^ This spring would be a great time to do it (especially if I could somehow wrangle a ticket to Rikako's graduation), but a confluence of obstacles has made it unlikely that I'll be able to go to Japan this year.
In the meantime, I'll just have to enjoy the exchange rate from here. Speaking of which, my big box of auction goodies arrived yesterday!
Sasaki Rikako – RIKAKO (still in shrink-wrap, with DVD) — This was the most expensive item in the haul, with a winning bid of only ¥1200 ($8.89).
Kamei Eri – ERI (used, DVD still sealed, with postcard) — This completes my collection of Eri's solo photobooks.
Fujimoto Miki – COEUR (used, DVD still sealed) — This completes my collection of Miki's solo photobooks.
Sayashi Riho – 17-sai no Ketsudan (used).
The Peanuts – Kanashiki 16-sai (used vinyl single from 1960) — Another addition to my collection of original singles of songs covered by W.
Alo-Hello! Ishikawa Rika DVD (used).
Ai Kago Birthday Live 2010 – Ai-chan no Private Cooking (used) — I never knew this thing even existed.
HANGRY & ANGRY-f – LIVE CIRCUIT 2010 Sadistic Dance (new)
From Days Erina Mano DVD (used)
Banzai! Nice Girl 2010 DVD (new)
The Kago DVD is a 35-minute DVD-R of Kago-chan making chicken omurice and a "rare cheesecake" (made with blueberry yogurt). She also has a countdown of her top three recommended convenience store foods:
#3: String cheese.
#2: Sekihan okowa (red bean rice).
#1: Imported chocolates.
THE GARAGE – Opening Song Shū, Volume 1–4 (used) — '60s songs covered by members of H!P and Sharan Q. I already had 1, 2, and 4, but the price was low enough to justify buying the whole set just to get Volume 3.
Umeda Erika – erika (used) — Remember her? I was finally able to find her only post-H!P solo album for a reasonable price.
Scott Murphy – Guilty Pleasures 3 (used) — Includes a cover of "LOVE Machine" with Yūko, Nacchi, and Keichan on backing vocals.
Jack&Queen – Love Game — Sakae Maiko's post-ZONE, post-MARIA band. Not H!P-related at all, I just posted it so TU could see it.
All the cards I needed to complete my collection of Morning Musume。 Bromide Part 4. The top five were in a ¥600 lot of 72 cards, leaving me with one card to finish the set, which I bought on Suruga-ya.
Morning Musume。 Glico Pocky phone card (2000/1, used)
Petit-Moni Hello! Project 2002 phone card (mint)
Osaka Performance Doll Kintetsu Railways Shinshun Pearl Card (1995, used) — Pre-H!P Inaba Atsuko is at upper left.
I just discovered a new obstacle to my card collecting during this round: From Japan now has "Gift Certificates" in its extensive list of prohibited items, so Quo cards (and presumably also Tosho cards) now get blocked, even if they're used.
EDIT: Added a description of the Kago DVD.