- News & Announcements
- Theme 1: Pop Culture - Hi-Tech in Tokyo
- Theme 2: History & Tradition
- Event Information
- Did you know? Fun Facts About Tokyo
|
Enjoy the Shinjuku WE Bus! Waterfront Walking Maps Tokyo City Promotion in London and Paris Coming Soon Noh Theater Performances Omotesando H.I.S. Illumination Bellsymphony Sky Bus Tokyo HATO BUS Tours AMUSE MUSEUM Opens Yoshiro Yonezawa Memorial Library of Manga and Subcultures Opens
|
|
|
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 Miraikan Honda’s Welcome Plaza Aoyama Toyota Partner Robot 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 Robot Shop Technologia Vstone 2. Home Entertainment Sony Bldg. Panasonic center Nintendo Gamefront CEATEC every October Tokyo Game show every September 3. Other Hi-Tech Gadgets 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 PASMO 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! TOTO
|
|
|
One of the most interesting aspects of Japanese technology is the influence of karakuri ningyo or mechanized automata dolls. These remarkably lifelike figures were produced in the Edo period and were characterized by high-quality craftsmanship and the latest in technological advancements. Karakuri’s influence has extended down through the centuries to current innovations such as robotics, assembly lines and even theater and entertainment. Learn more about this fascinating part of Japan’s history at the National Museum of Nature and Science in Ueno! Contemporary Japanese arts and crafts are also said to have been influenced by the techniques of Edo period master craftsmen and Japanese aesthetic sensibilities. These are still to be found throughout Tokyo, offering the visitor a unique opportunity to learn about crafts passed down from the Edo period. The Japan Traditional Craft Center in Ikebukuro is a fine place to start and gives a visitor a very good overview of Edo crafts and craftsmanship. For something more hands-on, the Sumida area offers the chance to participate in the craft production of such diverse fields as woodcarving, textile dyeing, folding screens and Edo-style glasswork. Enjoy a tour through Tokyo’s Edo craftwork heritage and see a side of Tokyo few get to experience!
|
|
|
May brings with it the celebration of two of the famous "great festivals of Edo (Tokyo)". Dating back several centuries, these matsuri (festivals) evoke memories of Old Edo while ensuring a lively atmosphere of music, dance, food and fun! Sanja Matsuri Kanda Matsuri For information on other events:
|
|
|
Did you know...Japanese Sake has its own version of Beaujolais nouveau? Called "Shinshu", it is sake made from rice harvested in that year. Sake brewers have traditionally hung a ball of cedar branches (Green "sugidama") outside their shop to indicate that a new batch of "shinshu" is ready for sale. Information about sake, breweries and how to enjoy sake can be found on the Japan Sake Brewers Association at website: At the SAKE PLAZA in West Shimbashi, it is possible to learn about the sake making process and to sample a variety of sakes. Enjoy sake brewery tours and tasting events in Tokyo! (Reservation required) Although the following sites are in Japanese, they cater to non-Japanese speakers and visitors: |
 |
To access the previous edition of e-Tokyo Today and our printed newsletter, Tokyo Today, Issued by: Tourism Division, Bureau of Industrial and Labor Affairs, Tokyo Metropolitan Government |