Nintendo Collection Master, Isao Yamazaki
I'm a big Nintendo fan. No secret there. When I first started researching Nintendo history, I learned that the company made playing cards and toys from 1889 to the mid-1970s when they first…
The archive
Recent articles — page 491
Browse recent articles in the Akihabara archive.
How attitudes to fitness are changing in Japan
Way back in 2008, Japanese people literally went bananas over a new diet centered around the yellow fruit. Dreamed up by a pharmacist in Osaka, within weeks of the Morning Banana Diet’s debut, sales …
Japanese scholars issue ethical guidelines on AI
NHK has learned that a group of Japanese researchers has for the first time drawn up ethical guidelines for the use of artificial intelligence. The Japanese Society for Artificial Intelligence, …
It is frustratingly difficult to pass driving theory test in Japan
In this blog post the guy complains how difficult it was to pass the theory test: I looked rather out of place in the lectures, which were filled with devious-looking youths and wannabe bos…
A look into Japan's springtime
Halfway between winter and spring equinox, the plum flowers will start to blossom across Japan. The 88th day of spring marks the first day of tea leaf picking for a new season, and the leaves of this…
5 ways to meet Japanese locals without speaking Japanese
For many travelers, getting to live like a local and having the opportunity to connect with new people is a big priority. In Japan, this can be challenging due to the language barrier. Since half of …
Legendary Japanese animator Miyazaki comes out of retirement for new film
Here is some great news for all of you Studio Ghibli Anime fans. Oscar-winning Japanese director Hayao Miyazaki has come out of retirement to work on a new animated feature film, a producer…
Nissan Self-Driving Car Now Road Legal in Japan
The Japanese government issued its first licence for a self-driving car to Nissan, and the car has the number plate '20 20' to mark the year the company hopes to sell such vehicles to …
Olympic Housing Boom Fades Before Tokyo Games Even Begin
Evidence is mounting that Tokyo’s housing boom is nearing an end. In the Kachidoki area facing Tokyo Bay, home to the city’s hottest market given its proximity to venues for the 2020 Olympic Gam…
Fullmetal Alchemist Live Action Slated for December 1
The much anticipated Fullmetal Alchemist live action movie will open on December 1, 2017. First visual from the movie featuring protagonist Edward's brother Alphonse Elric has also been unveiled.