Tag: ‘Tokyo’

Bunraku puppet robots resurrected (pics/video)

26 Jan 2009

Bunraku robot -- Bunraku robot --

A trio of old-school bunraku puppet robots revived nearly 40 years after they were unveiled at the 1970 World Expo in Osaka are temporarily on display at the National Science Museum in Tokyo. Modeled after classic bunraku puppets, each pre-programmed robot is driven by around 20 pneumatic cylinders that move the arms, torso, head and face in sync with accompanying audio.

Here's some video of one whose face transforms into that of a demon:


+ Bunraku robot

A few more photos of the other robots, which are on display at the Science Museum until February 8:

Bunraku robot -- Bunraku robot -- Bunraku robot --

Bunraku robot --

Bunraku robot --

Bunraku robot --

Bunraku robot --

Bunraku robot --

Security firm proudly uses imitation Yahoo logo

16 Jan 2009

Yaroo Security logo --

The company logo for Yaroo Security, a security guard firm based in Tokyo's Katsushika ward, looks suspiciously like the one for Japan's most popular search engine. In this video, a camera crew visits Yaroo headquarters to ask about the resemblance.

A company spokesman flatly denies that their logo is an imitation of Yahoo's, although he admits, with a smile, that the logo designers did refer to it a little bit. Later in the interview (edited out), the spokesman explains that the name "Yaroo" is a play on the word "yaru" (meaning "do") -- a reference to their do-anything style of business.

Video: Jemapur – Maledict Car

31 Oct 2008


Jemapur - Maledict Car (Dir. Kosai Sekine)

Tokyo gets mirror-tweaked to kaleidoscopic effect in Jemapur's "Maledict Car" video directed by Kosai Sekine (produced by W+K Tokyo Lab). Sekine's previous work includes the quirky "Right Place," which won the best short film award at Cannes in 2006.


Kosai Sekine - Right Place

Manhole-infested Tokyo back street

21 Oct 2008

Poor planning? Engineering gone wrong? Unconventional street decor? Whatever the explanation, this quiet residential street in Tokyo's Setagaya ward boasts perhaps the highest manhole density in town, with 85 of them scattered along a 200-meter stretch of pavement. Fans of the curious street call it "Manhole Ginza."

Manhole Ginza --

Manhole Ginza --

Manhole Ginza --

Manhole Ginza --

Manhole Ginza --

[Link: Google Maps]

Related: Japanese manhole covers

Electronic sleep mask for worry-free train naps

17 Oct 2008

Noriko-san electronic sleep mask for train commuters --

For drowsy train commuters afraid of sleeping past their stop, inventor and manga artist Pyocotan has developed "Noriko-san," a sleep mask with an electronic scrolling display that communicates the wearer's destination to fellow passengers.

Noriko-san is designed to give sleepyheads greater peace of mind (and thus a deeper level of sleep) by increasing the odds that a stranger will wake them in time. In theory, other passengers feel compelled to act either out of courtesy or simply so they can sit in the empty seat left behind. Here's a video of Pyocotan testing a prototype on Tokyo's Yamanote line.

The video shows Pyocotan board the Yamanote line at Nishi-Nippori station. When a seat becomes available, he sits down, slips on the mask and goes to sleep. The mask's scrolling message reads: "I will get off at Mejiro station." Unfortunately, nobody wakes him up when he arrives. The test fails.

Pyocotan admits that Noriko-san is not 100% effective, perhaps because the unusual appearance makes other passengers feel uncomfortable and prevents them from acting. But the device will likely grow more effective as it becomes more widespread, he suggests. Until then, the fact that the mask might encourage others to act makes it a little easier for the user to relax and sleep more soundly.

Noriko-san cost about 20,000 yen ($200) to develop.

[Source: INTER News]

Tokyo Twilight Zone

10 Oct 2008

Photographer Shintaro Sato captures beauty in the chaotic Tokyo cityscape viewed from emergency staircases at dusk. Check his site for the full gallery of high-resolution images.

Tokyo Twilight Zone, Shintaro Sato --

Tokyo Twilight Zone, Shintaro Sato --

Tokyo Twilight Zone, Shintaro Sato --

Tokyo Twilight Zone, Shintaro Sato --

Tokyo Twilight Zone, Shintaro Sato --

[Link: Tokyo Twilight Zone]

See also:
- Suburban Tokyo nightscapes
- Highway interchange photos
- Fantastic Japanscapes

For rent: Reversible Destiny Lofts (w/ video)

26 Sep 2008

Reversible Destiny Lofts in Mitaka, In Memory of Helen Keller --

To NY-based architect-poets and "reversible destiny" philosophers Arakawa & Gins, comfort deserves only a limited role in the home. In their vision, a home that keeps its inhabitants young and healthy should provide perpetual challenges. A tentative relationship with your environment, they argue, is key to "reversing the downhill course of human life."

This video takes a peek inside their Reversible Destiny Lofts in the Mitaka area of western Tokyo. Designed to stimulate the senses and force inhabitants to use balance, physical strength and imagination, the lofts feature uneven floors, oddly positioned power switches and outlets, walls and surfaces painted a dizzying array of colors, a tiny exit to the balcony, a transparent shower room, irregularly shaped curtainless windows, and more.

Reversible Destiny Lofts in Mitaka, In Memory of Helen Keller --

Reversible Destiny Lofts in Mitaka, In Memory of Helen Keller -- Reversible Destiny Lofts in Mitaka, In Memory of Helen Keller --

Reversible Destiny Lofts in Mitaka, In Memory of Helen Keller --

Reversible Destiny Lofts in Mitaka, In Memory of Helen Keller --

Reversible Destiny Lofts in Mitaka, In Memory of Helen Keller --

For the adventurous, two rental units are now available for 220,000 and 250,000 yen ($2,000/$2,400) per month, which is a bit pricey for Tokyo, but not outrageous. Short-term stays can also be arranged.

‘Operation Capture Monkey’ in Harajuku

21 Aug 2008

One day after a wild Japanese macaque caused a commotion at Tokyo's Shibuya station and escaped back into the streets, police have received multiple reports of monkey sightings in the area.

According to this TBS video news report, which refers to the search effort as "Operation Capture Monkey," the Japanese macaque was observed at various locations in the Harajuku/Omotesando area near Shibuya early this morning. Police armed with nets roamed the streets of Omotesando after at least one person reported seeing the monkey climbing a pink building. Others reportedly witnessed it scurrying across power lines. In addition to the sightings, a local resident found tomatoes and eggplants missing from his garden. He believes the monkey was responsible.

Video: Monkey on the loose in Shibuya station

20 Aug 2008

Monkey on the loose in Shibuya --

***UPDATE: The monkey has been spotted in the Omotesando area.***

Police in Tokyo are on the lookout for a wild monkey on the loose in the Shibuya area. The monkey -- identified as a Japanese macaque -- was spotted inside Shibuya station this morning (August 20), much to the surprise of morning commuters. (Watch an NNN news report.)

According to the Tokyu Corporation, which operates the Tokyu Toyoko line at Shibuya station, a security officer spotted the monkey climbing around inside the station at 9:45 AM. When the monkey perched itself on a sign, police and station employees tried unsuccessfully to trap it with nets.

Monkey on the loose in Shibuya --

After an hours-long standoff, the monkey made a run for it through the crowded station. Police and curious onlookers took chase, but the monkey eluded them by crossing a busy street and climbing up along the Yamanote line tracks. Its whereabouts are now unknown.

City officials say there has been a rise in Tokyo-area monkey sightings in recent weeks. A monkey was spotted in Koganei on August 12, and sightings were reported at three locations in Setagaya ward on August 18.

[Source: Yahoo!]

ADDED: At least one eyewitness captured the chaotic scene on cellphone video...

...and here's some pretty amazing eyewitness video of the panic that ensues when the monkey makes a run for it...

...and AP has some clean, raw footage as well...

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