In Australia this Labor Day weekend? Flash a smile in the world’s largest selfie
If you're lucky enough to be in Australia for the long weekend, you may want to consider participating in what is being called the world's biggest selfie.
Netflix launches in Japan, though it’s doing things a little differently there
Netflix has finally arrived in Japan, a country with huge revenue potential for the video streaming company. However, it's clearly done its research, choosing to launch the service in a slightly manner than usual.
Japan is building a fully-automated indoor farm capable of producing 30,000 heads of lettuce per day
Japan's Spread Vegetable Factory is working on a novel way of producing high quantities of lettuce using factory automation starting in 2017.
Amazon will launch Prime Instant Video in Japan next month
Perhaps attempting to keep Netflix in check as both companies expand overseas, Amazon Prime subscribers in Japan will soon be able to access movies and television shows on Prime Instant Video.
Sony, Microsoft publishing Call of Duty: Black Ops 3 in Japan
Sony and Microsoft confirmed that they will publish Japanese versions of Call of Duty: Black Ops 3, taking over regional publishing duties from Activision.
WalkCar, the personal transporter that’s small enough to fit in a bag
Had enough of walking? Like the idea of standing still to reach your destination? Then check out the WalkCar, a personal transportation solution small enough to chuck in your backpack when your journey's done.
Netflix launches in The Land of the Rising Sun on September 2
Netflix will expand to Japan on September 2, the company has announced.
Japanese companies want autonomous taxis ready in time for 2020 Olympics
Autonomous taxis could hit Tokyo streets in time for the 2020 Olympics, if two Japanese companies can follow through with a new plan.
Japanese scientists are sending whiskey up to space so it can age in zero gravity
Since aging whiskey on Earth is obviously a thing of the past, Japanese distillery Suntory says it will send five bottles of its whiskey to age in space.
The MB4.0 origami bridge could save your life in a natural disaster
The intricate folds of origami have inspired what scientists claim to be "the world’s fastest, largest, strongest, and lightest expanding temporary bridge."
Japanese university sets world record with an insane 2 quadrillion-watt laser burst
Scientists at Osaka University in Japan have reportedly fired the world's most powerful laser beam -- a 2 petawatt burst.
A little girl shows off all the cool features of Japanese bathrooms
Bathrooms in Japan are far more partitioned than in the U.S., which means you don't have to wait for someone to get out of the bath to use the toilet.
Sony jumps on the drone bandwagon with a new venture called Aerosense
Rather than jumping in the ring with consumer drone companies like DJI, Parrot, and others, Sony's new venture, Aerosense Inc., plans to use drones to provide aerial surveying services to businesses.
The Henn-Na (Weird) Hotel is run by robots, and you can now book a night for around $100
The first ever robot hotel opened its doors in Japan, and for $60 to $153 a night, you can live in a temporary home that is staffed completely by humanoids.
Japan transforming its disused golf courses into solar farms
Japanese electronics company Kyocera is working to convert some of the country's disused golf courses into solar power plants. The locations are perfect for such an initiative as the land has already been cut into mountains and is easily accessible.
Battle of the bots: American MegaBot to face off against Japanese Kuratas next year
In the real life version of a Transformers fight, the Japanese robot Kuratas has accepted the challenge for a duel from American MegaBot.
Conductive ink ushers in the next generation of wearable technology
Researchers from the University of Tokyo have developed a new conductive ink that would allow electronics to be printed on stretchable fabrics.
The first robot wedding happened in Japan: There was a kiss, cake, and dancing
About 100 people gathered in Tokyo on Saturday to witness robots named Frois and Yukirin tie the knot. There was even a “kiss.”
SoftBank’s ’emotional’ Pepper robot sells out in just 60 seconds
SoftBank said it took just one minute to sell its first batch of 1,000 Pepper robots when it went on sale in Japan on Saturday. The humanoid robot is notable for its ability to understand human emotions, and is also able to express its own "feelings".
Kyocera unveils world’s largest floating solar panel system
The Kyocera Corporation unveiled the world's largest floating solar power stations, which boasts 9,000 waterproof solar panels.
Japanese authorities waking up to drones, ban flights in all of Tokyo’s public parks
Tokyo-based drone enthusiasts have had it pretty easy when it comes to flight freedom around the city. However, following a recent high-profile incident where a man flew radioactive material onto the Prime Minister's office, it's all about to change.
This nanotech toothbrush cleans your teeth without toothpaste
While our computers keep getting smaller and our processors keep getting faster, one thing has remained constant: We still brush our teeth like people did in the 1800's. Japanese designer Kosho Ueshima aims to change that.
Dragon Ball creators announce first new anime series in 18 years
Dragon Ball, one of the most popular animes in Japan and across the world, is getting a new series: Dragon Ball Chou.
Japan: Man arrested after using drone to dump radioactive sand on leader’s office in nuke protest
We've seen quadcopters used in a myriad of ways over the last couple of years, but using one to transport radioactive material as part of a political protest certainly appears to be a first.
Vengeful girlfriend sends cheating ex’s Apple devices to a watery grave
An unnamed Japanese woman found out that her boyfriend was cheating on her. Her specified method of revenge? Throw all of his Apple products into a bath.
Meet Aiko Chihira, the robotic humanoid who’s greeting shoppers in Japan
A department store in Tokyo, Japan has unveiled a humanoid receptionist featured to draw customers in.
Japan just crushed the high speed rail record with a 366 MPH maglev train
Back in 2003, Central Japan Railway Company's MLX01 train set the bar at 581 kph (361 mph), and for over a decade that record has remained unbeaten. Until now. The company has broken its own record with a 366 mile per hour test run.
Subaru’s Exiga Crossover 7 offers cool wagon looks and seating for seven, but only in Japan
The Subaru Exiga Crossover 7 is a new version of the quirky Exiga seven-seat wagon Subaru sells exclusively in Japan.
Apple Watch preorders are selling on eBay for as much as $13,499
Apple’s new smartwatch is turning out to be a good source of dough for shady eBay scalpers.
Japanese scientists send electricity through the air, so you’ll never have to plug in again
Scientists at the Japanese space agency have developed a newer, more efficient method of transmitting electricity wirelessly.
Meet Robear, a Japanese robot nurse with the face of a bear
With its population aging fast and birth rate falling, Japan is set to call on robots to help care for its senior citizens. A team of researchers in Nagoya recently unveiled the third version of Robear, a robot with a bear's face capable of lifting adults.
Netflix heading to Japan, company confirms
Netflix has confirmed it'll be launching its service in Japan in the fall. The rollout is part of the company's global expansion plans that could see it land in 150 new markets in the next two years.
Apple to sell heavily discounted products in another ‘Lucky Bag’ promotion on Jan. 2
On Jan. 2, Apple will continue to follow the Japanese tradition of fukubukuro (“lucky bag”), where retail stores sell bags filled with discounted items.
Nissan unveils GT-R 45th Anniversary edition for Japan, possible upgrades for the U.S.
The Nissan GT-R 45th Anniversary commemorates 45 years of GT-R sales in Japan. Only 45 examples of this special edition will be made.
Touchable 3D technology unveiled to enhance video games, driving, 3D printing
Miraisens has created touchable 3D technology. The applications range from enhancing video games to making it easier to design 3D-printed creations.
Japan to have 30 floating solar power islands to generate 60 megawatts of clean energy
A joint venture in Japan will build two massive solar power islands that will float on two reservoirs in Japan to generate about 2.9 megawatts of energy.
Sorry Americans, you’ll never get to drive Subaru’s Japan-only, 296-HP WRX S4
The 2015 Subaru WRX S4 will only be sold in the Japanese carmaker's home market which, considering its 296 hp, is too bad.
Japan’s new HTC J Butterfly manages to be better and worse than the HTC One M8
HTC has teamed up with Japanese network KDDI to launch the J Butterfly, a new take on its popular One M8 device. There are a few differences between the two, some of which make it better than its cousin, while others make it worse.