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Saya, a female humanoid robot that can recognize and respond to human speech, spent the past several days working as a receptionist at the prestigious Takashimaya department store in Tokyo’s Nihonbashi district.

Saya dressed in Takashimaya uniform [+]

Developed in 2004 by professor Hiroshi Kobayashi of the Tokyo University of Science, the speech-capable robot can provide about 700 programmed responses to questions and commands — enough to direct customers to the appropriate floor, make small talk, and answer a few basic questions about herself and her background.

A customer asks Saya a question [+]

Pneumatic actuators in Saya’s head allow her to move her neck, mouth and eyes while she speaks. She can produce facial expressions ranging from happiness and surprise to sadness and anger.

A peek behind the counter [+]

During her stint at Takashimaya from October 14 to 18, Saya dressed like her human co-workers in a Takashimaya receptionist uniform. She also wore makeup by RMK (view a close-up). Curious shoppers seemed amused by her presence, and many stopped at the reception counter to ask questions and chat.

A shopper tells Saya she is pretty [+]

Although she responded appropriately most of the time, the cyber-receptionist occasionally seemed to misunderstand what people said. For example, one person complimented Saya by saying, “You are pretty,” but the robot flashed a look of disdain and responded with, “Are you crazy?”

“Are you crazy?” [+]

Saya grabbed headlines earlier this year when she took on a side job as a substitute teacher at a Tokyo elementary school.

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- Toyota FT-EV II

Toyota will debut the FT-EV II, an ultra-compact electric vehicle.

Toyota FT-EV II

With a range of 90 kilometers (56 mi) and a top speed of around 100 kph (62 mph), the FT-EV II — which stands for “Future Toyota Electric Vehicle II” — is designed for short-distance urban driving.

Toyota FT-EV II [+]

Despite the vehicle’s tiny size, there is seating for four inside. The designers were able to free up interior space by removing items found in traditional vehicles, such as the brake and acceleration pedals, which have been replaced by joystick controls. Other features include a dye-sensitized solar panel, electric sliding doors, and a retro-futuristic interior.

Toyota FT-EV II

By incorporating a variety of communications functions into the dashboard, Toyota aims to demonstrate how the electric vehicle might function as a powerful information device in the networked society of the future.

Toyota FT-EV II

In addition to connecting with navigation services, the FT-EV II can download music and movie content, make recommendations tailored to individual preferences, and communicate with the driver’s home network, thus allowing the driver cruise the information superhighway while tooling around town. [More]

Toyota FT-EV II [+]

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- Mazda Kiyora

Mazda Kiyora [+]

Mazda plans to exhibit an updated version of the Kiyora, a compact and lightweight concept car first unveiled in 2008.

Mazda Kiyora [+]

Equipped with a six-speed automatic transmission, the new Kiyora is powered by a fuel-efficient 1.3-liter gasoline engine that gets up to 75 mpg with the help of regenerative braking, advanced aerodynamics and a system that shuts the engine off at stops. [More]

Mazda Kiyora [+]

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- Honda Skydeck

Honda will debut the Skydeck concept, a six-passenger hybrid minivan featuring a strikingly odd combination of doors.

Honda Skydeck [+]

The Skydeck is equipped with scissor doors up front and a sliding door on the side.

Honda Skydeck [+]

Other features include an all-glass roof, translucent green wheels, and a minimalist interior with center-mounted floating seats.

Honda Skydeck [+]

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- Honda EV-N

Honda EV-N [+]

Honda’s EV-N concept, which looks like a 21st-century version of the classic Honda N600 of the late 60s and early 70s, has a solar roof that charges the battery-powered motor, interchangeable seat fabrics, and a car-to-car communications system in the front bumper.

Honda EV-N [+]

The passenger-side door includes space for storing a Honda U3-X personal mobility vehicle. [More]

Honda U3-X personal mobility unit fits into the passenger-side door [+]

The 10-kilogram (22-lb) U3-X is a self-balancing unicycle equipped with Honda’s state-of-the-art omni-directional wheel system.

Honda U3-X personal mobility unit [+]

Using the latest in balancing technology obtained from Honda’s ASIMO robot, the U3-X is capable of detecting slight changes in weight shift and adjusting its directional path accordingly. By leaning, the rider can steer the U3-X forward, backward, side-to-side and diagonally, as seen in the video below.

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- Honda CR-Z

Although Honda still calls it a concept car, the CR-Z hybrid hatchback is slated for production early next year in Japan.

Honda CR-Z [+]

The two-seater is powered by a 1.5-liter four-cylinder engine and has a six-speed manual transmission. [More]

Honda CR-Z [+]

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- Nissan Land Glider

Nissan Land Glider [+]

Nissan plans to debut the Land Glider, an ultra-compact, ultra-lightweight EV concept car for urban mobility.

Nissan Land Glider [+]

This fully electric two-seater has a narrow body designed to help reduce traffic congestion and make it easier to find a parking space.

Nissan Land Glider [+]

Inside the cockpit, the driver sits front and center behind a futuristic-looking instrument panel and a steering wheel that resembles a pair of joysticks.

Nissan Land Glider [+]

With the ability to lean into turns like a motorcycle, the Land Glider can handle tight curves with ease, as seen in the video below. [More]

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- Nissan Qazana

Nissan will also exhibit the Qazana concept car, a compact four-seater that made its world debut at the Geneva Motor Show in March 2009.

Nissan Qazana [+]

Designed for tough city streets, the all-wheel drive Qazana crossover is masculine, agile, lean and intelligent.

Nissan Qazana [+]

The five-door compact crossover combines sporty driving with environmental performance, and its exterior and interior are inspired by dune buggies and motorcycles.

Nissan Qazana [+]

Inside, the framework of the seats and doors is partially exposed for an unfinished look, and the center console is designed to resemble a motorcycle fuel tank and seat. [More]

Nissan Qazana [+]

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- Subaru Hybrid Tourer Concept

Subaru Hybrid Tourer Concept [+]

Billed as an environmentally-friendly grand touring car, the Subaru Hybrid Tourer Concept is a four-passenger hybrid vehicle equipped with gullwing doors for a sense of openness.

Subaru Hybrid Tourer Concept [+]

During normal driving, the all-wheel drive Hybrid Tourer is powered by a 2.0-liter direct-injection turbocharged gasoline engine. The vehicle’s two electric motors are used for low-speed driving and recharging the lithium-ion batteries, and for providing an boost when extra acceleration is needed. [More]

Subaru Hybrid Tourer Concept [+]

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- Mitsubishi PX-MiEV

Mitsubishi plans to exhibit the PX-MiEV concept, a plug-in hybrid crossover loaded with features designed to boost fuel efficiency and safety.

Mitsubishi PX-MiEV [+]

The PX-MiEV’s front and rear wheels are powered by two permanent magnet synchronous motors, while a 1.6-liter gasoline engine powers the front wheels and works as a generator. The vehicle’s smart control system automatically switches between the various driving modes depending on the vehicle speed, battery level, and road conditions.

Mitsubishi PX-MiEV [+]

A 3-way battery charging system allows the vehicle to be charged using either a 100-volt or a 200-volt domestic supply, or a high-power quick-charging station. In addition to powering the motors, the battery can also supply electricity to user’s home during the daytime when domestic power consumption is highest, and it can be used used as an emergency power source in the event of a natural disaster. Devices can also be plugged into the vehicle’s 100-volt AC auxiliary socket in the rear luggage compartment.

The PX-MiEV uses heat reflective glass and paint for a cool interior. Each of the four seats is equipped with an individual air conditioner, while a negative-ion aroma humidifier and oxygen enricher improve the comfort level and reduce fatigue.

Mitsubishi PX-MiEV [+]

Safety features include a monitor that displays a composite image of the vehicle’s immediate surroundings, as well as a driver monitoring system that uses a camera to detect drowsy eyes. If the system detects a lapse in concentration, the driver is alerted by a series of attention-getting lights, sounds, vibrations, and smells. [More]

Nissan EPORO robots [+]

Nissan stole the show with their demonstration of the EPORO robot concept car, which travels in groups and is designed to avoid obstacles and collisions by mimicking the behavior of fish. [More]

NTT DoCoMo’s eye-controlled music player [+]

NTT DoCoMo showcased a set of earphones that enable the wearer to control a music player simply by shifting his or her eyes. Electrodes embedded in the earphones detect the subtle changes in eye movement.

TOUCH WOOD: Front [+] // Back [+]

NTT DoCoMo’s TOUCH WOOD prototype handset is made from the surplus wood of trees culled during forest-thinning operations. [More]

A model wears special glasses to promote Sony’s 3D Full HDTV displays [+]

Sony’s booth featured a variety of new 3D Full HDTV displays, and the accompanying presentation starred a pair of models wearing special 3D glasses.

A model wears special glasses to promote Sony’s 3D Full HDTV displays [+]

Vaio concept [+]

Sony also displayed a few concept items incorporating their flexible display technology, such as this future Vaio notebook.

Panasonic 3D Full HDTV PDP [+]

Panasonic exhibited their latest 3D display technology, which includes 50″ 3D Full HDTV plasma displays.

Sekai Camera [+]

Sekai Camera, an augmented reality social tagging application for the iPhone, was on display at the Yamaha booth. [More]

Squid robot 1 [+]

Representatives from Hakodate showcased a pair of squid robots designed to attract attention to their area. The robots are part of an unorthodox campaign that includes some entertaining tourism promotion videos. [More]

Squid robot 2 [+]

Fujitsu exhibited a selection of interesting concept phones submitted by participants in the mobile phone design competition.

F-Circle: Fujitsu concept phone [+]

The F-Circle phone, designed by Yuji Ito, has a “timeless” appearance that departs from the typical rectangular mobile shape.

FOLD-A-PHONE: Fujitsu concept phone [+]

Designed by Hanna Sahlen and Sachiko Munakata, the FOLD-A-PHONE is a paper-thin handset that can be folded into a compact shape. The design was inspired by the “Miura-fold” origami method.

chamelephone: Fujitsu concept phone [+]

The chamelephone, designed by Hiroyuki Tabuchi, has a body that changes its appearance to match the texture of the surface it is placed on.

KAORA: Fujitsu concept phone [+]

Designed by Wataru Igarashi, the KAORA concept features a curved design that can assume various configurations to suit different uses.

Amoeba Phone: Fujitsu concept phone [+]

The Amoeba Phone (designed by Kwak Yeon), whose entire surface is a touchscreen, has a concave shape designed to fit the user’s face when they are talking on the phone.

Sento-kun [+]

Sento-kun, the official mascot character for next year’s Commemorative Events of the 1,300th Anniversary of the Nara-Heijokyo Capital, was on hand to promote investment in Nara prefecture.

Ultraman [photo]

Gomess [photo]

Ultra Seven [photo]

Clockwise from top-right: Antlar, Guts Seijin, Telesdon, Mephilas, Gomora [photo]

Borg Seijin [photo]

Pegira [photo]

Otoroshi [+]

The Otoroshi, a hairy creature depicted in Edo-period books and picture scrolls, perches atop the gates to shrines and temples, waiting to snatch up impious and ill-intentioned people passing below. [More]

Abura-sumashi [+]

The Abura-sumashi (lit. “Oil Presser”), a folk monster from Kumamoto prefecture known for harassing mountain travelers, is believed to be the reincarnated spirit of an oil thief. Long ago, oil was essential for lighting and heating homes, and the divine punishment for people guilty of stealing this valuable commodity — particularly from temples and shrines — was reincarnation as a yōkai. [More]

Kappa [+]

The Kappa, probably the most well-known yōkai in Japan, is a mischievous and often dangerous river imp. [More]

Tsuchigumo [+]

The Tsuchigumo is a large blood-sucking spider sometimes found under the floorboards of old houses. Details about this creature vary from tale to tale, and some theories suggest the monster’s origins can be traced back to the exaggerated and embellished stories of encounters with mountain-dwelling people of ancient Japan, who were also referred to as “tsuchigumo” (lit. “ground spiders”). [More]

Kurage no Hinotama [+]

The Kurage no Hinotama is a jellyfish-shaped fireball (will-o-wisp) found near the sea. An account from the mid-18th century tells of a samurai who encountered one such ghostly flame on a warm breezy night at Zenshoji temple in Ishikawa prefecture. The man tried to slash the floating apparition with his sword, but to no avail. Unscathed by the attack, the fireball discharged a sticky red sap-like substance onto the man’s face. [More]

Peepholes in the closet doors upstairs

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In addition to the small collection of yōkai art upstairs, the Kitarō Chaya includes a gift shop and a tiny cafe that serves GeGeGe no Kitarō-themed drinks and snacks. The teahouse is located just outside the main entrance to Jindaiji temple, which is a 20-minute bus ride from Chōfu station (bus #34, north side of station, 200 yen).

As part of the upcoming Aqua Metropolis festival in Osaka, engineering firm NTT Facilities has developed a pair of solar-powered, UFO-shaped floating water purifiers that will be deployed in the city’s canals and in the moat at Osaka Castle.

The disc-shaped machines — called “Solar UFOs” — weigh about 3.4 tons each and measure 1.6 meters (5 ft) tall and 5 meters (16 ft) across. During the day, an array of solar panels power the machine’s filtration system, which pumps fresh oxygen into the water while removing impurities. At night, a 1.3-kilowatt solar battery provides juice to the LED lamps lining the edges of the floating craft.

The machines, which can purify about 9,000 liters (2,400 gallons) of water per day, spray the clean water out through a nozzle on top, like a fountain. In addition to keeping the surface clean of bird droppings and grime, the water spray keeps the solar panels cool, helping to maintain a high output efficiency.

The Solar UFOs are built using technology developed by NTT Facilities, a Tokyo-based company (part of the NTT Group) whose business includes architecture, construction planning, power supply system design, and the management of large-scale solar power plants. The water cleaners are currently not for sale.

Plans are to keep one Solar UFO operating in the Dotonbori canal (in central Osaka) until mid-October. The one in Osaka Castle moat is scheduled to remain in operation until the end of March 2010. NTT Facilities also announced plans to deploy Solar UFOs in Tokyo-area waters in the near future.

[Source: Asahi]

Hachik?

The preserved body of Hachik? — Japan’s most famous dog — is on display on the second floor of the museum’s Japan Gallery wing. An Akita dog born in 1923, Hachik? is remembered for his deep loyalty to his owner. While his owner was alive, Hachik? would greet him at the end of each day at Shibuya station when he returned home from work. The man died in 1925, but Hachik? kept his daily routine, faithfully waiting for his owner every evening at the station for 10 years until he died in 1935. Hachik?’s permanent presence at Shibuya station attracted widespread attention, and his legendary faithfulness became a national symbol of loyalty. [More]

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Jir?

On display next to Hachik? is the preserved body of Jir?, one of two Sakhalin Huskies famous for surviving a year in Antarctica after being abandoned during a failed scientific expedition to the South Pole. In February 1958, a Japanese survey team stationed in Antarctica left their base after extreme weather conditions prevented a replacement team from reaching the site. Thinking they would return soon, the team left 15 Sakhalin Huskies chained up at the unmanned base. However, due to fuel shortages, nobody was able to return for nearly a year. When the next survey team returned to the base in January 1959, they found that two of the dogs, Tar? and Jir?, had miraculously survived the ordeal. [More]

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Kai Ken

Alongside two of Japan’s most celebrated canines is the preserved body of an anonymous Kai Ken (a.k.a. “Tora Inu” or “Tiger Dog”). The Kai Ken is a rare breed of dog considered to be the most ancient and purest dog breed in Japan. Developed centuries ago in the isolated district of Kai (Yamanashi prefecture), the breed was used for hunting boar and deer. The Kai Ken breed was designated a national treasure in 1934. [More]

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Other canine specimens on display at National Science Museum

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Honsh? Wolf

On display in the museum’s Global Gallery wing (third floor) is the preserved body of a Honsh? Wolf (Canis lupus hodophilax, or Nihon Ookami), one of two extinct species of Japanese Wolf (the other is the Hokkaido Wolf). This species, which once occupied the islands of Honsh?, Shikoku and Ky?sh?, is thought to have become extinct due to a combination of rabies and human eradication. The last known Honsh? Wolf is believed to have died in 1905 in Nara prefecture, though the exact date is disputed (and sightings are still reported occasionally). The stuffed specimen at the National Science Museum is one of five known to be in existence. [More]

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Tasmanian Wolf

Another rare specimen on view is the Thylacine (Thylacinus cynocephalus, a.k.a. “Tasmanian Wolf” or “Tasmanian Tiger”), a large carnivorous marsupial (not a canine) native to continental Australia, Tasmania and New Guinea, which is believed to have gone extinct in the 1930s (though sightings are still reported). Here is some footage of what is believed to have been the last living Tasmanian Wolf, filmed in 1933. [More]

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Piece by piece, an 18-meter tall, 35-ton full-scale Gundam statue is being assembled in Odaiba, Tokyo to commemorate 30 years of Mobile Suit Gundam. When finished in mid-July, the enormous figure will entertain onlookers by moving its head and shooting light and mist from 50 points on its body. Until then, we have these photos of its magnificent legs and assorted parts.

More photos at Mainichi.

(Thanks, Jerome!)

“Fairy tales and legends” is the theme of this year’s World Sand Sculpture Festival now underway at the Tottori Sand Dunes in Tottori prefecture. On display (until May 31) are 19 massive works crafted by world-class sculptors from ten nations. The artists used around 2,700 tons of sand and took about two weeks to complete their works. Can you identify the fairy tales and legends depicted in these sand sculptures?

The Netherlands (front) [via]

The Netherlands (rear) [via]

Germany [via]

India (front) [via]

India (rear) [via]

Spain [via]

USA (front) [via]

USA (rear) [via]

Czech Republic [via]

Russia (front) [via]

Russia (rear) [via]

Australia (front) [via]

Australia (rear) [via]

Canada [via]

China [via]

Unknown [via]

A pair of giant robotic spiders designed and built by French performance art group La Machine have come to Yokohama to take part in the upcoming Expo Y150, a 5-month festival commemorating the 150th anniversary of the opening of the city’s port.

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Although the Expo Y150 festivities are not scheduled to officially begin until the end of April, the enormous steampunk spiders could be seen prowling the Yokohama waterfront this weekend.

Here is some superb video of the spectacle on Friday (April 17) night, when one of the 12-meter (40-ft) tall, 37-ton mechanical spiders was observed in the red brick warehouse area of Yokohama — far from its natural habitat of Nantes, France.

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On Saturday (April 18) evening, one of the mechanical spiders performed a water dance at Shinko Pier while the other looked on from its perch atop a nearby shipping container. For the performance, the spider moved its mechanical legs and shot steam and water and from its mouth and rear end, while suspended over the water from a large crane. Water cannons, fog machines, lights and live atmospheric music added to the drama.

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On Sunday (April 19), both spiders were scheduled to depart Shinko Pier, take a stroll up Nihon-Odori street, and head back to the red brick warehouse area.

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La Machine’s giant spiders will be on public display at Expo Y150 from April 28 to September 27.

Japanese sea nettle [+]

Jellyfish, which have inhabited the world’s oceans in one form or another for over one billion years, come in a dizzying array of shapes, sizes and colors. One species commonly found in Japanese coastal waters in spring and summer is the Japanese sea nettle (Chrysaora melanaster). When full grown, this jelly can reach up to 1 meter (3 ft) in length with an umbrella measuring 20 centimeters (8 in) in diameter.

Japanese sea nettle [+] // [+]

The Japanese sea nettle has a relatively strong toxin. If dried and ground into powder, the toxin can irritate the eyes and nose when scattered on the wind. Ninja used to use this jellyfish powder as a weapon, and even today the jellyfish is known in Japan as hakushon-kurage (”sneeze jellyfish”).

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Pacific sea nettle [+]

The Pacific sea nettle (Chrysaora fuscescens) is one of the world’s largest jellyfish, with an umbrella that typically measures up to 50 centimeters wide and tentacles that stretch up to 2 meters (6.5 ft) in length. It has a moderate to severe sting that can cause welts to form.

Pacific sea nettle [+] // [+]

Found in the northwestern Pacific along the North American coast (and not in Japanese waters), this sea nettle has adapted to the cold California Current.

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Atlantic sea nettle [+]

The Atlantic sea nettle (Chrysaora quinquecirrha) is found in the Atlantic along the North American coast, and like its Pacific cousin, this jelly can inflict a nasty sting. Its semi-transparent body makes it difficult to spot — a problem both for beachgoers and for the sea nettle’s prey.

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Upside-down jellyfish [+]

The upside-down jellyfish (Cassiopea sp.), which has an umbrella that typically grows to about 20 centimeters (8 in) in diameter, is found in shallow waters from the tropics to the subtropics.

Upside-down jellyfish [+]

This jellyfish gets its name from the fact that it is usually seen upside-down on the sea floor, where it feeds on small plankton that drop down from above.

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Moon jelly [+]

The moon jelly (Aurelia aurita) is probably the world’s most widely distributed jellyfish. It is quite commonly found along the shores of Japan. Although it is composed of more than 95% water, it has an amazing ability to quickly heal itself, even after severe injuries. The moon jelly typically grows to a length of 15 centimeters (6 in) from the top of the umbrella to tip of the tentacles, with a diameter of 30 centimeters (1 ft).

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Spotted jellyfish [+]

The spotted jellyfish (Mastigias papua) has a brownish umbrella with white spots. With thick tentacles resembling the arms of an octopus, this creature is known in Japan as tako-kurage, or “octopus jellyfish.” The spotted jellyfish gets its color from the algae that lives within its umbrella. This algae produces a type of sugar through photosynthesis that serves as a nutrient for this jellyfish.

Instead of one single mouth, the spotted jellyfish appears to have several smaller mouth openings in its oral arms.

Spotted jellyfish [+]

Though mainly found in the southern Pacific Ocean, the spotted jellyfish is active in Japanese waters from summer to autumn. When full grown, this jellyfish measures about 50 centimeters (1 ft 8 in) from top to bottom and 15 centimeters (6 in) wide.

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Other species found in the Jellyfish Fantasy Hall include the blue jellyfish (Catostylus mosaicus), brownbanded moon jelly (Aurelia limbata), and Amakusa jellyfish (Sanderia malayensis).