Just received this alert via email from HMV in Japan about a future Van Halen release scheduled for 15 March 2013:

http://www.hmv.co.jp/artist_Van-Halen_000000000012510/item_Studio-Albums-1978-1984-Ltd-Box_5309972/ref/?ref=dp_sim_1

HMV used to have a “translate” option at the bottom of their screen, but I didn’t see it. Thankfully, I use Google Chrome so it automatically translated it for me.

It’s for a box set of the first 6 VH albums. Looks like the same box set I bought when I lived in Japan, except for the bonus pin or keychain that came with it. I no longer have mine because I traded it for a copy of the 4 disc “Unreleased” set. According to HMV’s site, the price for this is normally 2300 Yen, but HMV has it on sale for 2116 Yen, which comes to around U.S. $23 with the current Yen to Dollar rate.

The descriptive sucks, and after the Japanese to English translation reads like gibberish, but the pictures and price tells us everything we need to know.

Previous thread: http://www.vhtrading.com/topic/van-halen-the-studio-albums-1978-1984-6-cd-box

I just received the email this morning.

I give up.

No need to give up Vince. It’s just that other sites had it listed earlier. I found the set on Amazon.co.jp about a week ago by accident. Well, maybe not completely by accident, as I’ve become accustomed to searching for content like that on various sites every couple of weeks, just in case something like that shows up.

Plus you gave good info on pricing that hadn’t previously been discussed, so it’s all good.

Since Amazon.co.jp listed it as an “import”, I ordered my copy from Europe.

My original 1978-1984 box set I traded for The Unreleased (Merry Melodies) set is retailing for as much as $600 in new condition to as little as $150 in used condition. I’m kicking myself now not just for trading it, but for not buying an extra set while I was in Japan. I have 2 of the 1986-1993 set.

While some eBayers may try and ask for $600 for the early box set, … are they getting it? Here’s an auction that ended last week for a used set in very good condition. It went for under $90 bucks with shipping. http://www.ebay.com/itm/290844826288

Here’s a current auction for one still sealed: http://www.ebay.com/itm/370743023716

I just looked at the active auction link, and I’d love to have it. Problem is, I’ve been spending so much money online with eBay & Amazon, Loni would probably have my ass stuffed and mounted if I dropped more money on this, regardless if it’s something I used to have and need to add to my collection. It’s a good asking price, though.

Just fired off an email to my brother-in-law, who’s stationed in Japan, to pick one up for me when it’s released.