Tokyo Times

Photographs from a small group of islands

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Disney death

I’ve long since given up trying to understand the Japanese obsession with all things Disney. The desire to posses the company’s merchandise and make numerous trips to Tokyo Disneyland appears to be almost genetic. Even Emperor Hirohito, somewhat surprisingly, is said to have been the proud owner of a Mickey Mouse watch. Several reports even claiming he was buried with it.

Mickey mouse watch

The recent actions of 25-year-old Manabu Furuya however almost make a Mickey Mouse loving Emperor seem acceptable. Quaint even. As finding himself down to his last 10,000 yen (50 pound) — but at the same time desperate to take his girlfriend to Tokyo Disney Sea — the deranged devotee robbed a pub where he used to work.

Yet fleeing the scene with 150,000 yen in his pocket, he was confronted by pub employee Takahiro Dono. And in a bid to escape, Furuya stabbed him. An attack that sadly proved to be fatal.

A tragedy though that failed to get in the way of Furuya and his Disney themed date. The day after the theft and murder, he happily went to Disney Sea as planned.

He may have even bought a watch.

Categorized: Odd

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Marvellous melons

Like most men, I’m a huge fan of big and juicy melons — the firmer and fruitier the better. Yet regardless of how sweet and succulent they are, I’m not prepared to pay 280,000 yen (1,400 pound) to get my sweaty palms on some.

Others however appear to think very differently, as last week the year’s first Densuke watermelons were sold at auction. A type known for its rare black colour.

densuke melon

Of the fifteen watermelons auctioned off, the largest — weighing a big and bouncy 8 kg and measuring an eye-catching 30 cm in diameter — went for the aforementioned sum of 280,000 yen.

Meaning that when it comes to large melons, I’ll unfortunately have to make do with just looking

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My sweet Lord

In consumer crazy Japan, where shopping is a religion and brands are the new gods — what better name for a store than My Lord?

japanese department store

Apart from Vuitton or Prada of course.

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Dance Dance (Robot) Revolution

For gentlemen lacking a date, or those unlucky enough to be left high and dry at the local dance club — help is finally at hand. The Partner Ballroom Dance Robot may not be much of a conversationalist, but it is quite a mover. Never refusing a dance, no matter how many times its feet wheels are stood on, or beer is spilt down its dress.

dancing robot japan

The robot was developed at Tohoku University, and using a variety of sensors is able to analyze its partner’s movements; figuring out how best to accompany him with its waist, shoulders, elbows, and neck. Its wheels allowing it to glide across the dance floor in any given direction.

Despite this dancing dexterity, the robot is actually part of a plan to develop a machine that can take care of the elderly. The goal being to create a robot that can make an educated guess about what a patient wants, or is about to do. Research leader Kazuhiro Kosuge explaining, “Machines or robots would be able to preempt trouble if they can find what their partners want from what is heard and seen.”

In the meantime though it’s dancing all the way. Plus for any ladies lacking a partner, there’s no need to fret: a male version is in the works. However rumours that it will be programmed to continually try and cop a drunken feel and then insist on going out for a kebab or curry have yet to be confirmed.

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iTable?

There’s no denying that it’s considerably bigger than the ubiquitous iPod, but when it comes to playing your favourite tunes, the Tasting Music table pictured below takes some beating. Both in the cool and ease of use departments.

tasting music

How the machine does what it does is beyond my meagre comprehension, but by simply placing a CD — that’s still in its case — over the sensor in the middle of the table, the album’s track list appears. Allowing songs to be easily selected and played. Plus this illuminated list can be moved around the table’s surface, making it viewable wherever people happen to be sitting.

Unfortunately such a poor explanation doesn’t do this ingenious device justice, but by clicking here you can see a video of it in action.

As for its uses and the idea behind it, the designer of the table says this of his invention:

It is almost impossible to talk about a sound of a piece of music with your friends if you can not hear the sound of the music played. This table is meant to be situated in a cafe or a music shop, where people can eat, drink and chat with friends. These are all comfortable situation, and listening to music also helps to create a comfortable situation.

All well and good, but forget cafes and music shops; how cool would it be to have one these little beauties at home?