When you want to get the latest cd by someone (or an old release) from Japan. Where can I order? Direct from Japan or a US company that has already imported it?

Tower has some Jap imports (like Janet Jackson) but can you get them cheaper, direct? or does the shipping eat you up?

just curious

Well if you have friends over there you can just order from Amazon Japan and have it shipped to your friend's address. As far as I know Amazon Japan don't ship outside of Japan (at least, they don't for videogames and DVDs).

There are US and international sites that deal in Japanese imported goods (manga, videogames, j-pop etc) but you'll get ripped off by these guys.

Cool avatar by the way. Hulk smash!