Tokyo Times

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Technology Stuff

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Hi-tech Hello kitty

Seeing big game cats online and in magazines is one thing, but getting up close and personal with one of the rarer forms of Japan’s most famous feline is something else altogether.

In particular, the way this one trapped unsuspecting targets in Tokyo with its tasteless and over the top trappings was a true sight to behold, with many of the victims leaving inexplicably dazzled and decidedly down on dough.

Although at least they did have a new NEC laptop to lug home, which is something,

Hello Kitty laptop

I suppose.

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Japanese Blu-ray boost

The titanic but decidedly tedious battle between Blu-ray and HD DVD may have initially seemed like a foregone conclusion in Japan, with the home-grown and previously impervious PlayStation in particular playing a key role in the former’s success. Yet up to now that’s not how things have panned out at all, with poor PlayStation 3 sales and a pitiful selection of Blu-Ray titles leaving the fight far from over.

However things may finally be about to change, with even one Panasonic executive in Japan boasting that Blu-ray will win the day by early next year at the latest. Although while cheaper players will obviously be crucial, it’s almost certainly because of the recent Rats & Star release that Blu-ray — and maybe even boot polish — sales will really start to soar.

Japanese blu-ray

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Wrist-related release

It has to be said that repeated mouse clicks may well cause some repetitive stress related problems, but whether this novel new mouse pad will ease any painful and pent up pressure remains to be seen.

Japanese mouse pad

And even if it does, it’s highly unlikely it’ll be in the wrist department.

Japanese mouse pad

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Tokyo technological titillation

With its sleek design, touch-screen technology and iTunes compatibility, it’s not surprising that North America is going gaga over Apple’s soon to be released iPhone.

In Japan however, the priorities for portable products are a little different — advancements in camera technology in particular garnering a lot of attention. Like the new 5005X for example, a piece of kit* that explicitly caters for the keen photographer.

A phone that Messrs Danny and Hector could possibly have made more than good use of at their recent idol photo shoot in Tokyo.

Japanese phone

*young lady not included

(image via the FG Forums)

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Robot receptionist

With Japan’s rapidly ageing population, it’s perhaps not surprising that robotic research is such a high priority for many Japanese companies. Yet whilst some creations can now ride a bike, serve beverages and even, ahem, bring people pleasure, they are hardly beneficial to society as a whole.

That said, the recent introduction of the CB2 baby robot may admittedly go some way towards the lack of youngsters in Japan, but its far from cuddly character could well remain a stumbling block. Mitsubishi’s Wakamaru on the other hand is arguably a sign of the future, with the Tokyo-based company now offering the little fella out on lease as a receptionist.

Japanese Wakamaru robot

With the ability to recognise 10,000 words, respond with basic sentences and move around without bumping into things, Wakamaru may indeed make the perfect receptionist; however whilst guaranteed to be at work on time and never call in sick, at 120,000 yen (970 dollar) a day, the robot’s reliability comes at quite a cost. A price that admittedly does drop if the rental period is longer, coming in at a more cost effective 20,000 yen per day for those willing to sign up for 3 weeks or more.

Japanese Wakamaru robot

And as a bonus he also seems good with kids, although the expression on the face of the young girl at the front does make one wonder where Wakamaru’s left hand is, and perhaps more importantly, what he’s doing with it.

Japanese Wakamaru robot