Almost Otaku

Honyaku Gets A Face Lift

2011-04-01T08:43:00.003-04:00

I have been using Yahoo's translator for a few years and like any translator it is still more of a guide but definitely a useful tool. Typically a major change like this is more of a frustration, but they got this one right. Automatically detecting the input language is plus. The green is a nice change too. Check it out: http://honyaku.yahoo.co.jp/

A Journey Into the World of Class A

2011-01-20T09:30:00.003-05:00

What is hot, extremely inefficient, but sounds really nice? A Class A amplifier.

A lot of times associated with tube amplifiers, a class A amp can be just as effective using transistors. Listening to the Leo Laporte podcast at Twit.tv, lead me to the Home Theater Geeks podcast found on the same site, which in turn, I found myself listening to a podcast featuring Nelson Pass form Pass Labs. Get inspired by the podcast with Nelson Pass HERE!

The above rendering is my concept for the enclosure of my class A amplifier project. If you ever dabbled in, or want to jump into the world of electronics, building a class A amplifier might be the perfect project to get you started. You can find all the info you need to get going at, Pass Labs, Pass DIY, and First Watt. All the help you need can be found at diyAudio. Due to the lower wattages a modest class A will output, you may want to research speakers that are more efficient thatn the typical offering such as the Jordan JX92S at Jordan-USA. Alternately, these can make very nice headphone amplifiers.

Designs can be as simple as some spare parts and light bulbs such as below, or as complex as you like to squeeze out every last drop of distortion as possible and maximize efficiency. So round up some parts and have fun!

This image is from the De-Lite Amplifier PDF by Nelson Pass, taken by Dana Brock.

Get Lamp - The Text Adventure Documentary

2010-08-01T10:33:00.000-04:00

If you don't have any fond memories of those classic text games, you missed out. I was lurking the internet for information regarding the implementors (infocom/text adventure designers) of times past. To my pleasant surprise, I found out about an upcoming documentary on the storytellers and history of the genre.

Thanks to Jason Scott, the world will soon get a glimpse of a now seemingly small but very important slice of the gaming industry with his newest documentary "Get Lamp". In an email from Jason, he expressed huge progress and an update to his blog this month. For status on the project, to offer support, or if you have anything to contribute, you can contact Jason at jason@textfiles.com

Jason Scott is also the director of "BBS: The Documentary" which can be found at bbsdocumentary.com.

Steve Meretzky Does Nerdcore

2010-07-01T16:05:00.000-04:00

Due to the advent of "Get Lamp", I came across a music video with Steve Meretzky in it. Steve Meretzky is responsible for a few infocom games text in the 80's including, Planetfall, The Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy, and Zork Zero. You can see his site at Boffo.

Jason Scott's documentary seems to have breifly given new life to the interest of this whole genre, albeit a small following still. I've never even heard about Nerdcore until I saw this MC Frontalot video, in which Steve Meretzky makes an appearance towards the end. Regardless of your preference in music, I thought this was an interesting event in the history of this subject.

Goovie! 岐阜 × 動画

2010-04-14T16:23:00.006-04:00

One of my favorite places in Japan is Gifu Prefecture (岐阜県). So, I was pleased to stumble across a website called Goovie (sounds like a combination of Gifu and movie). Primarily it is movies of things going on in Gifu. For someone like me this is the perfect way to see some of the things I miss.

Go over to Goovie.jp and check it out , they only have a handful of movies up right now, but please support them and subscribe to their Twitter and Youtube.

JAPADOG!

2010-02-23T12:08:00.006-05:00

If you are in Vancouver and your hot dog tastes like sushi, you are in the right place.

I found out about Japadog on The Weather Channel of all places. Located in Vancouver, and with the advent of the Olympics, this is sure to catch on worldwide. From what I saw, there was a 20 minute wait in line at the hot dog stand. More info and history at the Japadog website.

Cream puffs from Osaka - ビアードパパ

2010-01-06T10:48:00.005-05:00

These sounded to good not to post about them. In 1999 Yuji Hirota opened the Beard Papa store in Osaka selling the perfect cream puff.. 11 years later I am just finding out about this. I doubt I will know for sure how perfect they are anytime soon, as most of the locations that sell these in the U.S., are in California, Florida, and Hawaii. For now I will just have to drool on the website. Check out the Beard papa websites in ENGLISH and 日本語.

Merry (nano) Christmas?

2009-12-22T12:22:00.011-05:00

Photo: National Physical Laboratory

The UK's NPL (National Physical Laboratory), is celebrating the holidays this season, with the creation of a nano snowman. Constructed of two tin beads, facial features milled with a focused ion beam, and a nose made of ion beam deposited platinum. It is 1/5th the width of a human hair. See how they do it HERE.

Is it just me? I thought snowmen had three sections.

Shanadoo - Launch Party!!!

2009-12-15T12:35:00.011-05:00

2 years after the release of The Symbol, Shanadoo releases another album, Launch Party!!!. The latest compilation seems to stray from the heavier Techno/Eurobeat of the previous releases. They have also slowly transitioned from being German produced to Japanese. Don't forget to check out their first album Welcome to Tokyo.

Off the new CD: Love Space Ship | World's End Supernova | Next Life

Steampunk Keyboards

2009-12-09T13:28:00.004-05:00

Saw a G4 episode on Steampunk last night. One of the cooler things I think is the Steampunk keyboard. So, I though I would collect a few pictures and post them here. If you want to make your own Steampunk keyboard, amongst other Steampunk creations, check out The Steampunk Workshop.

READ MORE...

Iwako Erasers

2009-12-08T13:26:00.037-05:00

Iwako erasers seem to have become popular in our area. I just saw these the other day on Amazon, a few days later my wife found and bought some at a local toy store. The detail is quite amazing. Some come with stickers you have to put on yourself for more realism. I'm not sure how practical they are a erasers, as I have not tested them yet, though I am thinking they are not meant to be used for erasing anything. The Japanese website is HERE. The English is HERE.

Redneck or Practical?

2009-12-04T15:50:00.007-05:00

When I showed this to my wife the first word she said was redneck. All I know is, we get tired of emptying the stock shredder bin every other day. Sure I had to bypass a safety feature, but as long as you are careful, you can shred till the thing overheats. Best of all it goes right in a trash bag.

Google launches a Japanese IME converter.

2009-12-03T13:01:00.014-05:00

Google has launched a Japanese typing converter (IME) for the language bar. Once installed it sits right along side the built in converter from Microsoft, giving you the choice to revert back if you want to. One thing I wish it did, that The Microsoft IME doesn't do either, is let me select Hiragana as my default input for every application. Why it defaults to "direct input" all the time, I do not know. If someone could tell me how to choose an input method, other than "direct input" as my default, please help. Get it HERE.

Google 日本語入力は、変換の煩わしさを感じさせない思いどおりの日本語入力を提供します。

READ MORE...

Learning with J-Drama's

2009-11-16T09:30:00.008-05:00

After a short break from J-Dramas and studying Japanese, I am back in the habit again. As always Japanese TV, for me at least, is a great way to retain vocabulary and keep up do date on slang.

Started Fugoh Keiji last week, and have some others waiting to watch. Fugoh Keiji is a funny concept. A super wealthy grandfather tries to make right is sordid past by allowing his police detective granddaughter to try and spend all his money solving cases.

Japan's rice fields in September

2009-11-09T16:23:00.005-05:00

Again, my friend 花火 in Japan has been kind enough to send me an update of the rice fields. I am posting this just now, but this was taken at the end of September. Thank you 花火!

Selected for Google Earth!

2009-11-09T15:57:00.007-05:00

I was pleasantly surprised to see that some of my pictures made it into the latest update of Google Earth.

The GP-1 GPS unit for my Nikon D90 was well worth the investment. It is especially handy when you have no idea where you were at the time you took a picture. It is fun to go back and see where you were exactly on the map. When planning my trip to Japan I relied on the Panoramio photos on Google Earth to get feel for different areas I would visit. Since I got back I have been geotagging points of interest around the area I live in for others to explore.

McDonalds Japan's Mr. James TV Commercial

2009-08-21T08:38:00.006-04:00

This commercial pokes fun at gaijin in Japan. I don't find it offensive at all really, what do you think? More info on Mr. James and the Nippon All Stars HERE.

Total solar eclipse in Japan on the 22nd of July

2009-07-20T10:55:00.010-04:00

日本ではまもなく、皆既日食がみられます。

今、１００年に一度の皆既日食！ということでみんなルンルンです。

しかし、ウィークデイ。

みきとしては仕事の真っただ中。。

しかも高層ビル。。

一応は高いところでみられるけど。。

記事の一部↓↓
’’2009年7月22日には日食が起こります。日本では、全国で部分日食を観察することができます。また奄美大島北部、トカラ列島、屋久島、種子島南部など、皆既日食帯と呼ばれる細長くのびた地域・海域内では、皆既日食を観察することができます。’’

The news article.

’’Totality in a solar eclipse, partial eclipse of the sun"!

On July 22nd, a partial eclipse of the sun will occur in various regions in Japan. Also a total solar eclipse will be seen in Amami Oshima north , Tokara, Yakushima island each , Those areas will be considered a "total solar eclipse area".

In Japan, many TV companies will begin a live broadcast of the century event in that day. Now in Japan , I think many foreingner and tourist will visit to see this centry event on each island. Anyway, please don't miss it out! ;)

Miki.

Asus Eee Keyboard spotted in Neuromancer artwork!

2009-07-17T08:50:00.009-04:00

The Eee Keyboard by Asus has an uncanny resemblance to the one seen below. The artwork is by Barclay Shaw for the 1986 Phantasia Press edition of the 1984 novel by William Gibson. Looks a little bulkier than the Asus model, but has the same LCD display on the right. Could this have been the inspiration for Asus's new keyboard PC?

The rice fields are growing up.

2009-07-10T10:41:00.002-04:00

One of my friends in Japan just emailed me this picture this morning. How thankful I was to recieve this. It brought back so many memories. Of course when I was there the fields were full of water with people everywhere planting little rice plants by hand or with little tractors. During my stay I must have passed tens of thousands of these little fields all carefully placed and planned out. I still don't quite understand how the tractors they use to plant the rice don't sink into the flooded rice fields, but they don't.

I wish I were there to walk through the fields in person, but pictures will have to do. Thank you 花火, for bringing back memories of the Japanese countryside and my journey through Japan.

やなな at Gekijo Dori

2009-06-30T14:42:00.011-04:00

やなな at Gekijo Dori. You can see they are in front of Takashimaya Gifu at one point. I didn't know about やなな until I got back from Gifu City. It would have been fun to get a picture with her. Maybe next time. I added this to the GIfu City Fanpage.

See やなな's blog HERE.

かぶと虫が逃げた！Run Trypoxylus to escape in the final of sumo wrestling.

2009-06-28T10:24:00.004-04:00

In the final, a Trypoxylus sumo wrestler escaped. This final determines which is strongest, but suddenly, one of the players escape from the final match! See this boy's face? It looks so sad... This boy is the owner of the escaped Tryposxylus.

山形県でカブトムシの相撲大会が開催された模様。
でも、決勝戦で、なんと相手方が飛んで逃げたそう。
飼い主の少年はとても悲しそうです。

みき

Japanese family chronicles 10 years of life.

2009-06-23T09:39:00.007-04:00

If you are a true fan of real life in Japan you should like this video. It is 10 years of ordinary family life in Japan in chronological order.

I have often thought about trying this. Pretty sure I don't have enough pictures to cover 10 years without large gaps.

Yakitori Grill - やきとり!

2009-06-22T16:14:00.006-04:00

So, I am in Japan, and they are cooking all these wonderful things on these stick grills. I should have thought to buy one of these when I was there, but didn't think of it till afterwards. So far the one below is the only one I have found. It is not like the ones the street vendors have, but looks like it would do the job. This one is from Mitsutani Electric Corporation.

I'm thinking that with my rudimentary welding skills I may be able to create my own, which would use charcoal. You can see my Japanese Beef page on Facebook here, where I have more pictures and videos.

Cherry picking tour in Yamanashi (山梨)

2009-06-21T03:31:00.009-04:00

チェリー狩りにいきました！

チェリー、さくらんぼは食べ放題。

でもたくさんのさくらんぼはいらないかも。。

やはり適量がいいです。

みき

Hello! This is Miki.

Long time no posting!

I went on a cherry picking tour last week. I ate alot of cherries in this tour. I could eat as many as I like, but couldn't eat as many as I wanted to. After eating too many cherries I did not feel well, appropriate quantities are always best, but still I like cherries though..

Miki.

メイド - There's a maid on the floor.

2009-06-19T10:21:00.010-04:00

This image was removed at the request of the owner.

You will have to take my word for it.

It was funny.

Give me your email if you would like to see it.

Japanese Beef

2009-06-16T10:00:00.004-04:00

Japanese beef is one of the greatest things on earth! Another example to prove the Japanese have the best of everything. The fat is amazing, soft and buttery, melts in your mouth. I am not just talking about Kobe. If you go to any store that sells meat regardless of the cut, it is sure to be the best thing you have ever tasted. If you like meat that is.

I find it interesting how in America we pride ourselve on finding the leanest percentage of fat possible, and the leaner it is the more expensive it is. What a sharp contrast, you would think the opposite, that Americans would go for the fatest cut of meat possible, yet it is the Japanese who are blest with such fine beef.

The picture and video here were taken in Takayama. This is a great example of Hida beef. These sticks were 3500 yen each.

I started a Japanese Beef fan page on Facebook please join HERE!

No Pictures Please! (写真だめですください!) - Akiba Cafe Maids

2009-06-12T12:33:00.027-04:00

It did not take long to find out that the cafe maids handing out flyers in Akiba did not like their pictures taken. More than once I was told no pictures please, as well as given the the Japanese sign of "No", which is the forearms crossed like an X. One of them actually followed me until I stopped and made me delete a picture while she stood there and watched. So, most of my pictures are of them walking away.

I did mange to get a flyer from one of them, where as most of them went out of their way to avoid me when they saw my camera. She was actually very nice and insisted that I examine the flyer on the spot, and kept asking me what I thought.

See more pictures HERE.

Tilt Shift Gifu City

2009-06-11T10:37:00.016-04:00

Sometimes I think I may be living under a rock. I am always finding cool things that have been around forever, that I have never seen before. Regardless, here are some nice tilt shift photos of Gifu City, by Pinboke. Please check out their other tilt shift photos here.

Tilt Shift Time Lapse of Japan

2009-06-11T09:37:00.002-04:00

Who doesn't like the effect of tilt shift? This is the first time I have seen it in time lapse. Great find by The Awesomer.

WD TV HD Media Player Firmware Update

2009-06-09T09:17:00.009-04:00

Western Digital realeases firmware update 1.02.07!

This player is still my choice for watching all those GB's of Anime and J-Drama's. Just attach your portable HD and go. Unless you have a dedicated Media PC, this is the way to watch your downloaded TV and Movies. Although I have been having some trouble with some subtitle files on occasion, I still like this player, it handles just about anything I throw at it.

From the WD Website:

---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Version 1.02.07 Now Available!

We've received tremendous feedback on WD TV and some great suggestions to improve the product even more. In response to your requests, we're pleased to offer release product enhancements to make your viewing experience better than ever. Updating your media player is simple. Just follow the instructions below, grab your remote and enjoy the show!

What's New?

Release 1.02.07 (4/27/2009)
(includes all previously released updates)

Enhanced cover art, album art, and thumbnail support for media files and folders
Additional subtitle languages and decoding support
Improved media playback and navigation
More audio formats for MKV container
Fixed bugs reported by the WD TV user community

Japanese Food

2009-06-08T08:54:00.010-04:00

One of the more popular questions when I cam back was, "How was the food?". Overall it was very good. I can think of other places in the world where they eat scarier things. I had some amazing things that I cannot get here, and some things that I don't need to try again.

My goal was try as many different things as possible. My host family did their best to help me meet my goal. Just ask what it is AFTER you eat it, and you will be ok.

Swine Flu Quarantine Inspection

2009-06-05T08:59:00.006-04:00

Upon arrival at Chubu International in Nagoya, we had to pass quarantine inspection. Took about an hour. Fortunately the air blowing out of the vents was very cool, I turned mine up high and hoped for the best. Not that I had a fever, but I didn't want to take any chances. So I passed, and so did everyone around me. I have heard other stories and if someone close to you has symptoms it could mean 1 week isolated in a hotel, not fun.

I took this video with my Nikon D90 DSLR and a 10-20mm super wide Sigma lens.

Two amazing weeks in Gifu City.

2009-06-02T09:55:00.009-04:00

Finally after 2 years of talking about it, I got a change to visit. After reading about Japan and scouring blogs for information and details about this country, it was my turn to see for myself what it is was all about. I can say for me, that it was more than I had expected. It is truly an amazing place in so many ways.

The picture above is just one example of my 2 incredible weeks in Japan. I can't even put into words the experience that I just had. I can not thank my host family enough for everything they did for me during my stay. Finding a family that would allow me to stay and live with them allowed me to experience the country in ways that would not be possible otherwise.

Shoebill "動かない鳥" in Ueno zoo in Tokyo, Japan.

2009-05-20T08:31:00.006-04:00

上野動物園に行ってきました。

パンダが亡くなって以来、ひっそりしていた上野動物園、

このまま客足が遠のくのでは？！と

危惧していたところに、なんと朗報！

パンダの次のアイドルといわれている動かない鳥。

先週の日曜日に見てきました。

本当に動きません。

一通り見てから悔しいのでもう一度見に行くとなんと、

３歩くらい歩いて泣きました。

しかしそのほかの２羽ははく製の用に無動！

はく製でもおいときゃいいのに！とも言ってる人もいました。

上野動物園のnext idle に会いに行きましょう♪

みき

Shoebill of '' 動かない鳥　Not moving bird is called next idle in Ueno.

Hello! I'm Miki.

I will show you the latest news from Japan.

Have you ever heard Ueno zoo in Japan?

Check the following site.

http://www.tokyo-zoo.net/english/index.html

Shoebill will become most popular bird in Japan soon. Unfortunately the number 1 idle ''Panda'' died last year. Ueno zoo had lost many visitors. No panda means it became the same as a usual zoo. They lost rare charactor in the Ueno zoo.

Speaking for Panda, many people came to think about ''Ueno!'' like that.

But it must be very difficult to import a giant panda from China again, but they caught the chance finally, because many people have visited to see the Shoebill recently. I think this is a good news for them .

So I visited to see that bird last Sunday. There are three Shoebills in the cage,

and Those Shoebill didn't move first time. I visited their cage again after while, and the

Shoebill cried once then. If you could see those birds's moving when you visit a Zoo which has Shoebill, it will be a lucky day for you . ;)

Medical check at Chubu

2009-05-15T05:06:00.002-04:00

Still on the plane. Looks like I passed though.
Sent from my Verizon Wireless BlackBerry

Getting ready for the long haul

2009-05-14T15:19:00.001-04:00

Boarding at Detroit for a direct flight to Nagoya. Sorry for the awful picture. They really need to update the BB Storm software.
Sent from my Verizon Wireless BlackBerry

MOSDO! - Mos Burger and Mister Donut Combine Forces

2009-05-12T13:17:00.003-04:00

What could be better than having a hamburger that looks like a donut. Oh I know, a donut that looks like a hamburger!

Check out these new items at Mos Burger and Mister Donut.

Japanese for beginners.

2009-05-12T12:51:00.004-04:00

This one made me stop and think.

Joking aside though, smart.fm is a great tool if you want to learn Japanese.

Sanoramen ''OGURAYA'' in Sano city in Tochigi prefecture.

2009-05-02T07:30:00.010-04:00

Hi! This is Miki.

I went to Sano on a short trip. This is the famous Sano ramen house "OGURAYA'' in Sano. Everyone waits a long time for ramen. My family waited there for 40 minutes. This ramen restaurant is crowed all day, but the Sanoramen and dumpling is very very nice, and well worth the wait.

And.. I found this bollard (?? Umm like a guardrail post I think), which someone put sparrow statues on. It's rare and cute.

-Miki

こんにちわ。みきは今日は日帰りで佐野に行ってきました。

佐野ラーメンで有名な、おぐら屋にもいってきました。

４０分くらい待ちましたが、ラーメンと餃子はとてもおいしかったです。

あと、通行止め？に使われるものなのでしょうか、

ガードレールのようなものに、スズメのオブジェをつけてるかわいいものを見つけました。

珍しくてかわいいです。

みき

2 weeks in Gifu City

2009-04-29T09:26:00.003-04:00

Bofore anything I need to thank my wife for this. Without her support this adventure would in no way be possible. I will be in her debt a long time for this. This may possibly be the craziest thing I have ever done. I am at the point of no return and am leaving very soon. Ready or not..

Why Gifu? Yes, I have done a lot of reading, anytime someone mentions Gifu, "Why Gifu?" is the question back. My interest goes a lot deeper than the western so called otaku wanting to hang out at Akiba. I want to experience the real Japan, everyday life with a family just like mine. And that's where I found them, Gifu City.

I think this homestay will be a little different than the average. My hosts are of similar age and I am not a student. Although we have been in contact through email and Skype, neither one of us knows what to completely expect. Indeed it will be quite an adventure..

Forever 21 in Harajuku open, huge line by customers

2009-04-28T23:58:00.012-04:00

Hello! This is Miki.

Today American fashion's brand ''Forever 21 '' opened in Harajuku. There were lots of people who made a huge line before the opening. With H&M opening in November 2008 and GAP is already in Harajyuku, there are now a lot of fashionable stores from overseas. I've never heard of Forever 21, but I did read some information. Forever 21's items seems very reasnonable. I do want to visit there. Maybe I will soon.

こんにちわ！みきです。またまた原宿に海外からのニューショップがｵｰﾌﾟﾝしました。

Forever 21

ちなみにみきは聞いたことありませんでしたが、

価格がかなり安いとのこと。

お決まりの日本人長蛇の列！（本当に並ぶの好きですね。ちなみにみきは苦手。）

しかし、安い！ということばに興味シンシンです。

近々出かける予定です。

H&Mも昨年オープンしたし、ＧＡＰもあるし、原宿は海外ブランドの宝庫ですね。

では。

みき

Mt. Fuji! on the 26th of April

2009-04-27T08:45:00.004-04:00

こんにちわ！みきです。
新幹線から撮影した日本の代名詞、富士山です。
まだ春なので、雪帽子をかぶっています。
夏になるとこの雪はなく、ただの灰色の山です。
夏の富士山はどこか物足りなく、さみしい感じがします。
ということで、富士山のベストショットは雪をかぶった富士山です！

Hello ! This is Miki from Japan.
This picutre is Japan's famous Mountain '' Mt,Fuji '' .
My sister took it on Shinkansen bullet train yesterday .
Many people say Fuji is covered with snow is much better than nothing.
Nothing snow is in summer season.
Fuji in summer looks so sad .
I feel that something is missing at Fuji .
because it 's only an ash color mountain.
so , The best shot of Mt, Fuji is with snowclad peak.

Miki.

Japans latest trend - People buy magazines for supplement

2009-04-25T02:23:00.022-04:00

Hello!

最近、日本では、オマケ付きの（付録）雑誌がとても多く発売されています。

そのおまけはだいたい、いま、流行のブランドと雑誌のコラボレーションです。

おまけがついてると衝動的に限定！ということもあってついつい買ってしまいます。

毎月発売されてる雑誌についてくるおまけは安っぽいものがおおいですが、

おまけを買わせるために発売されてる雑誌は、なかなかお得感を感じます。

毎月おまけつきの雑誌をチェックするのがみきの楽しみです。

Recently, Many magazines have been sold with a limited edition supplement which is some famous brand bag or purse. These items are a collaboration between the magazine's publisher and the brand companies, such as, Lesport Sac, Cath Kidston, Liberty print, etc.

So, we are apt to buy things on impulse whenever something is on limited edition. Sometimes, I feel that depending on the magazine, the limited edition's quality may differ from the original. Magazines that sell monthly, can have a supplement with a cheap feel. But, magazines that are published specifically for selling a supplement, vs. a monthly magazine, I feel those supplements are a better value. Although, those magazine's content is worse, because they show only a catalogue of the brand of the supplement. Regardless, I've been very exciting to buy magazines like this recently.

-Miki

Awesome Stop Motion Film

2009-04-24T23:08:00.002-04:00

This was too good not to pass around.

Hello! Lion's cute cub

2009-04-24T03:19:00.016-04:00

Hello!

この写真はライオンの赤ちゃんです。

富士サファリパークで撮りました。

富士サファリパークはとてもめずらしくておもしろい動物園です。

パーク内はフェンスがなく、自分の車か動物園専用のバスにのって

見学します。

普通の日本の動物園とは違ってとても間近で動物を見おることができます。

さらに、ビデオもあるので後で掲載しますね。

This is a picture of a lion cub.

I took this in the Fuji Safari park.

Fuji Safari Park is a unique zoo park .

It is a little different compared with an ordinary zoo park.

There are no fences around the zoo .

We watch many zoo animals in own car or park's bus.

It seems like as if I were in Africa.

I also took a video on my zoo trip.

I will show the video later. ;)

-Miki

Tokyo Street Fashion

2009-04-23T09:11:00.004-04:00

One of my favorite things is East Asian fashion. Whenever I watch a J-Drama or am following my friends at Jacco Fashion, I just can't help but love the style.

If you want to keep an eye the street side of things, the guys over at Trends in Japan have a great monthly segment on Tokyo street fashion. Check it out and see who's really wearing what every month.

Almost-Otaku Goes Bilingual!

2009-04-20T13:00:00.003-04:00

I am excited to introduce Miki! Thanks to Miki for being my first native Japanese speaking blog guest.

It seems Japan is a very popular subject these days. You cannot watch American TV without Japan or Tokyo being referenced. What do Americans/Westerners find so interesting about Japan? Anime and manga, would most likely come to the mind of most. What about average everyday life? I think that is what intrigues me the most, what another culture so differnt from our own finds interesting to themselves.

I have asked Miki to not only post about interesting happenings in Japan, but to post about her everyday life. I hope you will find it as interesting as I do.

I'm bringing up some herbs!

2009-04-20T08:44:00.013-04:00

Hello! I've been bringing up some different herbs and spices.

Bringing up herbs is so cute and fun. After they grow up, I 'll cook with them.

Fresh herbs can be very healthy for you. What I want to try the most is drinking a cup of fresh herb tea. Have you ever tried that? It's really good and much better than a cup of dry herb tea. ;)

After growing up my herbs, I will show a picture of fresh herb tea.

今、庭でハーブを育てています！

ハーブを育てることは簡単だし、とてもかわいくて楽しいです。

フレッシュハーブは本当にオススメ！

ドライハーブを使うより、フレッシュで新鮮でとてもおいしいです。

私のハーブが育ったらまたブログでお見せしますね。

-Miki

A Unique Habit of Japanese

2009-04-18T08:58:00.009-04:00

I think Japanese people like to know what your blood type is. Most Japanese are keen to know the blood of type each other and start thinking what your blood type is from the time they first meet .

I think it must be a type of communication in Japan, similar to what you look like. It's kind of an instrument of measure. Most people know their own blood type as well. I don't know why, but many Japanese want to associate blood type with a character, and if I said my blood type is A! they would say ''Ah , I see, I thought you were A!!''. It's an interesting custom and I like that.

Many people would say ''It's impossible and divides people into 4 types", but I believe those people associate 4 kinds of blood type to each other somehow.

Please enjoy the website attached that is one of instruction manual for each blood type, that would help you like a business card .

http://setumeisho.com/

日本人は血液型で性格を分けるのが大好きです！
なぜだかわかりませんが、
それに関する書籍は日本でもベストセラーになるほど人気です。

４つで人を分けるなんて不可能だと思いますが、
以外と４つになんとか分けられてる場合もあります。
でも時々、ＡＯだよね。という会話も飛び交うので、実質、
４つではなく、6つの、A ,B, O, AB, AO, BO なのかもしれません。
父親がＡ型、母親がＯ型だったりすると、
ＡＯ型の性格とＡ型の性格は違うかも。

血液型分類は日本人の不思議な文化の１つだと思います。

-Miki

The Japanese Tradition of Sushi

2009-04-17T08:19:00.003-04:00

Comprehensive guide for sushi lovers.

Apartment from Trick (トリック)

2009-04-16T11:46:00.009-04:00

A nice find by The Hopeless Romantic.

Running for 3 seasons, Trick was a catchy series about 2 mismatched characters dispelling majical mysteries. The series started in 2000 but is still poplular among some, including myself. Someone found the apartment from the show that Yamada Naoko, played by Nakama Yukie, lived in. See below.

The infinite soda can pull tab - プシュ!

2009-04-14T13:24:00.007-04:00

Rough translation: Enjoy the exhilarating sense of infinite moment to open the pull-tab cans!

Bandai, the people who brought you the infinite bubble popping keychain does it again. Don't suppress your OCD, feed it!

KeyHoleTV 3.13 Download - Japanese TV

2009-04-14T11:11:00.017-04:00

A new version of KeyHoleTV is available. Download Here.

KeyHoleTV allows you to watch the most popular TV stations in Japan from the comfort of your PC. It also streams a few radios stations as well. Versions for Linux and Mac OSX are also available.

Link to the KeyholeTV English page here. My previous post with detailed info is here.

Japanese Translation Button

2009-04-10T09:31:00.008-04:00

Thought I would try this. I put it on the sidebar. I know things don't translate very well with these services, but it is better than nothing I guess, I hope. Give me feedback on how well it works!

Edit: Yes, it is google translate.

City of Ember and Zork

2009-04-08T11:50:00.010-04:00

While we are on the subject of Zork, am I the only one that had flashbacks to Zork at differnt scenes in this movie? I know everyone has their own images in their heads of what the G.U.E. (Quendor) looks like, but this movie really had me wanting to dust off those old text games again. How I did not know about this movie until 2 weeks ago, I do not know.

For me it was the presence of the movie more than anything. Set underground, lighting, costumes (especially the Mayors), etc. The most noticable similarity was the generator control room. Was that not an uncanny resemblance to the control room for the FCD #3 in Zork?

Please comment, I want to know if anyone else had the least thought of those old infocom games when you saw this. I find it hard to believe that the author of this was not influenced just a little.

Get it here: City of Ember

LOZ doesn't quite live up to the name, yet.

2009-04-08T11:06:00.007-04:00

For a review of this disappointment please go HERE.

Sigma 17-70 f/2.8-4.5 DC Macro HSM

2009-04-03T10:06:00.015-04:00

Picking a camera body for my trip to Japan was easy, lenses are a whole nother story. After reviewing 4 different lenses I have decided on this one. The only thing missing on this is OS, but it makes up for that in other areas. It makes up a little for this due to it's f/2.8-4.5 aperature range. Having the 2.8 at 17mm is really nice for indoors if you like to minimize flash, althouhg a boost in ISO is still necessary if your subect is moving. Bokeh is decent, and it is very close to true macro at 70mm. The picture below was taken at 70mm - f/4.5 - 1/25sec. shutter- ISO 200 - Hand held - Nikon D90. Lighting was from my desk lamp.

It's not the best out there and build is about medium, but the focus is fast and images are relatively sharp and I like the close focus. For the price it's a very nice lens in my opinion. If it had OS it would be the ultimate midrange lens. I got mine from Amazon - Sigma 17-70mm f/2.8-4.5 DC HSM Macro Lens for Nikon DSLR

Zork Lives!

2009-04-01T15:31:00.010-04:00

I got my first taste of Zork on an Osborne CP/m machine. In a dimly lit basement with a glowing flourescent lamp over head, I delved into the world of Zork, the Osborne's 94k 5-1/4" drive chattering away with every command. In green text on a 5" screen, Infocoms's ancient world of Zork came alive.

But, that was a long time ago, since then there have been several releases and sequels with graphical versions as well, all of which are in my collection today. It has been a while since a new release, with ZGI being the last and one of my favorites.

Just when you think it will never happen again, the guys at Jolt/Activision put some life back into the series with the online game Legends of Zork. Success or failure, many thanks to them for keeping the legend alive. Head over to Legends of Zork and try it out!

Thanks to my brother at the Atomic Cheese Melt for finding this. Make sure to keep an eye out for his big fat review on this game.

Does your dentist have a simroid?

2009-03-24T08:21:00.008-04:00

While we are on the topic of humanoids. There is a simroid (simulator humanoid) for dentists in training. It even hollars out in pain if you make a mistake. A little creepy, but who would want to be a lab rat for dental students? Source here.

HRP-4C Humanoid Supermodel

2009-03-17T10:59:00.009-04:00

On march 23, the humanoid robot HRP-4C will take to the runway at the Tokyo fashion show. Developed by the National Institute of Advanced Industrial Science and Technology, they say she is not ready for everyday tasks, but apparently they think she will make a great runway model. Source here.

Site Banners

2009-03-13T08:58:00.004-04:00

Indeed my graphc arts skills are lacking, but I have been trying to come up with a banner or two for link exchanges. So far this is what I have. If you would like to add this to your links, I have some different sizes premade here.

Solve a crime. Get a taco.

2009-03-12T09:14:00.004-04:00

Now that's what I call motivation!

Captured at out local "authentic" Mexican restaurant. We still miss Chi-Chi's from time to time.

The new Smart.fm homepage

2009-03-10T15:52:00.005-04:00

It is up again. Hopefuly to stay, so I can work on my Japanese. The new site offers a cleaner more organized design. I'm curious what everyone else thinks about the change. Everytime I use this tool I can't believe I'm not paying for it. My profile is here.

Magibon Animated?

2009-03-10T10:30:00.000-04:00

It's not, but it was my first thought when I came across this video.

iKnow.co.jp is now Smart.fm

2009-03-10T09:44:00.007-04:00

..but the site is down again. If for any chance it is up again you can sign up here.

After the transition, I got a sneak peak last week of the new site before the servers went down again. It was definitely a major overhaul of the system. Navigating to the iKnow! section of the site was a little confusing at first. Once there, the homepage was completely different. Unfortunately I did not get much time to experiment with the changes before the site went down. Regardless of the new look and feel, the core of their learning system was unchanged, and is still one of the best Japanese/English/Chinese learning systems online. Hopefully it will be up again soon.

H7N6 Bird flu on Aichi quail farm

2009-03-03T12:16:00.008-05:00

The strain of the virus was found on a quail farm in Toyohashi in the Aichi Perfecture in February. Thankfully it was not the H5N1 virus that can be harmful to humans. Needless to say I will be avoiding eggs and poultry when I am in Japan. If that is even possible... I will be in the Aichi perfecture for 2 weeks.

News sources here and here.

Don't eat that bagel!

2009-03-03T09:48:00.012-05:00

Daio Manufacturing has a tasty looking bagel charm for your cell or portable device. There is a similar one here, but the Daio wins hands down for detail. See the Daio bagel in action here. It is so big it doesn't look very practical. Makes me think, "Would you like a cell phone charm for your bagel?"

Free iPhones in Japan

2009-02-27T10:51:00.005-05:00

Softbank Mobile Corpration starting today through May 31 will be offering the 8GB iphone for free with a 2 year contract. The 16GB will be offered at a reduced price. Monthly fees for internet usage will also be cut. The campaign is most likely due to the unusually slow adoption of the device in Japan. With the internet capabilities of the iPhone, the company will most likely see a boost in revenue from software downloads and e-mails, if the campaign succeeds.

Georgia Max Coffee

2009-02-27T09:38:00.001-05:00

Totally super sweet coffee that gives you energy to the MAX!!

Georgia is a brand of coffee flavored drinks owned by Coca-Cola Japan. Looks quite energizing doesn't it? Go over to the Georgia website and try their flash Human Car Race Game.

The "Lost" Bento

2009-02-26T11:44:00.006-05:00

Pikko over at Adventures in Bento Making, makes some very creative bento's. She even shows steb-by-step how she creates each one. Go over and check out her creations!

Make a Baby Cry Contest (Konaki Sumo)

2009-02-26T10:26:00.004-05:00

At different temples in Japan throughout the year a contests called, Konaki (Crying) Sumo, are held. The winner is obvioulsy the one who cries first or loudest. The tradition is thought to bring good health to the participants.

Super Potato (スーパーポテト)

2009-02-26T08:25:00.000-05:00

If you are on Facebook, there is an Akihabara fan page with groups of current pictures from around Akihabara. Someone recently posted 35 new pictures of Super Potato, the retro gaming store.

Mos Burger Tobikiri Hamburger (モスバーガーとびきり)

2009-02-24T14:45:00.009-05:00

I always enjoy a visit to the Mos Burger website. Any time they add to their menu they go all out with flash to present their newest creation. This is definately one place I will go when I am in Japan.

Tobikiri (とびきり) means extraordinary, super-duper etc. Anyone in Japan know if this burger lives up to it's name?

Japanese Pen Spinning

2009-02-23T09:01:00.006-05:00

You are waiting around with nothing to do. You forgot you portable media device. What do you do now? Well, if you have a pen on you, you could try the art of Japanese pen spinning.

Burton V-Rocker

2009-02-18T16:14:00.014-05:00

Out of all the things I have not done in a while, I miss snowboarding the most. I really should just get out there again. I was checking out Burton's site and saw their new V-Rocker shaped boards. Looks quite interesting. You can still do all the ground tricks on a regular board, but this may make it a little easier - so they say.

Strong Zero - Stick to the fresh -196°C!

2009-02-18T09:00:00.000-05:00

Took me forever to find this. I was watching Japanese TV on KeyHole TV and spotted a commercial for Strong Zero (ストロングゼロ). I will be adding it to my list of things to get when I am in Japan this spring.

Below is the concept for this product, which is quite interesting. From what I can gleen they use the entire fruit and freeze it to sub zero temperatures untill it can be pulverized into a powder. The resulting powder can then be introduced into the mixture making up the drink. Using this method the freshness, taste, and fragrance is locked in.

Visit Suntory to check out their other products, and watch the commercial for Strong Zero here. Why on earth would you want a lemon drink that only uses the juice. Stick to the fresh! Strong Zero -196°C

Skype 4.0 - 大嫌いですか?

2009-02-17T11:07:00.007-05:00

What were your first thoughts after installing the new Skype 4.0 for windows? Usually there is an adjustment period with a major upgrade, but I must say, with this one someone threw logic out the window. Although the core functions are all there, they changed many things that did not need changed. If they wanted to give it a facelift, ok, but don't dismantle the entire flow.

Perhaps many will like the changes, we have yet to see. One feature I will miss greatly is the Public IM Chat feature. I found 2 Japanese public chats that were very usefull in sharing blog posts and technology chat. I will miss them, and can only hope that Skype will reactivate this feature in a future release. I hear a lot of people are trying to reinstall older versions after upgrading. To what success I don't know, but I am sure upgrading will be manditory at some point due to server issues.

Regardless of you position please go over to the the Skype blog on ver. 4.0 and post your comment. --->> Here.

Shower Clean - No more naked showers.

2009-02-16T12:34:00.006-05:00

You will never have to get undressed again thanks to Konaka.　The シャワークリーンスーツ will save you precious time in the mornings while always looking your freshest. The proprietary wool formula allows perspiration stains, food stains, dust, pollen, and odors to be simply washed away in the shower.

Best of all it dries wrinkle free in about 8 hours. If you are a businessman on the go and always want to look your best this is a must have.

Jacco Fashion

2009-02-10T14:34:00.028-05:00

For the ladies. Smartly styled and highly fashionable Japanese and Korean street clothing. They were selling online as early as 2001 and went under the name of Jacco in 2007.

Among their offerings are handbags, clothing, outerware, and accessories. They also offer a 7 day 100% satisfaction guarantee on all their items.

Taken from Jacco Fashion:

Jacco is selling trendy street fashion clothing to worldwide on a host of brands. We stock items of Style by Shez, KOKO by SZ, Bibubibu, Waha,QFM, Cicicam, Toto, M2M, JK2. We ship internationally and support small orders. No MOQ (minimum order quantity) is requested.

Clean your LCD Screen - With food?

2009-02-10T11:30:00.010-05:00

Elecom has released some new LCD cleaners for your computer and mobile devices.

Taken from: Akihabara News.

The selections look delicious!

The Memristor - Get ready for something amazing.

2009-02-10T09:34:00.005-05:00

The fourth piece to an electrical puzzle, the memristor was described and named in 1971, but it's existence wasn't proved until April 2008. This is one technology that is worth observing.

Above photo: Memristor close-up: An atomic force microscope image shows 17 memristors in a row. Each has a bottom wire that contacts one side of the device and a top wire that contacts the other. The wires in this image are 50nm, or about 150 atoms, wide. J. J. Yang, HP Labs

It is said to have properties similar to human synapses. A solid state divice not only capable of binary computing, (1's and 0's), but able to use any value in between. Along with that, it's capability of remembering it's state when power is removed, could usher the advent of analog computers that can learn. But, that is just the beginning. Keep an eye on this one your future is about to change.

More info at the HP Labs.

KeyHole TV 3.12 - What's on TV tonight, in Japan!

2009-02-08T15:16:00.011-05:00

KeyHoleTV is your window into the world of Japanese TV. Thanks to the creators of this little application, you can enjoy Japanese TV wherever you have a computer and internet connection.

From my tests on different hardware, the video stream seems a little choppy. Regardless, if you are desperate to see what is on Japanese TV, this is the best bet for you. I use this all the time, and am grateful that someone has taken time to provide this little gem.

When you click on download from their main site you go to the following directory, see below. A little unconventional these days but it gets the job done. Just click on the file name, SetupKHTV3.12.exe, to download the installation file. Direct link to the download directory here.

Once installed and working, you can double click on the video window and get a resizeable pop out window to view the stream in. There are about 27 channels. Although some require a password, most are open to the public. Another plus is the inclusion of a handful of radio stations.

Some sample listings:

Hotaru no Hikari (ホタルノヒカリ)

2009-02-08T00:15:00.005-05:00

Glow of fireflies. Another worth seeing J-Drama starring Ayase Haruka. Of the ones I have seen, I think this is her best character.

Synopsis taken from the D-Addicts Wiki:

Hotaru works for a famous interior design company. It's a glamorous job but Hotaru's private life is totally the opposite of glamorous. She lives alone, and when she isn't working she's mostly lazing about her rented house in training wear. She's not interested in men. In fact, she isn't interested in anything. "I'd rather lay around than fool around," is her motto.

Her landlord is a bar owner, and one day his son, who has just separated from his wife, comes to inspect the rental property, not knowing that someone is living there. He is shocked at the mess, but not as shocked as Hotaru. He turns out to be her boss, Takano. --Japan Times Online

2,760 Pictures of Japan in one video.

2009-02-07T08:40:00.002-05:00

3 weeks in Japan in a nutshell..

This is Japan! from Eric Testroete on Vimeo.

The speakers on your high-end audio system just became obsolete.

2009-02-06T15:26:00.009-05:00

Now you can say, "Yeah, but I got milk cartons." Yorozu Audio says you can turn anything into a speaker. I have my own ideas what this would sound like, but I could be surprised. Looks interesting enough.

Here are some nifty ideas...

Need someone to talk to?

2009-02-06T14:28:00.020-05:00

Are you all alone? Does noone ever listen too you? Do you like to complain a alot and don't want to alienate your friends? Then the Pekoppa Nodding Pot-Plant from Sega Toys is just for you!

The video below was too funny not to put this up. Really, the whole marketing scheme is just funny.

Practice with those chopsticks! You may never use a fork again!

2009-02-05T12:42:00.000-05:00

What on earth could be more fun than a Manner Beans Chopsticks Practice Kit! Distributed by none other than Strapya-World.

You get a bowl, pair of chopsticks, manner book, carry pouch, and best of all chick-bean x40! (Stop watch not included.)

がんばって!!

Having trouble rolling that sushi?

2009-02-05T11:32:00.001-05:00

Not anymore!

The BANDAI Futomaki Norimaki shushi maker is just what you need. So easy even the kids can do it! You can grab this nifty item from Strapya-World.

Is your blood type the key to your success?

2009-02-05T09:43:00.001-05:00

If you think so you may want to move to Japan. Sounds more like a horoscope but there may be some merit to our genetic makeup effecting our persona. At least in Japan there is.

There is a full article on the phenomenon at ThirdAge here. Strapya-Wold has a handy selection of blood type cell phone straps for sale here. Let the world know who you are and addd some bling to your cell at the same time!

What's your blood type?

Thanks to my sister at Project 365 Photography for finding this.

JTT USB Green Tea Humidifier

2009-02-04T22:46:00.000-05:00

Tired of static electrocution in the office? Is your skin dry and cracked in the dry season of winter? Or maybe you can't help but wish you had a steaming cup.. er can of green tea. Well, thanks to Japan Trust Technology (JTT), your humidification woes are over. For only 2,980 yen you will never be dry again!

Hachi-One Diver (ハチワンダイバー)

2009-01-26T12:56:00.000-05:00

Hachi-Wan Daiba!! Who ever thought a game like Shogi could be made into an action movie. Yes, I get the usual odd looks from my family whenever I watch a J-Drama, but I can't help it, I like them! Check it out if you can.

More info about the show on Drama Wiki and the Official Site.

Where are we going? And what will we be when we get there?

2009-01-22T10:34:00.001-05:00

Came across this interesting video on a post at Dannychoo.com

I thought it too interesting not to help spread around the internet.

It is trulys thought provoking and makes you ponder the uncertainty

of the futre we will be living in. Exponential times indeed.

MacBook Wheel

2009-01-07T09:36:00.000-05:00

Ok I gave in. I finally boght my first Apple product. I got my wife an iPod touch for christmas. This is one amazing device. Where it really shines is it's wifi capabilities.

What's next? The Apple innovation continues with the MacBook wheel, check out this news item... =)

Western Digital WD TV HD Media Player - Part 2

2009-01-06T10:10:00.001-05:00

Upon opening the box, I was surprised at how small the unit was. It is dwarfed by the Vantec HD dock as you can see in my test setup. Out of the box I had some trouble playing one .SRT subtitle file, and the subtitles started at the top of the bottom third of the screen. Also if there were more than one line to the subtitle the lines were spaced very far apart. Very distracting.

Imediately I checked the Western Digital website for a firmware update. Indeed there was. Ver. 1.01.02 dated 12/2/08. After updating the problems I was haver were fixed. The subtitle that wouldn't play worked perfectly. And, the subtitles were at the bottom where they should be and the line spacing was corrected. I also noticed some additions to the setup menu, including subtitle size.

So far all the files I have tested work fine, including the .mkv's which I really wanted this unit for. I am very pleased with the operation and menu system. The only improvement that I can see so far is that they need to give an option to change the subtitle color. The only option right now is white, which can be hard to read on bright scenes. The option of yellow would be very nice. Of course hardsubbed video subtitles look great.

WD also offers GPL code for third party developers, which I find awesome. (Sony please take a hint.)

Amazon has it here:

2008-12-23T10:19:00.000-05:00

Hard to believe another year is gone. It's disturbing how fast the years are going by. If we could all somehow just slow down and reflect on what is important in life, maybe it wouldn't go so fast.

Merry Christmas everyone!

Dorodango (泥だんご) - Shiny Mudballs.

2008-12-19T12:58:00.000-05:00

Dorodango. The art of Japanese mud ball rolling. I saw this on a recent episode of Mythbusters and found it quite interesting. There are a few sites out there with instructions, looks fairly easy to do. Some of the results are surprisingly amazing.

Picture is from dorodango.com He also has some historical info on this fascinating art.

Electric Stimulus to Face Test

2008-12-17T11:18:00.000-05:00

I don't even remember what I was looking for when I found this. This guy must be very brave or.. I wonder if you could cause permanent damage if you did this too much.

Auntie Anne's Que Line

2008-12-17T09:00:00.000-05:00

A que? Although we live in a fairly small city the Auntie Anne pretzel line is always ridiculously long. Most of the time we just walk on by, however the kids usually beg us to get a hot, cinnamon-sugar pretzel and we let them get one as a special treat.

The other day was the first time I have seen que line set up at the mall. Usually the line goes painfully slow, but this episode went surprisingly quick.

ef - a fairy tale of the two.

2008-12-16T11:57:00.000-05:00

I am trying to find this figure with no success. I am thinking it is only in kit form at the moment. Any leads?

Almost Otaku

Honyaku Gets A Face Lift

A Journey Into the World of Class A

Get Lamp - The Text Adventure Documentary

Steve Meretzky Does Nerdcore

Goovie! 岐阜 × 動画

JAPADOG!

Cream puffs from Osaka - ビアード パパ

Merry (nano) Christmas?

Shanadoo - Launch Party!!!

Steampunk Keyboards

Iwako Erasers

Redneck or Practical?

Google launches a Japanese IME converter.

Learning with J-Drama's

Japan's rice fields in September

Selected for Google Earth!

McDonalds Japan's Mr. James TV Commercial

Total solar eclipse in Japan on the 22nd of July

Asus Eee Keyboard spotted in Neuromancer artwork!

The rice fields are growing up.

やなな at Gekijo Dori

かぶと虫が逃げた！Run Trypoxylus to escape in the final of sumo wrestling.

Japanese family chronicles 10 years of life.

Yakitori Grill - やきとり!

Cherry picking tour in Yamanashi (山梨)

メイド - There's a maid on the floor.

Japanese Beef

No Pictures Please! (写真だめですください!) - Akiba Cafe Maids

Tilt Shift Gifu City

Tilt Shift Time Lapse of Japan

WD TV HD Media Player Firmware Update

Japanese Food

Swine Flu Quarantine Inspection

Two amazing weeks in Gifu City.

Shoebill "動かない鳥" in Ueno zoo in Tokyo, Japan.

Medical check at Chubu

Getting ready for the long haul

MOSDO! - Mos Burger and Mister Donut Combine Forces

Japanese for beginners.

Sanoramen ''OGURAYA'' in Sano city in Tochigi prefecture.

2 weeks in Gifu City

Forever 21 in Harajuku open, huge line by customers

Mt. Fuji! on the 26th of April

Japans latest trend - People buy magazines for supplement

Awesome Stop Motion Film

Hello! Lion's cute cub

Tokyo Street Fashion

Almost-Otaku Goes Bilingual!

I'm bringing up some herbs!

A Unique Habit of Japanese

The Japanese Tradition of Sushi

Apartment from Trick (トリック)

The infinite soda can pull tab - プシュ!

KeyHoleTV 3.13 Download - Japanese TV

Japanese Translation Button

City of Ember and Zork

LOZ doesn't quite live up to the name, yet.

Sigma 17-70 f/2.8-4.5 DC Macro HSM

Zork Lives!

Does your dentist have a simroid?

HRP-4C Humanoid Supermodel

Site Banners

Solve a crime. Get a taco.

The new Smart.fm homepage

Magibon Animated?

iKnow.co.jp is now Smart.fm

H7N6 Bird flu on Aichi quail farm

Don't eat that bagel!

Free iPhones in Japan

Georgia Max Coffee

The "Lost" Bento

Make a Baby Cry Contest (Konaki Sumo)

Super Potato (スーパーポテト)

Mos Burger Tobikiri Hamburger (モスバーガーとびきり)

Japanese Pen Spinning

Burton V-Rocker

Strong Zero - Stick to the fresh -196°C!

Skype 4.0 - 大嫌いですか?

Shower Clean - No more naked showers.

Cream puffs from Osaka - ビアードパパ