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

Get to know 'what's in' in Japan before you go! Keep an eye out for these current and special treats while in Japan!

Leave it to the Japanese love of dazzling electronics to invent an absolutely great follow up to the much loved 'tamagotchi' egg/chicken feeding and care of a few years ago. The toy company, Tomy Co. Ltd., is the distributor of a fun and imaginative money saving scheme in the form of a cube-shaped piggy bank named Jinsei Ginko (Life Bank) that encourages the young (and not so young) to save money coupled with responsible behaviour. When a bachelor first appears on the monochrome LCD panel fronting the safe, his home is a humble, tiny three 'tatami' (mats) apartment. The introduction of this 'virtual' character places the onus squarely on the depositor's self-discipline as the bachelor depends on regular deposits to improve his life. All going well, the 500 JY coin (approx. $5) deposited on schedule (max.200 coins), the character becomes upwardly mobile, gets a good job, gets married and starts a family, however, if savings are neglected the virtual dweller will soon demand rent money. Over 330,000 banks have been sold in a year at fifty dollars a piece in Japan.

Tomy Co., LTD.
http://www.tomy.com/

Until recently, most traditional stationery and writing implements were made as simple as possible with functionality and low cost a primary factor in planning manufacturing and retail sales. With the coming of age of a new and affluent youngish business and professional class that definitely enjoys using 'hip and cool' new gadgets, even in their working space, trends are definitely changing. Several new products are presently targeting this niche market providing stationery and office goods featuring a 'personalized' touch. For example, Pentel Company Ltd., Japan's leading stationery manufacturer released a series of innovative stationery designs in Oct. 2007. French PoP is a correction tape that appears similar to iPod designs, shiny and cute masks that are freshened up with each new cartridge. KAREN is a multi-colored ball-point, with a diamond-cut tip and slim shape that specifically seeks a twentysomething businesswomen clients. For those that want fragrance in the air as they write, new leads for mechanical pencils containing an array of different fragrances target students. This year stationery aims to be fun, individual, hip and cool!

Pentel Co.,Ltd

KidZania, is an innovative theme park in LaLaport, Toyosu, dedicated to 'edutainment', (education and entertainment in equal parts) for children 4 to 12 years of age. Originating in Mexico in 1999, its immediate success spawned Tokyo's own replica with a Japanese flavor. The basic idea is to allow youngsters to experience an 'adult' work situation and how to handle personal finances. Set in a kid-sized city environment and with hands-on activities, wearing authentic-looking costumes, children learn any number of real life jobs, ranging from Chef to Firefighter, Cabin Attendant to Salon Operator, Pilot or TV Anchor, and through a full range of over 80 such careers. Each pavilion offers a range of difficulty level suitable to individual ability thus ensuring enthusiastic participation and maximum enjoyment. Reaping a good public relations image, some fifty companies are involved in creating realistic working situations for which the children are paid in 'KidZo', the park's own currency and they can actually spend it inside the park or make a deposit in the KidZania bank for a future visit. It's an exceptional opportunity for parents to accompany their children to a fun and educational day, or provide a special field trip for schools.

Kids City Japan K.K.
http://www.kidzania.jp/

Suzune is sparkling sake that is quickly gathering a most appreciative clientele base, especially with women who are looking for a pleasantly light, sweet in the mouth sensation. Produced by Ichinokura Co., ltd. located in Miyagi Prefecture, its carbonation process requires a unique technique that results in a low 5 percent alcohol content that exudes a light, sweet, clean personality. The process is not unlike the making of Champagne with a similar fizzy result but definitely a Japanese taste. A glass of refreshingly cool foam will tickle your nose with delicate bubbles rising up while popping with a sound as gentle as distant chimes in the wind. Presently, it's available in limited quantities only in Japan, therefore, don't miss out on a delightful, new drink sensation and be sure to ask for Suzune for a delightful, refreshing sparkling sake.

ICHINOKURA Co., ltd.

Observers of Japanese culture have always been impressed by the Japanese love of elegant refinement in art forms such as calligraphy, ceramics, classical paintings or silk screening among other art forms. Visitors to Japan may have noticed a recent phenomena, Otona-no-Nurie which is a book series published by Kawade Shobo Shinsha, as a coloring book but specifically for adults. This new pastime has caught fire, especially with middle-aged men or women who have discovered a wonderful outlet to release their artistic temperament. With colored pencils and water-colored pigments they busy themselves adding shades of color according to their own sense of beauty to a variety of books including gorgeous flower editions, splendid landscapes and celebrated paintings from great artists and even post-cards to add a personal touch to a mailing. Importantly, this hobby as well as providing an artistic outlet acts therapeutically on the brain in the form of relaxing and beneficial stimulus. Joining the publishing parade, pictures can also be found in the game console 'Nindendo DS'. This coloring boom, simultaneously enjoyable and valuable to the health is sure to enjoy a long and successful popularity.

Kawade Shobo Shinsha, Publishers.
http://www.kawade.co.jp/

products and services, conveniently located in the sub-level area just below the Ticket Gate area of Tokyo JR Station. Opening its doors this past October (2007) it has been enthusiastically welcomed by travelers with a bit of time on their hands, tourists looking for souvenirs as well as by nearby office workers to have lunch and browse in a comfortable atmosphere. GranSta has an eclectic array of shops with a grand variety of quality items to choose from; available food services range from delicious Japanese-style Box Lunch to cafes with a tempting European menu. For the convenience of passengers in transit, there's a cloak service for coats and luggage, a concierge and even foreignexchange service. The creation of GranSta has resulted in much improved access at the Tokyo terminal with a direct isle connection between the 'Marunouchi' and 'Yaesu' exits, new escalators and signage. Lockers now in different areas around 'Gin-no-Suzu' will be relocated to one central location, and it's not all - more improvements and ideas are in the works for people's added pleasure and convenience.

The Tetsudo Kaikan Co., LTD.
http://www.tokyoinfo.com/

It's hard not to love the smell and texture of a crisp, freshly baked French baguette and now, thanks to Japanese ingenuity, a new snack provides all of that and more. The Oyatsu Company, has developed Furansu Pan Kobo (French bread) a new kind of easy to eat snack produced from real French-style bread, then compressed and formed into a wafer thin chip. The result is a texture similar to a common potato chip but low in calories as it's not processed by frying in saturated fats. The rich and fragrant flavor reminds the consumer of a tasty Parisian baguette but without the guilt of ingesting unhealthy fats. All ages delight in munching on this convenient, easy to pack snack and zesty taste sensation available in light touches of extra flavoring, either Sugar or Light Salt.

Oyatsu Company LTD.

The newest McDonald offering in fast and flavorful snacks is the Mc Wrap, Japanese version. The successful launch (2006) of this particular type of fast food in America, has led to its introduction to the Japanese market but smoothly modified to suit the Japanese taste bud. This snack product can be a satisfying 'appetizer' before a full meal and it's so designed it can easily be opened and handled with one hand while busy without getting sloppy. It's become a fast growing favorite since its Japanese launch in November 2007. Mc Wrap Chicken Caesar is composed of crispy white meat chicken breast marinated with Caesar salad dressing, lettuce, shredded cheese nestled in a soft flour tortilla. Another flavor is Mc Wrap 'Ebi' Southern (Shrimp Southern Island sauce) that combines fresh and juicy shrimp and Southern Island dressing sauce perfectly. Two new flavors, “Mc Wrap Bacon Lettuce Egg ” and “Mc Wrap Marinated Salad” have been added to the morningmenu since January 2008.

Mcdonald's Japan