiny side note, but the Crest Metal Charms are up for preorder on Toei's shop. They ship in March.

EDIT: The previously announced pouches are on AmiAmi!

Gabumon Pouch - 2140 Yen
Gabumon Smartphone Cover - 3170 Yen
Gabumon IC Card Case - 1360 Yen

As always guys, I'll keep you up to date on any Yamato info. Please check back!

11.18.15 - New interviews with voice actors on official site!

This is a quick translation using Chrome and my own intuition, so take it with a grain of salt. If you do decide to use this, please credit me. The original page is located here.

Yoshimasa Hosoya (Voice of Yamato Ishida)
1. For the character you played your own
When I decided to audition for Yamato, I thought a lot of the things, like the fact that Adventure (Yamato?) is loved by many people. At the same time, I thought of the image of "Digimon" in the eyes of the fans, there was also fear that. The character has been redesigned from the previous series.
Nozomi intentionally put without discomfort. (?)

2. What was it like during recording?
Fans had grown to love the original voices, so I kept that in mind. When we worked with our partner Digimon (actors) we gave our best effort!

3. "Digimon Adventure tri. Chapter 1," Reunion, "" Here I want to see! (Maybe, what scenes are you excited about?)
The Chosen Children and Digimon our reunion scene.
If fans from the old days, begin to see this anew and it was what they expected, I would be very happy.

4. Please give a message to the fans.
I am pleased with meeting the expectations of everyone.
For every Digimon fan, we don't want to disappoint them, and so we'll try hard, so you can enjoy as a new "Digimon" works, thank you future best regards!

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~``
Mayumi Yamaguchi (Voice of Gabumon)
1. How did you feel when they told you about a sequel to "Digimon Adventure"?
It brought up a lot of old feelings.
I was surprised when I heard there was a sequel and that I would be reprising my role.
However, I didn't feel anxious or nervous while portraying Gabumon.
After the evolution scene, it felt amazing!

2. What was it like during recording?
The dubbing process is a little different than it was fifteen years ago. 
(Not sure about this part:
Wow I wonder I have interest and ~. And we aunt who had bloom (laughs the water cooler
- I was also eating Monjya from over)

3. "Digimon Adventure tri. Chapter 1," Reunion, "" Here I want to see! (Maybe, what scenes are you excited about?)
The moment when the Butter-Fly flows in the opening, I was filled with excitement!
All the nostalgia came back in an instant and I notice also that something is exciting again. Many are sensitive to the greatness of the Butter-Fly, which implies expectations.

4. Please give a message to the fans.
I'm pleased that this or any "renunion" was possible! It is a pleasure now or for any adventure.
I hope we can enjoy it together!
   

11.18.15 - New Gabumon merch appears on HobbyStock

Some new merchandise appeared on HobbyStock. It features the Digimon.

Gabumon Mini Pouch - 2678 Yen (for one pouch); the site says Backordered but there is no set reservation period, so perhaps it hasn't started yet. These ship in February.

Gabumon Smartphone Cover - 3698 Yen (for one slipcover). Site details: "The back surface can be installed only flat smartphone. ■ Material: PC, PU ■ measure of smartphone dimensions compatible with the present product: - about 140 × width 70 × thickness 10mm to the height camera position from the back top to the bottom is about 37mm lens (the bottom of the camera there is a flash smartphone until flash the lower will be the 37mm)"

Gabumon IC Card Case - 1706 Yen (per one case).

I probably won't be updating about these, so check back on the website if interested!

11.16.15 - Yamato's band's name? New book featuring interview and new merchandise

This photo just linked on tumblr. It's some kind of book featuring interviews with the voice actors of Taichi and Yamato, along with some tri. info. Also, there are some bonuses included: new art on a double-sided poster, an agumon pouch, and some stickers.

I had forgotten to mention the Knife of Day logo, since it was shown at the theatre event for tri. I suspected then it was the name of Yamato's band and I'm about 99% certain now. I'm adding this in the tags section in case of future CD/ CD Drama releases.

The book mentioned above is 2000 yen (about $18 USD) and can be ordered here with a deputy service.