My New Netsuke

For those of you who do not know it "Netsuke" are oriental statues, or carvings that originated back in the late 16th, and early 17th century in feudal Japan. Most netsuke were usually used as clothing accessories to show heritage, lineage, and standings within the feudal Japanese communities. Nowadays these keepsakes that are carved from bone, ivory, and other base materials are highly sought after, and are considered one of the finer traditional Japanese collectibles. They come in a variety of different forms including erotic nudes, animals of varying sorts, and Japanese deities/spirits. As far as me and the netsuke go I've collected a few here, and there, and have picked up most of my netsuke at antique malls, or flea markets. I do love buying them when I can find them for a reasonable price.

When it comes to value not all netsuke are genuine, or created equally though. The more authentic, and aged pieces are usually carved from some sort of bone while the modern pieces are sometimes resin in build. It's usually easy to tell the difference between the two as bone carries distinct markings, and modern resin copies are usually too perfect for their own good with non-porous non-skeletal structures. Modern netsuke also usually have a line around them from the mold they were cast in. Another sure fire way to tell a fake from a genuine netsuke is to look at the symmetry of the figure. Details like the persons', or deity's ears, or facial features can tip you off to a fake. It is hard to carve out a perfect netsuke, and without visible asymmetry present you can usually guess that the figure is a reproduction, or fake. actual distinct carving marks will also tip you off as to whether, or not the netsuke in your possession is fake.

100 Yen: The Japanese Arcade Experience

From TAITO's humble beginnings as the world leader in arcade innovation to the modern day Japanese arcade scene director Brad Crawford takes us on a documentary style journey that will no doubt intrigue many of the gamers of today as well as the gamers of yesteryear. For veteran arcade gamers, and at home console players alike the importance of these socially driven experiences will be explained in a manner that all can understand. You'll get to see interviews with Japanese greats such as Clover-TAC (An expert shmup gamer), Daigo "The Beast" Umehara (A Fighting game expert), and even some of our American favorites (Mike Ross, Mike Z ...) who have helped revive recognition of the declining Arcade industry. Along the way you will also gaze upon the many breathtaking sites of Japan, all of which are depicted in glorious HD. You'll even get to see hardcore Japanese gaming enthusiasts hammering out the arcade buttons in hopes of achieving the next world's record.