Thursday, February 28, 2008

Where to buy YUI stuff in Malaysia


Tower Records, KLCC

If you cannot buy things online, there are several places in Malaysia selling YUI related stuff. It is slightly expensive compared to buying online, and the choices are limited.

For starters, you can check out these threads in YUI-Lover Forum, they are kinda outdated but you can have a rough idea on the price and what stuff you can actually buy. Mostly albums (Oversea version aka affordable version).

Where can I buy YUI 2nd album from in Malaysia?
TYMT DVD IS FOR SALE IN MALAYSIA!!!!!

Besides Tower Records, I have seen YUI albums in Rock Corner Mid Valley, and my aunt's shop in Seremban.

When I was in Rock Corner, I actually witnessed someone buying From Me To You. The couple were like, discussing which YUI album to buy. I was hiding near oldies corner and had a great time spying on them.

CCDDSS has written a guide on where to buy YUI CDs in Malacca, it is under the comment section. Thanks ah dear~

Normally I buy YUI CDs online (Japanese version), and magazines from Kinokuniya.


All from Kinokuniya

I have written a tutorial on how to order magazines from Kinokuniya, be sure to jot down which issue you are planning to buy, and order earlier because they might out of stock. Latest magazines worth buying will be PATi PATi and Oricon style (March 3).

As for guitar stuff, here are the list of guitar stores in Malaysia. If you want to buy that Yellow/White Fender guitar strap YUI always uses, a lot of us bought it at Bentley Music, near Sungai Wang. The shop has a lot of YUI's electric guitars too, if you have $$$ to spare.

Feel free to provide more places in Malaysia where we can get YUI stuff. If you are a cheapskate but wanted to buy Japanese version CDs, it is better to buy them online, find some friends to share the shipping fees, you will be amazed on how much you can save.

PS: I have finished Mitch Albom's For One More Day last week, now implementing my 'stalking' skills on Mr. Matsushita Konosuke, the founder of Matsushita Electric (Panasonic) for my class presentation. Interesting man *salute*

Saturday, February 23, 2008

20 Super Flying Marimokkori Up For Grabs

----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Misc YUI Facts:

23 February 2005 was the day YUI's first single, feel my soul released.

New YUI Diary entry on this, I love it when dear YUI updates her diary more frequent than I do xD

It has been three years since she debut. Time sure flies fast.

New song Laugh away will be aired on next week's YUI Locks! Apparently there is some quiz thingy going on in jyugyou no hitokoto.

----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

I finally asked my sensei on helping us to 'smuggle' Marimokkoris back. She said ok, under the condition that I have to buy her Thailand made Tom Yam flavour cashew nuts.

Here's the thing, my sensei will return Japan around April 3-5. It stated that they need more than 7 days to process everything, which means that I have to place order before March 27.

I will only order 20 Super Flying Marimokkoris. (the one without laughing voice)

You can choose either green or blue.

How much is this going to cost? (please calculate and convert it on your own in google. Eg: 800 yen in usd)

Marimokkori - 683 yen
Shipping fee to my sensei's house - 800 yen

Then, I have to sent it to you, from Malaysia.

Processing fee - USD 2 or RM 5 for Malaysians

Please check the postal rates here: Pos Malaysia

Aiks I left my Marimokkori at somewhere else. Cannot determine the actual weight. It should be around 250g. Eg: For Canada (Zone E), 250 grams by Air mail will cost USD 5.55.

Total: Marimokkori + Shipping fee to Tokyo + Processing fee + Shipping fee to you

Of course I will email to you the actual amount before asking you to send the money, this is just a guideline for you. I don't think it will differ that much unless some unforeseen circumstances happened.

That's all. Please do not ask me again. Leave your names in the comment section if you really want it.

Terms and Condition:

1. You can send money to me (MYR or USD) via Paypal, money order, bank order, Western Union whatever. Don't ask me how.
2. I will only send Marimokkori to you after I have received the money.
3. No refund, no exchange. I am not responsible on any damages but I will make sure it is in good condition before sending it.

Frequently asked question:

1. When can I actually get my Marimokkori?
After April 7. It depends how long it takes for your money to reach me, when I have the time to go post office, and how long it takes to arrive your house, from Malaysia. Be prepared to wait at least 3 weeks.

2. When can I send you the money?
After I get all the Marimokkoris from my sensei. Around April 7.

3. I really want one of these but I don't know how to yada yada yada....I have no yada yada yada......
That's your problem, not mine.

4. It is expensive.
Again, not my problem.

5. Can I trust you?
Then you better find some other people.

6. What if you never receive my money?
Then you will never get Marimokkori.

7. What if the package got lost during delivery?
I will pay back to you the exact amount I have received.

8. Can I buy other models? Other stuff?
No.

9. Why you never reply my email/ online msn?
I'm not fond with instant messaging. But, I will reply email, for sure.

10. I missed out this when I was away because I was busy yada yada yada, now all the Marimokkoris are booked, can you add another one for me please?
No. But if someone decided not to buy on last minute, you might have the chance.

11. Can I cancel my order?
Yes, but I might keep a grudge on you for wasting both our time.

To those staying in Malaysia

12. Can COD (Cash-on-delivery)?
Than come find me at Malaya University or any Putra LRT station between Ampang Park to Kelana Jaya. Maybe we can jam songs together gether.

13. You earn RM 5 for one stupid doll?
Cannot ah. Bo song issit? Ask your cousin or whatever in Japan to buy for you lah then. (this is just to show how Malaysian English sounds like)

-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

If you still wanna buy, please leave a comment along with your email within this thread. Note that I will only order 20 Marimokkoris, and I am just helping out. I have actual part time job which pays more than this, based on how much time I spent.

Sorry if I sounded harsh and what not, the truth is, in order to get what you want, you have to work hard for it. Which means, take the initiative to do your own research, solve problems and......do not trouble others, too much.

You know when YUI asked what sort of campaign she should organise again for YUI Locks listeners to get to know each other in the upcoming tour (last tour was Red Towel campaign), the first thing came into my mind:

YUI Locks listeners hanging Marimokkori on their bags xD

But then it might be too small for YUI to see it.

Related topics:

YUI Likes Perverted Looking Plush Toys
Relationship Between YUI and Marimokkori
How to Buy Marimokkori
RE: How Oversea Fans can Buy Marimokkori

PS: Coffee Prince broadcasting in Malaysian TV is dubbed in Chinese. OMG.

Tuesday, February 19, 2008

RE: How Oversea Fans can Buy Marimokkori

----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Misc YUI Quotes:

夢って辞書に引いたことがありますか?
夢って叶わないとしていて、思うことなんですよ。

夢-優しい人になること

Have you ever looked up the word "Dream" in dictionary before?
What I think is, "Dream" is supposed to remain as it is, unfulfilled.

My dream - Be a kind person.

Source: MTV Advance Warning

----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

As I was browsing through the YouTube links given by half banana dot com reader Kevin, this clip caught my attention.

OMG they have Marimokkori with evil laughing voice!! xD

I'm so gonna buy one of these. You have to pull harder in order to make it laugh lol. Currently the flying version is out of stock (!!). And it is slightly more expensive.

As requested by John, here's the rough estimation (in USD) if you want me to help you buy Marimokkori:

Flying Super Marimokkori (Blue, tax included) = USD 6.33
Hokkaido -> Tokyo (USD 7.42)

Then my sensei will bring a bunch of Marimokkoris back to Malaysia.

Malaysia -> You (Check Malaysia's Postage Rate here)

Since I'm not sure the actual weight of Marimokkori, for Canada (random pick), 250 grams by Air mail will cost USD 5.55.

Processing Fees = USD 1 (I will increase it if it's too troublesome lol)
Transaction Fees = Depends on which method you're using. Last time I used Postal Money Order to Taiwan and they charged me RM 4 (USD 1.24). It took at least 3 weeks though.

Total: USD 6.33 + 7.42 + 1 = USD 14.75 +++ (excluding postal and transaction fees)

Shipping rates are evil. If you guys know any other better/cheaper/faster way to get Marimokkori, do tell me.

I still have not asked my sensei's permission =x Please bear the risks on your own.

PS: The submission for 2nd YUI-Lover Collaboration has closed. We have received a lot of awesome covers/originals. Thanks again for participating!!

Sunday, February 17, 2008

How to Buy Marimokkori

----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Misc YUI Facts:

I ain't gonna talk about YUI 3rd tour because it makes me sad.

There is a way to join YUI-net.club even though you're not staying in Japan, as long as you have $$$. They have this middleman service to help you, you just have to pay a 'small' fees to them.

Which means, we might have a new album before May 5. Maybe April 9.

----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

The reason it took me so long to update because I was indulging myself in the world of Coffee Prince (Korean drama). I might dedicate a post for this drama lol. Now I'm having withdrawal syndrome, it's been a long time since I'm obsessed with a drama so much, some more a Korean drama. I'm so fired up to learn Korean now xD

Back to Marimokkori. I didn't receive any reply from the shop owner whether it is possible to send it overseas or not. If you guys want me to ask someone in Japan to buy, the shipping fee alone gonna cost a bomb. First, Marimokkori alone costs 683 yen. Second, the internet shop is in Hokkaido:

Hokkaido -> Other places in Japan (800 yen)
Japan -> Malaysia (EMS, roughly 900 yen)
Malaysia -> You (I wonder how much)

I know most of you guys are still student, so I don't think it's worth it to pay all these extra fees. Plus, it is troublesome. You have to send money to that person in Japan, and me.

Another better way is you buy it through Yahoo Japan Auction. If you cannot read Japanese or the seller doesn't ship overseas, you can ask FROM JAPAN to buy it for you. But the problem is, you might be scammed, since it is an auction website, and currently no one is selling that paricular model of Marimokkori (スーパーまりもっこり).

So, what's left?

My sensei is going back to Japan around April. I can ask the store to send it to her house, then she will bring back to Malaysia. Then I'll send it to you guys. That is the most I can do, under certain conditions:

1. You can send money to me (MYR or USD) via Paypal, money order, bank order, Western Union whatever. Don't ask me how.
2. I will only send Marimokkori to you after I have received the money.
3. No refund, no exchange. I am not responsible on any damages but I will make sure it is in good condition before sending it.
4. I will charge a small amount of 'processing fees'. You know, have to buy envelopes, and another USD 1/ MYR 3.
5. You have to be very patient, lol.
6. Don't ask me so many questions. I might not reply. Read before you ask.

I don't like to get myself into trouble so...Do you still want it?

PS: The Second YUI-Lover Collaboration, one day left!!

Friday, February 08, 2008

Relationship Between YUI and Marimokkori

----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Misc YUI Rumors:

This website shows that YUI will be releasing something limited with DVD on April 9.

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Funny that I only notice the truth between YUI and Marimokkori now.


The 'hanging' bulge was due to excessive pulling by whoever came across it. I cannot stuff back 'exposed white thing around the bulge' anymore T.T

As I mentioned on this Perverted Looking Doll called Marimokkori previously, part of it's name, Marimo means a type of green algae called Cladophora/Lake/Moss ball.

Besides turtles, gold fish and prawns, YUI has 2 Marimos too, Korosuke and Chibikoro. She got it as present from someone who went to Hokkaido.


Source: YUI DIARY (03/12/2004).

I don't know whether her pets are still alive or not though. YUI mentioned her pets on FM Fukuoka YUI no Girl's Fight (27/05/2005), and she even asked her listeners to name her pets. YUI no Girl's Fight was YUI's regular radio show (every Friday) when she first debut, and it lasted for one year (01/10/2004 - 30/09/2005). Unlike YUI Locks, YUI talked a lot about herself in Girl's Fight, because she was still new back then. Plus, she had to talk non-stop on her own for 30 minutes, it is interesting seeing how she gradually improved herself, by comparing her old and recent radio shows. HUGE difference.

Back to Marimo. I guess that YUI's 'obsession' with Marimokkori started from the moment she received Marimo as present, lol. My senior has 2 marimos too, next time I'll show you guys.

That's the whole story.


Happy Rat Year from half-banana dot com, Marimokkori, and Jay Chou!!

PS: I'm going to Muar (somewhere south) later, will be back on Saturday~

I have extended the deadline for YL collaboration 2 to February 17, no more excuses not to participate!!

Saturday, February 02, 2008

YUI LOCKS 31/01, Updates on Namidairo/ I wanna be...

----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Misc YUI Updates:

YUI Diary - Smiling speaker lol. YUI-net has updated with Namidairo layout as well.

YUI Movie Show - I wonder which episode of YUI Locks she was recording, old or new ones?

Namidairo PV - YUI's 1977 Martin guitar appeared in her PV for the first time, I guess her thing with Fender is over now. Even Fender Staff doesn't blog about YUI any more these days.

The PV was taken in Yokohama's Karuizawa Park (Not the one in Nagano). According to YUI, it was very cold during shooting process, and they got a telephone box and placed it in the middle of the park, there's no phone box in the real park.

Someone is getting real good in acting these days.

----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

YUI LOCKS! - 31 January 2008


Who drew that? Self portrait?!

This week's segment is YUI-on (YUI's sound). The theme is "The - Winter Japanese Songs!!", and in between songs YUI gave updates on her recent events.

Before that, we got the chance to listen full version of I wanna be.... The message YUI wanted to express in this song is that she wishes to continue making her own music, since comparisons will never end, she wishes to pursue her career regardless of rankings, sales and what not.

Somehow I have the feeling that dear YUI will have problem hitting the notes during lives......

YUI-on (YUI音)

"The - Winter Japanese Songs!!"

1. YMO - Rydeen

I'm sure you guys know who Ryuichi Sakamoto is, he's the keyboardist of this 3 piece band, and the drummer is part of Sadistic Mika Band too. No wonder he looks so familiar when I first saw YMO's performances.

As for which part of this song sounds winter-ish, YUI had no idea. She just wanna listen to this song in this winter season. Then she talked about Namidairo PV, magazines' interviews and album recordings.

2. Yamazaki Masayoshi - Englishman In New York

YUI said that she went to his concert during end of last year and he covered this song. I find this video of Yamazaki Masayoshi meeting Paul McCartney is kinda interesting. Cool cover of Beatles' All My Loving. Yamazaki san released his cover albums last year, YUI enjoyed listening to all the covers, especially the ones the she knows.

Englishman In New York is a cover of Sting's, when I first heard the intro I was like, "I know this song!!" but I wasn't sure whether it is a Japanese or English song. I love the lyrics, I'm an Alien lol. Speaking of Sting, recently I just read Broken Music, his autobiography written by himself. Even though I don't listen to his music much, after reading his book, he inspires me to work harder on several aspects, particularly on guitar, music and, English xD *Respects him even more*

And I thought that he's playing guitar in his performances. Maybe back then I don't know how to differentiate between a bass and guitar. Surprisingly many people don't know about the differences too. Not just that 13 years old me. So, don't give people that weird look if they don't know the difference, explain to them instead haha.

3. AIR - Last Dance

If you've been following YUI-on since beginning, you'll realise that YUI likes those mellow, catchy beat kinda songs (dunno how to describe), just like this one. Me like too, especially the arrangement. This one sounds more like a winter song lol.

Conclusion: Like what the headmaster/vice-principal said, even though the theme is Japanese songs, there's only one song which fits this category the most LOL. One is instrumental, the other one is a cover of English song, shows that dear YUI really listens to western music more xD

Apparently dear YUI realises that only one of her chosen song has Japanese lyrics so in Jyuugyou ato no hitokoto, she talked about her favourite lyrics. Recently will be Kuwata Keisuke's Ashita Hareru kana, especially this part:

「愛」なくして「情」も無い?
Is there no ‘emotion’ without ‘love’? (Credits: MavericK)

DEEP stuff. He's a great lyricist. I agree with what dear YUI said on Kuwata san's lyrics. It sounds English and you cannot really relate to his lyrics until you read them carefully. I'm not talking about Jay Chou kinda don't know what he's singing thing though 方文山's lyrics is SUPERB.

Another song will be Chage & Aska's SAY YES. She said that she always hears this song since she was small but she never really listens to it thoroughly. After listened to it, it's really a great song. Especially this phrase:

愛には愛で感じ合おうよ
Let's feel love with love (Credits: Benedict)

Actually the lyrics sound even more poetic if you can understand Japanese.

Next week's YUI will play covers from fans. Apparently some fans already sent in their Namidairo covers. And we will get to hear some high quality original songs, can't wait!!

Speaking of covers, YUI-Lover Collaboration 2 is still going on, if you want your song to be played in YUI LOCKS!, join NOW!! Submission ends at February 10. Start acting before it's too late~

Going to watch Switchfoot concert later, but I only know like...ONE song.

PS: For Marimokkori, I'm still discussing with MARI san and trying to find other alternatives, please bear with the lack of updates ya.