1. Look out for their products labelled Made in Japan. Some of the stuff is Made in China, and if you say China, you might as well look in Divisoria. Japan-made means you’re assured of the quality and the uniqueness of the item, such as those bento picks, onigiri rice ball maker and other kitchen accessories I chose.

2. Have a shopping budget, and stick to it. It’s hard when everything you see is cute and pretty so you might as well set money aside. The difficult part is that the store accepts credit cards, which brings you the illusion that you can have this and have that

3. Be ready with your own shopping list. Related to No. 2. Having a list means you’re guided on what to buy, and will not act on impulse.

4. Look elsewhere before you buy. The shopping savvy would do well being familiar with various shopping destinations in the metro and compare prices. This is so you’ll not be overwhelmed on your first Saizen visit and scoop up something you see at the first opportunity.

5. Shop hungry. This is my own general shopping mantra. I do find that when I am out on an empty stomach, I tend to like things less. Of course it didn’t help that I was in the store till its closing hour and by the time I got out, most of the restos were about to close too.

6. Promise to come back next time. Yes Virginia, there will always ne next time. So don’t fill your shopping basket like there’s no tomorrow. Prioritize what to buy, and you’ll be fine. Happy shopping!

Fast forward to 2009, one need not fly as far because the real 100-yen (hyaku-en) shop named Saizen opened its first branch at the Robinsons Galleria last April 29. Everything at 85 pesos each! I have to admit: the extent of their offerings makes Japan Home Center a poor cousin. Must-buys here, in my opinion: beauty aids, home organizers and kitchen tools, including bento accessories that I’ve been looking for. And of course, things related to Japan!

I just wish Saizen would go forth and multiply soon, and not limit its store to faraway Ortigas.

Some interesting items:

French fries container, almost like the way it looks in McDonalds. Bought a pack, so kids will think it’s the real thing

Multi-colored, brightly-designed chopsticks.

I look at these, and if I were the copywriter, I’d say: “Hayden Kho-inspired banana holders.”

Seven Dwarfs home ornaments ~ complete them all!

My Saizen loot netted me P3,060. Aaaargh! And they say 100-yen shops are cheap? Hehe.

My favorites from this batch are the bento picks, lunch cloth, the polka-dotted hair turban, gold-colored bracelets, the magnetic dolls as well as the kikay accessories like nail art and eyelashes. They’re all the height of cute!

The sales clerk told me celebrities like Judy Ann, Chynna and Carmina have been flocking to the store too…. so we’re definitely not in the wrong company.

My next post will tell you all about shopping wisely in this Saizen. Mata ne!