Eight-block line forms outside Apple store in Tokyo for iPhone 4S
Apple fans in Japan already have their hands on the new iPhone 4S smartphone - well, that's if they're not still stuck in the eight-block line that formed prior to the opening of Apple's Ginza store in Tokyo.
Japanese toilet maker Toto unveils motorcycle powered by poop
To highlight a green initiative being undertaken by Japanese toilet maker Toto, the company has unveiled a motorcycle powered by human waste. Could this be a vision of the future? No, probably not.
Ad campaign turns subway train handrails into lightsabers
Some Tokyo subway trains have had their handrails transformed into Star Wars lightsabers as part of an elaborate advertising campaign run by 20th Century Fox Home Entertainment Japan.
Pictures: Nendo’s quirky and brilliant line of electronic accessories from Japan
Japan has always been a Mecca quirkiness, often exhibiting a renowned penchant for eccentricity as much as simplicity. And this dichotomy of design clearly shows up in the intelligent and creative line of electronic accessories from Japanese firm Nendo.
Japan’s DoCoMo makes smartphone that can measure radiation
Japan's largest mobile phone carrier, NTT DoCoMo, says it has developed a smartphone capable of measuring radiation levels.
After a rocky start, the Nintendo 3DS is tops in Japan
Following the controversial price cut, and despite still low software sales, the Nintendo 3DS has surpassed the PS3 in monthly sales to take the top spot.
Panasonic robot set to take on Hawaii triathlon
A robot only 17cm high (6.7 inches) will attempt to complete a notoriously difficult Ironman triathlon next month. The challenge is the latest stunt by electronics company Panasonic to show off a new line of rechargeable batteries.
Japanese iPhone alarm app uses Twitter to embarrass late snoozers
A clever Japanese iPhone app sends embarrassing messages straight to your Twitter account every time you hit the snooze button.
Moon Pie? Domino’s planning pizza branch in space
Japan's Domino's branch is planning on slinging pizza pie's to space settlers on the moon.
Hulu launches subscription service in Japan
Image used with permission by copyright holder Streaming video operator Hulu might be in the midst of offering itself up to the highest bidder—or, at least, trying to find a high-dollar bidder—but that doesn’t seem to be slowing down the operation’s international expansion plans. Earlier this month Hulu announced it would be bringing its service […]
Japanese firm asks staff to get same energy-saving haircut
Electricity supplies are under strain in Japan as many of its nuclear power stations are closed for safety checks. The Japanese government has asked the nation to go easy on electricity consumption, with one firm responding by asking its employees to get the same haircut - one it hopes will save power.
Nintendo 3DS sales explode to 215,000 following Japanese price drop
Japanese sales of the Nintendo 3DS rose dramatically in the first week after Nintendo's scheduled 40 percent price drop took effect, but will the numbers hold?
Hulu announces video streaming expansion for Japan
While constant buyout rumors continue to swirl around the popular television and movie streaming service, Hulu is increasing the speed of international expansion by announcing plans to entertain the citizens of Japan.
This is the creepiest iPhone case, hands down
Only in Japan: An iPhone case with a life-sized human hand attached to it, for people who are lonely.
Nintendo 3DS Japanese sales drop 50 percent after price cut
In the week following the 3DS price cut, a move done to spur sales, Japanese sales of the Nintendo 3DS fell by half.
Robotic seals provide comfort for Japan quake survivors
A retirement home in north-eastern Japan has turned to a furry robot to provide comfort for residents affected by March's earthquake and tsunami.
Sony Ericsson loses $71 million due to Japan quake disaster
The disastrous earthquake and tsunami that hit Japan in March have taken a $70.7 million toll on Sony Ericsson, the company reports.
Post-tsunami relief efforts steady Google’s shaky reputation in Japan
Google Street View and Person Finder have been a big help to tsunami-ravaged Japan, and may help improve the search giant's image in the country.
Jellyfish invasions shut down three nuclear power plants
Nuclear power plants have gotten a break from Tsunamis and Earthquakes and instead face an invasion of jellyfish. Three power plants have been forced to shut down recently.
Nokia abandons the Japanese phone market
Nokia is abandoning what was its last ditch effort to reclaim market share in Japan. The company will shut down the last of its Vertu luxury cell phone stores in Ginza and leave the region entirely, for now.
Scientists develop way to triple battery life in electronics
Japanese scientists at Sumitomo Electric have developed a new substance that could improve lithium-ion battery life by 1.5 to 3 times.
Japan’s newest pop singer is actually a CGI creation
Only in Japan: Fans of Japanese idol band AKB 48 had their minds blown this past weekend when it was revealed that the group's newest member, Aimi Eguchi, was nothing more than a CGI character.
Japan scientist synthesizes meat from human feces
It's being called the "poop burger". Japanese scientists have found a way to create artificial meat from sewage containing human feces.
Panasonic developing an eco-harmonious Japan ‘Smart Town’ for 2014
Panasonic, along with 8 other companies, is planning to develop a comprehensive 1000 house 'Smart Town' in Japan by 2014.
Asia OKs Sony PlayStation Network’s return
After more than a month offline, Sony's PlayStation Network will soon return to Asia.
Ricoh cutting 10,000 jobs over three years
Japanese electronics giant Ricoh says it plans to eliminate 10,000 jobs - nearly 10 percent of its workforce - and may shutter some businesses.
Japan considers national solar power to replace nuclear dependency
Japan is planning to invest in a national solar panel array to wean them from nuclear dependency. They plan to have panels installed on all buildings by 2030.
Microsoft CEO promises 500 new features in Windows Phone Mango
Speaking to Japanese developers, Steve Ballmer promised 500 new features will be added to Windows Phone in its Mango update, which will be unveiled tomorrow.
Sharp unveils crazy swivel clamshell Android 3D waterproof phone with a 16MP camera
In conjunction with Japan's MobileBank, Sharp has introduced a new clamshell Android phone that has more new features than you can remember to write in a short excerpt.
As security concerns remain, Japan refuses to restore Sony PSN
Japan's government is not yet convinced that Sony's PlayStation Network is safe, causing the network to remain offline in the Asian nation.
Twitter saving lives in wake of Japan disaster
Following the devastating quake and resulting tsunami that hit Japan in March, Twitter is being used to save lives in the affected areas.
Digital love: Kajimoto lab developing the e-kiss
Japan's Kajimoto lab is developing the e-kiss which will allow users to kiss through their PC and send their love far away.
Panasonic to cut 17,000 employees
Japanese mega-corporation Panasonic will be slimming from five major groups down to three, and cutting 17,000 jobs.
iPad 2 launches in Japan, many fans wait in line
Later than originally planned, the Apple iPad 2 went on sale in Japan today, with many people getting in line before the stores opened.
Japan, other countries getting the iPad 2 this week
Japan, Korea, Singapore, Hong Kong and eight other countries are getting the iPad 2 this week - and the Wi-Fi version lands in China May 6.
Forget spark plugs, your next car may use lasers for ignition
Scientists have discovered a way to replicate the job of a car spark plug with a laser, possibly improving fuel efficiency and engine degradation dramatically.
Incase offers help for Japan with limited-edition iPhone 4 case
Help Incase raise money for relief efforts in Japan and get a simple, limited-edition iPhone 4 case as a thank you.
Video shows the panic Fukushima’s radiation cloud caused as it spread across the globe
This interactive graphic shows the number of Fukushima radiation tweets made by each country in the days since the reactor blew. It also shows the movement of the radiation cloud around the world.