Archive for August, 2010

Nagasaki “Crocodile” Was Probably a Turtle

After people in Nagasaki reported sightings of a “crocodile” last month, local authorities responded by searching for the creature and setting traps. However, it now looks like it may have just been a case of mistaken identity:

The traps failed to catch any crocs, and nobody could produce any evidence beyond the initial eyewitness reports and the above photograph. Experts who examined the photo have concluded that it may have actually been a turtle.

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Smart Vending Machine in Tokyo

A high tech “smart vending machine” has been installed inside JR Shinagawa station in Tokyo:

Rather than use a tradition pushbutton system, the machines use a 47-inch touch panel display with several distinct automatic modes, the company stated

When a customer nears the machine, only images of the available drinks will be displayed. The machines come equipped with sensors that can recognize age and sex with a 75% accuracy, and make recommendations based on the situation, Nikkei reported. Customers can also zoom in on a particular selection to get more detailed product information if desired.

When people are not in its near vicinity, the machine switches to an advertising mode that will display imagery based on factors such as season, time of day, and temperature. In one instance, the machine popped up a big set of eyes, along with words that read “I’m thirsty!”

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Japan’s Best Technology

NTV’s “Bankisha” news program asked 200 scientists to name the areas in which Japanese technology excels on a global level. Here is the top 5 ranking:

1. Space Technology – JAXA is working hard to develop futuristic space ships and satellites.
2. Automobile Technology – Japan is leading the world in hybrid technology and futuristic concept vehicles.
3. Medical Technology – The tube your doctor uses to poke around inside your body is probably made in Japan.
4. Robot Technology – No surprise here. They visit Tmsuk to check out some of their best robots, including rescue, security, and wheelchair robots. The company says that they get very little support from the Japanese government, and survive mainly through international projects.
5. Water Processing Technology – As an example, they show a filter that helps convert sea water to drinkable fresh water.

Honorable mention: Giant Aquarium Tanks

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English-only at Rakuten

Rakuten is plowing ahead with its plan to make English the official language of all employees by 2012. Last week, President Hiroshi Mikitani gave the company’s earnings presentation entirely in English:

Rakuten is very serious about competing in a global market. Even though most of the reporters there were Japanese and their questions were asked in Japanese, Mikitani made a point of responding in English. An interpreter provided Japanese translations. Although many employees are still in the process of learning English, the company cafeteria has gone ahead and changed its menus to English.

While several other Japanese companies have made English the official language of company documents, few have gone as far as Rakuten’s policy of requiring Japanese employees to switch all communication (including talking) to English.

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3 Japanese Die in Utah Tour Bus Crash

A small bus carrying 14 Japanese tourists from Las Vegas to Bryce Canyon National Park crashed yesterday, leaving 3 dead and several others injured:

The dead included 20-year-old Hiroki Hayase, 20, and a 38-year-old man and a 40-year-old woman whose names were being withheld until their families could be notified.

According to the UHP, the driver was a 26-year-old man from Las Vegas. He had minor injuries and spoke to investigators after his release from a hospital in Cedar City.

Some of the victims have been moved to hospitals in Salt Lake City, where most were in critical condition, according to the UHP.

Many of the passengers were ejected. Three died at the scene, Utah Highway Patrol spokesman Cameron Roden said.

Police are still investigating the reason why the bus went off the road and overturned, but it looks like it could have been due to the fact that the driver was “drowsy” at the time.

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• dannychoo.com – Your portal to Japan (Subscribe)

Cross-dressing “Schoolgirl” Man Arrested

A 35-year-old cross-dressing man has been arrested for groping a woman along a road in Gunma prefecture:

He was wearing a wig and a schoolgirl uniform that he purchased via the internet. He reportedly told the police that he got excitement out of dressing up like a woman and doing embarrassing things.

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• dannychoo.com – Your portal to Japan (Subscribe)