If you’re one of those Sailor Moon obsessed fans, then you may want to make a pilgrimage to this Sailor Moon Crystal themed cafe in Shinjuku, Japan. Sailor Moon has teamed up with Namco’s Anion Station to create the restaurant for a limited time, well until May 6th, 2015. The food and drink items are also Sailor Moon universe inspired.
In Japan: Sailor Moon Cafe
April 7, 2015 by 5 Comments
ULTRA ACT x S.H. FiguArts Ultraman
March 9, 2015 by Leave a Comment
I Love “Cowboy Bebop!”
December 10, 2014 by 2 Comments
If you have not seen Cowboy Bebop anime series, you do not know what you are missing out on. I can’t say enough about this anime, but as you know the Blu-ray drops today.
Interview with Indie Jrock band Akai Sky
October 31, 2014 by Leave a Comment
This is a Ramen episode flashback to this summer’s Japan Expo (JX) 2014 in San Mateo, CA. The Ramen crew caught with indie Jrock band Akai Sky.
Frankie’s Garage: AUTOart ReRelease – Initial D AE86
October 28, 2014 by Leave a Comment
I’m looking forward to AUTOart’s re-release of the iconic Toyota Trueno AE86 from the popular anime/manga “Initial D” by Shuichi Shigeno. If you’re a diecast car collector then you should also know the name AUTOart. This incredible HK toy company makes super detailed diecast cars, and this 1:18 scale “Fujiwara Tofu Ten” AE86 looks amazing.
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Japan Expo: 2nd Impact 2014 @ San Mateo Event Center
August 27, 2014 by Leave a Comment
The Ramen crew attended the anime convention imported from France, Japan Expo at this past weekend’s San Mateo Event Center. The Ramen team of Eddie, Ramon and Jonelle roam the floors and stages to soak-in the event.
Jpop Summit & Ramen Festival 2014
July 29, 2014 by Leave a Comment
The Ramen crew attends the annual Jpop Summit Festival in SF Japantown and Union Square. The festival celebrates not just the genre of Jpop music, but also anime, manga, cosplay, and Japanese culture. Also this year, they introduced the Ramen Festival this year which packed-in the crowds.
Legend of Korra Cosplayers @ FanimeCon 2014
July 9, 2014 by Leave a Comment
More cosplay fun FanimeCon 2014. We are again up late, roaming around the convention floor, because you know, that’s the ‘con experience’ – 24 hours of anime and no sleep! Ramen host Jonelle spots 2 cosplayers cosplaying from her favorite Nick’ series – Avatar: Legend of Korra.
Eva Maid Outfits @ FanimeCon 2014
July 2, 2014 by Leave a Comment
If you’re an experienced ‘con-goer then you know it’s a mad blitz of fun all day all night. Like at Fanime – you never sleep! Our Ramen & a Half crew roamed around the late evening around the convention floor and our cosplaying host Jonelle spotted these 3 interesting cosplayers. Meet cosplayers Ashley Fee, Christine Deatrick and Jessie Blaufus as they get inventive with their cosplay outfits. These custom French Maid-inspired costumes are from the hit anime Neon Genesis Evangelion.
More Cosplay Fun from FanimeCon 2014
June 24, 2014 by Leave a Comment
We find more cosplayers at FanimeCon 2014. Ramen & a Half host Jonelle spots a cool One Piece cosplayer. All the way from Reno, Charmie Sweets is cosplaying Nico Robin from the anime/manga One Piece.
More from FanimeCon 2014!!!
June 20, 2014 by Leave a Comment
Here’s more videos from FanimeCon 2014! Interview with Hayashi from Akai Sky an indie-American Jrock band.
Fan Film: Dragon Ball Z actor Anton Bex
June 16, 2014 by Leave a Comment
Our Ramen & a Half host Eddie Ballar does a mini jam session with the talented Anton Bex. We sit down and talk about his latest project, the fan film Dragon Ball Z: Light of Hope. Anton plays “Future Gohan” in this YouTube web series.
Cosplayer Yaya Han interview @ FanimeCon 2014
June 11, 2014 by Leave a Comment
Ramen & a Half host Jonelle interviews her favorite cosplayer idol Yaya Han at FanimeCon 2014. Yaya kind of admitted that this might be her last appearance at FanimeCon. She also talks to Jonelle about Heroes of Cosplay tv show and cosplaying in general.
The Tour of FanimeCon 2014
June 6, 2014 by Leave a Comment
I usually do a Viral Video Friday, but this is our Viral Video Friday – a video tour of FanimeCon 2014! Our Ramen & a Half crew takes you around what is the biggest anime convention in NorCal every year – FanimeCon. We take to the Dearlers Hall, Artist Alley, Game Room and more! We also interview Vice-Chair of FanimeCon 2014 Gary de Guzman and the man in charge of Stage Zero – Wendell Nacnac.
FanimeCon 2014 Recap
June 3, 2014 by Leave a Comment
Our Ramen & a Half crew of Eddie Ballar, Ramon Angel and Jonelle recap the NorCal anime extravaganza that is FanimeCon! No long lines this year, now that’s a big plus! The team reviews their adventure and we throw in some cosplay highlights as well.
FanimeCon 2014
May 28, 2014 by Leave a Comment
I’m kinda of still recovering from the 4-day anime extravaganza in NorCal – FanimeCon 2014. In the coming weeks ahead, our Ramen & a Half team of Eddie, Ramon and Jonelle will bring us video highlights, recaps, interviews and everything in between from FanimeCon. Look for it on our website here on Retrenders and our Retrenders YouTube Channel.
FanimeCon is May 23-26, 2014
May 21, 2014 by Leave a Comment
Weren’t we just at Big Wow! Comicfest this past weekend? Our Retrenders team and Ramen & a Half show will be at this weekend’s anime fun-fest FanimeCon 2014 taking place at the San Jose Convention Center in San Jose, CA. All things anime and Jpop-culture will be on hand at NorCal’s biggest anime convention FanimeCon.
Monster Massacre Vol. 2 “East Meets West”
April 1, 2014 by 1 Comment
Monster Massacre is back with more deadly femme fatales and sexy gun grinding action. Monster Massacre Volume 2 showcases the top two art studios in Asia. The top creative talents in Asia at Imaginary Friends Studios based in Singapore and Stellar Labs based in Jakarta team-up for this monster anthology. Many of these writers, artists, colorists, letterers and designers have work with the likes of DC and Marvel comics.
Kaneda’s Bike from Akira built with LEGO
December 9, 2013 by Leave a Comment
The iconic 1988 anime-film Akira also had the famous red bike that the character Kaneda rode and now, LEGO builders the Arvo Brothers have built the bike from LEGO pieces.
Do you want to build this bike? Everybody can now! The Arvo Brothers will be releasing a book of how-to-instructions on December 14, 2013.
New York Comic Con 2013 Teaser!
October 16, 2013 by Leave a Comment
I’m still jet lag after 3 days, our Ramen and a Half team had a great time in New York City and checking out New York Comic Con 2013 which took place this past weekend – October 10-13, 2013. Stay tuned to our Retrenders.com and our YouTube Channel for videos from NYCC 2013!
Japan Only: Butt Pudding (Crayon Shin-Can)
September 26, 2013 by Leave a Comment
From the Japanese manga series by Yoshito Usui comes the Crayon Shin-Can butt-shaped edible pudding. The dessert kit comes with DIY instructions and when you’re done you can eat Shin-Can’s twerking butt.
From Big Wow Comicfest : Toshio Maeda (前田俊夫) – Famous Japanese Comic Artist
September 15, 2013 by Leave a Comment
“The Eddie” was able to get a brief interview with Japan’s famous adult manga (comic) artist or Hentai (perverted) comic artists, Toshida Maeda. Click on his name to view his website.
He’s very well known and we feel pretty lucky have interviewed him. His comics may be for adult eyes only, but he definitely has solid good advice for anyone – including young artists wanting to get into comics and make it as a career.
Interview with Legendary Character Designer: Yoshiyuki Sadamoto
September 4, 2013 by Leave a Comment
At Japan Expo 1st Impact 2013, Jonelle from “Ramen & a Half” had the pleasure of interviewing iconic artist and character designer Yoshiyuki Sadamoto. His famous works include Nadia, Neon Genesis Evangelion, FLCL, The Girl Who Leapt Through Time and Summer Wars. Emanuel, the agent for Yoshiyuki Sadamoto was our translator during the interview.
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RTNDR: What was your background and inspiration in becoming a character designer and artist?
Sadamoto: First, it was the director Yamaga Hiroyuki, the director of The Wings of Honneamise who asked him to do the character design. It started here. Up to that time, it was manga that had led him to draw his own characters for his personal works and this, in turn, led him to work in character design.
The Highlights from Japan Expo 1st Impact 2013!
September 2, 2013 by Leave a Comment
The anime convention imported from France, Japan Expo (JX) landed into Santa Clara, CA on August 23-25th, 2013 and our Ramen crew recapped the highlights from the 3-day event.
For more info, go to: Japan Expo.
Uniqlo Tezuka Osamu Graphic Tee
August 29, 2013 by Leave a Comment
It’s been 50 years since the debut of Tezuka Osamu’s iconic creation Astro Boy. Uniqlo celebrates the anime legend Tezuka Osamu with a line-up of UT graphic tees that feature some of Tezuka’s most popular characters. The first out of the gates is commemorating the 50 years of Astro Boy. Look for more US releases from this UT x Tezuka Osamu Collection.
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Edward Ballar
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Ramon Angel
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