Samurai Shodown Iroha 1/5 Scale Figure

If a crane ever morphed from avian frame to human form, you'd get something that looks like Iroha. Decked out in black and white duds which flow like airy gossamer, Iroha is a study in contrasts. Her face is sweet and unassuming but she carries two killing blades named Hourin and Ousai. Iroha is seemingly childlike but her body is that of a woman. The winsome maiden first made her appearance in Samurai Spirits: Tenkaichi Kenkakuten and toy sculptors have served up a steady supply of Iroha renditions ever since. The latest incarnation is from Good Smile Company which clocks in at 1/5 scale or 30cm (11.81") tall.

The new Iroha figure is fixed pose where she perches on her right leg (note the thick meaty thighs) while her left leg is lifted up. Cranes and flamingos generally perch like that. Similar to other Iroha figures, the posture is fairly relaxed and she looks like she might be out for a Sunday stroll. Preorders are welcome to ship in mid-late September 2007.

Ghost in the Shell Nendoroid Tachikoma

Good Smile Company's line of Nendoroid toys such as the Sabre (Fate Stay Night) figure and the Mesousa set invariably feature rounded sculpts and big heads. There's a Death Note Yagami Nendoroid figure shipping this summer which sports a huge melon head. The company has recently started preorders for a 130mm Nendoroid Tachikoma which represents the first mechanical construct in the product line.

The new Tachikoma features the rounded proportions that have come to define the Nendoroid line but neither the pod nor the body are exaggerated in size. The four legs are stubby and are fitted with wheels while Tachikoma's pincers are functional and may be opened and closed to grip the Eneuron Organic canister included with the toy. The default weapon that is affixed to the undercarriage of the mech is a grenade launcher but it may be swapped out for a gatling gun. A sheet of decals is also included to paste on Tachikoma's body. Preorders are welcome to ship in Oct 2007.

Samurai Spirits Zero Mina Majikina 1/4 Scale

Japanese toy manufacturer Daiki Kogyou originally released the 1/4 scale Mina Majikina toy in resin kit form last year and buyers flocked to it like chickens to cracked corn. After selling out of the kits, Daiki Kogyou rewards patient collectors with an assembled and fully painted figure which ships in October 2007. The toy is limited to only 3000 units and pricing is set at JPY23,100 or US$289 from NCS.

The figure is sculpted to 1/4 scale or 45cm tall which converts to a magnificent 17.71" from blue tabi socks to the top of Mina's flowing silver tresses. Although the product photo doesn't show the full expanse of her bow, the Chinsei Hachijou in her left hand spans 50cm or 19.68" in length. In her right hand, Mina grips three arrows which are pointed downwards and a green quiver is lashed to her back. Champuru is missing but we imagine that the little demon is out gathering berries. Or squirrels.

Please note the packaging for this figure will incur dimensional weight shipping charges. It's a big one. As such, NCS recommends only shipping via UPS Ground within the United States. Preorders are welcome today.

General Updates

Imports Tomorrow All of this week's new import shipments are scheduled to arrive tomorrow and preorders for PSP Bleach: Heat the Soul 4 will ship on Thursday.

Japanese Console Restock Another batch of Japanese Wii consoles are expected tomorrow and all backorders will ship on Thursday. Slim Japanese PS2 consoles will also be restocked tomorrow.

USA Wii Consoles Since we receive many inquiries: Distributors in New York are still trying to get US$350 for USA territory Wiis. NCS isn't stocking any at that price but we'll add the consoles back to our shop when prices are more reasonable.

Biohazard Umbrella Aluminum Case

e-Capcom has started preorders for an aluminum case decorated with the Umbrella logo, a Biohazard marker, and text which reads, "Potentially Infectious Waste." In addition to the aluminum case, a pair of keys, yellow-colored Biohazard caution tape, and two warning tags are included. Pricing in Japan is set at JPY3675 but due to the dimensional weight of the item, shipping costs will be lofty and the product is priced accordingly. The aluminum case measures (L) 214mm x (W) 359mm x (H) 191mm (8.42 x 14.13 x 7.51") and is segmented into three portions inside which can hold up to 20 DVDs or roughly 30 CDs. We're thinking of storing all of our Biohazard and Resident Evil games from the PS1, PS2, and Gamecube in there. Preorders are welcome to ship in mid June 2007.

General Updates

Mario and Luigi Cap Cushions Restocked All backorders for the Mario & Luigi cap cushions will ship today and new orders are welcome. Pricing remains at US$29 + shipping.

Mario Stamp Set One of our vendors was able to locate a batch of Mario Stamp Sets which were issued in 2006 by the Japanese Postal Service. We may receive them this week and we'll post an update once they're in stock.

Japanese Import Outlook

NDS	Hoshigami	AS Netwks
	Kekkaishi: Karasumori Ayakashi Kidan	Bandai
	Kurikin Nano Island Story	Nintendo
	Osawari Tantei: Osawa Rina - Season 2 1/2	Success
	Puchi Puchi Virus * [Delayed to June TBA]	Keys
PSP	Bleach Heat the Soul 4	Sony

Domestic Release Outlook

NDS	Death Jr. & the Science Fair of Doom	AGF
	Diner Dash	Eidos
	Marvel Trading Card Game	Konami
	Naruto Ninja Council 3	Tomy
	NY Times Crosswords	Majesco
	Pirates of the Caribbean At World's End	Disney
PS2	Dawn of Mana	Square
	Pirates of the Caribbean At World's End	Disney
PS3	Pirates of the Caribbean At World's End	Disney
PSP	Brooktown High Senior Year	Konami
	Diner Dash	Eidos
	Legend of the Dragon	GFactory
	Pirates of the Caribbean At World's End	Disney
Wii	Pirates of the Caribbean At World's End	Disney
X360	Wartech: Senko no Ronde	Ubi Soft
	Pirates of the Caribbean At World's End	Disney