1 USD=95.82 yen
1 CAD=82.52 yen
1 AUD=76.24 yen
1 GBP=157.3 yen
1 EUR=134.37 yen
1 CHY=14.03 yen
1 KRW=0.08 yen
Jul 3, 4:09 (JST) updated
What's "in" Now? (2009 Summer)
Whats"in"Now Back Numbers:
Get to know what's new and what's hot in Japan before you go ! What can you see, experience and taste exclusively in Japan? Keep an eye out for these current and special treats while in Japan !
Mitsubishi Jokiless (steamless) IH
Mitsubishi released the Steamless IH, a new rice cooker that
uses an induction heating system and does not let out any steam in
February 2009. What makes it unique is that the Steamless IH
has a "water cooled steam collection system" that includes a water
tank on the front of the main body and a cartridge inside the lid for
collecting the steam. The steam passes through the cartridge, to a
pipe where it reaches the water tank and is condensed into water.
Unlike older models, this cooker no longer creates external
moisture, heat or odor and can, therefore, be used in a wider
variety of locations.
The rice also cooks at
a higher continuous
heat due to the steam
collection system and
the company claims
that this will result in
more delicious rice.
This product sells for
about $600 - $800
USD depending on the
store. Why don't you
pick one up and try it
out for yourself?
In February 2009, Uniqlo opened their first girls'
concept shop in the Marui Curren Building in
Shinjuku, Tokyo - the center of young fashion culture.
This special shop is targeted at trendy young women
in their early 20s and will play an important role for
the company in showcasing their women's product
line. Each season, clothing for the store is selected
from over 500 items in order to present an attractive
collection. The store even has 42 inch screens transmitting
information on the latest fashion season.
Also, Uniqlo has designed special items for the
"Tokyo Girls Collection" (TGC), Japan's most popular
fashion event for girls, since Fall 2008. Items from
this year's show will be available at their branches
and online store. Check out their stylish collection
when visiting there!
UNIQLO CO. LTD.
Plastic Model Cafe
Called Mokei-cafe in Japanese, plastic model cafes have recently
been growing in popularity. Attracting not only middle-aged men,
but also young women, these cafes provide a place of solace where patrons can indulge in
their favorite hobby - assembling plastic models. Such models include the Mobile Suit
Gundam Kits made famous by the popular animated TV series from the 70's. Cafes in
Tokyo, Osaka and other cities have workshop areas featuring many craft tools, including
airbrushes for painting the models. Anaheim Cafe in Osaka is
one popular Mokei-cafe. Evening is the busiest time there and
you will often find it packed with office workers sharing tips and
criticism on their models
over cups of coffee after
work. One customer even
commented that he enjoys
his time at the cafe
because he can indulge
himself in an activity his
family regards as a
'nuisance'.
* Photos provided by Anaheim Cafe
SoftBank 930CA EXILIM
In February, SoftBank Mobile Corp., one of Japan's most
popular mobile phone companies, released nine new
models for the spring sale season. One of these models is
the Exilim 930CA from Casio Hitachi Mobile Communications
Co. Ltd.. It offers a superior 8.09 mega pixel camera
that takes 0.99 seconds to boot up.
The stylish sliding design and up to
8GB of memory for microSDHC cards
make up for the smaller, 3" wide VGA
LCD display. As the camera function is
the primary feature of this phone, it
comes with pre-installed software
applications such as "snap viewer" for
browsing photos and "blog upload"
which makes it easier to post photos
on blogs and SNS sites. With 3G
HSDPA high-speed, major functions
also include GPS, Bluetooth, Infrared,
music playback, a mobile wallet and
email capability. It is available in four
colors: white, pink, rose-red and black.
TENTEKI10 is a new type of IV clinic where tired office workers
can receive intravenous (IV) injections to help alleviate symptoms
such as stress, tired eyes and sleep deprivation. After their first
location in 'Ebisu Garden Place' in central Tokyo proved so successful,
TENTEKI10 opened their second clinic in 'Tokyo Midtown' last
December. Conveniently, customers can drop in during office hours
for a drip course that takes about 10 minutes. Doctors are also on
hand to consult with clients and conduct tests before deciding on
the best course of treatment. Clients can choose from a menu
providing several options for different treatments such as rejuvenation
and skin whitening. There are a variety of 'Packs' to choose
from and prices range from 2,000 to 3,500 yen. The Basic Pack
(2,000 yen) is comprised of vitamins B and C, thiamine disulfide
and pyridoxine. To receive treatment at TENTEKI10, clients must
understand Japanese as first time visitors will be asked to fill out a
questionnaire and have an interview with a doctor.
Nissin Pasta Express
Released in April, Pasta Express from
Nissin Food Products is the Japanese
version of their global pasta brand
"Cucina della Nissin". This line of products
features Nissin's patented "premium
straight-cut noodle" technology which has
revolutionized instant ramen with its
superior, restaurant-quality taste and
texture. To prepare, all you need is some
water and a microwave. This product is
part of a coordinated effort in six
countries: Japan, the US, China,
Germany, England and France. Each
country has developed their own delicious
flavors and a localized brand name, but in
Japan, it is called Pasta Express and is
available in "all'arrabiata" and "mushroom
cream" flavors.
-NEWS- Internet Access started in N700 series on Tokaido Shinkansen
Passengers riding the Tokaido Shinkansen
between Tokyo and Shin-Osaka can now access
the internet via wireless LAN service in the
cabins of N700 series cars. Service is provided
by NTT Communications, NTT DoCoMo, SoftBank
Telecom and UQ Communications*. Users with
wireless LAN terminals in their laptops and a
previous subscription to one of these service
providers can access the internet without any
disruption from the train's high speed or passage
through tunnels. According to JR Central, the
maximum connection speed is 2 Mbps per train. It
is fast enough for email and web-browsing, but
not for on-line videos which require a high speed
line. However, being able to connect to the
internet is still a great advantage over air travel.
Additionally, there is now wireless LAN internet
service in all 17 Shinkansen stations between
Tokyo and Shin-Osaka making Shinkansen travel
even more convenient for internet users.
*UQ Communications service will begin in Fall 2009.
Electronic Cigarette 'Nicoless Mismo'
Now there is a healthy way to quit smoking! The
Sosu Company Ltd. has invented the Mismo
cigarette - an electronic device that mimics the real
thing. As you inhale, moisture from the air is
converted into steam and the small LED light on the
tip glows just like a real cigarette. The steam also
becomes flavored through an internal cartridge.
Flavor cartridges come in grapefruit or mint, and
should last about 300 inhales. Not only is the
Mismo free of nicotine and tar, but it also contains
essential nutrients such as CoQ10 and Vitamin C.
To recharge this
battery operated
device, just unscrew the flavor
cartridge and twist it into the
charger. The LED light will come
on when it is finished. If you
want to finally kick the habit,
this product retails for about
$126 USD.