CAGs who import Japanese stuff: question about videogame artbooks

[Vinny]

I don't really know if this is common in Japan but do they release artbooks for games there? I've seen a few but many of them just look like they're strategy guides with a few pages of artwork.

Is there a good website to order actual artbooks for games (mainly RPGs)? I'm talking about stuff like "The Art of Final Fantasy IX" (which was released in the US but disregard that), books which are mainly full of art. I know they released one for Xenogears but that one's insanely expensive.

[Kirin Lemon]

Depending on the game, yes. I think your best option would probably be Amazon Japan (amazon.co.jp). Other options, with more limited selections, include Hobby Link Japan, YesAsia, and Play-Asia.

[whitereflection]

Of course they're common in Japan, and RPG artbooks are probably the most common. They start at 1900円, so expect to pay $30 when they get shipped here. What you should do is find a Book-Off near you and shop there since their items start at $1 and include artbooks, though they tend to seal them in plastic bags, and a lot of these books will have interviews with the developers (obviously in Japanese).

[estofan]

You can also try Kinokuniya, they have several stores in the US and they can order books for you from Japan. I think you can do on-line orders too, if you don't have a store near you.

[Vinny]

Hm... I can't read Japanese so Amazon Japan isn't of much help. And we don't have either of the bookstores mentioned in my town.

I'll try my luck at a few of the other websites.

Thanks kids.