Perhaps this post is a bit premature. I visited Nagoya BITS card shop on my first trip to Nagoya about a month ago, and I picked up a few oddballs I saw. But I'll be returning in a couple weeks when I go back to Nagoya, so I'll have an even better look at the store.
The big score for me was a small collection of Chunichi Dragons cards from several years of Takara releases.
They were priced pretty fairly, especially given that the Dragons are a local team.
The cards aren't terribly attractive, because they're designed to be used in a game.
The store is a short walk from Nagoya Station, and is one of only a few non-Mint stores I've discovered.
They have a good selection of other cards, but I'll share that information with you soon. I really focused on the oddballs this trip.
And one to grow on.
This square card is actually bundled in with my Calbee issues - it's a sticker similar to (but predating) the Lotte stickers that came out about the same time.
As you can see, they came out around 1993, and were issued with Tokyo Snack products.
I also found a bunch of "singles" from a team playing card release. I think each card has a different player on it.
This is the back. They all feature this guy, who was the Dragons manager for a couple years.
There was another team playing card issue with a much more modern design, as well.
I'm assuming this was released in 2003 to commemorate 50 years of sports in Chunichi.
As I said, I'll be back at the store in a couple weeks to get a better idea of what's available. I recall the store having all the regular products, but I'll pay better attention next time when I have more time to explore.
Nagoya BITS is located at 1-14-18 Nagono, in Nagoya's Nishi ward. A 15 minute walk from Nagoya Station, head out the east exit and follow the main road (Sakura Dori) away from the station. When you get to Egawa (the big road with the highway running over it), cross the street and turn left, following the freeway. Keep an eye open for the CoCoICHI curry restaurant; the card shop sits above the restaurant (stairs up are just after CoCo). It's open 12-9 weekdays and Saturdays, 11-8 Sundays and holidays. They have a point card system but you need to ask for it.
Hey, glad you got to stop by Bits. Picked up a Bryce Harper throw-back card for 50 yen there ;).
ReplyDeleteDid you get to visit Match-Up, Ponyland or Caps by any chance?
Kenny: I don't know anything about any of them! I should have time (I hope lots!) when I go back November 3-5 to visit a few more stores. Can you give me the details? Email is probably best for that.
ReplyDeleteI've sent you an e-mail with directions and links to the stores I mentioned. It'll either help you or make you incredibly confused.
ReplyDeleteThanks Kenny! Very helpful!
ReplyDeleteI'm hoping to visit my ancestor's homeland next year... hopefully I'll have a chance to check out some of Japan's card shops.
ReplyDeleteFuji: Whenever you do make plans to come here, let me know. Of course, we'll have to hang out, but I can also recommend card shops for your area and even some must-see/do depending on your interests and time.
ReplyDeleteThanks bro. I'm definitely looking into making the trip across the Pacific. However, no timetable has been set since I'm not sure when I'll have the money. I'll keep you posted.
DeleteThat "Tokyo Snack" card is actually a Calbee issue. Gary Engel's book lists it as the "1993-94 Calbee Tokyo Snack Seals" set. "Tokyo Snack" is (or was - no idea if it is still made) some type of popcorn in a bag. The "regular" 1995 and 1996 Calbee issues were actually sold with the popcorn rather than the potato chips so those cards have "Tokyo Snack" on the back of them as well.
ReplyDeleteYeah. Tokyo Snack may or may not still exist, but I haven't seen it. Bagged popcorn here is kind of popular since most people don't have room to fit a popper in their apartment. I finally bought my own popper but I was buying bagged popcorn from the 100-yen shop for months. I found a different kind of bagged popcorn with cards attached this summer, but they contained J-Pop or K-Pop artists. The popcorn didn't taste as good and the bag was much smaller so I only bought a couple bags.
ReplyDeleteI wish there was more variety in trading cards here, but the same can be said for US issues - oddball premiums with snacks, cereal, and shops just don't get released like they did 20-30 years ago. I would totally go crazy with Lotte chocolates if they included those awesome stickers again.