Japanese modular drone PD-ANY
PD-ANY is a new concept drone, “Don’t use a drone to carry your payload, turn your payload into a drone”. This unique and easily adaptable platform concept can be attached to virtually any item.…
The archive
banzaitokyo's articles — page 89
Browse banzaitokyo's articles in the Akihabara archive.
How the capybara, the world’s largest rodent became a superstar in Japan
Capybaras are typically described as the “world’s biggest rodent,” but their murine roots are rarely spoken of in Japan, where they are arguably the country’s favorite animal. According to recent dat…
The Historical Background of How Japan Chooses Its Era Names
Japan counts years using a system of era names. The current era is Heisei, which began when Emperor Akihito succeeded his father in 1989. A new era will begin when his heir takes the throne. This art…
Duolingo: How we invented a new way to teach one of the most difficult languages to learn
According to the Foreign Language Institute, Japanese is classified as the most difficult language to learn for English speakers, as it requires 2,200 hours of classroom study to reach professional p…
Flying cars set for takeoff at Tokyo Olympics in 2020
Japan has taken a step closer to realising its dream of launching flying cars in time for the 2020 Tokyo Olympics, following investment from a major car company. Toyota is funding a project whic…
Tsutsui Tokimasa Fireworks is Keeping the Flame of Tradition Alive
In a rural part of Fukuoka prefecture there’s a small company that’s been making children’s fireworks for over 80 years. Tsutsui Tokimasa Fireworks specializes in small, handheld sparklers and are on…
Japan's Princess Mako to Get Married, Report Says
Princess Mako, the granddaughter of Japan's emperor, is getting married to an ocean lover who can ski, play the violin and cook, according to public broadcaster NHK TV.
Tokyo's affordable Michelin starred restaurants
With 304 restaurants on the list, Tokyo boasts the most Michelin-starred restaurants of any city. It easily outstrips closest rival Kyoto (135) and Paris (134). It also proves that you shouldn…
Roppongi’s Hardy Barracks, a little-known U.S. base in the middle of Tokyo
Yokota Air Base and the Yokosuka naval base are well-known U.S. bases in the Tokyo area. But few people know the U.S. military also has a major facility right in the heart of the city. Sinc…
Go Visit the New Ota Art Museum & Library
Take the train from Tokyo’s Kitasenju-station, about 80 minutes North-East up to Gunma Prefecture, and you will arrive at Ota station. In front of Ota station’s North Exit is the newly open…