As smart phones are finally starting to catch on in Japan, mobile phone powerhouse Au is introducing a smartphone running Google’s Android OS. Although the term smart phone is almost silly when considering that the majority of even Japan’s simpler phones have had cameras, music playing capabilities, texting, and applications or “apuri” for years. Videos […]
Smart Phones Start Hitting the Japanese Mobile Phone Market Read More »
The newest Pepsi limited edition flavor is Pepsi Mont Blanc. For those of you with a sweet tooth, you know that Mont Blanc refers to something like a chestnut cream (or something made with marron, which I believe to be a large European chestnut used in French cakes… however I am not a foodie so
New Pepsi Mont Blanc Sounds Perfect for Christmas Read More »
Asahi News reported today that the American hamburger chain, Wendy’s, is set to make a return to the Japanese market. Wendy’s unceremoniously exited Japan near the end of last year. A representative at Wendy’s Asian headquarters was quoted as saying that they could not ignore the second largest fast food market in the world, and
Wendy’s Set to Return to Japan Read More »
Asus has announced the forthcoming EeePad which will be the netbook giant’s entry into the touchpad or tablet computer market. It seeks to improve upon the iPad’s design with several features not found on the iPad, or only available as paid upgrades or accessories. There are scheduled to be two versions, one with a 10
Asus EeePad to Take on Apple iPad in Japan Read More »
Pepsi has come out with it’s newest entry into the carbonated beverage pool with “Baobab” Pepsi. To be honest, I haven’t had this yet, and can’t imagine what the flavor might be. The baobab tree fruit is one of the new kids on the block in terms of flavors (off the African continent, that is)
Baobab Pepsi – The Newest Experiment in Colas Read More »
Asahi News in Japanese reports that the problems plaguing Toyota’s cars extend all the way to the new Prius models, but one of the most significant understatements in the article are reports that there were 2 incidences in Japan in which drivers in Prius new model cars were unable to stop at crosswalks. These are
Reports of Toyota Problems Also Being Investigated in Japan Read More »
As you know if you live in Japan, NHK demands payment for its services. In fact, they say that “if you own a tv” you are required to pay. Many non-Japanese people living in Japan think that pretending not to understand Japanese will save you, but they will come back with a vengence, or an
About NHK On Demand Japanese Video Service Read More »
Twitter Japan was rumored to be starting up premium accounts for which users would have to pay to read. This has since been described to be a “misunderstanding” by someone at Digital Garage Mobile who did a presentation in Japan talking about subscription services. He laid out a plan which may have been just a
Twitter Japan Subscriptions and What I Would Do Read More »
A former truck driver who was promoted to a low level management position at the Sagawa Express package delivery company committed suicide recently. His wife is accusing Sagawa of bullying and power harassment which resulted in his suicide. After being promoted, the 42 year old man began working from before 6am until after 10:30pm every
Power Harassment Suicide at Sagawa Express Read More »
Aeon Japan will begin selling a 32″ flat panel tv for 49,800 yen tomorrow (February 20, 2009). Aeon is the giant retail company that runs Jusco, Saty, Max Valu supermarkets, and owns a ton more retail outlets. Although they sell electronics now, they are testing the waters to enter the market in earnest with the
Aeon Japan Flat Panel TV for under 50,000 Yen Read More »
Most of the government agencies in Japan are creating Youtube channels. The cynical side of me wants to add, “so they can pretend that they are reaching out to and receiving the approval of the people”, but I’ll refrain. So here’s the top video from the Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry, and Fisheries. … and let
Ministry of Agriculture Video Read More »
Called the “Calbee Potato Maru” (maru designates a ship), the Calbee company best known for making potato chips has a ship designed entirely for shipping potatoes. This picture above can be found at this ship lover’s home page here.
The Calbee Potato Maru Ship Read More »