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Japan

Harlequin Romance Novels Land on DS in Japan


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Harlequin Romance Novels Land on DS in Japan Technology News, Electronics Buy Guide and Gadget Review I like to read when I have time and prefer action stories or science fiction. There are lots of ladies out there who like to read too and prefer those porn "romance" novels with dudes like Fabio on the cover.

Japanese lovers of Harlequin romance novels who also happen to own a Nintendo DS can now get digital romance novels on the DS portable console over in Japan. There are 33 titles offered on the DS in a section called DS Harlequin Selection: Love Stories for Grown-Ups. Read more

Posted on Mon, 15 Mar 2010 12:00:00 CDT | by Shane McGlaun

Micro Sport Japanese MP3 Player is Smallest Ever


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Micro Sport Japanese MP3 Player is Smallest Ever Technology News, Electronics Buy Guide and Gadget Review Micro Sport Japanese MP3 Player is available at ThinkGeek for $79.99.

It is the size of two sugar cubes literally. It comes out of Japan and it is being called the smallest MP3 player. It features full stereo sound in a tiny device. One earbud is attached directly to the side of the main unit, while the other earbud trails on a cord around the back of your head, reaching the other ear.

Amazingly loading music is very easy. Simply plug the Micro Sport into the USB port of your computer. It mounts like a USB thumb drive and you simply copy over any MP3 files you want to play. It is imported from Japan so the directions are in Japanese but you can find full directions on the ThinkGeek website. Read more

Posted on Thu, 25 Feb 2010 19:00:00 CST | by Susan McGlaun

Japanese Lightsaber USB Thumbdrive is great Buy for Star Wars Fans


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Japanese Lightsaber USB Thumbdrive is great Buy for Star Wars Fans Technology News, Electronics Buy Guide and Gadget Review Japanese Lightsaber USB Thumbdrive available at ThinkGeek for $19.99.

Star Wars fans everywhere now have another way to express their love for the beloved series with the Lightsaber USB Thumbdrive. There are a lot of novelty USB drives out there but this one is cool because it has a great fan base and looks really cool on your computer.

These drives look like much smaller versions of the original lightsabers. There are two colors red and green so you have a choice to show your personality. You may just want to buy both colors you know you can never have too many USB Thumbdrives. Read more

Posted on Wed, 24 Feb 2010 14:00:00 CST | by Susan McGlaun

Japanese Willcom Mobile Carrier Files for Bankruptcy


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Japanese Willcom Mobile Carrier Files for Bankruptcy Technology News, Electronics Buy Guide and Gadget Review Willcom is Japan's fourth largest mobile carrier offering the PHS (personal handyphone system). There are about 4m PHS subscribers using devices like the Sharp D4 MID (photo).
Reuters reports that Willcom filed for Bankruptcy.
Japan is one of the advanced mobile phone countries. Apparently Willcom could not effectively compete with NTT Docomo and Softbank.
Read more

Posted on Thu, 18 Feb 2010 00:53:42 CST | by Luigi Lugmayr

Japan: Scientists Unveil ''Elastic Water'' Plastic Substitute


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Japan: Scientists Unveil ''Elastic Water'' Plastic Substitute Technology News, Electronics Buy Guide and Gadget Review

One of the greatest ecological concerns facing our planet is the massive proliferation of plastic waste. As it (slowly) decomposes, plastics break down into tiny pellet-sized nodules roughly the size of krill. These nodules act as floating poison for sea critters everywhere. It's clear we need to replace our dependence on plastic with some other flexible, low-environmental impact substance. But what?

How about elastic water? (Akihabara news) The Japan Science and Technology Agency has announced that their scientists have created a new substance that consists of 95% water, a small amount of clay, and a tiny bit of organic matter. This resulting jelly-like compound is currently being considered for uses in medical technology.

Read more

Posted on Mon, 25 Jan 2010 10:10:36 CST | by Robert Evans

Sony Launches TransferJet Memory Stick In Japan


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Sony Launches TransferJet Memory Stick In Japan Technology News, Electronics Buy Guide and Gadget Review

You may remember TransferJet technology from Sony's keynote speech at CES 2010. It allows two compatible devices to wirelessly share files over-air when they are held close together. Sony demoed this tech inside two of their cameras, but it has always been planned for a wider spate of uses.

Akihabara News reports that Sony has just introduced a new line of TransferJet memory sticks over in Japan. Currently, an 8 GB model is the only one available. 16 GB and 32 GB versions are coming soon. Sony claims that two TransferJet devices can trade files at speeds of up to 560 Mbps.

Read more

Posted on Tue, 19 Jan 2010 10:00:29 CST | by Robert Evans

Panasonic Japan Reveals new G2 HDTVs


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Panasonic Japan Reveals new G2 HDTVs Technology News, Electronics Buy Guide and Gadget Review Panasonic has unveiled a new range of HDTVs in Japan called the G2 line. The sets use what Panasonic is calling a newly developed "black panel" that boasts a contrast ratio of 500,000,000:1. The new models are set to launch on February 5th.

Not all of the sets support 1080p resolution. The Japanese translation isn't that great, but that contrast ratio is apparently dynamic, as we would expect. The line has a sensor to automatically detect the brightness in the room and adjust accordingly. Read more

Posted on Mon, 18 Jan 2010 11:00:00 CST | by Shane McGlaun

Sony Torne PS3 Digital TV Accessory For Japan Unveiled


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Sony Torne PS3 Digital TV Accessory For Japan Unveiled Technology News, Electronics Buy Guide and Gadget Review Sony unveiled the Sony Torne DTV adapter for the Sony PS3 in Japan today. The Torne DTV adapter connects via USB to the Sony PS3 and Japanese users can watch and record their favorite TV shows on the PS3.
The Sony Torne adapter sells separate for 9,980 Yen (~$110) or bundled with a 250GB Sony PS3 for 42,800 Yen (~$470).
Read more

Posted on Thu, 14 Jan 2010 10:26:48 CST | by Luigi Lugmayr

Japanese Clockman, the Alarm Clock with Attitude


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Japanese Clockman, the Alarm Clock with Attitude Technology News, Electronics Buy Guide and Gadget Review The Clockman is a unique clock made in Japan. It comes in four different personalities and wakes you in a Japanese voice that matches its style.

The clock's face even moves when he talks. It will announce the time and sing to you. Read more

Posted on Tue, 29 Dec 2009 18:00:00 CST | by Susan McGlaun

Final Fantasy XIII Launches In Japan


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Final Fantasy XIII Launches In Japan Technology News, Electronics Buy Guide and Gadget Review Square Enix Square Enix has released the long awaited Final Fantasy XIII for the Sony PS3 in Japan today. In Final Fantasy 13 you will go on a journey through the cityworld of Cocoon and the outerworld of Pulse.

The Final Fantasy series has sold more than 85 million units worldwide since it was first launched in 1987. According to Nikkei the initial shipment volume of Final Fantasy XIII is 1.8 million units in Japan.
Read more

Posted on Thu, 17 Dec 2009 03:04:13 CST | by Luigi Lugmayr

Japanese Designer Ultrasonic Humidifiers Are A Unique Gift


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Japanese Designer Ultrasonic Humidifiers Are A Unique Gift Technology News, Electronics Buy Guide and Gadget Review Humidifiers can be stylish too.
The tremendous success of the Fukasawa humidifier has spawned a number of design-oriented, colorful humidifiers at a lower price point in Japan.
The new middle colors version 2 humidifier comes in two sizes and in range of appealing colors.
Just add water, and the ultrasonic humidifier immediately begins misting. The humidifier will mist for 8 hours (small) or 10 hours (large, and at a higher humidity output).
Read more

Posted on Tue, 15 Dec 2009 15:00:00 CST | by Luigi Lugmayr

Tiny Exemode SQ28m Keychain Camera Hits Japanese Gadget Stores


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Tiny Exemode SQ28m Keychain Camera Hits Japanese Gadget Stores Technology News, Electronics Buy Guide and Gadget Review A new tiny keychain camera manufactured by Exemode goes on sale in Japan. The colorful Exemode SQ28m measures only 53×23×19mm and can capture still photos with 1,280x1,200px resolution and 320x240px video at 8fps.

The tiny Exemode SQ28m camera utilizes a 1.92MP CMOS sensor and has 64MB of storage built-in - expandable via microSD cards up to 2GB.

This keychain camera recharges via USB and can take 250 photos per battery charge.
Read more

Posted on Thu, 10 Dec 2009 03:57:38 CST | by Luigi Lugmayr

280-inch Sony 3D LED Display Demonstrated in Japan


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280-inch Sony 3D LED Display Demonstrated in Japan Technology News, Electronics Buy Guide and Gadget Review 3D is the new hot topic for TV makers. New technical advances are showing up and some 3D enabled TVs and other devices are already available on the market for consumers. One major unsolved problem is still the availability of 3D content.
According to TechOn, Sony dazzled crowds at the International Broadcast Equipment Exhibition 2009 in Japan this week with a 280-inch 3D LED display (measuring 6.4x3.4m).
Read more

Posted on Fri, 20 Nov 2009 02:00:00 CST | by Luigi Lugmayr

Four New Sony PSP-3000 Holiday Value Packs Hit Japan


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Four New Sony PSP-3000 Holiday Value Packs Hit Japan Technology News, Electronics Buy Guide and Gadget Review Sony has with the PSP Go a new PSP model, which does not mean though that the PSP-3000 is now outdated. To the contrary, the PSP-3000 is still the main portable Sony console.
Japanese gamers get four new PSP-3000 value packs for the Holidays.
The bundle pack will include the PSP handheld entertainment system (PSP-3000) in Piano Black, Pearl White, Vibrant Blue or Radiant Red color, a 4GB Memory Stick PRO Duo (Mark2), a pouch and a cloth.
Read more

Posted on Wed, 4 Nov 2009 11:00:00 CST | by Luigi Lugmayr

Sony Cuts Sony PSP-3000 Price In Japan


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Sony Cuts Sony PSP-3000 Price In Japan Technology News, Electronics Buy Guide and Gadget Review Sony announced at the TGS 2009 a price cut for the Sony PSP-3000 console to 16,800 Yen (~$185) in Japan. The PSP price before was 19,800 yen (~$218). The question is now if Sony will also cut the PSP-3000 price in the United States, which is currently at $169.99.

What I see more likely is a price-cut for the PSP Go, as it is priced way too high at $249.99. So as soon as the early adopters got the PSP Go, the price is most likely to be cut. Read more

Posted on Thu, 24 Sep 2009 07:00:00 CDT | by Luigi Lugmayr

Final Fantasy XIII For Sony PS3 Release Date December 17th In Japan


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Final Fantasy XIII For Sony PS3 Release Date December 17th In Japan Technology News, Electronics Buy Guide and Gadget Review Square Enix announced the release date of the next Final Fantasy version for the Sony PS3. Final Fantasy XIII will launch on December 17th in Japan.
The Final Fantasy series has sold more than 85 million units worldwide since it was first launched in 1987.

FF fans outside of Japan will have to wait until Sprint 2010 to play FFXIII. Read more

Posted on Tue, 8 Sep 2009 06:33:10 CDT | by Luigi Lugmayr

Red and Blue Sony PSP Rookie Hunters Packs hit Japan


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Red and Blue Sony PSP Rookie Hunters Packs hit Japan Technology News, Electronics Buy Guide and Gadget Review Today Sony announced that it would release a PSP Rookie Hunters Pack on July 23, 2009, as a limited offer, in Japan.
The new PSP bundle pack is comprised of a PSP-3000 and Monster Hunter Freedom Unite game.
Monster Hunter Freedom Unite has seen great sales since its release in March 2008 at more than 3.4 million units in Japan.

Japanese gamers can choose between a radiant Red (PSPJ-30006) and a Vibrant Blue (PSPJ-30007) Rookie Hunters Pack. Read more

Posted on Tue, 23 Jun 2009 03:54:00 CDT | by Luigi Lugmayr

Sony PS3 outsells Wii in Japan again


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Sony PS3 outsells Wii in Japan again Technology News, Electronics Buy Guide and Gadget Review The light at the end of the tunnel is shining brighter for the Sony PS3 at least in Japan. The Sony PS3 console outsold the Nintendo Wii for the 2nd month in a row.
As reported in March the PS3 outsold the Wii for the first time in 16 months.
In April Sony moved 108,530 PS3 consoles and Nintendo just 67,116 Wii consoles according to numbers from Enterbrain (Via Reuters). Read more

Posted on Sat, 2 May 2009 07:00:00 CDT | by Luigi Lugmayr

Nintendo, Capcom Win Big at Japan’s Famitsu Awards


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Nintendo, Capcom Win Big at Japan’s Famitsu Awards Technology News, Electronics Buy Guide and Gadget Review

Japan’s leading videogame magazine, Famitsu, finally announced the winners of its 2008 awards, and in a display of differences between Japanese and American videogame tastes, Capcom’s Monster Hunter Portable 2nd G took home the Game of the Year prize, with publisher Capcom being named Company of the Year.

Nintendo also fared well, with Wii Music, Mario Kart, and Super Smash Bros Brawl all winning awards.

1UP.com translated the entire list of winners, chosen via popular vote by Famitsu’s readers:

  • Game of the year: Monster Hunter Portable 2nd G
  • Best Seller: Monster Hunter Portable 2nd G
  • Person of the Year: Hideo Kojima
  • Character of the Year: Solid Snake
  • Company of the Year: Capcom
  • Rookie Title Prize: The Last Remnant
  • Innovation Prize: Wii Music
  • High Quality Prize: Metal Gear Solid 4
  • Racing Prize: Mario Kart Wii
  • Multiplayer Prize: Super Smash Bros Brawl
  • All Generation Prize: Pokemon Platinum
  • Communication Prize: Animal Crossing: City Folk
  • Adventure Puzzle Prize: Professor Layton and the Final Journey Through Time
  • Masterpiece Prize: Dragon Quest V
  • Character Action Prize: Dissidia Final Fantasy
  • Role Playing Prize: Tales of Vesperia
  • Dramatic Prize: 428
  • PlayStation 2 Prize: Persona 4
  • Worldwide Prize: Grand Theft Auto IV
Read more

Posted on Sat, 25 Apr 2009 16:25:00 CDT | by James Douglas

Sony PS3 outsells Wii in Japan in March for the first time in 16 months


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Sony PS3 outsells Wii in Japan in March for the first time in 16 months Technology News, Electronics Buy Guide and Gadget Review Japanese gamers made the Sony PS3 the best selling console in the month of March beating the Nintendo Wii for the first time in 16 months.
Sales of the PS3 were pushed by two new games: Sega Sammy Ryu Ga Gotoku 3 and Capcom's Resident Evil 5.
Apparently Sony sold 146,948 PS3 consoles beating the Wii by almost 50,000 units. Nintendo sold 99,335 Wii consoles. Read more

Posted on Mon, 6 Apr 2009 12:38:35 CDT | by Luigi Lugmayr

Japan's Next Top Model is Robot HRP-4C


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Japan's Next Top Model is Robot HRP-4C Technology News, Electronics Buy Guide and Gadget Review Japan got the first female fashion robot who will hit the Catwalk at the Tokyo Fashion Week.
The HRP-4C robot is 158cm tall and weighs 43kg including battery. The robot is not actually tall enough for a fashion model.
The Japanese are in love with humanoid robots and every year they get better. The HRP-4C already has some smooth movements, but the Actroid already had skin. Now they AIST researchers need to combine the looks of the Actroid and the movements and technology of the HRP-4C and they've got something. Read more

Posted on Mon, 16 Mar 2009 15:00:00 CDT | by Luigi Lugmayr