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   Definitions


Its surprising how many terms a person picks up .. and comes to assume everyone else knows too ^^;   Some terminology used on my site explained below.  I don't profess to be an expert here, this is just meant to give a general idea; correct me if I'm way off base.


anime Japanese animation.  Unlike American animation, which is still largely utilized only for children's entertainment or some non-mainstream works, anime uses the animation medium to feature stories and artwork of every type and for most demographics.  A major difference between anime and American television series is that most (of course, not all) anime feature a cohesive plot line and limited episode number, and do not attempt to run ad infinitum if successful.
binsen Stationary or writing pads.
circle Group of doujinshi artists.
clear file Flexible plastic folders, open on two adjacent sides, to hold papers.  Most common size appears to be approximately A4 (8.5" x 12").  Also features a variety of artwork.
doujin Short for doujinshi.  These are artwork/stories created unofficially, often using characters from existing series but not necessarily so.  Doujin boards feature artwork from these artists.  Doujin artists are often associated with groups, called circles.  I believe CLAMP started out as a doujin circle. 
figures

Three dimensional models. For Japanese figures based on anime/manga, the variety and quantity is staggering. Most are made of PVC (polyvinyl chloride) or resin, some articulate, and optional accessories is common. Here are some specific categories:

  • Scaled PVC: probably one of the biggest growing categories, as PVC technology improves and the quality of these models gets closer to resin.  Typical scale range is 1/4 - 1/10, with most 1/7 scale (of real size).
  • Gashapon: capsule toys, with small figures that often require assembly. Not your local supermarket capsule toys; these are much higher quality and a surprising amount of detail considering the size. Most are sets for trading. I believe the name imitates the sound of the toy coming out of the machine.
  • Trading: essentially like capsule toys, only larger in size. These also usually come in sets for trading (you don't know which you are buying), in sealed boxes, with assembly often required.
  • Resin/Garage kits: figures that come as molded, uncolored pieces that require extensive assembly and painting. The variety here is enormous, but availability of originals is limited, and purchasing good-quality secondary casts can be tricky. And this assumes you have the skill to build it ^^
  • Mecha kits: usually plastic models of one of the many mecha in Japanese anime.  These require assembly from a multitude of pieces, and the finished product often has some mobility and can be posed.  One of the major companies grade the models based on size/complexity.
furoku Goodies that often come with the Japanese serial manga issues or magazines.  Usually some type of stationary, they may include notebooks/memopads, cards, pens/pencils, postcards, letter sets, stickers, clear files, bags, rulers, stuffed animals, etc .. and of course, shitajiki.
letter sheet boards Basically laminated stationary or binsen.  May be laminated by the original artist or by a secondary seller.  Either way, the lamination usually gives the surface a wavy appearance.
manga Graphics novels, or the Japanese equivalent of American comic books.  Japanese manga is a huge industry, with stories of every genre and produced for many demographics.  The artwork featured in these works are extremely diverse as well, and can be amazing enough to make a mediocre story worth plowing through.  It may be more accurate to consider manga works in general to be a highly evolved form of graphic storytelling.
mangaka Manga creator/artist.  Story writer and artist may not necessarily be the same person.
promo Short for promotion.  In reference to shitajiki, not a regular production but one produced in conjunction with some event (festival, store opening, movie release, etc), serial manga/magazine release (furoku or zennin), or for a store (free gift with purchases. applying for credit card, etc). 

In the galleries, the type of board will be more specific as to event, furoku, zennin, etc, if I'm aware of it.  More often than not, I don't know so I will just indicate "promo." 
shitajiki Stationary items, usually a 7" x 10" piece of plastic with an image.  Their intended use is to be placed beneath a sheet of paper to provide a smooth writing surface. 

There are many sources for shitajiki.  Some, but certainly not all, include:
- boards produced using images from licensed anime/manga series (Movic, Animetopia, Showa note, and Seika note appear to be the companies that release most of these; I think some of these companies are the same). 
- promotional boards produced for stores, events, games, manga issues/magazines
- boards featuring artwork from doujinshi artists

Also called pencil boards or underlay (literal translation).
shoujo Work targeted to girls. Works targeted to late teen/adult females are called josei.
shounen Work targeted to boys. Works targeted to late teen/adult males are called seinen.
teleka Japanese phone cards.  These are hugely popular collectibles in Japan, much more so than shitajiki.  The variety of artwork on these are also much greater than for shitajiki.  Certainly easier to store ^^;  Also called phone cards or spelled teleca, tereka, etc.
zenin Like furoku except these are obtained by mail from the manga/magazine company.
 
Updated 06/08/2006