Latest news with #Japan-only
Tatler Asia
25-06-2025
- Entertainment
- Tatler Asia
Labubu, sneakers and vintage Dior: where Gen Z are putting their money now
2. Sneakers, the original alt asset Long before NFTs, sneakers were the first major 'hype' asset class for digitally savvy young investors. Limited-edition pairs, especially those tied to basketball icons or high-fashion collaborators, can appreciate significantly post-release. A pair of Travis Scott x Nike Jordans, for instance, can triple in value within weeks if kept box-fresh. Gen Z investors not only wear the shoes but treat them as appreciating assets, storing them in climate-controlled boxes, tracking their value through selling apps and flipping them strategically. The rise of sneaker auctions at major houses like Sotheby's and Christie's further legitimises the category—no longer subcultural, it's big business. 3. K-pop photocards and idol merch Photocards, those glossy, wallet-sized portraits included in K-pop albums, have evolved into a bona fide investment category. A rare Jungkook photocard from a 2019 BTS fan meeting can fetch over US$1,000, especially if it's an out-of-print or Japan-only release. Fans track card values through detailed spreadsheets, monitor scarcity in real time and negotiate trades in Discord servers and Twitter threads. Official merch collaborations (like the Starbucks x Blackpink collection) also sell out within hours and appear immediately on resale platforms. For some, it's about emotional connection; for others, it's high-speed arbitrage with a fandom twist. Now read: Chasing K-pop dreams: must-visit spots in Seoul for superfans 4. Digital collectables and NFTs While the 2021 NFT boom has cooled, Gen Z isn't entirely out of the digital collectables game. What's changed is the criteria: aesthetic-driven 'PFP' projects are out, and utility-driven tokens are in. NFTs tied to exclusive event access, gaming perks or digital identity verification are gaining traction. Platforms like Zora, and even Nike's .SWOOSH are launching Web3 projects that combine collectability with tangible value. Still, risks remain high—rug pulls and overpromises are common, and liquidity can disappear overnight. Gen Z investors navigating this space are savvier now: they're asking about roadmap execution and community governance, not just hype. 5. Designer resale and vintage luxe Luxury fashion has become another investment frontier for Gen Z. Instead of buying new, many scour platforms like The RealReal, Grailed and Vestiaire Collective for vintage or archival pieces with appreciating value. A 2000s-era Dior Saddle bag or a rare Rick Owens jacket can generate significant profit if resold at the right time. TikTok trends can trigger sudden spikes in demand, so investors monitor what's gaining traction and act fast. Increasingly, they're blending fashion knowledge with financial literacy, seeing fashion not just as personal expression but portfolio diversification. Items are tracked, appraised and even insured—just like any other asset. In case you missed it: Is your designer bag verified? The Digital Product Passport is the smart tech redefining authentic luxury For Gen Z, investing isn't just about compound interest or retirement planning—it's about identity, community and access. And for now, a Labubu on a shelf isn't just decoration, but part of the strategy. NOW READ 9 mental health non-fiction books that will transform your understanding of yourself 8 beauty products that double as bag charms 11 animal design objects: From Bottega Veneta to vintage collectibles
The Advertiser
24-06-2025
- Automotive
- The Advertiser
Lexus IS500 Climax Edition: V8 sedan bids farewell on a high
With production of the IS set to end in November, Lexus is sending its sports sedan off with a bang. The Japan-only Lexus IS500 Climax Edition follows in the footsteps of the North American IS500 Ultimate Edition, and the two special editions share most features. Under the bonnet there's an unchanged naturally aspirated 5.0-litre V8 from the regular IS500 F Sport Performance. It makes 352kW and 537Nm, and drives the rear wheels via an eight-speed automatic transmission. Hundreds of new car deals are available through CarExpert right now. Get the experts on your side and score a great deal. Browse now. While the Climax Edition doesn't have any extra get-up-and-go, it is down to get some friction on with saucy red six-pot Brembo calipers and high-friction pads ready to grip onto the 380mm ventilated discs. The Climax Edition is shod with low-profile Bridgestone Potenza rubber wrapped around forged 19-inch BBS alloy wheels finished in matte black paint. Inside the cabin black and red are the dominant colours, with the grippy front seats clad in a mixture of faux suede and artificial leather. The steering wheel and gear shifter knob are finished off with lashings of perforated leather. A red lightning pattern is laser-etched into the face of the analog clock, and a similar design appears on the scuff plates and Climax Edition plaque in the centre tunnel. The Climax Edition goes on sale in Japan from August, and production is limited to just 500 cars. Prices start from ¥9.5 million (A$100,800), or a ¥1.0 million (A$10,600) increase over the standard IS500 F Sport Performance. When production of the third-generation IS ceases in November, there will be no immediate successor as the fourth-generation all-electric IS is reportedly delayed until 2027. It will also mark the end of V8 engines in the Lexus sedan range, a tradition that dates back to the model that started it all, the 1989 LS. The third-generation IS was launched way back in 2013, and it has been facelifted twice. The most recent facelift in 2020 saw the entire exterior redesigned, and also brought back the option of a V8 engine, although the IS500 F Sport Performance was never offered in Australia. New side impact regulations meant the IS was withdrawn from Australian showrooms in 2021. MORE: Everything Lexus IS Content originally sourced from: With production of the IS set to end in November, Lexus is sending its sports sedan off with a bang. The Japan-only Lexus IS500 Climax Edition follows in the footsteps of the North American IS500 Ultimate Edition, and the two special editions share most features. Under the bonnet there's an unchanged naturally aspirated 5.0-litre V8 from the regular IS500 F Sport Performance. It makes 352kW and 537Nm, and drives the rear wheels via an eight-speed automatic transmission. Hundreds of new car deals are available through CarExpert right now. Get the experts on your side and score a great deal. Browse now. While the Climax Edition doesn't have any extra get-up-and-go, it is down to get some friction on with saucy red six-pot Brembo calipers and high-friction pads ready to grip onto the 380mm ventilated discs. The Climax Edition is shod with low-profile Bridgestone Potenza rubber wrapped around forged 19-inch BBS alloy wheels finished in matte black paint. Inside the cabin black and red are the dominant colours, with the grippy front seats clad in a mixture of faux suede and artificial leather. The steering wheel and gear shifter knob are finished off with lashings of perforated leather. A red lightning pattern is laser-etched into the face of the analog clock, and a similar design appears on the scuff plates and Climax Edition plaque in the centre tunnel. The Climax Edition goes on sale in Japan from August, and production is limited to just 500 cars. Prices start from ¥9.5 million (A$100,800), or a ¥1.0 million (A$10,600) increase over the standard IS500 F Sport Performance. When production of the third-generation IS ceases in November, there will be no immediate successor as the fourth-generation all-electric IS is reportedly delayed until 2027. It will also mark the end of V8 engines in the Lexus sedan range, a tradition that dates back to the model that started it all, the 1989 LS. The third-generation IS was launched way back in 2013, and it has been facelifted twice. The most recent facelift in 2020 saw the entire exterior redesigned, and also brought back the option of a V8 engine, although the IS500 F Sport Performance was never offered in Australia. New side impact regulations meant the IS was withdrawn from Australian showrooms in 2021. MORE: Everything Lexus IS Content originally sourced from: With production of the IS set to end in November, Lexus is sending its sports sedan off with a bang. The Japan-only Lexus IS500 Climax Edition follows in the footsteps of the North American IS500 Ultimate Edition, and the two special editions share most features. Under the bonnet there's an unchanged naturally aspirated 5.0-litre V8 from the regular IS500 F Sport Performance. It makes 352kW and 537Nm, and drives the rear wheels via an eight-speed automatic transmission. Hundreds of new car deals are available through CarExpert right now. Get the experts on your side and score a great deal. Browse now. While the Climax Edition doesn't have any extra get-up-and-go, it is down to get some friction on with saucy red six-pot Brembo calipers and high-friction pads ready to grip onto the 380mm ventilated discs. The Climax Edition is shod with low-profile Bridgestone Potenza rubber wrapped around forged 19-inch BBS alloy wheels finished in matte black paint. Inside the cabin black and red are the dominant colours, with the grippy front seats clad in a mixture of faux suede and artificial leather. The steering wheel and gear shifter knob are finished off with lashings of perforated leather. A red lightning pattern is laser-etched into the face of the analog clock, and a similar design appears on the scuff plates and Climax Edition plaque in the centre tunnel. The Climax Edition goes on sale in Japan from August, and production is limited to just 500 cars. Prices start from ¥9.5 million (A$100,800), or a ¥1.0 million (A$10,600) increase over the standard IS500 F Sport Performance. When production of the third-generation IS ceases in November, there will be no immediate successor as the fourth-generation all-electric IS is reportedly delayed until 2027. It will also mark the end of V8 engines in the Lexus sedan range, a tradition that dates back to the model that started it all, the 1989 LS. The third-generation IS was launched way back in 2013, and it has been facelifted twice. The most recent facelift in 2020 saw the entire exterior redesigned, and also brought back the option of a V8 engine, although the IS500 F Sport Performance was never offered in Australia. New side impact regulations meant the IS was withdrawn from Australian showrooms in 2021. MORE: Everything Lexus IS Content originally sourced from: With production of the IS set to end in November, Lexus is sending its sports sedan off with a bang. The Japan-only Lexus IS500 Climax Edition follows in the footsteps of the North American IS500 Ultimate Edition, and the two special editions share most features. Under the bonnet there's an unchanged naturally aspirated 5.0-litre V8 from the regular IS500 F Sport Performance. It makes 352kW and 537Nm, and drives the rear wheels via an eight-speed automatic transmission. Hundreds of new car deals are available through CarExpert right now. Get the experts on your side and score a great deal. Browse now. While the Climax Edition doesn't have any extra get-up-and-go, it is down to get some friction on with saucy red six-pot Brembo calipers and high-friction pads ready to grip onto the 380mm ventilated discs. The Climax Edition is shod with low-profile Bridgestone Potenza rubber wrapped around forged 19-inch BBS alloy wheels finished in matte black paint. Inside the cabin black and red are the dominant colours, with the grippy front seats clad in a mixture of faux suede and artificial leather. The steering wheel and gear shifter knob are finished off with lashings of perforated leather. A red lightning pattern is laser-etched into the face of the analog clock, and a similar design appears on the scuff plates and Climax Edition plaque in the centre tunnel. The Climax Edition goes on sale in Japan from August, and production is limited to just 500 cars. Prices start from ¥9.5 million (A$100,800), or a ¥1.0 million (A$10,600) increase over the standard IS500 F Sport Performance. When production of the third-generation IS ceases in November, there will be no immediate successor as the fourth-generation all-electric IS is reportedly delayed until 2027. It will also mark the end of V8 engines in the Lexus sedan range, a tradition that dates back to the model that started it all, the 1989 LS. The third-generation IS was launched way back in 2013, and it has been facelifted twice. The most recent facelift in 2020 saw the entire exterior redesigned, and also brought back the option of a V8 engine, although the IS500 F Sport Performance was never offered in Australia. New side impact regulations meant the IS was withdrawn from Australian showrooms in 2021. MORE: Everything Lexus IS Content originally sourced from:
Perth Now
23-06-2025
- Automotive
- Perth Now
Lexus IS500 Climax Edition: V8 sedan bids farewell on a high
With production of the IS set to end in November, Lexus is sending its sports sedan off with a bang. The Japan-only Lexus IS500 Climax Edition follows in the footsteps of the North American IS500 Ultimate Edition, and the two special editions share most features. Under the bonnet there's an unchanged naturally-aspirated 5.0-litre V8 from the regular IS500 F Sport Performance. It makes 352kW and 537Nm, and drives the rear wheels via an eight-speed automatic transmission. Hundreds of new car deals are available through CarExpert right now. Get the experts on your side and score a great deal. Browse now. Supplied Credit: CarExpert Supplied Credit: CarExpert While the Climax Edition doesn't have any extra get-up-and-go, it is down to get some friction on with saucy red six-pot Brembo callipers and high-friction pads ready to grip onto the 380mm ventilated discs. The Climax Edition is shod with low-profile Bridgestone Potenza rubber wrapped around forged 19-inch BBS alloy wheels finished in matte black paint. Inside the cabin black and red are the dominant colours, with the grippy front seats clad in a mixture of faux suede and artificial leather. The steering wheel and gear shifter knob are finished off with lashings of perforated leather. Supplied Credit: CarExpert Supplied Credit: CarExpert A red lightning pattern is laser etched into the face of the analog clock, and a similar design appears on the scuff plates and Climax Edition plaque in the centre tunnel. The Climax Edition goes on sale in Japan from August, and production is limited to just 500 cars. Prices start from ¥9.5 million (A$100,800), or a ¥1.0 million (A$10,600) increase over the standard IS500 F Sport Performance. When production of the third-generation IS ceases in November, there will be no immediate successor as the fourth-generation all-electric IS is reportedly delayed until 2027. It will also mark the end of V8 engines in the Lexus sedan range, a tradition that dates back to the model that started it all, the 1989 LS. Supplied Credit: CarExpert The third-generation IS was launched way back in 2013, and it has been facelifted twice. The most recent facelift in 2020 saw the entire exterior redesigned, and also brought back the option of a V8 engine, although the IS500 F Sport Performance was never offered in Australia. New side impact regulations meant the IS was withdrawn from Australian showrooms in 2021. MORE: Everything Lexus IS
7NEWS
23-06-2025
- Automotive
- 7NEWS
Lexus IS500 Climax Edition: V8 sedan bids farewell on a high
With production of the IS set to end in November, Lexus is sending its sports sedan off with a bang. The Japan-only Lexus IS500 Climax Edition follows in the footsteps of the North American IS500 Ultimate Edition, and the two special editions share most features. Under the bonnet there's an unchanged naturally-aspirated 5.0-litre V8 from the regular IS500 F Sport Performance. It makes 352kW and 537Nm, and drives the rear wheels via an eight-speed automatic transmission. Hundreds of new car deals are available through CarExpert right now. Get the experts on your side and score a great deal. Browse now. While the Climax Edition doesn't have any extra get-up-and-go, it is down to get some friction on with saucy red six-pot Brembo callipers and high-friction pads ready to grip onto the 380mm ventilated discs. The Climax Edition is shod with low-profile Bridgestone Potenza rubber wrapped around forged 19-inch BBS alloy wheels finished in matte black paint. Inside the cabin black and red are the dominant colours, with the grippy front seats clad in a mixture of faux suede and artificial leather. The steering wheel and gear shifter knob are finished off with lashings of perforated leather. A red lightning pattern is laser etched into the face of the analog clock, and a similar design appears on the scuff plates and Climax Edition plaque in the centre tunnel. The Climax Edition goes on sale in Japan from August, and production is limited to just 500 cars. Prices start from ¥9.5 million (A$100,800), or a ¥1.0 million (A$10,600) increase over the standard IS500 F Sport Performance. When production of the third-generation IS ceases in November, there will be no immediate successor as the fourth-generation all-electric IS is reportedly delayed until 2027. It will also mark the end of V8 engines in the Lexus sedan range, a tradition that dates back to the model that started it all, the 1989 LS. The third-generation IS was launched way back in 2013, and it has been facelifted twice. The most recent facelift in 2020 saw the entire exterior redesigned, and also brought back the option of a V8 engine, although the IS500 F Sport Performance was never offered in Australia. New side impact regulations meant the IS was withdrawn from Australian showrooms in 2021.
Time of India
18-06-2025
- Entertainment
- Time of India
Donkey Kong Bananza release date on Nintendo Switch 2: Trailer, gameplay, when to play new video game
Donkey Kong Bananza release date on Nintendo Switch 2 has been announced during a Nintendo Direct session. The video game is a new Switch 2 game and allows players to go exploring off-grid. Gamers can enjoy "Donkey Kong Bananza" exclusively on Nintendo Switch 2. There will be a brand new 3D platforming as the video game will set in Ingot Isle. Donkey Kong and His New Partner Pauline Smash, Bash, Climb and Sing Their Way Through a Brand-New 3D Platforming Action Adventure Coming Exclusively to Nintendo Switch 2, Nintendo stated in Direct event. Gamers must note that Nintendo Switch 2 has a special feature of parental controls. Donkey Kong Bananza Release Date, Trailer "Donkey Kong Bananza" will be launched on Nintendo Switch 2 on July 17. Live Events Nintendo has released a teaser trailer of Donkey Kong Bananza. You can watch here Nintendo Switch 2 costs $449.99 in the United States, over a third more than the Switch. A Japan-only version is cheaper, at 49,980 yen ($350). Most original Switch games can be played on the Switch 2, and some Switch blockbusters such as "Zelda: Breath of the Wild" will have enhanced editions released for the new incarnation. The Switch 2 will have eight times the memory of the first Switch, and its controllers, which attach with magnets, can also be used like a desktop computer mouse. Featuring a bigger screen and more processing power, the Switch 2 is an upgrade to its predecessor, which has sold 152 million units since launching in 2017 -- making it the third best-selling video game console of all time. FAQs Q1. When will 'Donkey Kong Bananza' be released? A1. "Donkey Kong Bananza" will be launched on Nintendo Switch 2 on July 17. Q2. What is price of 'Donkey Kong Bananza'? A2. Nintendo Switch 2 costs $449.99 in the United States, over a third more than the Switch. A Japan-only version is cheaper, at 49,980 yen ($350).
