Sony WF-1000XM3 Earbuds
My last gadget bought in Japan, the Sony WF-1000XM3 earbuds, picked up at Bic Camera Odaiba. Japan sells two versions: a cheaper domestic one with Japan-only warranty at around S$313, and an international version at S$325.
Japan
Gear and treats brought back from Japan, from audio to snacks and bags.
GoPro Hand + Wrist Strap
The second GoPro accessory I bought at Bic Camera Odaiba was the Hand + Wrist Strap, S$73 before a Klook tourist coupon brought it to S$68, against S$85 in Singapore. It includes a rotating mount and two straps.
GoPro Sleeve + Lanyard
With a new GoPro Hero 7 Black from the 11/11 sale, I picked up official accessories in Tokyo. First was the GoPro Sleeve + Lanyard at Bic Camera Odaiba for around S$24, helped by a friend's Klook coupon tip.
Sony PS4 Vertical Stand
At Bic Camera Shinjuku West, I also picked up the official Sony PS4 Vertical Stand for around S$26, against S$36.90 in Singapore. This newer model supports both the PS4 Slim and PS4 Pro across several CUH model numbers.
Sony DualShock 4 Charging Station
In Tokyo for a new PS4 Pro, I bought official accessories, starting with the Sony DualShock 4 Charging Station at Bic Camera Shinjuku West for S$28, against S$46.90 in Singapore. It charges two DualShock 4 controllers.
UHA Mikakuto Croquette Snack
I discovered the UHA Mikakuto Croquette Snack while shopping at Don Quijote on a Tokyo trip. With tax-free shopping it's about S$1.70 a pack. I loved it enough to bring back 50 packets, filling half my luggage.
Ichiran Instant Noodle/Ramen
Ichiran is a famous Japanese tonkotsu ramen chain, with 24-hour branches across Japan, Hong Kong, the US, and Taiwan, dating to a 1960 Fukuoka stall. I'm hoping they reach Singapore soon; for now, there's this instant version.
Chrome MXD Notch All Black Sling Bag
I bought the Chrome MXD Notch All Black Sling Bag at Chrome's Tokyo Bay store for about S$131, or S$121 with the tourist tax refund. It features two compartments and two front pockets.
Mophie Wireless Charging Base
The Mophie Wireless Charging Base is one of two Apple-endorsed chargers that fast-charge the iPhone 8/8 Plus/X at 7.5W; my benchmarks confirm non-endorsed pads don't. It retails for S$99 at Apple, though I picked one up in Japan.
Apple Watch 42mm Black Sport Loop
The Apple Watch 42mm Black Sport Loop retails for S$78 in Singapore. I bought mine at Apple Omotesando in Tokyo for about S$68. I'd hoped to use Yodobashi's 5% VISA discount, but their strap selection was limited.
Apple Watch 42mm Space Black Stainless Steel Case With Space Black Milanese Loop (Series 3)
Apple Watch Series 3 in Space Black Stainless Steel with Milanese Loop isn't sold in Singapore. None of the high-end models, Stainless Steel, Edition, or Hermes, are, because they come only in GPS + Cellular, unsupported by local telcos.
Adidas Issey Miyake 3D Roll Top Backpack
The Adidas 3D Gym Sack and 3D Roll Top Backpack look like Issey Miyake designs, but it's not a collaboration. Both are sold in Adidas Originals stores in Japan, the Roll Top Backpack retailing around S$129.
Nomad Universal Cable (0.3m)
Having bought the 1.5m Nomad Universal Cable from South Korea, I wanted the shorter 0.3m version too. The 1.5m is great from a wall outlet but too bulky coiled, so the 0.3m suits charging from a power bank.
Elecom USB-C Memory Card Reader
The last buy from Yodobashi Sapporo, the Elecom USB-C Memory Card Reader reads seven card types, including CF, SD, microSD, and MMC. It retails for around JP¥2,670; after a 5% VISA discount, I paid about S$29.
Elecom USB-C to USB-C Power Delivery Cable
I bought two Elecom USB-C to USB-C Power Delivery cables from Yodobashi Sapporo, only to realise they're from different series despite looking identical. Per Benson Leung, the USB3-CC5P supports 100W (5A), while the USB3-CCP supports 60W (3A).
Leplus USB-C to USB-A 3.0 Adapter
I bought the Leplus USB-C to USB-A 3.0 Adapter from Yodobashi Sapporo. Leplus, a brand by MSSolutions Japan, is relatively unknown, so it's cheap; I paid about S$11 after a tax-free discount.
Elecom iPad Pro 10.5″ Clear Back Cover
While gadget shopping in Sapporo, I picked up the Elecom iPad Pro 10.5-inch Clear Back Cover at Yodobashi for around JP¥3,110. Spending over JP¥5,000 made it tax-free, and paying by VISA added another 5% off the final price.
Singapore Mobile Operators Launch Donation Drive via SMS To Aid Japan Disaster Victims
Sharing a good cause: M1, SingTel and StarHub, with Ericsson's IPX, are letting post-paid customers donate $5, $10 or $20 by SMS to aid Japan's disaster victims. All three telcos are waiving their administration fees.
Gifts From Japan
My family, my parents, brother and Huimin, were on a tour of Japan from 28th February to 11th March 2009. Now they're back, they brought Li Xiang and me some gifts! Pictures paint a thousand words, so here they are.