Summer it-character Gegege Kitaro tie-in products

If there was any question as to whether the latest (and deemed the most authentic) TV anime adaptation of the classic manga series Gegege Kitaro has struck a chord with audiences, then the release of several products featuring the spirit-monsters ought to be proof enough.

NEC is releasing a notebook PC with the Gegege characters, as redesigned by Devil Robots, laser-engraved on the top.

Two versions, the LaVie G type L standard (in berry blue or sugar pink) and the LaVie G type C are available in limited numbers from ¥82,908 and ¥162,645 respectively. Fans can choose from all or just one of their favorite characters.

On the other end of the price spectrum, Family Mart has announced a limited edition bento for the release of a full-length live action Gegege feature, “The 1000-year Cursed Song.” The “Ghost Rice Ball” lunch box features dishes inspired by the main characters and will be available, along with other assorted character products, from July 21 to August 4 for ¥1000.

Other Gegege products we’ve come across lately include this eyeball beach ball and ghost shaped floating device.

The manga series, originally called Hakaba Kitaro, by Shigeru Mizuki, debuted in 1959 and has been adapted for anime both on TV and the big screen numerous times, usually under the name Gegege Kitaro. With the beloved story just shy of its 50 year anniversary, Kitaro has a multi-generational fan base that means product tie-ins for every age group.

For those of you who aren’t familiar with Gegege, here’s what the live version looks like.

And a clip of the classic opening sequence from a 1960’s animated version.

Tags: anime, computers, Family Mart, FMCG, Gegege Kitaro, manga, NEC

USB fun: Fairy Elf Messenger and Panda-yaki

If you have ever wonder what an emoticon would look like, if acted out by a spritely action figure, here you are: the Fairy Elf Messenger Doll from Shanghai Donya.

This 8cm tall toy connects to your computer via USB and comes to life through Windows Live Messenger, lighting up and flapping its wings in surprise, anger, or pleasure, corresponding to the emoticons in messages received by the user.

Available in red and yellow or green and purple, for ¥1,999.

There seems to be no shortage of cute, somewhat useful, things for your computer’s USB drive, like this Panda-yaki (bean-filled pancake) shaped 1GB memory stick.

The 7×5cm gadget, available for ¥6,980 on Rakuten was released last month in honor of Panda Day, March 11. In case this is news to you, Panda Day commemorates the day when a French priest first laid eyes on the black and white not quite bear in the wilds of China in 1869, thus bringing awareness of the creature to the western world.

A surprise hit, initial stocks sold out completely last month, although new orders are now being taken for a new shipment this month. The sales website also makes note of where you can eat the real thing (panda-yaki, not panda), outside of the entrance to the Ueno Zoo in Tokyo.

Tags: computers, gadgets, USB

Back to nature computer mouse

If you’ve been losing sleep trying to reconcile your internet addiction with your recent enthusiasm for the “back to nature” movement, check out this wooden mouse, hand made in Japan’s rural Gunma prefecture. The “Jupiter” mouse, apparently named so for the wood grain swirls and clicker reminiscent of the largest planet’s famous spot, is available from Actbrise Electronics for ¥13,980.

Not only does it look cool, however, the spherical shape also means that the Jupiter functions differently from a traditional, err, mouse-shaped mouse. The cursor moves in a particular direction and velocity according to the tilt of the ball, somewhat like a joystick, staying relatively put on its little stand.

In other spherical mouse news, Actbrise also has a stainless steel “Escher” mouse (¥8,925, available for Mac too!).

And this nifty series of “Deco” mice (¥12,600-¥15,600), for personal computer users who prefer the bling side of things.

Tags: Back to Nature, computers

“Safe” padlock locks down your computer

In another case of retro styling meets current technology, KI Electronics has released this user-friendly computerized keyboard padlock that bears a striking resemblance to those safes you find in hotel rooms.

To use the lock, simply turn the dial to “close” mode and enter a four-digit pin number to lock and then use the same number in “open” mode to unlock. Two AA batteries are enough to power the lock, with its LCD screen, for five years.

The product website lists a number of situations when the lock might come in handy, such as the gym, the local bathhouse, or the golf course. The Japanese honor system means that many of these places lack lockers (or at least ones that you couldn’t pick with a hair pin if you really wanted to). So if you wanted to play it safe, the ¥12,000 isn’t a bad investment.

Tags: computers, Retro

Sanwa’s new finger mouse is not a mouse

If a mouse ceases to look like a mouse, is it still a mouse? Check out this new “finger mouse” by Sanwa.

This 6cm long gadget is held in place by a band around the index finger while the click and scroll functions on the side are designed for thumb control.

Though at first glance this new not-mouse looks likely to cause finger cramps, the product description aims to reassure would-be converts that this will not be the case and goes further to point out that you can even keep the mouse on your finger while exercising your hands over the keyboard.

Also, as the picture shows, the sensor mechanism is designed for use on any surface, removing the need for mouse-pads and making more room for desk clutter.

Costs ¥3480 ($30) from the Sanwa website.

Tags: computers