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 !

Aptly named Robo Catcher it's the world's first commercial 'biped robot' amusement game designed by MechaTraX. A player manipulated an old-style grab-and-drop crane to earn a prize but it's now out-of-date with this 'Super-cool', robotic invention bringing a new excitement, tension and time limitation pressure. Now the player can operate a futuristic biped robot that strides about in a funny articulated manner inside the arcade machine to grab a prize within a given time requiring a higher degree of skill and imagination. Japanese developed humanoid robots are known world-wide and Robo Catcher is an entertaining way to become acquainted - it is now available in growing numbers throughout Japan since Dec. 2007.

MechaTraX
http://mechatrax.com/

G.I Jane, Inc. is excited to announce the beta launch of its Akihabara-based geek-culture (otaku) web media, www.akibanana.com. From its epicenter, this site delivers up-to-the-minute novelties, trends and events happening inside Japan's 'otaku'(devotee) capital. It features in-depth articles related to Akihabara -particularly anime, manga, games, cartoon figures, maids/idols, tech & gadgets, robots as well as videos shot at related events in Akihabara. Akibanana also offers'Akiba guide' that includes an English-language shop directory listing information about maid cafes, game centers, electronics shops and restaurants in the area. A bonus attraction is the 'Akipedia,' an encyclopedia of must-know 'otaku' terminology, such as 'aho-ge'(moron-hair), 'iyashi'(soothing relaxation), and 'nekomimi'(cat ears) to assist with-it fans keep up with the latest Japanese slang or buzzwords. GI Jane is an Internet media company founded in 2007 with the stated mission of spreading Akiba's Otaku subculture to the rest of the world.

G.I. Jane
http://www.gijane.jp

Last year, Asahi Breweries and Kagome Co. Ltd., jointly developed Tomate, a pleasant on the tongue, exuding the full taste of vine ripe tomatoes, low-alcohol beverage. Following a high customer satisfaction for Tomate, March 2008 saw the marketing of Vegete a newly created low-alcohol drink product extracted from 21 kinds of vegetables with colorful carrots and tasty asparagus among the lot. This year's planned cumulative sales target is set at an impressive 2 million cases of Tomate, Vegete and other low alcohol content vegetable based products. February 2007, Asahi and Kagome entered into a business association with the specific purpose to develop other varieties of vegetable based alcoholic drinks.

ASAHI BREWERIES,LTD., / KAGOME CO., Ltd.

The Palette is the latest in innovative wagon-type mini-car that offers the user superior interior space along with extra room for luggage. This functional mini-wagon is easy to step in and out of, offers economical mileage, and user friendly innovations. Features include a tall body design that allows for a long roofline and generous lounge-like comfort for four adults, splendid outside viewing through wraparound glass surfaces as well as welcome noise and vibration suppressing technology. Sliding rear doors allow convenient entry/exit from either side combined with low steps for remarkably smooth movement especially appreciated by older passengers. The overall result is a roomy, refined, and quiet cabin. The Palette is available only in Japan since January, 2008.

Suzuki Motor Corporation
http://www.globalsuzuki.com/

Tokyo Character Street was recently opened as a shopping venue dedicated to children (and the hidden child inside each adult) in the 'First Avenue Tokyo Station' mall near the 'Yaesu' entrance. Managed by subsidiaries of Central Japan Railway Co. (JR Tokai) the 80 meter long street harbors 14 retailers selling products related to cartoon characters popular with Japanese children. The 'Hello Kitty' shop features souvenirs inspired by famous Tokyo tourist sites. Studio Ghibli Inc., stocks characters from animation films such as the much loved 'My Neighbor Totoro' and 'Spirited Away'. 'Tomica' brand car toys are available as are the ubiquitous 'Lego' building blocks; Japan Broadcasting Corp. and other commercial television networks offer characters featured in popular TV programs. At the focal point of the street live-action events will be held to entertain parents and children. First Avenue Tokyo Station opened April 2005 with restaurants and shops convenient for commuters and tourists seeking rest and food along with souvenirs to take home.

Tokyo Station Development. co., ltd

Japan's leading toy producer, Bandai, has launched Mugen Edamame its second novelty key-chain simulator toy following up on last year's hot selling Mugen Puti Puti, that replicated the sound of popping plastic bubble wrap. Knowing the Japanese predilection for popping beans out of a favorite snack, Bandai is counting on this innovative plaything to double the fun as with Mugen Edamame it can be replayed over and over again! The plastic soy bean pod contains three beans that pop in and out, and to add to the merriment, each pod contains one of twelve face designs randomly inserted bean-face including 'old man bean', 'crying bean', 'surprised bean' and other characters including a secret design. (Available at 630 yen)

BANDAI Co., LTD.
http://www.bandai.co.jp

In 1971, Nissin Food Products Co., Ltd, unveiled the world's first 'noodle soup in a cup', a quick, easy and satisfying snack. Now Milk Seafood Noodle offers consumers yet another choice from regular brands such as 'Cup Noodle', 'Cup Noodle Curry' and the original 'Seafood Noodle'. This tasty addition results from the company paying attention to customer chitchat that "Seafood Noodle" became even more delicious by substituting milk for water to the original recipe. Combining a full, rich flavor to a light taste, Milk Seafood Noodle with the addition of imitation crab, squid, eggs, cabbage, green onions offers a tasty treat to any palate. (Retails at 170 Yen)

Nissin Food Products Co., Ltd

A new Japanese term Sotoasa-zoku refers to 'people who do not eat breakfast at home'. With today's busy life-style, many people forego making their own breakfast (or skip it altogether) thus Sotoaza-zoku is a natural response to the needs of the hard-working Japanese population and the challenge has been taken up by franchised restaurants, coffee shops, fast food outlets and snack bars inside transportation stations with special breakfast menus and reasonable prices. Instant communications via the internet and smart-phones allows workers to get an early start checking e-mails and telephone messages while sipping on a coffee or having a bite to eat. Consumers want more choices for their taste buds but especially the younger generation also wants a healthy diet. At a sushi-go-round eatery in Tokyo station, rather than sushi, people pick up grilled fish, 'natto' (fermented soy beans), sunny-side up eggs, and a variety of cooked dishes. Even McDonald's has added more choices to their traditional breakfast menu, a sure sign Sotoasa-zoku is here to stay.