1 USD=84.2 yen
1 CAD=79.89 yen
1 AUD=76.71 yen
1 GBP=129.57 yen
1 EUR=107.9 yen
1 CHY=12.37 yen
1 KRW=0.07 yen
Sep 3, 4:10 (JST) updated
What's "in"? (2007 Fall)
Whats"in"Now Back Numbers:
Get to know 'what's in' in Japan before you go! Keep an eye out for these current and special treats while in Japan!
REGZA H3000
Along with the beginning of Digital Terrestrial broadcasting last winter, spreading next generation DVD, game consoles, and video delivery onthe broadband network, the desire to enjoy high definition video at anytime is rising. Hence, a variety of Full HD TVs (supporting high definition1920 X 1080 resolution) from manufacturers are currently very popular. Toshiba Corp's new line of LCD high-definition TVs,REGZA H3000 model released in April come in 32, 37, 42, 46 and 52-inch screen sizes. With advanced picture processing circuitry,the new enhanced 'META Brain Pro' along with new REGZA uses more information from the picture to create 'Precise Motion & Vivid Expression'. Digital high-definition programs, another innovation, can be recorded for 28 hours on the internal 300GB hard disk, and with an additional hard disk,such as the eSATA (External Serial ATA) compatible 750GB hard disk easily added can boost the recording time to 83 hours (amaximum of four hard disks may be added). The H3000 series comes with interactive on-screen REGZA "Program Guide Fine" displaying program listings in easy-to-read and familiar newspaper style format. Recording functions are available severalways,including "automatic drama series","latest news" and "pause", as well users,by sending an e-mail from a PC, mobilephone or PDA, can set the time for later recordings.
Suntory Ltd,Japan's leading producer and distributor of alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages launched AWA'S, a "next generation"chu-hi with Refreshing, Creamy Bubbles. Chu-hi is a shochu-based beverage, one of the most popular alcoholic drinks in Japan. With the same crisp citrus taste as regular chu-hi,new AWA'S offers an especially pleasant sensation in the throat - fresh, exhilarating, and different. Asfor taste, AWA'S is produced using an original technique that results in fine, silky bubbles. This method involves: (1) More carbonation than regular chu-hi (increased to about the same level as beer) and (2)natural extracts for tiny bubbles that burst into a lasting white foam resulting in a drink that feels great going down. The lemon liqueur blended in also makes AWA'S particularly refreshing, thus a particularly pleasant technique to survive a muggy summer in Japan. Kampai!
Marketed since last year by SANYO Electric Co., Ltd. (SANYO), AQUA, is the world's first washer/dryer to utilize ozone, thus providing a significant 'reduction of water' and 'recycling of water'. AQUA has broken away from conventional thinking offering a completely new cleaning technology with an impressive sales performance increase. The new model AQ2000 released March 2007, has improved 'Air Wash Wide' function, through remodeling the inner structure with a newly developed high-powered 'ozonator', thus decreasing thecycle time to 20 minutes. Additionally, by lowering the temperature to 50°C, it's now possible to 'air wash' delicate and vulnerable to heat materials such as silk and leather, as well, a wide range of items can use the 'Air Wash' function, without worrying about the material's safety. Also from a previous model an advanced 'Aqualoop' function not only allows for the reuse of the 'rinse cycle' water, but also due to popular demand, the new 'Aqualoop Wide' function permits the recycling of bath water. By using ozone held inside of the holding tank, the 'Aqualoop Wide' cleans the water. This purifying system functions by circulating the water that enters the tank through the ozone resulting in a cleaning and disinfecting action. This superior machine functions so well that one single load of laundry, from wash to dry, uses an astoundingly low amount of precious fresh water - a mere eight litres!
In Japan a new coffee beverage called "chilled cup coffee" (chilled espresso-based) is growing in popularity especially among trendy women in their twenties to thirties.Patissiolle, a combinationof two Frenchwords, patissier(pastry chef) and 'au lait' (with milk),is a brand launched by Coca-Cola (Japan) Co., Japan's major beverage producer as a "dessert coffee". The rich and sophisticated flavor combined with a heady coffee aroma is the result of collaboration with Koichi Izumi,the world champion patissier. Showa Denko K.K. developed a container as the industry's first aluminum cup designed specifically for chilled coffee thus ensuring the preservation of the natural flavor and taste of coffee by providing higher shielding effectiveness resulting in lower oxygen permeation. Patissiolle is currently available only at Seven-Eleven outlets in the Kanto region. Two flavors: 'Cafe au Lait' and 'Chocolat Cafe' are offered in 200ml cups at 189 yen(including TAX).
Coca-Cola (Japan) Co., Ltd.
Mugen Puti Puti
From Bandai comes an amusing virtual bubble wrap toy the Japanese onomatopoeically call, 'Puchi Puchi' because of the popping sound it produces. Kawakami Sangyo Co. Ltd., a bubble wrap producer,and Bandai,a toy maker will co-release a new toy in late September labeled: Mugen Puti Puti (infinite PutiPuti). Air bubbles on the surface of a personal key-chain are made of double layered silicon rubber with a built-in speaker; it's designed to simulate the appearance,feel,and sound of popping bubble wrap. Undoubtedly, their logan "Anytime,anywhere,forever... you can puchi puchi" unequivocally says it all! Every 100 "pops" results in a random sound including "door chime","barking dog","sexy voice",even a funny "fart" noise and more! Available in five colors and priced at 819 yen.
'Dendo Assist Jitensha' (electric-power assisted bicycle) is presently gaining popularity in Japan. Many different manufacturers produce these types of bicycle for use in sporting activities, commuting,shopping and for parents with small children. Angelino Assista byBridgeStone Cycle Co. Ltd.,(BSC) is one of the most popular such parental bicycle; it comes with a small child's seat securely attached to the front including environmental and safety-oriented product features. Another design such as Assista,also functioning on lithiumion batteries is very popular with a wide range of consumers. Furthermore,these models feature an "autoeco" technical advancement that saves energy by cutting power supplied to the pedals when cycling at speed on flat or downhill surfaces. This muscle power considerably reduces battery drain while ensuring the rider receives the benefit of power assistance when starting up or cycling up agradient or against a prevailing wind. Angelino series also have special features such as a super performance baby seat protecting baby's precious head with a soft cushion installed on the inner side ofthe seat. Angelino Assista is sold at 116,800 yen.
Social Phenomenon Distribution of e-cash (Electric Cash) and mcash(Mobile Cash)
Recently,IC Cards,e-cash and m-cash are becoming more standard and finding wider usage in Japan. A variety of 'Denshi Money' (e-cash) and 'Osaifu Keitai' (mobile payment) is presently available for many purposes. E-cash are usually rechargeable contactless smart cards. Edy,promoted by the Sony group,pioneered the introduction of e-cash systems and the number ofcards issued as of June, 2007 is an impressive 30 million. Suica is used as a fare card on train linesby East Japan Railway Company (JR East). Since it is completely interchangeable with the PASMOcard, another transportation e-cash covering the greater Tokyo area, it's accepted on virtually any train,tramway and bus system in the same area. The card is also being accepted by stores inside and outside of train stations and as of April 2007, the number of cards issued is at 20 million. Recently introduced by SEVEN & i HLDGS.CO.,Ltd (April 2007) nanaco is another e-money system with already over four million users since its release; it's now available at all Seven Eleven stores across Japan. These prepaid e-cash are also available with m-cash (mobile payment). For m-cash usage, install an application program or simply activate the function with the registered mobile phone. This convenient system allows users to pass through ticket gates or pay at cashier simplyby holding an appropriate card over a scanner. These payment methods are increasingly more popular and will challenge credit card usage in the future.
What's "in"? (2007 Fall)
REGZA H3000
