For visitors to Tokyo with an interest in technology, welcome to one of the best places in the world for finding the latest gadgets, gaming, robotics or home entertainment systems.
Modern Japanese robotics and technology are believed to have evolved from the tradition of karakuri ningyo or Edo Era automata and mechanized puppets. Karakuri, meaning a mechanical device used to surprise, emphasized craftsmanship, subtle movement and humanistic appearances. This long fascination with robots in Japan has led to countless manga and anime characterizations, innovations in Japanese factories and, of course, a constant stream of ever more lifelike and advanced robots.
1. Robotics
Any tour of Japanese robotics must begin with Honda’s amazing ASIMO robot. Check out demonstrations at either Miraikan or at Honda’s Welcome Plaza Aoyama! Not to be outdone, Toyota’s Partner Robot gives demonstrations at Megaweb in Odaiba & the appropriately futuristic aMLUX building in Ikebukuro.
Miraikan
http://www.miraikan.jst.go.jp/en/
Honda’s Welcome Plaza Aoyama
http://www.honda.co.jp/welcome-plaza/event/index.html (Japanese)
Toyota Partner Robot
http://www.megaweb.gr.jp/Uds/Event/Robot/ (Japanese)
http://www.amlux.jp/joy/event/robot.html (Japanese)
http://www.amlux.jp/english/floorguide/index.html#box-b1f
For other robotic adventures, why not spend an afternoon with other enthusiasts in Akihabara? Tsukomo Robot Kingdom located on the 4th floor of the Tsukumo Main Computer Shop II specializes in robot kits and products while the newly opened Robot Shop Technologia and Vstone offer anything a robot enthusiast could want, and more.
Tsukomo Robot Kingdom
http://robot.tsukumo.co.jp/ (Japanese)
Robot Shop Technologia
http://www.technologia.co.jp/ (Japanese)
Vstone
http://www.vstone.co.jp/e/etop.html
2. Home Entertainment
Popular electronics shops showcase the latest in home entertainment and consumer electronics from leading brands. Events like CEATEC Japan or the Tokyo Game Show present cutting-edge developments such as smile detection camera functions, 3D television and the latest innovations for the Sony PlayStation or Nintendo Wii. You can find the latest products in the following showrooms.
Sony Bldg.
http://www.sonybuilding.jp/e/index.html
Panasonic center
http://panasonic.net/center/tokyo/
Nintendo Gamefront
http://www.nintendo.co.jp/n10/gamefron/index.html (Japanese)
CEATEC every October
http://www.ceatec.com/2009/en/index.html
Tokyo Game show every September
http://tgs.cesa.or.jp/index.html
3. Other Hi-Tech Gadgets
Advanced-technology in Japan is not only limited to robots and home entertainment. Gadgets and devices to make our everyday routines more comfortable or efficient are a hallmark of Japanese innovation.
Take the Suica or PASMO train passes for example. These smart cards can be purchased for a small deposit at any JR (Suica) or Metro (PASMO) station and used to travel seamlessly around the city, buy a light refreshment from the platform vending machine, or even pay for a bento at a convenience store! See below for more information.
Suica
http://www.jreast.co.jp/e/suica-nex/suica.html
PASMO
http://www.pasmo.co.jp/en/pdf/pasmo_traveler_E.pdf#search='pasmo guide'
For something a little different, have a look at TOTO’s showroom for the latest in home bathroom innovations - chances are you may have already seen some of their space-age 'washlet' toilets at a hotel or department store!
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Toilets_in_Japan
TOTO
http://www.toto.co.jp (Japanese)
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