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:

1.14.16 - Garurumon GEM Final Update

Here's my last update guys!

If you're in the UK, Figuya is a good place:
If you're in the US, get him from Crunchyroll, it's the best deal you'll find but you gotta pay upfront.
If you're in the US, DenDen is a good option where you don't have to pay up front.
A third option, AnimeIsland.

Other news is a little slow, but we should have some live events streaming soon!
I'll probably make a collection update later today. ^^
Take care~

12.29.15 - Garurumon GEM update #4 - Preorder at Toku Taku!

Hey guys!

Toku Taku toys has the Garurumon GEM up for preorder! You can do a split payment (half+ shipping now) or pay in full!

Figuya and DenDen still don't have him listed, but they will in the future if you miss out at this site. As of writing, TT still has him in stock.

12.28.15 - Garurumon GEM update #3

Just a quick update on the Garurumon GEM.

DenDen Hobby will get him soon.

Figuya is in negotiations.

And Crunchyroll hopes to get him, but is having difficulty.

Will post when more places are up.

Garurumon GEM update #2

We got a small update from webshop Figuya:

Looks like they will get the preorder up in a few days, with some luck. A little less Engrishy translation:
"*NEW* Yamato and Garurumon are Premium Bandai/Megatrea shop exclusives. We hope we are able to offer this beautiful set within the next few days! Currently, the negotiations are ongoing."
Check updated status on all the preorders here. Thanks to Elise for the information!

12.26.15 - New trivia, major site update, Garurumon GEM preorder update #1

Previously discussed BEAMS mook had some interesting info about Yamato I added to the trivia section:
Yamato carries: his band's sheet music, a military pattern CD Walkman (!), earphones (looks like the Apple ones) and two types of Mintia mints (popular brand here): Dry Hard and Cold Smash. (Special thanks to Squit on FF.net for the translated info. Go read Paradigm Shift, it's really good!) 

I have also made numerous updates to the collection pages. I've gotten alot of Tri/Anniversary merch!

Also, not many places to preorder the Garurumon GEM yet; all US sites have sold out so far. However, there is still a slew of sites that should get him, including Figuya that said "they hope to get him soon". Premium Bandai is accepting orders until March, if you're desperate.

Check this post for updates as we get them~

12.25.15 - Merry Xmas, heres some preorder links!

The D-3s and the Garurumon GEM went up for preorder today.

The D-3s are limited to 3000 each but several sites have had them up for order. We finally have pictures of the art cards included with the first press run:

Next up is a list of sites you can preorder the Garurumon GEM. I will update as sites have the item up for order. Keep in mind his retail price is 11232 Yen (roughly $93 USD), so try not to overpay for him if you can (although, if it comes down to it, I wouldn't mind!)

Premium Bandai (need a deputy service, full payment required - $93 USD + any deputy fees)
Bandai Online (full payment required, free registered SAL shipping)
Big in Japan (sold out, full payment required) *Note: This sold out in 5-10 minutes!
Nippon Yasan (sold out, deposit or pay in full)
MyKombini (sold out on 12/26, 50% deposit required)
Figuya (they say it will be up soon, payment due on shipment + reservations are able to be cancelled; also they do not guarantee stock of an item) *They should have the preorder up in a few days!
Toku Taku Toys (availible now, half+shipping or pay in full)
DenDen Hobby (TBA, 20% deposit or pay in full, free shipping) 
Crunchyroll (TBA, full payment required)
Anime Island (TBA, 20% deposit or pay in full)

Looking into the following shops as we speak. Will get back to you all asap!

Please keep in mind TBA means I'm expecting these shops to get them (because they've had the angels or Wizarmon):

BigBadToyStore (TBA, payment due on shipment)

AnimeBLVD (TBA, pay in full, free shipping with $50 over)
KirinHobby (TBA, pay in full* or payment due on shipment)
AniMarket (TBA, deposit required)
MHToyShop (TBA, pay in full now or payment due on shipment)
Kolektakon (TBA, pay in deposit, slowly pay off as you go)
Image Anime (TBA, pay in full)

*KirinHobby will let you pay later, but if you pay in full you get priority, which means if they have 100 of an item, you get first dibs, despite when you ordered. I don't recommend ordering here as it seems risky that you won't get one.

Finally, we have an updated picture of the Yamato figurearts zero from JumpFesta:

12.24.15 - Garurumon GEM preorder and info, other GEM reprints!

Okay guys! PB has put up the Garurumon GEM. Before you guys go nuts trying to preorder, keep in mind that sites like RightStuf, DenDenHobby, and Crunchyroll have been getting these figures! Just be patient~ With that said... they are also reprinting Mimi/Koushiro, Joe/Sora, and Ken GEM figures, for those that missed out. I hope this eventually leads to a reprint of the angels, too!

Mostly, I wanted to share the news that Yamato is detatchable from Garurumon. I thought this was a nice touch. Here's some other photos from PB's site:

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 :)

12.18.125 - Jump Festa - Hosoya's name in Digimoji; Garurumon GEM color prototype

Just a small thing from Jump Festa. Taichi's voice actor, Hanae Natsuki, writes fellow actor for Yamato, Yoshimasa Hosoya's name in Digimoji (the Digimon alphabet).


The associated Tweet translates (poorly) to:
Jump Festa information !
Pair it early ? ! It is the Taichi role - Hanae -san and Agumon role Sakamoto 's New Year's writing let me decorated by Toei Animation booth .
Hanae 's challenge Digimon character ! The real thing by all means at the venue ★ 

Also revealed at Jump Festa is the color prototype of the Yamato/Garurumon GEM figure. The retail is 9800 yen, roughly $85-88 USD? Preorders begin on Christmas and the figure releases in July 2016.

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!

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.

11.20.15 - 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~

8.1.15 - Happy Odaiba Memorial Day! Updates + New PV

So, I'm sure you've all seen the PV by now. Not much new regarding Yamato, although we did get a really nice poster.

In the actual PV, Yamato shows up a few times. Nothing new here. I like how bright his eyes are but I still am getting used to the design, haha.

In other news, I made a huge site update after connecting with some more Yamato collectors. You can find their Links in my FAQ section! (As well as a site button, if you'd like to link this blog!)

I've also added the following items:

• Yamato Washcloth
• Yamato Spiral Notebook
• Yamato Gift Card
• Yamato Settei 
• Yamato / Gabumon Line Zero Two Magnets
• Garurumon Cup
• Peruvian Coca Cola Promotional Cards
• Yamato Pinball Party Favor
• Gabumon Japanese Game Peices
• 15th Anniversary Clear File, Yamato / Gabumon
• Takeru Takaishi Walkie Talkie
• Yamato stickers / temporary tattoo

Site Launch

Hi all! I'm launching this collector's blog on the 15th anniversary of Digimon! This isn't a collector's guide like my other site, but you can see what I've managed to collect since 1999 and it's a ton of stuff. I look forward to sharing my collection with you!