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The word "Certified" in a listing title is an unverifiable claim by the seller. Exactly one listing prints a certification number you can match against the trade association's own records — and it is not the one with "Certified" in the title.
Japanese things, reviewed by someone who lives here. Written by atman-33, one person living in Japan, with a background in manufacturing and software.
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Grooming
Japanese buying guides pick a nipper by the shape of the blade and the state of your nails. English pages tell you the brand story instead. Here is the choice the Japanese sources actually make, plus the two drawbacks nobody in English mentions.
For: Someone who has decided on a nipper-style clipper and is stuck between Classic and Soft, L and S — and does not yet know that hands and feet call for different tools.
Manga
Five mystery manga that are finished, available in English, and worth the shelf space. Start with Monster if you want one great book; start with Death Note if this is your first manga. Chosen by what you are actually in the mood for.
For: Anyone deciding today which mystery manga to buy next, whether or not they have read manga before.
Kitchen
I have used the same white ceramic santoku almost every day for ten years and never sharpened it once. It also chipped on frozen meat. Here is what it is good at, what it cannot touch, and which one to buy.
For: Anyone thinking about a second knife for the kitchen who wants to know what it looks like after a decade.
Manga
Three finished series I have read in Japanese and reread more than once, chosen for whether they hold up the second time. All three are complete — but only one of them comes in a single box set. No spoilers.
For: Anyone picking one finished series to buy, who does not want to get stuck working out how to get all the volumes.
Japan Reviewed