Awesome Products at the Ghibli Store That Will Have Die-hard Fans Pledging Their Retirement Funds

I've been updating you all on monthly Disney store products for almost a year now, so I thought I'd introduce you to another fun store I often visit in Japan (but not as often as the Disney store): the Studio Ghibli store, responsible for awesome movies like My Neighbor Totoro, Spirited Away, and Kiki's Delivery Service. You're bound to have watched one even growing up in the US, perhaps without even realizing it was Japanese! (Although we all thought it was a bit strange that Natsuki and Mei bathed naked with their father in the bath tub in Totoro, right?) In Japan Ghibli movies have a huge following, though admittedly not nearly as popular as Disney. You can find these stores selling adorable Totoro and Jiji products throughout Japan. Here's a sampling of everything you're missing out on!

Cars in Japan, as Told by Shincan

Shin-chan!

One of my favorite Japanese shows to watch on TV is Shin-chan, aka Crayon Shin-chan. Shin-chan is a kindergartner who likes cute girls and showing off his plump butt-cheeks. It may be aimed at kids, but it's not the standard kiddy content! If you've ever watched the series in English you'll know there's quite a bit of potty-language going on, but this is due to the fact that swear words don't really exist in Japanese and are bandied about even on children's shows. For some reason innuendo-infused content isn't really a concern among parents in Japan, either. Thus, without all the filtering and censoring from overprotective parents, characters and plots in Shin-chan are pretty accurate to real life and amusing as well, so I enjoy watching it weekly.

Shin-chan's family: Hiroshi (Dad), Misae (Mom), Himawari (baby sister), and Shiro (dog)

Recently I watched a three-part series about Shin-chan's family buying a new car. Actually, it was the first time I ever saw them use a car! Japanese people have them but seldom use them – what's the point?! They usually just walk or bike everywhere to save money. Japanese people are all about saving and hoarding money. But it's understandable considering how ridiculously expensive everything in Japan is, especially cars. Just to get your license in Japan costs nearly 2000 US dollars, as it includes months of mandatory driving school. Upon completion you have to pass your driving test within a year, or you'll have to repeat everything all over again and fork over that money! Oh, and did I mention you can't even get your license until the age of 18? In addition, you're not allowed to drive with even the tiniest ounce of alcohol on your breath!

Typical conundrum in Japan.

Get Up Close and Personal With Your Favorite Celebs at Madame Tussaud's!

Ever since I found out that my favorite Japanese figure skater Yuzuru Hanyu was featured here, I've always been wanting to pay a visit to Madame Tussaud's, located in Odaiba, Tokyo. I've been to Odaiba many times but finally decided to make my dream a reality!

Valentine's Day and Princess Bears hit the Disney Store!

Although Valentine's Day is on the way and widely celebrated in Japan, it's not the only thing occupying the shelves at the Disney Store this month! Recently a special line of Unibearsity Bears has debuted: Princess Bears! Because everyone loves princesses, human or no.