November 2009

  • Man Literally Marries a Video Game

    By msarko on 11/26/09 6:57pm
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    If today's news is any indication, then Japanese society has bigger things to worry about than young men who get manicures and pee sitting down. A man who prefers to go by his Internet handle SAL9000 recently went all-out in his fairytale wedding to a character from a video game. She's a figment generated from Love Plus on the Nintendo DS and Mr. 9000 is sincere in his devotion to her. The two of them had a romantic getaway in Guam then came back to Japan to have an actual wedding complete with a guest list comprised of friends and family, a service and a reception. Let's unpack this one, shall we?



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  • The Herbivore Man

    By akgoemans on 11/23/09 6:19am
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    Let's be friendsLet's be friends

    I don't know how much truth there is to this new social trend in japan - the Herbivore Man (aka sōshoku danshi). This is a fad that has, according to many sources, captured the imagination of Japan's youth. Most importantly, it is prominent amongst the age group that falls into the working section, you know, that rather telling bit on a graph lurking between the 18 somethings and retired groups. Well, what exactly is this trend and why is everyone making a fuss about this?

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  • Suicide Prevention Lights in Japan

    By akgoemans on 11/16/09 4:17am
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    Blue LightsBlue Lights

    Photo Source: Let's Japan

    Have you heard this one? Japanese train lines are hooking up blue lights in order to cut down on suicides. Apparently, taking your own life by jumping in front of the train is a bit of a problem in Japan and a few of these lines have been experiencing it quite a bit. That is a disconcerting bit of news. Well, these lights are meant to deter these folks.

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  • Rooftop Gardens in Japan

    By akgoemans on 11/9/09 10:25am
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    Example of rooftop gardens in JapanExample of rooftop gardens in Japan

    Photo Source: Ian Mutto via Flickr

    It's weird, a bunch of us were actually talking about how living space is pretty tiny in Japan and look what pops up in the news alert? Another interesting tidbit about how Japanese folks are making the most of their environment. For today's topic, I'm diving into the exciting world of rooftop gardens in Japan!



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  • Japanese Swine Flu Robot

    By akgoemans on 11/2/09 9:05am
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    Will wonders never cease? Japanese scientist have put together a robot that serves as a treatment training/testing device. The disease in question is the H1N1 virus where the human-like robot will go through all the symptoms of the dreaded virus. The objective is for doctors and medical folk to try and 'cure' the robot in time or at least come up with a workable treatment and not let the little guy die. Scientists showcased this robot on October 22 at Security and Safety Trade Expo in Tokyo.

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