Below are just a few companies that have taken the big leap and communicated with other fans around the globe to see what they are like. Surprisingly their counterparts are exactly like them. The only difference is that they speak different languages. Having something in common is the greatest thing a fan can have. Trying to speak to each other will come later.
Ichigo Black is an alternative clothing company run by Sasha Thomas. She is currently attending Massachusetts College of Art and Design. She is majoring in Fashion design and has been sewing professionally for over 4 years. Sasha has a passion for Japanese street fashion. Her goal is to create Japanese inspired fashion for the US market that fits a person’s changing lifestyle.
Mandarake has been the place for all things Japanese pop-culture for over 30 years. With its humble beginnings as a bookstore in western Tokyo, Mandarake has become a destination for fans of Anime, Manga, and video games from around the world. Mr. Kono from the Mandarake’s international office was gracious enough to answer some questions regarding bridges of culture.
GAMETECH is a Japanese company based in Fukuoka, Japan. The company specializes in custom cases for the PSP, iPhone, and iPod models. The designs come in typical Japanese names, WaSaBi, Kataki, Yawaraka, Miyabi, and Iki. Gametech had a booth at New York Comic Con 2010 with many people trying to buy these cool designs from Southern Japan. Mr. Morita was kind enough to answer some questions.
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1. How long have you been selling products?
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Ichigo Black: 6 years total, but I've been selling under the name "Ichigo Black" for 2 years only.
Mandarake: We have been doing business in Nakano Broadway building since 1980.
GAMETECH: Our Company was founded in 1985; it‘s our 25th Anniversary. We have released more than 1,500 items since then.
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2. How long have you been a fan of Japanese popular culture?
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Ichigo Black: For as long as I can remember! Going to Japan had been a dream of mine to experience it all for myself since I was a kid.
Mandarake: Some of our staff loves American toys as well, but we mainly focus on Japanese culture.
GAMETECH: We have been doing business in Japan. Lately we have just started studying about the U.S. culture.
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3. Have you noticed any changes in the customer's buying habits over the years?
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Ichigo Black: Yes, the economy has left a lot of people jobless with less expendable cash. Last year I noticed buying necessities comes first and then there's not a lot left after that. This year has been a little better, but I find people only buy something if they know where they'd where it and what they'd wear it with. In past years, if someone saw something and thought it was cute, they'd usually end up buying it whether or not they've got anything specific in mind.
Mandarake: Increase in customers who doesn't look like typical "otaku" but true Otaku.
GAMETECH: We feel people tend to buy more items for Smart Phone than video game items.
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4. What genre has always been popular with fans?
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Ichigo Black: I'm not sure genre is the best word to describe it, but what's always been popular is any and everything with animal ears. At the moment most fans fall head over heals for the Animimi hoodies. They're cute hooded sweatshirts with animal ears (and tails coming soon)! They're kind of new, so there isn't a lot available on the site, but we do make sure to have quite a selection when we sell at anime cons.
Mandarake: Animations being aired on TV, manga on Jump magazine, pop games, Idols, anime voice actors, and a lot of other things.
GAMETECH: iPhone is becoming the most popular in our product.
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5. What are some of the difficulties facing your business today?
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Ichigo Black: The main difficulty I'm facing today is the rising cost of materials here in the US. Also, since the decline of the economy, a lot of the smaller discount fabric stores have closed down and the local factories have moved their production to China. Another problem I've noticed is that the major stores have caught on to the popularity of Japanese pop culture and the bigger chains are starting to produce styles similar to mine for about half the cost (since they can afford to outsource their production).
Mandarake: If many of the future products will be based on downloading data such as games, rather than selling goods.
GAMETECH: Gamers’ preferences are becoming more and more diverse everyday.
It is difficult for us to target a certain range of users.
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6. What do you think are ways to increase understanding of different cultures?
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Ichigo Black: The Internet is very helpful for informational purposes, but it can only go so far... Traveling is probably the easiest way to gain a better understanding from your own experiences.
Mandarake: Fastest way is to take interest in something, and to understand that something you like.
GAMETECH: We would say people should respect each other and acknowledge that a good thing is good. (We are worried if you understand this.)
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7. What is your personal favorite item in your store?
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Ichigo Black: My personal favorite items would have to be the wrist cuffs. They're versatile so they go with almost any outfit ^_^
Mandarake (Kono): Transformers, Macross, and Gundam
GAMETECH: WaSaBi iPhone4 Metal Cover, which is coming soon.
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8. What are the biggest obstacles preventing more cultural exchanges?
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Ichigo Black: I think the biggest obstacle preventing more cultural exchanges is the lack of opportunities for young people to travel to other countries. I know quite a few people who have not left the state they were born in far less the country. I've been traveling since I was 3 years old and that's the reason I've always had the urge to experience other cultures. I think if kids were able to travel more often, it would open their eyes, from an early age, to the wonders of the world around them :)
Mandarake: If there is a mutual interest such as Animation or Manga, we do not think there will be any big obstacles.
GAMETECH: I personally think a language would be one of the obstacles. Many Japanese can’t speak English. In addition, they are very reserved and shy. (I am NOT) But I feel American people do not call down foreigners just because they do not speak English properly. This is what I felt when I went to L.A. It would be very useful if people across the world had a common language！
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9. What do you think is the next "hot" item?
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Ichigo Black: I honestly have no idea >_< As long as its nothing like the crazy 80s that's going on now, I'm happy to see what will be next!
Mandarake: We would like to know as well.
GAMETECH: Next generation of iPhone-------
10. What advise would give to people who want to make the leap to
work with other cultures?
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Ichigo Black: There are quite a few teaching opportunities for those who don't mind jumping right in and living in a different country for a while... You can also just hop on a plane and wing it... which I've done and, depending on where you're going, I've found people in other countries are quite nice and very helpful to visitors ^_^
Mandarake: To pursuit on something you love, will lead to work.
GAMETECH: I would say, “Don’t be shy and don’t think your culture is the standard of the world. Different people have different thinking.”
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Next up, several people have been interviewed who are bridges of culture.
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