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Soon, coming near you! A robot that can run

Soon, coming near you! A robot that can run

Posted on Sep 3, 2014 in Japanese technology, News |

Scientists at the University of Tokyo announced Sept. 1 that they have developed a bipedal robot that can run like a human. Led by Masatoshi Ishikawa, professor of systems informatics at the university’s Graduate School of Information Science and Technology, the team of engineers created the “Achilles” robot, which is capable of running at 4.2 kph, equivalent to the speed of a human jogging. However, Achilles’ legs measure only 14 centimeters long....

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Got hay fever? No fear, the new ‘Pollen Robo’ is here!

Posted on Jan 29, 2014 in Japanese technology, News |

For several years, Weather forecaster Weathernews Inc. has deployed a special robot at this time of the year to help Japan’s hay fever sufferers better navigate the pollen season. The new Pollen Robo designed for this year will be capable of collecting data on not only pollen, but also on PM2.5 particulate matter and yellow sand that blows across the sea from China. The company is dispatching 1,000 units across the country. Hay fever sufferers will be able to access the...

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The Japanese secret to staying young for longer

Posted on Oct 18, 2013 in Japanese technology, News, Stories about Japan |

Wasabi, the Japanese condiment which offers a delicious kick to the nasal passages with every bite, has long been embraced in Japan, and more recently other parts of the world. However, aside from accentuating sushi or playing jokes on friends, the pungent plant has been found to provide anti-aging effects in recent years. For those who turn up their noses at the thought of a daily dose of wasabi, you may reconsider when you realize how easy it is to benefit from...

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Japanese love their vending machines. Now there is even one for games!

Posted on Oct 3, 2013 in Japanese technology, Must see, News, Stories about Japan |

Vending machines are quite popular in Japan, and Google recently put up a few of its own to distribute mobile games to Android users. Engadget reports that the machines offer 18 different games—some of which are free while others require payment—and transactions are made by resting an NFC-enabled phone running Android 4.0 or higher onto a tray below the large touchscreen. Photo credit: Engadget If you don’t have a compatible device, the vending machine lets you take...

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Things to do: Dress up in cosplay and have your picture taken

Things to do: Dress up in cosplay and have your picture taken

Posted on Sep 18, 2013 in Japanese customs, Japanese technology, News, Stories about Japan |

Cosplay (コスプレ kosupure), short for “costume play”, is an activity in which participants wear costumes and accessories to represent a specific character or idea from a work of fiction. Cosplayers often interact to create a subculture centered on role play. A broader use of the termcosplay applies to any costumed role play in venues apart from the stage, regardless of the cultural context. Favorite sources include manga, anime, comic books, video games, and films....

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Secret treasures of Japan: Origami

Secret treasures of Japan: Origami

Posted on Sep 16, 2013 in History of Japan, Japanese customs, Japanese technology, Stories about Japan |

Origami (折り紙), Japanese: ‘ori’ means to fold and ‘kami’ paper, is a traditional Japanese folding art and developed in the Edo period. Origami uses a limited number of folds but due to the combination of these folds intriguing designs are possible. The art originates in China during the first or second century, shortly after the invention of paper. From China it came to Japan, where it gained its shape and form as we know it today. In general the...

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