Diamond Rush 2

Hello everyone and welcome back to Tiro Finale for another chapter of Diamond Rush. This week, we will be taking a look at the various Dia merchandise on offer at the major hobby stores in Kashiwa. These included Lashinbang, Animate, Yellow Submarine and Village/Vanguard. For a more in depth look at these shops make sure to check out our earlier coverage on Kashiwa. But, if all you are here is for Dia then, you have come to the right place. 

More than the usual rubber straps and prize figures, today's Diamond Rush focuses on the lesser known merchandise of the giant franchise that is Love Live Sunshine. For example, this Dia pin and a mini-pillow of Dia. The pin follows all the visual and design cues associated with Dia and can be had for just 400 Yen. Meanwhile, the mini-pillow is a little more interesting featuring an illusration of Dia eating. 

There is even the special Wonder Festival Sega prize figure of Dia. These differed from the usual Aozora Jumping Heart prize figures with a different paint finish on the school idol outfit and were sold exclusively during Wonder Festival. Where the standard prize figure would sell for roughly 1,000 Yen, the Wonder Festival can fetch upwards of 3-5 times more. 

If you are a Dia fan but, are on a tight budget, one of the sure fire ways to improve your collection is via the addition of clear files. They are easy to find, affordable and, most importantly, practical. Not to mention, they also have high quality illustrations of Dia in various guises.

An original sealed Dia clear file usually sells for 100-200 Yen in re-seller's store where the prices tend to be below retail. Meanwhile, retail stores such as Animate would sell them at 300-400 Yen ergo the sticker price. 

The upside of purchasing from re-seller's is notably the price where 100 Yen is likely the cheapest merchandise you can find in stores. The downside is you would probably have to wait a while before the newer designs are available as they do not move through usual retail channels. Not only that, event exclusive or limited clear files more often than not appreciate in price. Unfortunately for many, events are out of the question and the only way to obtain them is via re-sellers.

Ever since I started Diamond Rush, I have been tasked with looking for the most interesting Dia finds in the sea of Love Live Sunshine merchandise. And one item in particular that keeps getting requested a Dia lanyard/pass case. Searching high and low, I finally came across one in Kashiwa of all places!

And I found not one, but two Dia pass cases! Just like clear files, case passes serve a very practical everyday purpose and I often recommend them as one of the more worthwhile character merchandise to get despite their higher price point.

Want to express your love for Dia? How about a heart shaped acrylic key holder with Dia looking on lovingly? This way, you will never forget about her. 

Or if that is not good enough, get a pencil case of her too! The stream of unique Dia merchandise is a never ending one but, that is where we will be stopping for today. I hope this chapter of Diamond Rush has given you some inspiration of how to ascend your Dia collection to the next level. As usual, if you have any questions, do not hesitate to ask them in the comments section below and we will do our best to help you out. Until the next time, thank you so much for reading and have yourself a wonderful day ahead!