Pick Up Review
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Empire
yonigeEmpireyonigeI love this albumI would argue that this is the most important album of recent years, musically speaking. Some songs take longer to grow on me, at least, but they do grow on me, and the effect is incredible. My Spotify list from 2025 was all Yonige (of course, I also have this on CD, thanks to CD Japan).
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THE CORE - Kaku [XG ver/Limited Edition]XGXG The Core album.Awesome album. I love every single song. This is my second album of theirs and I'm hooked on their music.This is just another band I like really well and another album added to my growing collection of JPOP and KPOP.
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Painkiller [Blu-spec CD2]Judas PriestPriest at their bestAwesome album from Priest. It came out late in their career but it's actually one of their best albums, in my opinion. It's heavy metal to the core bringing alot of speed and thrash influences. This was Priest coming into a new heavier age. BUY IT!
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Stained ClassJudas PriestPriest classicA classic Priest album, not a bad song on it. The Japanese press looks nice too. Definitely pick this up if you like old Judas Priest.
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Killing MachineJudas PriestOverlooked PriestA really overlooked album from Judas Priest. It has some classics on it like Evening Star, Before the Dawn, Green Manalishi etc. It's not as well liked as some of the later albums, but it's a solid entry in their catalogue.
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New Perfect Master Chokai (Listening Comprehension) Japanese Language Proficiency Test (JLPT) N3 (with English and Chinese Translation)3A NetworkGreat for self studyThis entire series is great for self study as it has exercises from basics to exam examples. The book itself gives you advices and a clear way of advance. I recommend it as I also was able to approve N3 this year.
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Granblue Fantasy Acrylic Stand / VikalaSuper kawaii!I really appreciate Cygames turning this specific Vikala illustration into an acrylic stand. The print quality is crystal clear, and both the character design and the final product are super cute. A must-have for any Vikala fan!
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MEME [Limited Edition / Type A]NEK!Highly recommendedNEKI’s first album is a must-have for J-rock fans. There isn't a single skip on this record; all the tracks are fantastic. The CD booklet is also high-quality and beautifully designed. Highly recommended!
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Kamishiraishi Moka Photobook: charm charmKamishiraishi Moka / Matsuoka Ittetsuso perfect photobook!so precious photobook!she is very beautiful and cute. Everyscence in this book so charm ,warm and cozy
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DIGVII Vol.3 [Cover] Kamishiraishi Moka (TODAY Mook)Shufu to Seikatsu Shabeautiful actressshe is very beautiful actress, I am her fanclub. She is multitalent artists;actress, model,voice acting,talento and singer. Perfect womam!
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[Self Published by Kizu Natsuki] Given Calendar 2026 (w/ Bonus: ID Photo Style Sticker (Ritsuka / Mafuyu) Angel and Devil Ver.)Kizu NatsukiI LOVE IT!!!! <3It’s so so pretty!!! I was expecting it to be a bigger calendar, but I don’t mind that it’s small at all!! It looks like a CD case, which I love and it fits so perfectly!!! Plus, the art in the calendar is STUNNING!!! Definitely worth the purchase!!!!
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The Powerless RiseAS I LAY DYINGOne of the Best AILD AlbumsThis AILD album is angry, melodic and fast, which is what Tim does best with this arguably best lineup of musicians. Out the gate, Beyond Our Suffering sets the stage for a brutal metal assault. Anger and Apathy is another amazing, melodic track. Highly recommended!
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WonderlandSEVENTH CRYSTALSolid Current AOR7C’s Wonderland - to me - is their most melodic and accessible albums. They lean equally on the keys and guitars, which are balanced perfectly. The title track is AWESOME, and sets the tone for rest of the album. And as is to be expected, Fyhr’s vocals are ALWAYS fire!!
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DAGURIKosuke MineSharp, Minimal, Hypnotic GrooveDAGURI by Kosuke Mine is the kind of record that pulls you in quietly, then refuses to let go. It’s lean and focused—more about tension, space, and forward motion than flashy solos—so every phrase and rhythmic shift feels intentional. On vinyl, the atmosphere really lands: the low end is tight, the mids feel present and textured, and the overall mix has a raw, intimate edge that suits the music’s stripped-down intensity. It’s an excellent late-night listen—moody, cerebral, and surprisingly addictive the more time you give it.
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LOVE TRIP [100% Pure LP] [Limited Edition of 1000 Copies]Takako MamiyaA Dreamy City-Pop EssentialLOVE TRIP by Takako Mamiya is one of those rare city-pop records that feels instantly timeless—soft-focus, romantic, and incredibly well-crafted. The grooves are smooth but never sleepy: crisp drums, warm basslines, and shimmering keys that make the whole album feel like a midnight drive with neon reflections on the windshield. What I love most is the balance: it’s polished and elegant, yet full of emotion. Every track flows naturally, and the melodies stick in your head in the best way. On vinyl, the sound has a rich, silky presence that really suits the album’s atmosphere—clean highs, satisfying low end, and plenty of space for the arrangements to breathe.
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MAGICAL Ohashi Junko no Sekai 3 [100% Pure LP] [Limited Edition of 1000 Copies]Junko OhashiPure City Pop MagicThis limited “100% Pure LP” edition of MAGICAL Ohashi Junko no Sekai 3 by Junko Ohashi is exactly what the name promises—bright, elegant city-pop grooves with that glossy, late-night sparkle. The arrangements feel spacious and luxurious, with punchy rhythm sections, silky keys, and vocals that are both powerful and effortless. On vinyl, the whole album breathes: the basslines sit warm and deep, the percussion snaps cleanly, and the choruses open up in a way that makes you want to replay sides immediately. It’s the kind of record that works as focused listening and as perfect background for an evening at home.
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Paper Drivers Music [Limited Release]Kirinjia repeatable and replayable spinThis limited LP of Paper Drivers Music [Limited Release] is a total joy if you like warm, detail-rich Japanese pop with that “city glow” polish. The music feels effortless—tight grooves, clever chord changes, and melodies that stick without trying too hard. It has that Kirinji magic where everything sounds smooth on the surface, but there’s a lot happening underneath (little rhythmic twists, playful arrangements, and vocals that sit perfectly in the pocket). As a record, it’s also just nice to live with: the presentation feels like a collector’s piece, and the album’s bright, summery energy makes it easy to throw on and let it run. If your shelf already has Shibuya-kei/city-pop adjacent favorites, this one fits right in—but it’s also approachable enough for a first-time Kirinji listen.
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47' 45" [Limited Release]KirinjiShort, Sweet, and Addictive47' 45" [Limited Release] from Kirinji is a perfect little slice of their charm—compact, polished, and ridiculously replayable. The songwriting is tight and melodic, with that signature Kirinji blend of smooth groove, clever harmonic turns, and an effortless “cool” that never feels forced. Because it’s a shorter release, it hits fast: no filler, just standout moments that make you want to flip the record and run it back. On vinyl, the mix feels warm and lively, with the rhythm section snapping nicely and the vocals sitting right up front.
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HOT TOPIC [w/ Blu-ray, Limited Edition]Hanabie.Great packaging and full show blu rayA must have for all supporters of this group if you collect all physical editions. The slip case is nice to have and the full Shinjuku concert from 2024 is incredible.
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HOT TOPIC [Regular Edition] [Cardboard Sleeve]Hanabie.Hot Topic from HanabieI've been waiting a long time for the new EP and was so happy that this masterpiece is finally here. I love it, and the Blu-ray too. I was at their concert in Munich and I can still hear it.
