Tag: ‘Tokyo’

Ryuichi Sakamoto expands attack on controversial law

23 Mar 2006

Ryuichi SakamotoAt a press conference held in Tokyo on March 23, composer Ryuichi Sakamoto made a public appeal to the government to exempt all secondhand electrical goods from the Electrical Appliance and Material Safety Law (a.k.a. PSE Law, or DENAN). The law, which is set to take effect April 1, will prohibit businesses from selling electrical goods that do not bear the PSE mark (that signifies compliance with the law?s safety standards). In other words, before putting products up for sale, dealers will be forced to file paperwork and perform tests (such as 1,000 volts for one minute) on each and every pre-2002 electrical product in order to obtain a PSE mark. Though the government recently revised the law so that it does not apply to certain "vintage" electric instruments with high scarcity value, Sakamoto called upon the government to expand the exemption to all secondhand electrical goods.

?It is not up to the bureaucrats to determine what is ?vintage? and what is not," said Sakamoto, who was joined at the press conference by several other musicians, including composer/performer Hideki Togi and producer Kenzo Saeki. "The things we use should not be a matter for the government bureaucracy to decide. They think that we musicians will shut up because vintage instruments are no longer subject to the law, but I?d like to see everyone get behind those who make a living in the recycled goods business.?

Sakamoto was scheduled to deliver a formal written demand, in the form of a petition, to the Minister of Economy, Trade, and Industry after the press conference. The petition includes the signatures of about 50 musicians, including Tetsuya Komuro and Misayoshi Yamazaki, as well as 8 music organizations.

[Sources: Mainichi Shimbun, Kyodo]

Rare goblin shark caught at mouth of Tokyo Bay

23 Mar 2006

A goblin shark (Mitsukurina owstoni), considered a living fossil by scientists, was caught by a trawler off the coast of Miura, Japan. The 1.3-meter, 4-kg fish is a rare bottom-dwelling species of shark. Catching the shark in the relatively shallow waters around the mouth of Tokyo Bay is considered highly unusual.

Goblin shark

One defining characteristic of the goblin shark is its elongated snout. The goblin shark's teeth closely resemble those of a known fossil species of shark, earning it the nickname of "living fossil."

Katsumi Suzuki, 42, a fisherman working at Kami-Miyata Port in Miura City, says he caught the shark while net-fishing for monkfish in 350-meter deep water. Yokohama City Aquarium and Yokohama Hakkeijima Sea Paradise Aqua Museum official Takayuki Shishikura, 42, says, "This shark demonstrates the abundance of sea life in the waters around Tokyo Bay."

[Source: Yomiuri Shimbun]

Things in danger of vanishing…

22 Mar 2006

Things in danger of vanishing because of the Electric Appliance and Materials Law

Nanzuka Underground (Shibuya, Tokyo) has put together an exhibit entitled "Things That Are In Danger Of Vanishing Because Of [the] Electric Appliance And Materials Law." The law, which is set to take effect on April 1, has been widely criticized for its expected impact on the secondhand electronics industry, particularly with respect to musical equipment. Though METI appears to have done some backpedaling to ease the restrictions on certain "vintage" electronics, the concerns remain.

Organized to raise consumer awareness about "the crisis we are facing now," the exhibit features a display of products provided by TURBO SONIC (a secondhand electronics store specializing in products from the 70s and 80s), as well as art work made from numerous parts that belong to the store.

From the press release: "If there is anyone who feels even slightly uncomfortable about the law, we want you to visit the exhibition and hear your voice."

The exhibit runs from March 24 to April 9. Admission is free.

Read the in-depth Nanzuka Underground press release (English/Japanese) for more information.

Brain collection on display at Miraikan

21 Mar 2006

"Brain! - Exploring Wondrous Mysteries," an exhibit showcasing the latest in brain research, has opened at the National Museum of Emerging Science and Technology (Miraikan) in Odaiba, Tokyo.

Brain

Featured is a collection of about 150 brains and nervous systems of animals ranging from whales to insects (and humans). The exhibit is divided into three areas designed to give visitors a well-rounded tour of the mysteries of the brain. One area focuses on the brain's functions and evolution, another area includes interactive exhibits that provide a deeper understanding of how the five senses work, and another introduces a variety of technology used in neuroscience research.

The entrance fee is 900 yen for adults and 350 yen for visitors under 18. The exhibit runs through May 31.

[Source: Yomiuri Shimbun]

Competition heats up between Tokyo power giants

13 Mar 2006

LIFUELTokyo Gas is beefing up efforts to popularize its "My Home Hatsuden" products, which use natural gas to generate household electricity. Tokyo Electric Power Co., Inc. (TEPCO), despite intensifying its push for all-electric housing, has expressed alarm and opposition to Tokyo Gas.

Last year, Tokyo Gas released the LIFUEL household fuel cell cogeneration system, which extracts hydrogen from natural gas along with oxygen from the air to generate electricity through a reverse chemical reaction. This year, Tokyo Gas expanded its lineup with the ECOWILL system, which uses a natural gas-powered engine to generate electricity. Both of these "My Home Hatsuden" products aim to capitalize on household energy demand at the expense of electric power companies.

LIFUEL and ECOWILL use the heat exhausted during electricity generation to heat household water. While able to supply 40 to 50% of the electricity for an average family of four, they can provide sufficient quantities of hot water. High power-generation efficiency and heat efficiency mean both systems are able to cut the amount of electricity required for heating water by 20%, contributing to reduced carbon dioxide emissions.

Use of LIFUEL can save about 60,000 yen (US$520) per year in heating and lighting costs, while ECOWILL can save about 27,000 yen (US$235) per year. The higher-priced LIFUEL system rents for 100,000 yen (US$870) per year. Government subsidies are available for purchasing ECOWILL, so the cost to the consumer is 6 to 7 million yen (around $5,000 to $6,000).

Tokyo Gas was initially focused on developing household fuel cells. However, after TEPCO stepped up efforts in its push for all-electric housing, Tokyo Gas decided to counter by focusing on ECOWILL until fuel cells achieve full-scale popularization -- which they believe will occur around 2008. Tokyo Gas plans to increase the installation of ECOWILL and LIFUEL in general households from 200 units in 2005 to a cumulative total of 43,000 units in 2010. Norio Ichino, President of Tokyo Gas, expects "My Home Hatsuden" to play a key role in their business in 4 to 5 years.

[Source: Mainichi Shimbun]

Zoos grapple with winter blues

25 Feb 2006

As Japan?s harsh winter takes its toll on zoo animals by causing problems from chapped feet to appetite loss, zookeepers do what they can to deal with the cold weather.

At Tama Zoo (Hino, Tokyo), where the temperature is about 3 degrees Celsius (5 degrees Fahrenheit) lower than central Tokyo, zookeepers keep the Bornean orangutans indoors when it is cold. The popular skywalk, built last April to provide a means for the orangutans to exercise their rope-walking skills, remains unused because the orangutans have been unwilling to venture outside since last November. Zoo officials shut down the skywalk in December because the baby orangutans, who usually cross the ropes with vigor, developed chapped feet.

Orangutan at Tama Zoo
Orangutan at Tama Zoo on a warm day

Even the elephants and rhinos, considered relatively resistant to cold weather with their thick skins, have had to move to heated indoor enclosures earlier and more often than usual.

At Ueno Zoo (Taito ward, Tokyo), zookeepers often bring the giraffes and elephants indoors early. ?Prolonged exposure to cold temperatures weakens the physical condition of the animals, so we do what we can to keep them healthy,? says one zookeeper.

At Higashiyama Zoo in Nagoya, a flamingo suffered a leg injury caused by a piece of broken ice in the freezing pond.

At the Japanese Monkey Center (Inuyama, Aichi prefecture), zookeepers apply ointment to the frostbitten feet of South African long-haired spider monkeys. Other monkeys in the zoo hospital are suffering from colds and appetite loss.

It has been a tough winter for us all.

[Source: Asahi Shimbun]

Absolut Icebar opens in Tokyo

17 Feb 2006

On February 17, Swedish brand Absolut Vodka, in cooperation with ICEHOTEL and Carrozzeria Japan (Chuo ward, Tokyo), opened the Absolut Icebar Tokyo near Gaien Nishi Dori (Nishi-Azabu 4-chome, Tel: 03-5464-2161). Everything in the icebar -- from the walls and bar counter down to the drinking glasses -- is made from ice, which is transported to Japan from the Torne River in northern Sweden. The ice is reportedly the purest in the world.

Absolut Icebar Tokyo

Absolut Icebar Tokyo is the first of its kind in Asia. Other branches of the bar are located in Stockholm, London, and Milan. Consistent in design with the European versions, the temperature inside the bar is -5 degrees Celsius (23 degrees Fahrenheit), and the entranceway is equipped with an airlock to keep the cold air inside. Specially designed thermal capes and gloves are provided to customers.

The bar serves up a variety of original, Absolut Vodka-based cocktails. The price for one drink, which includes the entrance fee and use of a thermal cape and gloves, is 3,500 yen. Refills are priced at 1,200 yen (cocktails) and 1,000 yen (soft drinks), and a fresh ice glass costs 800 yen. With 75 square meters (800 square feet) of floor space, there is enough room for only one seated table and up to 50 people. Hours are from 5 PM to 12 midnight.

The original Absolut Icebar was established at the ICEHOTEL, the world?s first hotel made from ice, located in Jukkasjarvi, northern Sweden.

[Source: Roppongi Keizai Shimbun]

Edo-period “robot” returns to life in Japan

30 Jan 2006

In a reference to Doraemon, Japan's most famous animated robotic cat, a Chinese person once remarked: "Lazy is the person who relies on robots in times of need." Though there may be some truth to the statement, it ignores Japan's long-held notion that robots (and their animated counterparts, such as Doraemon and Astro Boy) exist primarily to bring happiness to humankind. Many suggest that the development of robot manufacturing in Japan is built upon the strength of this affection.

The affection toward robots can be traced back to the karakuri mechanical dolls of the Edo period. One such doll is the mechanical "calligraphy writing doll," considered a masterpiece of karakuri craftsmanship. Recently returned to Japan after a long absence, the doll was constructed more than 150 years ago by Tanaka Hisashige, who is often referred to as the "Edison of Japan" and who served as a technical advisor for the Nabeshima feudal domain.

KarakuriThe "calligraphy writing doll" resembles a young man holding a brush in his right hand. With a series of movements fully controlled by precise automatic mechanisms, the young man dips his brush into ink and draws the kanji character for kotobuki ("blessing" or "longevity") on a sheet of paper in front of him. When finished, he seems to display a look of satisfaction to his onlookers.

Science historian Higashino Susumu (55), who recently succeeded in his 13-year effort to persuade a wealthy American collector to sell the prized karakuri back to Japan, is amazed by the sophistication of the restored doll. Mechanical dolls capable of writing were also made in China and Europe, but unlike this Japanese masterpiece, their pens had to be dipped in ink beforehand or they only moved from the elbow down -- thus, they remained confined to the realm of crude puppetry. Hisashige imbued his creation with a sense of reality, such as in the human-like way he follows the brush stroke with his eyes as he writes. "Hisashige's aim was not to create a doll, but to create a human," says Higashino.

This uncompromising precision in Hisashige's work embodies the manufacturing spirit that has underpinned the development of postwar Japan. Later in life at the age of 75, after the Meiji Restoration, Hisashige founded the engineering company that would later become Toshiba. And so it was, the Japanese manufacturing industry had its beginnings in Edo craftsmanship that was uniquely Japanese.

(The "calligraphy writing doll" is currently on display at Edo-Tokyo Museum through February 5, 2006. Regular demonstrations are held several times daily. A collection of 40 other karakuri is also on display.)

Check out the Youtube video of the calligraphy writing doll in action.

[Sources: Mainichi Shimbun, Edo-Tokyo Museum]