I often hear that a lot of fans are having trouble finding Fushigi Yuugi
merchandise, and when they do finally find something, they are spending a
whole lot of money to get their hands on it. But it's really not that
hard and it's not that expensive unless you participate in an auction,
which is really expensive. At this time, there're tons of stuff out there still.
Before one goes spending tons of money on their favorite item that they have been hunting down for eternity, I encourage fans to try some of our more resourceful dealers.
Cool links to all kinds of anime-vendors can be found at Anipike's website here:
http://www.anipike.com/stores.html
Collectibles include posters, stickers, trading cards, poker cards, manga, CDs,
artbooks, earrings, bracelets, mirrors, pens, keychains, lapel pins,
stationary, scrolls, UFO dolls, videos, etc...The best thing to do is go
there and browse all the vendors listed. Yeah, there are a lot, but that's
good because there is more of a chance to find what you are looking for.
When you get to the stores, don't just leave after you search their
inventory....email them and ask for what you are looking for. Sometimes,
these guys are so busy, they can't update their pages. Email them and ask
them for what you want, or ask them to email you a list of what they have
(i.e...what stationary sets are you carrying right now? Do you have a
Hotohori UFO Doll? Do you have the second/first Fushigi Yuugi Artbooks? Do
you have the original soundtrack?)...if they say no...ask to be put on
their list. Yes, this works. Especially for Anime Pavillion, Suzaku's,
Usagi's, and a few other places. In addition, some of them have pending
orders from their dealers...you have a chance of getting a hold of
merchandise before they even unload their orders. Many places have
images up of their scrolls, sticker sheets, posters, decks of cards,
trading cards, etc...go look.
As for the novels such as Genrou Den...your best bet is a Japanese
bookstore. If they don't have it, ask them to order it for you because I
don't see the novels online too often although there are a few stores which do
have them online. If you have trouble communicating with
the Japanese speaking bookstore owners, ask some of your friends to help you.
It really is the best way to acquire these books.
Fushigi Yuugi anime videos:
Many of the above dealers on the anipike have the Fushigi Yuugi series as
put out by Pioneer. But you will probably find an easier time looking for them in your
home town. Blockbuster, Suncoast Video, Hollywood Video...may have them and
may be able to order them. Suncoast has a very big selection of anime.
Sometimes, Suncoast even has bits of merchandise. If you don't have such a
store in your area, grab a phonebook and look at the neighboring cities.
Many are willing to do mail orders.
[check out this issue's release info to see what volumes of FY are available now. -ed.]
Fushig Yuugi OAVs:
This part of the story has not been picked up by Pioneer
or anyone else at this time. So the best place to look for the fansubs of
the OAV series is the Fansub Webring (http://www.pond.com/~erik/fwr/) Many
people are willing to make copies for you at the cost of a blank tape and
postage. Others will trade for other anime. Just browse the index list.
That's the fastest way to find what you are looking for.
It is important to stress that the anime series cannnot be found on fansubs
because it has been commercialised and is distributed by Pioneer. But don't fret, they have been putting out a volume a month so you won't have to wait long to get
the whole series.
Another source for you all is the FYStuff Mailing List. A few of the dealers have subbed and will be posting updates to their inventory. Occasionally members also post when they have stuff they want to trade or sell.
Finally, here is a quick guide for some merchandise:
Steve goes to Japan several times a year. He finds some of the hard-to-find
stuff, like Chichiri's Beads. He can order the novels for you and the CDs.
He's great with cards, stickers, stationary, keychains, lapel pins, pencil
boards, scrolls, posters, videos and other little trinkets:
http://www.animepavilion.com/
Posters, scrolls, CDs, Videos: http://ani-magic.com
Posters, Stickers, Cards (some pix of these), books, cards: http://www.animeplus.com/
Lots of FY: http://www.anime-c.com/
Tons of FY: http://www.iaw.on.ca/~dafs/
Tons of stickers, trading cards, little trinkets, CDs : http://www.houseofanime.com/
Pencil Boards and Laminated cards, magazines, books: http://www.thirdwave.net/~swrdcrr/kasei.html
This place finds some of the really hard to find stuff like Tasuki's Earrings and Nuriko's Bracelet: http://www.usanime.net/.
Good luck!
Visit Rence at: mysterious.icestorm
Comments go to: rence@mindspring.com
Article copyrighted 1999 Rence
