With the end of this year fast approaching, we now enter the season of reflection for 2013 via ranking lists. In these last fleeting days let’s take a moment to see which albums, apps, shoes, books, and cockroach traps Japanese shoppers flocked to buy online in the largest numbers. Perhaps then we can form a clearer picture of what life in Japan was like for this two-thousand thirteenth year of our lord.

Since Amazon was originally a book retailer it seems appropriate to see what the top selling books of 2013 were in Japan first.

<#1 Japanese Literature & #1 Paperback>
Eien No 0 (Eternal Zero)
Naoki Hyakuta

Image: Amazon

Description: “’To keep a promise to my wife, I cannot die until I meet my daughter.’ Why did the man who kept saying that die in his zero fighter? In the summer 60 years after the end of WWII, Kentaro examined the life of his deceased grandfather. He was a genius but a coward. While confused by the man who was different than the hero he imagined, more questions continue to cross his mind. When the fragments of his grandfather’s memory come together the truth becomes apparent.”

<#1 Foreign Literature>
O Alquimista
Paulo Coelho

Image: Amazon

Customer Review: “A belief in yourself; a cherishment of yourself; a belief in god (or other higher power); a sensitivity; and a great love – I was reminded of the importance of all these things. I was encouraged by the hints at life embedded here and there throughout the story. While reading, my mind felt very at peace. It was also fun to read and was full of confidence in life. Actually, I read it again for the first time in four years. But understanding how I was reading the story then, I could feel my own growth for the first time. Life is deep. It’s a path you want to walk accepting all the pain and joy it brings.”

<#1 Non-Fiction>
Shi No Fuchi wo Mita Otoko Yoshida Masao to Fukushima Daiichi Genpatsu No Go Hyaku Nichi (Masao Yoshida: the Man Who Saw the Edge of Death and 500 days at the Fukushima Daiichi Nuclear Power Plant)
Ryushu Kadota

Image: Amazon

Customer Review: “I don’t usually write reviews but this book was too good not to. I read the book hoping Masao Yoshida would write how he continued to fight through this hopeless struggle. What I found was more than I expected.  In the midst of the Fukushima Nuclear accident what was happening in the building was largely a mystery. Reading this book, I was speechless at how close they were to death. It’s based on the testimonies of people who all use their real names. What former [Fukushima Daiichi] Director Yoshida tells is a story unlike any I have ever read before.”

<#1 Picture Book>
Kingyo ga Nigeta (The Goldfish Ran Away)
Taro Gomi

Image: Amazon

Description: “The goldfish ran away from his fishbowl, but to where? Hiding in the flowers or in the pattern on the curtains? This picture book of visual puzzles is a favorite of children. Ages 2 and up.”

 <#1 Manga (Overall Single Book)>
Yotsubato! (Book 12)
Kyohiko Azuma

Image: Amazon

Customer Review: “I laughed. I cried. It’s silly. It’s overwhelming. I wonder if it’s even right to call this a manga?”

<#1 Manga (First Book)>
Shingeki No Kyojin (Attack on Titan)
Hajime Isayama

Image: Amazon

Description: “In a world where giants dominate everything, humanity has become food for titans. They sacrifice the freedom outside the wall for protection against the invading monsters. However, the temporary peace collapses with the appearance of a titan larger than the wall. A hopeless battle begins.”

<#1 Manga Collection>
Kaze no Tani no Naushika (Nausicaa of the Valley of the Wind: Wide Edition 7 Book Set “Torumekia Campaing Edition”)
Hayao Miyazaki

Image: Amazon

Customer Review: “I read through all seven volumes. It steadily pulls you into this fascinating and mysterious world. It’s a thought-provoking work of human behavior depicting beauty and cruelty, order and chaos, and the stupidity of humanity.”

<#1 Overall>
Evangelion: 333 You Can (Not) Redo (Limited Edition, Includes Original Soundtrack)

Image: Amazon

Customer Review: “It’s not difficult like everyone says… It’s confusingly interesting.”

<#1 Japanese Movie>
Eight Ranger Hero

Image: Amazon

Customer Comment: “Set in the year 2035 in Hachiyorozu City (Eight City) it’s the story of how the Eight Rangers grow and protect the city. All seven members of Johnny’s idol group Kanjani∞ (Kanjani Eight) appear as the heroes.”

<#1 Foreign Movie>
The Dark Knight Rises

Image: Amazon

Customer Review: “When the end credits rolled my body was trembling at a movie for the first time in a long while. It’s sad the series is finished, but I think that was the best way to end it.”

<#1 American Television>
Friends (First Season set 1)

Image: Amazon

Customer Review: “I began watching it because I heard it was good tool to study English with. But I ended up getting hooked on it and forgetting my original purpose. Eventually I ended up purchasing all parts of it. Each of the six characters is different and charming in their own way. There are a lot of plot lines going on at once but they all tie up in the end.”

<#1 Japanese Television>
Ama-chan Complete Version Blu-ray Box Set 1

Image: Amazon

Description: “Volume 1 of the NHK morning series starring Reina Notoshi. High school student Aki who grew up in Tokyo came to her mother’s hometown of Sanriku City in Iwate Prefecture. She meets her grandmother who’s an active diver.”

<#1 Korean Television>
Oktab-bang Wangseja (Rooftop Prince DVD Set 2)

Image: Amazon

Description: “Joseon Dynasty prince Lee Gak’s wife was found lying dead in a pool. While Gak and three assistants were investigating the incident they were attacked by a mysterious assassin. They jumped over the cliff and fell into a time slip, landing in 2012. They landed on the roof of an apartment building of single woman Park-ha. To add to the confusion, Gak looks just like Yong Tae-yong and Se-na is an exact copy of Gak’s murdered wife. While trying to understand what happened Gak and his three servants live with Park-ha who finds herself falling in love with the Prince.”

Sounds simple enough…

<#1 Overall/J-POP>
B’z The Best XXV 1988-1998 (Limited Edition CD + DVD)
B’z

Image: Amazon

Customer Review: “I’ve listened to them since elementary school so this takes me back. Even now when I listen I get pumped up.”

<#1 Asia Pop>
TIME (Jacket A Limited Edition CD + DVD)
Tohoshinki

Image: Amazon

Customer Review: “I was surprised at the splendor of the album’s first song, ‘Fated’. The atmosphere was dark but had an up-tempo melody. Still the lyrics were very to the point.”

<#1 Pop>
Unorthodox Jukebox (Import)
Bruno Mars

Image: Amazon

Customer Review: “Overall it’s very reminiscent of Western ‘80s music. It’s new but somehow feels very nostalgic. It makes me feel like a teenager again. Even though I don’t speak English I find myself humming along to the songs after only one listen.”

<#1 MP3 Download>
Sakura Nagashi
Hikaru Utada

Image: Amazon

Customer Review: “I think this is really what the music industry needs right now, and it’s such a good song.”

<#1 Overall>
Monster Hunter 4
Nintendo 3DS

Image: Amazon

Customer Review: “I’ve been playing this game from its release date pretty much until now. It’s interesting and has many speedrun elements to it. Just doing the village quests were fun by themselves. Struggling with the new monsters provides more of a sense of accomplishment than before… I think. Quite a few challenging monsters new and old appear. It’s a game that doesn’t easily let you get bored.”

<#1 System>
Nintendo 3DS LL Black

Image: Amazon

Customer Review: “The screen was larger than I thought. This is good since next year will be my sixtieth birthday. Now I can thoroughly enjoy my favorite role-playing games.”

<#1 PS3 Game/#1 XBox 360 Game>
Grand Theft Auto V

Image: Amazon

Customer Review: “I don’t understand English very well but I bought the North American Version. This time I purchased the Japanese version so I could enjoy the story more. Some of the erotic elements seemed to have been cut…”

<#1 Wii U Game>
New Super Mario Bros. U

Image: Amazon

Customer Review: “This is a review by a 30-year-old man. The graphics are certainly beautiful. Even the screen on the game pad is nice. However, like a lot of people say, there’s nothing really new about this game.”

<#1 PC Download>
Dragon Quest X: Mezameshi Itsutsu No Shuzoku Online Free Edition

Image: Amazon

Customer Review: “The download, install, and update all went smoothly but I don’t recommend it. You might be able to look at the world in detail but it’s just a trial version with nothing beyond that.”

<#1 Android App>
Puzzle & Dragons

Image: Amazon

Description: “A grand puzzle adventure! This is an adventure game that combines the power of monsters and puzzles. All over the world people enjoy this dungeon adventure as they search for the legendary dragon!”

<#1 Men’s>
United Arrows Green Label Relaxing Coat

Image: Amazon

Customer Review: “It’s a rather cheap coat, but I’m happy with the thickness of the fabric, color, and ability to keep me warm. I also really like the collar.”

<#1 Women’s>
Earth Music & Ecology Blouse and Cardigan Set

Image: Amazon

Customer Review: “At its price I didn’t expect much, but the cardigan is pretty stylish. The blouse is thin and flowing but I thought it felt cool when I wore it. Overall, a good buy for the price.”

<#1 Men’s Shoes>
Crocs

Image: Amazon

Customer Review: “I bought them to use as slippers. They cushion better than slipper and reduce sound when walking on the second floor and I became less annoying. They’re surprisingly effective!”

<#1 Women’s Shoes>
Crocs Jayna W

Image: Amazon

Customer Review: “They’re totally easy to wear. The design of this kind is cute. However, Crocs are kinda big.”

<#1 Snack>
Yagai Oyatsu Karupasu (50 Pack)

Image: Amazon

Description: “It’s a bite-sized snack designed like a cute panda. Made with a combination of chicken and pork, it has a soft texture that’s safe for children to eat and has a mild spicy taste. It was designed for children but has become a very popular snack for all ages. Vacuum-packed and small, you can take it anywhere and it doesn’t require refrigeration.”

<#1 Alcohol>
Asahi Super Dry (24 Cans)

Image: Amazon

Customer Review: “Freshness is important. I was a little disappointed. It’s heavy but you’re better off checking the date in a shop.” Right… OK.

<#1 Health & Beauty Overall>
Savas Whey Protien

Image: Amazon

Customer Review: “There are vanilla and cocoa flavors. The vanilla flavor seems to have more protein but for drinkability I prefer the cocoa taste. Everyone’s different though. I thought the vanilla had an odd smell and the cocoa dissolves in milk with a chocolately taste.”

<#1 Insect Control>
Black Cap (12 Pack)

Image: Amazon

Customer Review: “After trying to spray a cockroach it flew at my mouth and I peed my pants. Also when I was on the can wiping my butt one fell on my head. I bought Black Cap because the reviews were good. I put them down and now I don’t see the little monsters. Thank you Black Cap, you’re a good roach killer!”

<#1 Beauty Product>
Yume Miru Kokochi no Slim Walk

Image: Amazon

Description: “This product was born from the demand of women who want to care for their legs but are busy with day-to-day life. Just wear before going to bed and enjoy beautifully shaped legs the next morning.”

<#1 Jewelry>
Love-U Pair Necklace (Men’s Black)

Image: Amazon

Customer Review: “The price is reasonable, and the quality is good. Solidly made I think it’s worth the price or even more. I gave it to my wife on our anniversary and she was happy.”

<#1 Toy>
Anpanman English Speaking World Picture Book DX

Image: Amazon

Description: “For children who don’t like opening books, just touch whatever they want with the pen! Everyone’s favorite Anpanman and his friends will tell you what the thing you’re touching is, and you’ll hear the sound it makes. There are over 800 Japanese nouns and 600 English nouns! With a single pen you can switch between English and Japanese to aid in memorizing!”

<#1 Hobby Item Overall>
Danbo Mini Amazon.co.jp Box Version

Image: Amazon

Customer Review: “I bought this along with the big version. Although the large one was sent in a regular Amazon box, the mini was sent in a cute small cardboard box. The glowing eyes are a nice touch! There’s only one word to describe this: Cute!! l○△○l”

Those are just a few of the top selling products form Amazon Japan in 2013. If you want to see even more detail, such as their best-selling toilet paper, then you can check out their website below!

Source: Amazon via Gigazine (Japanese)