Them Freaky Robots
Thought I would write today about a couple of the pictures we have recently added to our Photo Album. People who happened to attend the huge Expo in Aichi in 2005 got to be amazed by the robot displays where new ideas were shown from a selection of companies displaying, realistic moves, cool new toys or the newly create human-like android robot.Ok, first question: Why is it when a bunch of guys get together to create a real live human robot, they build a woman? It speaks out a little I think. Kind of like the Weird Science movie where two geeks...er...cooly impaired gentlemen create some weird science babe. And then get rejected by her...ouch boys.The picture above is of the female andriod Repliee Q1, who has flexible silicone for skin rather than hard plastic with tons sensors and bits so she can move and react in a human-like manner. She can even flutter her eyelids and appears to breathe! And they say she is only the beginning. The goal is to make a robot that can fool a human into thinking that they are not a robot. Apparently you can do so with Repliee, but only for a short time since she is a bit limited. But in the example I saw (see below) she was having a conversation with someone and appeared to look at them. She can also tell if someone is touching her. So freaky.... But as she can only sit at the moment, I'd still have a head start running. How far do you think robots will go in the next 10-20 years? If movies like I Robot and Matrix are any indicator, I think I'd prefer my hula hoop to robo-dog, thank you.Click here to see Repliee Q1 in action.Click here to see another Repliee Q1 video.
Click here to see another stationary standing robot. This was made by a different company.
Click here to see a robot made by the same company as the last video.
Click here to see a Repliee Q2 video. She's been updated! And she speaks English. I think this is a collaboration of both companies. Take a look.
Photo Crazy
Hihi everyone! I'm happy to present our blog's newest feature, Blog o' Fudocom - Photos! This will include cool or strange photos and even videos that we find or take in Japan. There is a 'new' folder that will have the newly updated photos that we've added. There's a few new ones in there now so please take a look! This will be updated as much as possible and we welcome your input. If you find or have a picture or video you think should be included, please let us know! Enjoy!
Fudocom Notes
Hello!
First of all, apologies for Wednesday's post. It seems Rei-chan forgot to press the magic button to update the online site for her posting. So please take a look at the previous post if you haven't already!
Second, wanted to let everyone know that we have made some updates to the blog....unfortunately just programming things. But! We are planning to add a photo album feature so you can view all of the funny photos like in the post 'Random Funny Things' all together as one. We had planned for this in November and promise to have it up as soon as we can.Of course, please have a look at Fudocom for great apartment and guest house availability. We keep this updated as well.Have a great weekend everyone!
Can you feel the music?
Hi guys! Happy Wednesday!
I thought I would write today about something you see often in Japan. Often in the streets you will see new and upcoming performers performing by themselves or with a band. Often they are nothing more than extended and/or drunken karaoke but on occasion you'll find a really good singer/group. Even if you don't speak Japanese, I think anyone can appreciate good music. And this particular artist or group very well may have English speaking songs.
Once you find that artist step 1 is to find out their name. Second, pick up their flyer. They will most likely be out there performing to gain interest in a live event they will soon be holding/attending. These live events often feature several artists (more often than not, there will be a band that sings English as well. Those western songs are popular aren't they?). The event will probably cost in the league of around 2000-3000 yen but well worth it for a night of live rockin' music, people to meet and chat to as well as free or cheap beverages. So I definitely suggest it.
One of my new favorite singers I met in Shibuya on a night where I was rushing to another train. She was singing soft ballads alone accompanied only by her guitar. I made it to her live event in which she was featured with a full-fledged rock band. A completely different persona. But definitely worth my 3000 yen. And if she gets famous, I'll get to say I knew her when.
Give it a try everyone!Click here for a sample video.
Japanese Thanksgiving?
Good morrow fair readers. This week be but of another week, duly shortened by the celebration and good tidings of yet another puzzling statutory holiday. Thursday November 23 is the Japanese version of Thanksgiving Day. But don't break out the turkey just yet. What does this day actually mean to the Japanese folk? The nature of Kinro Kansha no Hi (Labor Thanksgiving Day) has nothing to do with the fair pilgrims and the eating of turkey. In fact, most Japanese have never and will never eat one. That brings a little tear to the eye. Labor Thanksgiving Day originated in 1948 as a celebration "for the people to honor labor, celebrate manufacturing and give thanks to one another." A number of events are held on this day to celebrate labor and think about issues affecting peace, human rights and the environment. Perhaps a hug a tree type thing. In all honesty though, most people will be staying at home giving thanks to snacks and cable tv. And I'll definitely be one of them.
Crow Day
Today I witnessed the biggest gathering of crows I have ever seen in Tokyo. They were above, in front and behind, rooting through garbage, knattering at each other and fighting. While they stared at me like fresh meat, I plotted my way through and around them. Aren't birds supposed to be scared of people!?!
For those who have not yet met the Japanese crow, they are the ugly and oversized creatures depicted in the picture above. Today whilst I sat at my desk vacantly staring out the window (let's keep that a secret from the boss), I was violently awaken as Mr. Crow took a dive at the glass. I have his greasy body smear mark to prove it. The crows in Japan have also been known to attack pets and people and apparently they are multiplying. The garbage system in Japan is the most probable reason. A crow management project team was started in 2001. This led to putting mesh nets over garbage bins to prevent the raids of crows, capturing crows and night garbage collection. It's not working guys.....
But above all of that, the most important thing I can pass onto you fair people is to watch for the crow overhead. Avoid the hanging power line that they use for their bathroom rest spots. In case the picture above doesn't clearly show it, the crow is a very large creature. Larger than even the small chihuahua dogs shivering in their glittering t-shirts. In retrospect, their droppings portray their size. And it can be an embarassing and unfortunate situation if you happen to be in range. Trust me on that one. I suddenly have more respect for the pigeon.
Censorship and Kindness
One of the things you might notice while living in Japan is the difference in censorship to other countries. The picture above was a poster displayed in Tokyo subway stations of the pregnant and nude Britney Spears. In my opinion, most people probably did not bat an eye. However, I can also see it causing a stir in other countries. I minded, however, it had nothing to do with what she wasn't wearing. What are your thoughts about censorship in Japan? Do you mind if your children are subjected to it?Going further, while violent, nude or sexually oriented images will be displayed on trains, in stations, on tv and in a variety of other places, Japan still remains one of the least violent nations. Why is that? Is tv really not to blame for violence in other nations like America? Or is the strict gun control the reason? I think this is a point that seems to baffle everyone. The common Japanese person does not steal or project an ounce of dishonor to their employer or customer. They'll strive to help you even if English is not their first, second or 25th language and call you sir or ma'am regardless of the situation. Don't get me wrong though, this humility and politeness only goes so far. My cousin was temporarily in a wheel chair due to an injury. Of course you can imagine that everyday Tokyo life became exceptionally difficult. Opening a door or making it to some stations became a significant challenge. The first person to come to his aid was always a foreigner. Conclusion: Japanese people are very polite, but perhaps not as kind. Any thoughts?
What holiday was that?
How was everybody's long weekend? For those who didn't know what the long weekend was in celebration for, November 3rd was Culture Day (Bunka no Hi). While this means virtually nothing to most foreigners and Japanese alike, the day was actually started in commemoration of the Constitution of Japan to celebrate love and peace. Now hippie cliche aside, there are many events that happen to celebrate all that is Japan. Perhaps the most important is an award ceremony by the Emperor himself at the Imperial Palace to individuals who have made a large impact to one of the cultural areas. In actuality, anyone is eligible for an award. Previous award-receivers even include the three American astronauts who made the landing on the moon aboard Apollo 11 in 1969.
Additionally, there are several festivals throughout the country. The Feudal Lord's Parade in Hakone features a parade of people wearing historical clothes from the Edo era (400 years ago). Now that's something to see.
Hallobi in Tokyo
Hello hello.
How was your Halloween?
For American children it means getting dressed up in cute or scary costumes and raiding their neighbours for treats. Now that's a holiday. Even the adults get dressed up in their cute/scary/sexy costumes and have parties that go into the wee hours of the night. So why is it only North America that seems to vividly celebrate it? Japan just seems to be catching on and I think it is thanks to the foreigners who proudly and loudly celebrate this holiday with unabashed joy (sorry, having fun with the thesaurus). You know who I mean. The trains and buses to and from areas like Roppongi are filled with all sorts of interesting costumes. To the common Japanese folk they feel they are missing out.
Each year, I see more and more Japanese make an effort to dress up in some manner or another. I'm one of them! Though my costumes definetly need more work. Every year the main stores (Tokyu Hands, Don Kiyote) sell the exact same Hallobi inventory. It makes being creative very difficult. And I am absolutely amazed at the ideas my foreign equivalents will come up with. Way to go guys! One of the popular parties in Roppongi is Glitterball run by Metropolis magazine. Here is a link to Glitterball 2005's pictures. Check out the interesting costumes!
