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Global (Page 52)

New iPad App “The Legend of Momotaro” Brings Japanese Folk Tale to Life

Philip Kendall
Jan 22, 2013
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Telling the age-old story of a hero born from a giant peach, Ghost Hand Games’ new app The Legend of Momotaro landed on our iPad last weekend. Promising an inspiring interactive experience while telling the classic Japanese tale, we fired it up right away. A couple of hours of reading, listening and screen-tapping later, we were left with no doubt in our minds: technology really can do great things for an old reading experience.

Global, Japan
(app • education • ipad • Japan • Momotaro • review • technology)

Surf While You Slurp: Anti-Loneliness Ramen Bowl Promises Relief for Singles

Michelle Lynn Dinh
Jan 21, 2013

Salty tears roll down your cheeks as you spend yet another night alone eating instant ramen. You despondently stare at the ripples formed as you continue to sob into your noodles. The broth takes on a miserable taste you are all too familiar with.

Singles rejoice! Your nights of eating alone will be made a little less lonely thanks to this new invention: the anti-loneliness ramen bowl!

Global, USA
(food • ramen • smartphone • strange)

Japanese Researchers Unravel the Mechanism Behind the Cause of Depression.

Andrew Miller
Jan 20, 2013

A research team from universities in Nagoya, Japan, has come one step further in developing an effective medicine against the debilitating disorder that is depression.

Global, Japan
(cause • depression • mechanism • Nagoya • scientists)

The Mine Kafun — An Amazing Invention That Could Save Lives And Make the World a Safer Place

Kay
Jan 15, 2013

We all know that life can be cruel, but few things in this world are crueller than landmines that can indiscriminately maim or kill innocent civilians, young or old, decades after they’ve been planted. If ever you needed proof of human foolishness, you only have to think about the countless hidden landmines still buried in different parts of the world, perhaps long forgotten by the people who planted them, but still as capable as ever of maiming or killing unsuspecting victims.

Sadly, mines continue even today to be very much a real threat. In Afghanistan, it is reported that roughly one million people live within 500 meters (about 1/3 mile) of areas suspected of containing land mines and that more than 40 people each month lose their lives to these concealed but deadly contraptions. The tragic, needless loss of life is truly horrifying to think about. But now, there’s a new device that may make a huge difference in improving the situation. It’s called the Mine Kafun, and don’t let its somewhat futuristic yet simple appearance deceive you — this gadget could be a very effective and inexpensive weapon in mankind’s efforts to rid the world of landmines. Read More

Global
(Afghanistan • invention • Kickstarter • landmines • Massoud Hassin • Mine Kafun)

A Shower and Bar on an Airplane?! The Emirates Airbus is More Like a Hotel

Michelle Lynn Dinh
Jan 14, 2013

Ever wanted to see the inside of a luxury aircraft, but don’t have the dough to make your dream a reality? One of our normally frugal writers decided to splurge and take a business class flight on an Emirates Airbus A380. Surprised by the wide array of perks the flight offered, she documented the best parts of the trip. Take a look at her photographs of the surprising amenities, like an inflight bar lounge and shower, which make this plane seem more like a hotel. It’s not quite the same as boarding the plane yourself, but unlike the flight, reading this article won’t cost you a penny and you’re free to move about the cabin at any time.

Global, Japan
(Airbus A380 • Business Class • Emirates • experience • first class • Flight to Dubai • Luxury • plane)

Real Life Gold Skulltula? Yellow Spider with Human Face Spotted in Hong Kong.

Andrew Miller
Jan 13, 2013

Recently a bizarre eight legged creature bearing striking resemblance to gold skultullas — the special from gold-backed spiders from the Legend of Zelda series — has been spotted in Hong Kong.

At first glance,you might be inclined to think that you’ve been playing too much Nintendo, but this spider with a seemingly human face is an actual image taken by an eyewitness.

China, Global
(Hong Kong • video games • weird • Zelda)

CEO of Nidec Says Japan Can’t Compete Without Labor Deregulation, Workers Respond With “F- That!”

Jessica
Jan 10, 2013

During an interview at his Kyoto headquarters this week, Nidec Corporation CEO Shigenobu Nagamori was quoted as saying, “Due to Japan’s strict labor laws, we cannot compete with enterprises in Korea and China.” He intends to lobby the government to relax labor regulations to allow for more flexible working conditions.

He additionally said that the government and the Bank of Japan need to weaken and maintain the yen to around a 90-100 yen to the dollar exchange rate in order for Japanese export companies to compete with booming exports from China and Korea. Read More

Global, Japan
(business • economy • labor • Nagamori Shigenobu • Nidec)

The King of Pizzas? We Sample Domino’s Pricey New Luxury Pizza 【Food Review】

Andrew Miller
Jan 7, 2013

Domino’s Pizza, one of the world’s most well-known home delivery pizza services, has recently released a new luxury pizza in Japan– an exclusive to the pizza fast food market.

Priced at 5,800 yen (about US$66), however, you’d be right to think twice before parting with your cash; after all, this is essentially just a circle of baked dough with fancy toppings. Sure, after piling all of your favourite toppings onto a pizza pie, one might hit the 5,000 yen mark, but a large-sized pizza starting at 5,800 yen?!

This had better be something very special…

Global, Japan
(dominos pizza • fast food • high class • high price • Japan • king • market • new)

Japanese Debate Program Wants Your Opinion on Major Issues, Participate Now on Facebook

Master Blaster
Jan 3, 2013

NHK has been running a series of panel debate shows called WISDOM which covers globally relevant issues by holding a discussion among experts from around the world. Since 2010, they have covered a range of topics from economic crises, to Arab Spring, to bullying.

However, as of this year, they are planning on making an ambitious new addition to the program: YOU, if you’re willing.

Starting from their next episode titled “What Next for the Global Economy?” they are inviting everyone in the world to submit their opinions and suggestions for a truly global perspective on matters that affect all of us.

Global, Internet, Japan
(debate • facebook • gobal • NHK • wisdom)

Sony Warns Not to Put Your Gaming Console in the Microwave, Leaves Online Community Dumbfounded

Andrew Miller
Dec 28, 2012

Sony’s recent publicly-announced warning not to put your gaming console in the microwave, has left most of the online community completely lost for words. If you happen to be the owner of a Sony gaming console, placing it in the microwave only to fry the hell of it is surely the last thing on your agenda. Nevertheless, it cannot be denied that such reports have recently been doing the rounds on the net. Frying your treasured gaming console obviously defies all forms of common sense and I’m sure most of you will be racking your brains as to whom and under what circumstances would do such a thing.

So just why would Sony issue such a bizarre warning? In short, Sony appears only to be going by the facts, or should we say the evidence that remains resident on the game console after being submitted for repair:

“Of the defective products received by Sony, we have detected on some rate occasions evident changes in the shape of the unit and even burn marks that can only be assumed to have been brought about by the use of an electrical appliance such as a hairdryer or microwave”.

Sony adds, “Heating up your game console leads not only to a defective unit but also creates the risk of a fire or even serious injury”.

Whilst there is much speculation and even theories out there as to why game users would resort to such an act, hard evidence is much lacking.

So just what are some of these theories?

Forget about sending your broken game console to Sony: if you have a hairdryer at hand, repair it yourself the D.I.Y way! – Or so the ‘hairdryer method’ would have you believe!

Global, Japan
(community • gaming • iPhone • microwave • online • playstation • PSP • pspvita • Sony • videogames)

Luffy Vs Goku in 3D! New Shonen Jump Fighting Game to be Released in 2013

Master Blaster
Dec 18, 2012

Bandai Namco has announced that work is underway on a 3D Team Battle game using the characters of the Weekly Shonen Jump collection of manga series. The game is set to be released in 2013 to commemorate the 45th anniversary of Weekly Shonen Jump. Color us massively excited!

Global, Japan
(Dragon Ball • new • One Piece • Shonen Jump • video game)

Japanese Woman’s Rage at Slow Wii U Sends out Ripples of Doubt about Nintendo’s Newest Console

Master Blaster
Dec 11, 2012

As the Wii U (finally) made its Japanese debut on 8 December amid great fanfare, cosplay, and pizza, reviews sprang up across the internet like so many fireworks going off when Mario enters the little castle at the right time.

As we at RocketNews24 got our hands on a US machine ahead of the Japanese launch we were impressed with its smooth and fast handling, even while riding a bullet train.

So it’s a little surprising to us and many other Nintendo fans when one woman’s review turned to rant at the device’s excruciatingly slow time to switch between some simple screens.

Global, Japan
(comment • nintendo • performance • problem • slow • wait • WiiU • YouTube)

Hello Kitty Now A Hot Sexy Kitten (And She’ll Warm Your Legs Too!)

Kay
Dec 9, 2012

Can you tell who the character in the above picture is? She’s cosplayed, posed nude and even turned herself into various edible treats before, but once again Ms. Kitty stretches the boundaries of her professionalism, this time by turning herself into human form, and an über-hot, sexy form at that. And you’ve got to admit, she really isn’t looking too bad, to put it mildly. Read More

Global, Japan
(Hello Kitty • MAM AVANTGARDE • stockings • tights)

Send Your Loved Ones Christmas Greetings, But Send it Secretly with Coke!

Master Blaster
Dec 8, 2012

Imagine you want to ask that girl or guy of your dreams out this holiday season, but maybe you’re too shy to do it out right. You could send a text or e-mail, but that’s kind of lame and bland.

Go figure: the megacorporation Coca Cola is here to provide you with a sweet, intimate, and memorable way to tell people how you feel.

It works kind of like a sugary time bomb of love. All you need is a plastic bottle of coke and a marker.

Global
(Coca-Cola • massage • secret)

Giant Robot Battle Fists Now On Sale in Japan! But With Great Robot Fists Comes Great Responsibility

Master Blaster
Dec 7, 2012

Finally you can put awesome power of giant battle robots in the palm of your hand— or around the palm of your hand—with GIANT ROBOT BATTLE FISTS. Now available in Japan! Sounds like the perfect Christmas gift to me!

Global, Internet, Japan
(Giant Robot Battle Fists • novelty • Think Geek • toy)

Love Disney? These Adorable Mickey and Minnie Hotel Rooms Are For You!

Kay
Dec 4, 2012

Ah, the wonderful world of Disney! With the holiday festivities swinging into full gear, there’s bound to be a lot of fun and magic going on at Tokyo Disney Resort this time of the year. Well, Disney lovers, in a few months, there will be one more reason for you to visit the land where dreams come true.

The Disney Ambassador Hotel, long loved by Disney fans for its Art Deco style interior containing numerous Disney character motifs and surely a delightful place to stay for any visitor, will be going under partial renovation and reopen on February 6th next year.

So what new changes can guests look forward to? Read More

Global, Japan
(Disney • Disney Ambassador Hotel • Mickey • Minnie • renovation • room • Tokyo Disney Resort)

Hello Kitty Now Serving Herself Up as Main Dish for Thanksgiving!

Kay
Nov 22, 2012

No one can accuse Hello Kitty of being a slacker. She’s constantly involved in projects with popular franchises, and we’ve seen her tackle an unbelievably wide range of jobs from appearing on anime-themed boxer briefs to being featured nude on a T-shirt. She’s also not averse to tolerating a little pain, having been through some baking and steaming in her line of work.

This time, our fearless Miss Kitty endures some roasting, just in time for the Thanksgiving Holidays!
Read More

Global, Internet, Japan
(Hello Kitty • stuffed toys • turkey)

The Slow Rise to Success of the Stapleless Stapler, Japan’s Latest Office Trend Poised to Take the World

Master Blaster
Nov 22, 2012

Get ready to say goodbye to staples. Not the office supply chain, those little metal pins we’ve relied on for so long to fasten papers together. Japan is currently undergoing the no-staple revolution thanks to some innovative new products that have surprisingly been around for a long time – stapleless staplers!

Global, Japan
(Harinacs • Office Supplies • stapleless • stapler)

Make Citrus Your Bitch With the Citrus Sprayer

Steven
Nov 11, 2012

Nothing livens up a salad or a roast chicken breast like a bit of fresh lemon, but isn’t it a pain to have to do all that cutting and squeezing? Don’t you just wish you could grab a lemon off the tree and pump it dry on the spot?

Well, now you can with Citrus Sprayer, a clever little utensil that turns fresh citrus fruit into a natural spray bottle!

Global, Internet
(citrus • fruit • shopping)

How’s It Hangin’ Japan? “To the Left,” Say About 40% of Guys

Master Blaster
Nov 3, 2012

Here’s your Japanese vocabulary lesson for the day:

■ Chinpoji – Cheenpojee – [noun]
The perfect position for a man’s junk to rest in his underwear, pants, etc.

For men worldwide, to function normally we have to have our gear oriented in the correct position. If through moving or sitting we fall out of chinpoji, then our minds become clouded with neuroses.

According to a survey by Japanese underwear maker Wacoal, 75% of men “are anxious about the positioning of their ‘front parts.’” Not just the discomfort going on inside the pants; many men feel that their packages can be seen by people on the outside too when they’re out of place. This causes us to perform emergency public adjustments, which makes any woman within eyeshot go “ugghhh.” In the end no one wins.

Yahoo Japan’s R25 explored this issue deeper, seeking to discover if all men’s chinpoji are the same and, if so, ask a medical professional why. Here’s what they found.