infomapJAPAN Free Travel Guide. Maps, Sightseeing, Access Guide, Accommodation, Events, Japanese Trends, Gifts

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 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?

Mitsubishi Electronic Corp.
http://global.mitsubishielectric.com/

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.

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'.

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.

SOFTBANK MOBILE Corp.
http://www.softbankmobile.co.jp/en/

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.

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.

Nissin Food Products
http://www.nissinfoods-holdings.co.jp/english/

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.

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.

Sosu Company Ltd.