Volks Home Town Dolpa Kobe - July 31, 2011

Yeah but Kyoto Dolpa was the week end of the earthquake and tsunami. (Wasn't Kyoto Dolpa on March 12 or 13? I could have sworn it was.)

They could still do a Sendai Dolpa.. but I bet it is postponed until next year or later rather than some other time in 2011. Personally, I wouldn't be surprised if they were going to do a Date Masamune doll. With Basara, Date now has a huge following and he is Mr. Sendai. If not, it's possible whatever is being released at Kobe is what was going to be the Sendai Dolpa dolls. I thought the Kobe announcement came pretty darn fast since there was nothing at all about it pre-earthquake when upcoming events were listed.

And I don't know 7/31 and 8/7 are pretty close. That's 1 week apart.

Note to self, must stop confusing Tanabata (the festival) with Tabata (the station where the Yamanote line and Keihin Tohoku line separate when heading towards Ikebukuro.) ~.~

I consistently draw incredibly awful lottery #s. I think I once got close to 5000 for a Dolpa. But the one time I dragged my husband to Dolpa, he drew #421 and I was able to get my Shin (and he helped another DoA member buy a Resiner) My one AE I wasn't after a LE, but I was still irked the lottery took place at 6am an hour earlier than the listed start time. I did pick up the DD a friend had wanted which because of licensing issues hadn't been released via VolksUSA/Volks International because they didn't sell out. I can't remember if I got the outfits I had wanted.

Personally, unless you must get a particularly Sumika outfit or something from a super popular dealer, it's so so so so so so much easier to get a LE doll via VolksUSA if you live in the US and so much less painful. Plus with the dollar so low against the yen, the VolksUSA prices are considerably lower than the prices at a Dolpa (even without the tax) I find I enjoy Dolpas when I go a little later like Timid said she preferred. The hours spent in line just exhaust you by the time the event actually starts and having things sell out after spending all those hours is just depressing.

 

That's true, Kyoto Dolpa was right after the earthquake, but I must correct myself, Sendai Dolpa was still on the event schedule as of the most recent Volks News. I think whether or not they'll have it probably depends on the state of the trains, which I admit I haven't been following closely. (An SD17 Date Masamune would be pretty awesome, though.) It is odd that Kobe and Sendai are only a week apart. I wonder if they're planning on having the same limiteds, but holding the event in two locations?

 

I don't know, they did have an Osaka (at least I think it was Osaka) and Chiba Dolpa really close together in 2006 and both had the same LEs (I know Chinatsu and Kuuta were released then but I don't remember the other releases.) The trains are finally back up (I've been keeping track >>; ) but are on a reduced schedule and I don't think it is fear mongering to say there are concerns about the return of rolling blackouts if summer heat actually sets in. (Tokyo is a cool 75 most of this week which seems abnormally low)

It just seems weird that there is no website or anything else yet if it is really still taking place. Though of course I remember one Dolpa where Volks didn't put the Sumika outfits up on the website until under a week before the event.

 

It was actually Nagoya and Makuhari (not sure if that is Chiba or not) and the other realeases were Syo, Kira, and Nana - all SWD and Yumi and Kyoko for DDs.

As for Sendai, I haven't been able to find anything relating to it and if the trains are on a reduced schedule that will make it very hard to get around. As much as I hate to bother them, has anyone recently asked Volks about the Sendai Dolpa?

 

Makuhari is an enormous exhibition center in Chiba-ken. I couldn't remember if it was Nagoya or Osaka for the other release.

I always use Japan Guide to get info on current touring info on Japan. It's a great general resource. According to their info, the Tohoku shinkansen is on a reduced schedule post re-opening during Golden Week. There are also still radiation issues in Tohoku and according to their chart there is slightly higher than normal radiation currently in Sendai.

 

I was hoping there would be a Dolpa in the US this year. Last year's event was the best experience I had in this hobby. Met wonderful people and my little Lorina came home with me. I really want to add her grown up self to our BJD family.
The year is not over...

 

Me too! It was so much fun, I want to go to more Dolpas, US or not.

 

Does anyone going to the Kobe Dolpa mind having a friend tag along? It looks like I'll be going alone to Dolpa. I've never been to one (never mind one in Japan), and I'm a little nervous about the procedure and proper protocol. (Sorry, didn't mean to be alliterative).

 

Oh no! Sorry to hear that Katie. I am sure you will be fine. I have heard, everyone there is super friendly and helpful!

 

!!! Hoping they do this too. I can already imagine Williams with slightly more feminine features- I'm sure she would look good as a boy XD Although, if they do it at Kobe I might die. I'm hoping they release new SD17's at the end of the year! My wallet needs to recover for now ;3;

 

Coooommmmeee ooooonnn info!! ^__^ Getting so very very anxious, lol.

 

Please don't worry about procedure and protocol. Once you get there, Volks staff will help you if you have any questions. There is always someone who is fluent in English on call just for occasions like this. Though to be honest, a lot of it is very easy to follow even without Japanese knowledge. Since Kobe is a smaller venue, it is likely to only be hosting Dolpa so you won't have to worry about lining up for the wrong event. (While not for a Dolpa, my husband once did that at Big Sight ^_^;;; ) If there are separate lines, they will be marked by people holding up banners for each separate line. If everyone draws a lottery #, then you will be directed to draw a # and will then have a choice based on your # what you want to do. Usually Volks now has the #s marked on the floor so you won't have to worry about understanding Japanese. The Volks staff is very helpful and will do their best to make things clear when possible. For buying from dealers, most outfits are marked what size they are and the price in yen. (wigs and eyes are also usually marked by size and price and accessories are marked price) So you don't really need to know Japanese to buy things, just have enough yen on you.

My second Tokyo Dolpa I went to alone and I went to a few others on my own as well and even sometimes when I went with a group I ended up waiting alone because we were all trying for different things.

I'm not going to lie, going to a Dolpa alone will be lonely. Most Japanese know some English but don't feel comfortable using it, so unless you know Japanese or are extremely extroverted or get lucky, you're not as likely to have people come up to talk to you. :/

 

I'm hoping we get a peek at the limited DD's soon! For some reason there always seems to be info about them before the fashions and the resin dollies (which always drives me nuts when I am hoping for something in resin, lol). I'd love to see a DDS available outside of Japan.

And I'm crossing my fingers for some eye-catching resin releases that will make a lot of people (but not necessarily their wallets, lol) happy, like an SD17 or an SDGr girl!

 

Thank you for all of the help rkold! You have been extremely helpful in letting me know exactly what to expect! And I had a new friend pm me to join their group at the Dolpa, so I couldn't be more excited.

 

Oh congrats, I'm very happy for you! I like being able to share my knowledge about things when I am able and I am glad it has been helpful. *blush* People tend to think US Dolpas and Japanese Dolpas are similar and they are really nothing of the sort.

If you have the money in your Japan budget, I'd recommend renting a cell phone. Some US phones work in Japan, (Iphones I think do) most do not. I usually rent from Softbank. It's free to receive calls (not so important), costs money to make them (not so important unless you need to call your credit card company!) and has low fees for receiving texts and sending them (important) If your new friends live in Japan, they will have cell phones and people tend to contact one another there via text. (not so different from here really) so having your own cell phone is very handy. I know one Dolpa, I was with a group. A friend was in the LE line, I was in the Sumika line and a few friends were in the dealer's line. We texted one another back and forth while in line, and it made the wait a lot more bearable. It also came in handy in terms of meeting up once inside.

I will look up the name of the circle I liked who made some clothes I bought at Osaka Idoll. I'm sorry I've not had a chance.

I think if I had one piece of advice for any Japanese event it would be bring lots of yen in cash. Finding an ATM that accepts US cards, particularly at an event, can be a real challenge and most of the dealer items you are unlikely to see for sale again. If I buy from Volks at a Dolpa I tend to use my credit card since they take them and I want to save my cash for those who do not.

 

Thanks rkold, I shall take a look around the site.

And I really hope they don't release Date. If they do I'll have a massive, earth shattering, tear spraying cry fest, because I will not be able to get him.

 

Yay! Thats great news Katie!

 

How long does it take for Volks to release the books/information on the dolls? I've heard rumors about there being a SDGr Lorina - that would be sooooo amazing!

 

Ugh do you think we'll know the dolls by the end of june? I really would like at least cell phones pix if possible by then X.x ^twiddles fingers

 

I think we'll be lucky to see cell phone pictures by early July. I'm really hoping we see a SDGRg Lorina!

 

C'mon Lorina!

 

Ugh! I want Lorina but can't get her now so here's hoping for ANYTHING but her! LOL!

 

*L* Always the Volks event conundrum! Release what I want - no, don't, I can't afford it!

I'm another one who hopes the LEs don't appeal very much. I'm still smarting a little over the Huisten Bosch event Alain . . . ah, well, at least it means there will more and younger Alains out in the world when I can get one.

 

I dont really think im going to need any of the newer dolls but I do want some cute outfits ^O^

 

I'm still waiting patiently for a Luna rerelease - I've set Luna as my last doll, and I'd really like to be done soon! Volks and time are sure to make liars out of me though. I'm kind of hoping for no girls... and maybe some modern outfits!

 

I'm waiting for luna as well. Lets hope we hear from volks beginning of july @_@ !

 

Ditto Cinnabar_rose, I'm waiting for Luna too. Although, she will not be my last doll >o<

 

I suppose I'm one of the few not hoping for Luna.. I really wouldn't mind a Remi re-release, though! Though the After Event will be colliding horribly with my vacation. I so hope I'm not out of town the entire AE! ;~;

 

For the sake of my wallet, I sure hope they do not release any big boys! But a part of me is hoping for one so that there will be more SD17 bods ard!

 

is it silly of me to ask if there will be another USA Dopla? I miss having an excues to go to New York! xD

 

Only a month's notice? People need greater wallet-resucitation time!

 

Agree! I hope it tis be in Sept, Birthday money will surely pay for this trip! I hope. ; 3;

 

A NY Dolpa would be most wonderful. I say that, of course, being from NJ and currently residing in MA -- so it would not be so hard for me to actually attend. ^__^ Just wish we had more information already. UGH I hate waiting.

 

A few pages back it was posted that VolksUSA said there would not be a NY Dolpa this year? I am not sure as I have not asked them, but FDQ sponsers this event, and they have not confirmed a Dolpa either.

It is possible there will be an on-line web dolpa or even a smaller event in LA, but it seems likely there will be no NY Dolpa this year. Though I hope I am wrong!

 

A few posts later and the rumor of a US Dolpa was debunked. It was ONLY rumor! There is no Dolpa yet scheduled for the US online or physical.

 

A Remi/Colin re-release would make my life easier, or harder, depending on how you look at these things .

 

Im not fond of luna really, but I hope she is rereleased so people stop constantly wanting her, would make everything alot easier ^^.

 

Gah! I keep seeing this thread pop up again and think there is actually an update. So far we don't have any info but the date, correct? And I mean the Kobe Dolpa, since that's what this thread is ostensibly discussing.

 

No update St. James. I agree, I keeping coming back to hoping for an update. I think we will have to wait a couple more weeks for any dolpa info.

 

Me too! I get so excited to see it pop up, and still no new info. Sigh. I'm crossing my fingers we get something leaked in the next couple of weeks.

 

Ugh it just better not be any cute dollfie dreams cause volks has been terrible with making to many of them lately X.x

 

Awww but that's what I'm hoping for.

 

There is no emote to show how sad I am right now.
; 3;

 

arkhangel you might want to try NUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUU WHYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYY ^falls on knees^

As for the kobe one we have proof this is happening and junk right ^^?

 

This event thread exists because there was an official announcement by Volks that this Dolpa would happen. The call for dealers has also come and gone on the page linked to in the first post. The Kobe Dolpa is definitely not a rumour.

 

Close, but no cigar. /emo
Wouldn't be it be nice if they had a dolpla in another English speaking country. They had one in Euro, but I can't remember it well.

 

A bit off-topic but to avoid more rumors. I don't think they have ever had a euro Dolpa. Though Volks does attend some doll events there.

I do think it's best not to get people's hopes up by posting unsubstantiated hearsay. It's hearsay until it is officially announced. Why do people feel they need to post they know "insider" information. I prefer real information.

 

^This. Agree wholeheartedly.

 

So you know what would be the coolest thing for Volks to do? Sunlight Yo/SD/Whatever
I know they've done it in the past, but never to a Yo. Oh god, my wallet shutters at the thought of it! xD

 

I would love a sunlight yo! Four sisters please lol I am just dying to find out what Volks has this go around. I pray nothing I want. I am already stretched $$ with my kids Ortho work.
Please no Luna, Lorina, Alice or Yo four sisters. Then I will be safe. Unless they release Mamu or Lin haha obsessive.

 

Sunlight Yo would be so amazing!!!! I would welcome a yo girl into the mix any day too!!!!!

 

Oooh - how about a sunlight Yo four sisters? That would be AMAZING!

 

Sunlight YoSD captain Ceceil

 

Too cute to even imagine!!!!!

 

Even just a YoSD Scarface Cecil or Reisner would be full of awesome, but sunlight yo would be dangerous to my mental health I wouldn't be able to pass up on that combination of adorable and hard to get . . . But YoSD versions of just about anybody are dangerous! If they ever do Mark and Elena I'm in so much trouble . . . Actually, it would be really neat if they treated the Ken/Mika sculpt like the four sisters, and gave them both yo and older versions.

 

I'm not really into the YoSD's but if they did a Williams I'd be sorely tempted.

I'm also surprised that they haven't done an SD17 Cecile yet, with all the re-releases of Williams and Reisner.

 

timid, Ken and Mika have an SD10 version. They were released many years ago as an LE!

But speaking of alternate versions of standards. . .still waiting for Volks to make a Sweet Dreams Kun. How many SwD Nonos and Nanas and Kiras have we had already? Kun would be even more beautiful with nearly-closed eyes!

 

Exactly what I've been thinking! It's bound to happen, I suspect, but -- when?

If Volks ever released sunlight Yos, it would be the squeeeeee heard 'round the world! **goes giddy with the thought**

 

That's why I figured Ken/Mika might be candidates, as they have different size versions like the Four Sisters.

They teased about a SD17 Cecile by putting up an SD17 Reisner once. I think the problem is that Reisner is Cecile's double, basically. Not that an SD17 sunlight version would hurt my feelings!

 

A Ken yo-sd would be totally awesome!
But I thought they had one already?