Create a Smart Playlist with the Last Played and “is not in the last” option.  Go back in time as far as possible then stop where there is still music.  This is your first playlist.  It may only have a few songs–songs you haven’t heard in the longest time.  Your first few playlists will be sparse.  Keep adjusting the time forward to keep songs in your playlist.  The drawback to this playlist is having to adjust it.

I just ordered another 10,000 yen iTunes card and noticed the price dropped. Last year, the price for the same card was $136. Then the price went up to $141 in January. Now it’s $124. That’s better. I was slightly discouraged when they raised their price in January. Japan Codes is cheaper than JBOX for iTunes cards.  That’s why I keep using them.

USPS Track & Confirm

My CDs from Japan should have arrived 3 days ago. Instead, they’re sitting in U.S. Customs. I haven’t had this happen before. I called Customs at (877) 227-5511 today. They said my package can be held for 45 days. She said since it was CDs there shouldn’t be a problem. I asked what happens if I haven’t received them after 45 days. She said contact the U.S. Postal Service.

I searched the Internet and one Customs person said, “shipments just sit at the cargo location without being examined or inspected, especially air shipments.” So Customs people get off your lazy asses and do your job. Get off the Internet! Get off facebook! Stop reading this blog and clear my package!

Amazon Japan

Amazon Japan is like any other online music store that sells Japanese music (i.e. CDJapan, YesAsia). You can create an account, order new CDs, and have them shipped to your door. Any of the other sites mentioned will do and are better for ordering in English.  Amazon Japan does have an English site although parts of it are still in Japanese.

Why do I need a Japanese address?

Amazon Japan also sells discontinued (out-of-print) CDs through third parties.  Sadly, they will not ship these items to the U.S.  No problem.  Tenso provides Japanese addresses and safely ships items to the U.S. Now you’re able to order rare CDs and save money on used items.

iTunes Japan

iTunes Japan is yet another source for new releases and out-of-print (OOP) music with the advantage of instant downloads.  They may not have everything you need but I’ve seen their selection dramatically grow over the past couple years.  iTunes Japan also requires a Japanese address.  You’ll also need iTunes Japan cards available from JBOX or JAPAN CODES. (set up an iTunes Japan account)

Google Translate

Unless you understand Japanese you’ll have difficulty searching for artists and albums on the Web.  Google Translate works with text and links.  Google Translate is especially useful if you’re buying used CDs.  Merchants list condition, imperfections, damage or missing items.

• Aira Mitsuki×Saori@destiny: ×~PARK OF THE SAFARI
• Ikuzo Yoshi: 35 Shuunen Kinen Subete no Hito ni Arigatou
• Saori@destiny: Domestic domain
• capsule: Flash Best
• the pillows: FLCL Original Sound Track NO.3
• SCOOBIE DO: Kaze no Koibito/Akaneiro Ga Moeru Toki – EP
• BRIGHT: LOVE-aruainokatachi-
• Kyarypamyupamyu: Moshimoshiharajuku
• Various Artists: Q Bar Present: Cocktail & Lounge
• SHOW-YA: SHOW-YA/Twin Best
• Ryusenkei: Tokyo Sniper
• Dimitri from Paris: Tsukuyomi Opening Theme Neko Mimi Mode Single

I’ve seen the cover for Kyarypamyupamyu’s album many times but I never imagined buying it. That was before I developed a appreciation for Japanese electronic music. I love the SCOOBIE DO’s ending to Gungrave. Same goes for the pillow songs from FLCL.

Latest albums from iTunes