Volks Home Town Dolpa Kobe - July 31, 2011

While I haven't seen any evidence they're losing money, I suspect that events do boost profits. It's not just what they can sell, the guidebook sales, dealer table fees, and other services have to add up to a real chunk of cash, too. There have been more concerts and events for other Japanese things I'm into lately, because the economy was so bad but I think the profit margin's bigger and you can probably get people out to things that happen only a few times a year more easily than you can get them to spend continuously. But the actual number of LEs I don't think will end up being much higher than usual, as the number per Dolpa is pretty low recently. And there's really only one extra Dolpa happening, the Sendai one. Volks does typically always have events going on.

 

Even if Lorena comes out I think I'm going have pass funds are not looking awesome and I want to save up for a couple dolls from Lillycat. But I KNOW I will regret not even trying for Lorena!

 

I hear that these events are incredible. I am relatively new to the BJD world and Volks. I thought there was a Dolpa coming to New York. Maybe I am confused with something else. Let me know.

 

Usually there is a Dolpa in NY around June but with events in Japan no official news has been posted on whether there will be one or not this year.

 

It's really sad, but understandable. I've been wishing that they will do another US dolpa, but with this tight schedule, I don't think they will do it either.

 

I would love to see DDs Akira and Dr. Mariko. But it may still be too early in the year for them.

 

Thank you AreeElf for the update. That is completely understandable. I hope they will be able to get to the U.S. again soon.

 

I'm hoping for DDs of Panty & Stocking, or Madoka Magica DDs. Or maybe some more Touhous.

 

Does anybody know if visitors can still get tickets to Home Town Dolpa Kobe or is it already too late?

 

They didn't start selling them yet...

here you can get the latest news: http://www.volks.co.jp/en/index.aspx

The tickets are sold with the Dolpa Guide Book

 

I think it would be Lorina,hope there's no little lorina.

 

I am so anxious for them to start giving us any hints. I wonder what story line the dolls they release may be from? Keeping my fingers crossed for no release of the Harajuku girls. Anyone else have any ideas? Or what are people wishing outside of Lorina & Alice?

 

As always my wish is for Luna, or Swd Luna, yo four sisters especially in white skin. I am hoping for nothing new to temp me, as I like everyone else, am broke

 

Tsukidoll- I totally second that! A swd Luna with partially opened eyes would be so amazing!

man... I wish we can get some hints at least. Then again the dolpa is at the end of july >.> !

 

Another release of Luna would be nice! I don't want her, but she's cute to see A SwD Luna could be awesome.
I am always hoping for more Yo's. Or for them to continue the Harajuku line and do another MSD.. That would be so lovely~ *3*

I wish for hints, too! Or that they hadn't released info so early. It's just such a tease that there will be a Dolpa that I have no idea if I need to save for

 

Whist I still have my heart set on a re-release of SD16 Ruby as pictured in Another Yourself 2, I second your wishes for Luna Tsukidoll! Actually, I'd love to see a Yo Luna in white skin! She even be dreaming...can't you just see her and little Yo Alice being best friends?!

Of course my biggest wish is always for another NYC Dolpa! I'd hardly even care what dolls Volks would offer if only they'd throw us another party!

Juli DC

 

Oh, Panty & Stocking would be so AWESOME!!!!!

 

I am hoping for some Yos !!!
it would be a dream come true if there is Lin and Shinn !!!
I would DIE !!!!
but i know for a fact that i will be doom for all YOs anyaway (>w<)

 

Crossing my fingers for YoSDs.

Also seconding (or thirding, ) that I would love to see DDs of Panty and Stocking.

 

Is the Sendai Dolpa actually still happening? I've heard no news about since it was announced pre-earthquake. I remember it was supposed to be around the Tabata Festival which in Sendai I am pretty sure is the same week end as the Kobe Dolpa is planned. I've been sort of wondering if the Sendai Dolpa wasn't moved to Kobe post the quake. The Tohoku shinkansen only recently started full service and it is running on a reduced schedule. From what I've read there is concern that in the summer Eastern Japan might see a return of rolling blackouts as energy use goes up with the need for A/C. By moving to Kobe, Volks circumvents some of these issues since Western Japan has not had transportation issues or power issues.

 

Does it even mention a release date when we will be able to see the items? or Perhaps when volks news will be out for this?

 

Chomping at the bit for some information as well. I may very well be able to participate in this lottery, so I am super excited.

 

I would say it will be another month at least. Perhaps the first week or two of July.

 

Argghhhhh I hate waiting. I'm just hoping for some great DD items and/or dolls. :3

 

I would really like to see a DD of Lina Inverse from Slayers... although I know its a long shot I am still hopeful since they released that CharaGumin of her...

 

A Lina DD would be awesome, although they might have to go MDD for her *ducks*.

Yeah, I think it'll be late June/early July before we hear anything, unfortunately.

 

So we have to wait another month again to see what items they would release... OAO wow~ time flow faster than I think >_<''

 

....a DD Lina Inverse would.... seriously... be one of the best things in the ENTIRE WORLD.

 

i agree with a lina inverse would be awesome

 

Haha! Yeah, maybe! Although, since they have the new DD Sister size they could use it.... That way she would still be shorter but not quite 'child' size...

Glad to see I'm not the only one hoping for a Lina!

 

I would love to see Panty & Stocking and Madoka Magica DD's too!!! But if Volks did decide to do Madoka Magica they probably wouldn't do my favorite character. . . or they would release them all at the same time for one of their DD Projects and my wallet would cry lol.

 

PSG please! In their transformation shapes with their regular fashions as an option (along with Chuck and Honekoneko). My DD dream would come true - since it seems I will never see a KosMos DD.

 

I'm wishing for SDGR normal skin Lorina.

 

Me too. I know I can't afford her, but me too.

 

I'm going to Kobe to attend my first Dolpa ever!!! Any advice from those that have been to a Japanese Dolpa before?

 

Yeah, just to piggy back off Katie here, I know there has to be a pretty good "so, you wanna go to a Dolpa?" thread by now, but after looking through 11 pages of search results, I didn't find it.

 

You mean that thread? http://www.denofangels.com/forums/s...Dolpas-amp-How-to-buy-Volks-Limited-Dolls-FAQ

 

Unfortunately, that's more for US Dolpas than Japanese ones.

 

How much waiting is left ive lost count ^head spinning

 

One of the DD bloggers did a pretty good one, but I can't find it unfortunately.

Oh, please Volks, don't do Lina. We've already tapped ourselves out for the year. I'd have to start pawning stuff to pay for her.

 

Commence the bit chomping.

 

Really I am hoping for a MSD girl or for a DD Miku! Hopefully not both though, because that would be a super hard decision.

 

Is it best to line up early or are all the numbers handed out randomly? Where should one go first? Is it in the normal showroom or somewhere else?

 

Lorina in Normal *fainted* that would be nice T.T *started to dying too*
But I'm still hoping no Tsukasa (_ _)~ looks like I'm started to dying for both D: although my friends hoping of Genji re-release XD;;a

Well DD Miku would be nice I think~

 

The Dolpa will not be held at a Volks showroom, it will be wherever the website says the location is. If they are still doing things they way they were - they sometimes change procedure - there are going to be three lines you can wait in. One for limited dolls/items, one for the Sumika items, and one for the dealer's room. If you want a chance at an LE doll you have to go into the LE line and wait. Everyone is put into a long line as they arrive early in the morning and you draw a number to determine where you will be in the LE line. Once that is done, they reform the lines with the LE people lining up by number. Generally, anything under 500 you have a good shot of getting a doll, under a 1000 maybe you'll luck out if you want something unpopular, and over 1000 you should prob just give up. The three lines will start moving once the opening time comes. If you really aren't interested in any of the dolls, I'd say skip the LE line and do either the Sumika line if there are Volks outfits you like or the dealer's line to see the dealer's items. Some of the dealer's stuff will sell out in minutes for the popular groups. Same with popular Sumika items.

Basically, be prepared to be outside for hours in the blistering late July Japanese sun and humidity standing in long lines. They're generally good at keeping the lines organized, but there is no getting around that Japanese Dolpas are a lot of waiting in long lines hoping what you want is still there when you get to the front.

 

Well, I find great to have new doll editions anyway, no matter how long the line is ^^

 

Oh man, I hadn't thought about the weather, I feel bad for anybody who's going. I was in Kyoto in mid-July a couple years ago, and it was like walking around in a sauna. At least you could time the trip to check out the Gion festival not too far away, though...

 

Thank you for your help, Kim! I really appreciate it! What types of things do the dealers carry? And ugh, I am dreading the heat. I'll have my umbrella for sure!

 

Dealers generally have lots and lots of really amazing clothes for sale. You could easily spend a few grand on clothes alone. There will probably also be wig dealers, and more importantly for me, eye dealers. You could easily spend a few grand on eyes alone lol

 

I wonder how much longer we will have to wait for an update? I am guessing we will find out new info around the last week of June.

I must say am really excited for this upcoming dolpa! I am hoping to clear out my closet a little bit over the next month or so and make room for some lovely new doll things I really am wanting a new mini or yo and I have missed out on the past few dolpas, so I am hopefully there will be something lovely instore for this one!

 

same here ^-^ I just cannot wait to see what limited dolls Volks prepared for us. If it´s a SDGr Lorina...that would be so great. I am quite in love with Volks´ SD16 bodies and extremely curious about the new body.

 

Actually, to add to what Kim said since I've attended a bunch of Tokyo Dolpas as well as a Dolpa in Kyoto...

Usually Dolpas are held at one of the largest exhibition center in the area. In Tokyo that's Big Sight, in Osaka that is Intex, and in Kyoto that is Pulse Plaza. Where it will be held in Kobe will be listed as more information comes out.

Recently, Volks has been renting extra space so you won't necessarily have to wait outside in the blistering heat (and if you've not been to Japan in mid summer, let me just say it's EXTREMELY hot and humid and the Japanese tend to not use a/c as much as people do in the US. (I lived in Houston, TX and other than going to and from your car, everything was so heavily A/Ced you needed a sweater, Japan is not like that at all.) but it's hard to really know until the event actually starts.

Lining up procedure currently varies. I've seen many different variations with each Dolpa I've attended. You always need a guidebook in advance of the event. Sometimes the guides sell out and sometimes they are just removed from shelves, but I would make sure I had one at least 1 week in advance of the event just to be safe. It costs more, but you can order one from Volks Japan via EMS to make sure it arrives on time or find someone in Japan who can get you one at any Sumika and send it to your hotel in Japan. You can not even try for a LE without a book in advance because they don't go on sale until 9 am and by then Volks closes the lottery.

The Japanese line up very early no matter what the line procedure is that Dolpa. There is a belief that if you get there early you are more likely to draw a good lottery #. I've never drawn a good one. People generally will start lining up around 6 am or earlier. Depending on how Volks is running the event you might be able to leave the line to get food and you might not. In the 3 line situation Kim described, people waiting for LEs could leave since they had a specific # showing their place in line. Waiting for the Dealer's Room or when the Sumika and Dealer's Room line are combined you can not leave the line.

The dealer's room generally has around 300-700 dealers depending on the event. Kobe will be towards the lower end, but it's still a lot of dealers. Usually for outfits there are only several of each outfit. Very popular dealers can sell out super fast, other dealers not so fast and some not at all. Just because a dealer is not super popular does not mean their things are not worth purchasing. I've bought wigs, clothes and eyes from dealers. I love buying eyes from Silver though I am grateful she now has web pre-orders. Despite their popularity here, ALG tends to not sell out. They sell pretty similar things each Dolpa so they're not as popular as some sellers (like Dolls Drug Kingdom)

Some Sumika items sell out super fast too.

It's always best to do a Dolpa with several friends. Though you can usually purchase only 1 copy of any 1 item, if you and a friend/spouse don't want the same items, one of you can try for one thing while another tries for something else. My most successful Dolpa, my husband drew a lottery # and waited in the LE line, while I went to the Sumika line and waited there.

Oh, and other than Volks itself, dealers don't take credit cards so make sure you have plenty of yen if you want to buy things.

 

I've always been a bit dubious about the need to line up super early for the lottery, when the first person in line could easily draw a crappy number and somebody near the end of the line could theoretically draw the best number, but I seem to be alone in that line of thinking. I never did line up for an LE at a Dolpa, only at an After Event, and the only time I got a great number at an After Event I didn't want any of the LEs . I got a lousy number when I got my Eden, but then it didn't matter because he didn't sell out for years . . .

You may be able to wait in line, but I'd definitely prepare for it like Japanese people do - take water, sunscreen, a snack, hand towel, powder wipes if you like those, preferably a hat if you will be waiting outside, stuff to keep yourself entertained, plenty of cash, things like that. Regardless of the lineup, if you really need to leave the line (say to go to the bathroom) you can talk to Volks staff and/or the person behind you in line. In my experience they'll let you back in if you've cleared it with them.

I don't know if Little Wonder will go to Kobe, but they're a good reasonably price dealer, especially for yukata and things like that. Silver and Hitomiya make fabulous glass eyes. There were other dealers I used to watch out for but names aren't coming to mind right now. Nine9style sometimes goes to Dolpas now. You can often find some real treasures with less well-known dealers, too. Dealers carry just about everything you can imagine: clothes, props, eyes, wigs, ears, wings, hair accessories, jewelry, shoes . . . And they often make elaborate displays of their own dolls on their tables. Ah-ah, I'm making myself miss Dolpas!

 

Depends on the Dolpa. I've been to several Tokyo ones where as you arrive you draw a lottery # so that if you know you drew a bad one you can join the combined Sumika/Dealer's room line. In this case, going early makes a huge difference because those who draw a crappy # early on immediately jump to those other lines.

Hitomiya rarely goes to Dolpas. Hitomiya's allegiance seemed to be more to Doll Show and even those they hadn't attended recently (vs. Silver who is alligned to Dolpa.)

A Kobe Dolpa would be interesting because it would get a lot more of the Kansai dealers out there.

 

That's true, you can join the other lines. I've never gone to a Dolpa earlier than about 9:30am myself. I'd rather line up at an AE for outfits than at a Dolpa. If I hadn't moved home before the last Tokyo Dolpa I would have been lining up for Williams, though! Hitomiya I believe I saw once at a Dolpa, but the only time I bought from them was at an iDoll so I can't say for sure. You never can tell which dealers will show up. Kobe I wouldn't think would be a much different crowd than Kyoto or Osaka, but Sendai will be an interesting one because it might draw in some people from up north that don't go to many Dolpas. I only went to Tokyo Dolpas and there are so many dealers that I really skimmed my way along because there was just too much to look at. I never had enough money to get half of what I wanted!

Oh yeah, another dealer to watch out for . . . I'm afraid I can't remember their name, but they sell t-shirts in various sizes that say "Citizen of" with the prefecture filled in. I have "Chibakenmin" t-shirts in SD and MSD size from them . But one of the best things I've ever bought at a Dolpa was an SD-sized Volks employee jacket. :XD

 

Does the Volks guide list the dealers that will be selling? I'm not likely to get to a Dolpa anytime soon, but I'd love to see if any of the dealers have online shops or at least know who they are so I try searching for them on Y!J.

 

Wow! Thank you for all the information everyone! Now I am even more excited to go than ever!

 

Has Volks made more announcements about a Sendai one post the earthquake/tsunami? Because I could have sworn when it was first announced (pre-earthquake) it was scheduled for Tabata which is the exact same time as the Kobe Dolpa.

Hitomiya 1 or 2x did a Tokyo Dolpa, but didn't do them terribly often or consistently and seemed to prefer iDoll and Doll Show.

If you don't actually live in Japan, timing for a Dolpa is much easier than for an AE and then you get all of the many dealers as well as the Volks LEs and Sumika items. I've gone to Dolpas super early to get things as well as late because I did not want to deal with lines. I personally have never had great luck getting things at an AE. The only one I remember I missed the lottery for numbers because it was held earlier than had been translated. (At 6 am!!!!!! and I got there closer to 7:15 am)

Yes, the admission guide lists all the dealers who will be selling at Dolpa. They are also often listed on the website for that particular Dolpa.

Glad to help! When I get a chance I can give you the name of the person I bought some cute mini clothes from at Osaka IDoll. If they're going they made some pretty cute things for reasonable prices. I tend to not be willing to spend more than 10,000 yen for a single outfit unless it is truly special.

 

Y'know, I could swear I read they'd go ahead with it but I can't find any info saying what the decision has been with Sendai Dolpa. They've put dealer applications on hold, and considering Kobe applications went in April 11, that suggests to me it'll be at least postponed. Tanabata is July 7th in most of Japan and August 7th in Sendai, which would be a rough schedule! But the Kobe Dolpa is July 31st so not the exact same time.

The only time I was ever in a position to get an LE that promptly sold out was that one AE where I wasn't there for an LE ^^;. I just don't do well in lottery situations, it seems.

I wonder what will happen with Sendai's LEs if they can't get the Dolpa going? I'm pretty sure they develop new LEs well in advance . . . And with that original Tanabata idea there could have been interesting possibilities. Hometown Dolpas produce more of my must-haves, though, so of course I'm very curious about Kobe, too.

 

At Kyoto Dolpa, they said the Sendai Dolpa would still take place, but I haven't heard anything about it since then.