Gizmodo: Japan Only

Get Your Floors Clean and Cute With Hello Kitty Roomba

Elaine Chow — Wed, 17 Sep 2008 04:00:00 EDT

For homemakers who always wanted a Roomba but thought it too uncute, iRobot and Sanrio have partnered up to create a Hello Kitty-branded version of their robotic vacuum cleaner. So now not only does everybody's favorite expressionless cat protect your computer, play your music and blast away your enemies, she'll also clean your floor. Who's a good kitty? Only 500 units are made, and each will cost roughly $810. Figures—it's only available in Japan. [iRobot Japan via Dvice]

PS3 Gets Satin Silver Makeover in Japan

Haroon Malik — Tue, 05 Feb 2008 04:10:00 EST

Sony Japan just announced a brand new satin silver version of the PS3. The standard 40GB machine will hit shelves in Japan on March 6th, but don't expect the color refresh love to be extended to the States anytime soon. Press release after the jump.

Tokyo, February 5, 2008 - Sony Computer Entertainment Japan (SCEJ), a division of Sony Computer Entertainment Inc. (SCEI) responsible for business operations in Japan, today announced that it would release PLAYSTATION®3 (PS3®) 40GB model in a new "Satin Silver" color in Japan on March 6th, 2008, at a recommended retail price of 39,980 yen (including tax). "Satin Silver" will also become available for DUALSHOCK®3 Wireless Controller at a recommended retail price of 5,500 yen (including tax). A new fine metallic "Satin Silver" is offered as an additional color to the existing PS3® (CECHH00 Series) line-up of "Clear Black" and "Ceramic White". Choosing from a broader selection of colors to match their lifestyle and preferences, users will be able to enjoy next generation interactive entertainment contents on Blu-ray Disc as well as via the broadband network at home.
Users will also be able to enjoy immersive game play experience on upcoming PS3 titles compatible with separately sold DUALSHOCK 3 Wireless Controller, including "Ryu ga Gotoku KENZAN!" (SEGA CORPORATION) and "echochrome" ※1 (SCE WWS). SCEJ will continue to further expand the PS3 platform with enhanced line-up of
PS3 systems and peripheral products.

[Kotaku]

Hello Kitty Wacom Tablet

Travis Hudson — Thu, 26 Oct 2006 10:48:44 EDT

Using a Wacom isn't reserved for the professionals, anymore. After using this tablet nobody would take you seriously or professionally. This small Wacom tablet is covered in pink Hello-Kittyness ruining all of your credibility as a digital designer. Oh well, at least it is cute! This is a limited edition release of 10,000 and it will be available in Japan only for $84 or so. Check out all of the other companies that have released Hello Kitty crap, therefore losing our respect, here. – Travis Hudson

Wacom Hello Kitty edition Tablet [Gizmodiva]

GPS Navigating Navirobo Teddy Bear

Travis Hudson — Tue, 24 Oct 2006 15:45:10 EDT

Go figure, this is only available in Japan. The Navirobo Teddy Bear has a GPS module crammed where the sun don't shine. Sit it on your dashboard and let the navigating begin. Navirobo will point you in the correct direction and dance when you arrive at the final destination. Don't miss a turn or the Teddy Bear will laugh at you, once again reaffirming the fact that you are truly a loser. Seriously, Japan—wtf is up. This is just weird. – Travis Hudson

Navirobo GPS teddy bear [ubergizmo]

Wireless USB Gets Official, Via Y-E Data Inc

Travis Hudson — Thu, 31 Aug 2006 10:16:19 EDT

It was well over a year ago when we first heard word about the super crazy wireless USB contraptions that were coming out. Since then, Belkin has tried to push out a wireless USB device and it has had never-ending delays. Finally someone has managed to win this race and make a wireless USB hub available. Y-E Data Inc., a Japanese company will make a wireless USB hub available to the public in October.

This hub uses UWB (ultra wideband) wireless technology. The data transfer rate can get as fast as 100 mbps over a 10 meter distance without any obstacles in the way. This hub will be available in Japan and expect to pay at least $200 for her. – Travis Hudson

UWB Hub coming in October [Newlaunches]

Hieroglyphic USB Flash Drives, Like Wingdings, but Makes Sense

Travis Hudson — Tue, 29 Aug 2006 14:52:39 EDT

A Japanese company called Solid Alliance has released a line of USB flash drives that come loaded up with whacky hieroglyphic messages. The meanings are somewhat obvious, friendship, love, etc. Available in Japan only for $32 and only available in 256MB. Speaking of, anybody actually know or use Wingdings? Wikipedia doesn't say much about the actual purpose of Wingdings and I'm a bit curious. – Travis Hudson

The USB stick of Love [newlaunches]

Panasonic ToughBooks Get Shock, Water Resistant

Travis Hudson — Wed, 26 Apr 2006 13:25:00 EDT

Take the phrase "water resistant" with a grain of salt. I highly doubt this laptop would survive a full plunge in the swimming pool. The draining system protects the laptop's hard drive, motherboard and some other internal components from small amounts of liquids with a waterproof sheet draining system. Also included is impact proof protection up to 220 pounds. These laptops are only available in Japan right now, but expect to see the features heading our way soon.

A Waterproof Core Duo Notebook? [Digital Trends]

Sony Beefs up Bravia Line ... Again

Travis Hudson — Tue, 11 Apr 2006 15:45:37 EDT

Sony is adding six new models to their Bravia line over in Japan. They are adding three new models to their V2000 series, 32-inch, 40-inch and 46-inch models. Additionally Sony is adding three models to the S2000 series, also 32-inch, 40-inch and 46-inches. All of them features a 1,300:1 contrast ration, 8ms response time and 500cd/m2 brightness. They will be available May 1 and pricing is expected to begin at $2,100 for the 32-inch models.

Translated Press Release [Via I4U]

Xbox 360 Blue Edition Set for Launch

Travis Hudson — Thu, 06 Apr 2006 15:35:38 EDT

Microsoft will be releasing a soccer-inspired bundle of the Xbox 360. The Xbox 360 Blue Edition will have all of the same parts as the Premium edition packages, but also include a super-sporty Adidas Japan blue faceplate, Adidas Japan blue bandana and also include 2006 FIFA World Cup Germany. This special edition bundle is set to hit the shelves of Japan on April 27 with a $430 price tag, which isn't too bad of a deal. Microsoft will be shipping 10,000 of these special edition units, but we all know how well Microsoft does with shipping units to meet demand.

Xbox 360 Blue Edition for the Soccer-Obsessed [Gearlog]

Toshiba v604T with TV Tuner

rhbaby — Mon, 27 Mar 2006 08:57:30 EST

The new V604T phone from Toshiba adds an analog TV and FM tuner to the standard mix of features including a 1.3-megapixel camera, music player, and miniSD card among others. Toshiba's press release advises that analog TV will be unavailable as of 2011—as if anyone keeps a cell phone for five years anyway. The phone can record TV and capture screen stills to memory. Sorry, folks, Japan only for the time being.

Toshiba V604T [I4U]

Sony Gets Contrasty At 10,000:1

Travis Hudson — Tue, 21 Mar 2006 10:55:42 EST

Sony will be releasing a couple of plasmas supporting this 10,000:1 contrast ratio in the Japanese market. They are the WD-42PX2 and the WD-42PX2S — same model, but silver casing. These 42-inch TVs are going to retail for just under $3,000.

Sony plasma with 10000:1 ratio [Akihabara]

It's Raining ... RFID?

Travis Hudson — Mon, 20 Mar 2006 11:45:26 EST

The Japanese Ministry of Internal Affairs and Communication is developing a system that will allow information to be gathered about disaster areas with the help of RFID. The system would distribute RFID tags from the sky upon the disaster area and allow for all kinds of information to be gathered wirelessly. Most importantly, the RFID tags would include heat and vibration sensors to aid in finding survivors. It's estimated that 10,000 tags would be required to cover the area the size of a large airport.

Sprinkling RFID tags from the sky [We-make-money]

Mini Shredder Good for Mini Shredding, via USB

Travis Hudson — Fri, 17 Mar 2006 10:52:19 EST

In the U.S. we automatically assume that bigger is better. Well, over in Japan this isn t the case. Case in point, we see this miniature USB-powered shredder. It is small, it can shred an A4-sized document folded in half. Besides a USB port, this shredder can suck its juices from batteries or AC power. It comes in black and white—to match your iPod, of course.

USB shredder, for all you mobile scammers [Akihabara]

2nd Hand Electronics Sale to Be Restricted in Japan

Travis Hudson — Wed, 22 Feb 2006 12:55:51 EST

Akihabara News is reporting some shocking news about the plentiful second-hand market in Japan. Basically it goes like this: if you bought an electronic device before 2001 will be prohibited from being resold through a second-hand market as of April 1, 2006.

This could damage the retail-heavy Akihabara district that thrives on the sale of electronic goods of all types, including second hand. If this law does see the day of light in April, I wonder what kind of restrictions and enforcements will be placed on the resell of goods via eBay and other online outlets.

2nd hand electronics sales will soon be illegal in Japan [Akihabara News]

Japanese School Kids + Roboguards = Crazy Delicious

Travis Hudson — Fri, 17 Feb 2006 17:00:16 EST

An elementary school in Tokyo has hired a 3.2-foot, 66-pound yellow guard robot to protect against baddies... and more importantly, it can scan students.

Get within 13 feet of the lovable robotyke, and it'll hold out its hand to ask for ~~retina scan and blood sample~~ your school ID that has an imbedded IC chip. Once inspection is passed, the guard greets you by name and informs your teacher that you're on your way. Don't have an ID? Stay there while it calls a staff member. Don't try to escape its intimidating authority—the Japanese put cameras in their roboguards.

Tokyo schoolkids get a robot guard [dottocomu]

Elecom MF-DU204G - World's Smallest External HD

johnb — Tue, 14 Feb 2006 09:41:05 EST

I'm a little skeptical about calling this the world's smallest external hard drive, but whatevs. This isn't Guiness. This is more a USB-key than anything else, but it has a 4-GB hard drive inside and is about 2.6 inches long, so I guess it qualifies.

Japan-only at this point and it should sell for $220 and has built-in security.

Elecom MF-DU204G World's smallest external Hard Drive [Newlaunches]

Gizmodo Japan - Desktop Remote Control

gizmodo.com — Sat, 11 Feb 2006 09:46:03 EST

You can control your TV, DVD/CD, amplifier, and air conditioner with this stylish desktop remote control. What about all those buttons, you ask? Well, each of the sixty five button has only one function. Volume is changed with a jogdial. It's currently available at at Evergreen‘s and costs about $84. SKN

Online Shop[Rakuten Ichiba]

Teddy Bear MP3 Player

johnb — Fri, 10 Feb 2006 09:35:45 EST

So cute. So small. So Tomy. This Teddy Bear MP3 player has aboue 128MB of storage—just enough for the latest Hilary Duff album—and may pose a choking hazard. It will cost about $78 in Japan when it's launched this March. One AA battery offers 8 hours of saccharine play time.

Teddy Bear MP3 Player [TecheBlog]

Gizmodo Japan: Bamboo Keyboard

gizmodo.com — Mon, 06 Feb 2006 17:05:18 EST

If the ultimate shogun Ieyasu Tokugawa had created a PC keyboard in the 15th century, it surely would have looked like this! At least that's what the package for this Links Bamboo keyboard suggests. This finely finished piece is called "Takechiyo" (in Japanese take means bamboo and chiyo translates to perpetuity) and was created by Links International. Should be available on February 11 for about $82. - SKN

Product Page [Links International]

Ore-Commander Video Game Assistant

Travis Hudson — Fri, 03 Feb 2006 17:30:36 EST

You don t have to convince us, we know how strenuous video games are. This is here to help, it is the Ore-Commander thumb mounted gaming assistant. We don't know much more than that because the entire site appears to be in Japanese. The ordering page also shows a fork and spoon attachment. So this really could be the ultimate peripherals for the modern gamer. Any Japanese-reading Gizmodoians out there want to help us out with a little translation?

Product Page [Via OhGizmo!]

iPod Car Charger and Transmitter That Won't Make Your Crown Vic Look Uncool

johnb — Fri, 03 Feb 2006 14:12:24 EST

You may want to think about ditching your boring white battery charger and transmitter for your cool new black ipod video. The Japanese company Focal Point Computer, Inc. has launched this stylish, flashy one. Apart from charging the battery while transmitting over the FM band, it pauses the iPod and stops charging when the car is turned off. It even has an automatic return fuse to protect your iPod from damage. The charger looks like a dong and is covered with leather. Tasty! Should be out this month for $59.

Product Page

Gizmodo Japan - Wash Your Clothes With Air

johnb — Fri, 03 Feb 2006 11:55:18 EST

Do you even CARE what kind of disgusting bugs and bacteria live on your clothes and bedding? Do you? Well, The world first washing machine dryer with "air wash" function cares. The AQUA AWD-AQ1 from Sanyo disinfects and deodorizes your clothes without using water. It shoots ozone-filled air to whisk away odors and bacteria. It also recycles the water it uses for rinsing and disinfects it using the selfsame ozone. It even has special modes to fight against mode, add steam, and even wash without detergent. It will be out in March for $2200.

Product Page

M-Wave MP3 Player - You Know, For Kids

johnb — Thu, 02 Feb 2006 15:18:39 EST

If your kid starts demanding an iPod and you're are not prepared to spend too much cash, think about buying a "M-WAVE" instead. It looks cooler anyway and is both for boys and girls. "M-WAVE" from Sega Toys is the newer version of music player for girls "Sound Carrier" (it was called Tamagotchi on speed). It is a music player, a voice recorder and even offers some pixelly games. A funny character appears on the LCD and grows with the music. The difference from the last one of this series is the increase in recording time, which is now 68 minutes instead of 16 minutes (!!). There's also a clock function with alarm and you can record music directly from any audio device or TV. Coming on the market in Japan at the end of June in two colors. Price is about $51.

But wait... is that guy doing the one legged pop and lock up there? WTF, Japan?

Home Page [Segatoys]

Remokon Saucer

johnb — Thu, 02 Feb 2006 09:15:19 EST

Isn‘t it convenient to switch on the heater at home one hour before you come back? Or to remotely switch on the light or the TV at home for a few hours a day, while you are on holiday to scare off robbers, owls, and crazed, naked squatters? Or maybe to remotely switch off your home entertainment center once you're done recording Lion King—that's such a great movie, BTW! SIMBA!!!

The infrared remote control unit "Remokon (remote control) Saucer" from Sugiyama Electron does it for you. You can control up to eight home electronics with your mobile phone. It is controlled through the TV phone function of Foma phones from Japanese NTT DoCoMo. From this diagram, it appears you actually have to have two phones, but what do we know? It will appear in DoCoMo shops on February 10 and cost about $102.

ITmedia report [ItMedia]

Home Page [Sugi-ele]

Beer Pouring Robot, Finally!

Travis Hudson — Thu, 26 Jan 2006 16:50:05 EST

This is it, it has finally happened. I think I can confidently say that regardless of anything else posted here, nothing will ever top this gadget. This is Asahi, a beer pouring robot from Japan. It can refrigerate up to six cans of beer, two mugs, and with a simple push of a button it will pour a beer into the mug with perfect head every time. It gets even better too, this thing is free! Kind of. You have to collect 36 seals found on specially marked Asahi beer, but I wouldn t have a problem with that. Now if I could only teach it to make me a sandwich and cuddle.

Asahi's Beer Pouring Robots [OhGizmo!]

3Gbps SATA II Hard Drive

Travis Hudson — Sat, 14 Jan 2006 14:08:34 EST

Buffalo will be releasing a new line of hard drives with capacities ranging from 150 to 500GB. These hard drives will be in SATA II and offer a blazing 3Gbps (gigabits per second) transfer rate. It seems they will be available in Japan only for the moment—sorry folks, keep waiting. Sounds like the perfect kind of a drive for some sexy HD movie creation.

3Gbps SATA II HDD [Akihabara]

TelePaq-thetic A8 Mini-Phone

gizmodo.com — Fri, 13 Jan 2006 10:11:10 EST

If you're the guy who is still in love with his Nokia 2110, we're pretty sure an "upgrade" to this will make you feel right at home. Meet the TelePaq A8, a mini-sized, triband GSM phone with zero frills. It's got a camera for taking pictures, but only at .3MP. Yikes. It's also got a WAP browser if you're feeling a bit macho one day. One odd feature is that the phone packs a 2.3" touchscreen, which probably isn't going to be too much use, unfortunately. Looking for Bluetooth? Nope. EDGE? Sorry, try again. This phone is for those who like the cellphone for calls and calls only...like my Grandmother. It's available now.

TelePaq A8, the mini PDA phone [Akihabara]

Live From CES: More Skype To Go

gizmodo.com — Fri, 06 Jan 2006 18:37:43 EST

There's plenty of Skype products to go around at CES, but this Japanese one called "Skype To Go" is targeted for an April 2006 US release. Just plug in the sexy black device into your PC's USB port and you're good to go. It includes Skype software preloaded on to the device's 64MB of built-in flash memory, 40MB User Storage, no installation needed, and the device leaves no trace of it ever being used on the computer. You can also control Skype directly with the device's keypad. No price for the US model has been announced.

Talking Lips Make You Look Stupid, Tacky

Travis Hudson — Thu, 22 Dec 2005 12:52:25 EST

Believe it or not, this abomination of a product hails from good ol' Japan. This is essentially just a speaker and a microphone that can connect to a variety of devices including cellphones and PCs. Best of all, the lips actually move when people are talking to you. It is practically like a dubbed Japanese movie, but in real life. Impress your co-workers, or make them feel even sorrier for you with the addition of this product to your already-saddening cubicle.

Talking Lips to make chatting on the phone fun [Phoney World]

Donya Clip-On MP3 Player

gizmodo.com — Thu, 22 Dec 2005 11:15:56 EST

Here's the perfect MP3 player for sealing up that bag of Utz potato chips you just blew halfway through. The Donya MP3 player is a clip-on MP3 player complete with controls on the clip. You'll net 128MB of storage and the ability to play both MP3 and WMA file formats. You'll have to transfer songs to the player and charge its battery via a headphone-based USB port, so don't lose that proprietary USB cable! Play/Pause and track skipping are the only controls you get (and need) for this player, so enjoy your 20 or so tunes. Goes for $32, chips and/or pretzels not included.

The Clip-On MP3 Player [Akihabara]

Replace Your Earbuds with Fine Japanese Wood (And Other Imports)

johnb — Sat, 17 Dec 2005 14:56:22 EST

Up until recently, if you wanted to replace your crappy-sounding plastic iPod / MP3 player earbuds with audiophile 'buds made from Japanese Hokkaido cherry wood, you had to go shopping in Akihabara. No more: Audio-Technica is bringing its previously Japan-only lineup of high-end portable earphones to the United States. Also in the new "Import Series": aluminum and titanium Bang & Olufsen-like headphones, a line of "reference quality" headphones for DJs, and audiophile studio headphones. Prices start at $119; watch for them to hit stateside at CES.

Big in Japan: Audio-Technica Brings "Import Series" Headphones to US [Create Digital Music]

Pixela's HDTV On the Go

gizmodo.com — Fri, 16 Dec 2005 17:44:07 EST

Apparently, the Japanese just can't stop watching their awesome HDTVs, so much that they need to do it on the go. So in comes the H.264 Pocket TV by Pixela, released only in Japan. Yes, now you will be able to enjoy stunning HDTV-quality programming on the go in the form of a long candybar-esque pocket TV. The device not only does television, but also FM radio and music playback. You can enjoy your tunes with digital 5.1 as well, since this little TV offers it all. Now all you need is some football, beer, nachos, and a toilet/jar, and I'm convinced that you'll never have to move again in your lifetime.

H.264 (Digital - HDTV) compatible pocket TV [Akihabara]

FeliCa-Enabled Buses

Travis Hudson — Wed, 14 Dec 2005 19:20:32 EST

Nagasaki is going all high-tech Sony-style on your ass by actually using Sony's FeliCa technology in mobile phones. Here is a quick refresher: FeliCa is a Sony's contactless IC card technology that is being adapted into various mobile phones. It allows for wireless high speed processing of a slew of information including cash, tickets, credit cards, member IDs, etc. Buses in Nagasaki are going to begin being integrated with FeliCa readers. No need to throw your change at a disgruntled bus driver, just wave your phone in front of the FeliCa reader and you are charged for a ticket, and the ticket information is stored on your phone.

Nagasaki goes Felica [Phoneyworld]

Bubble Wrap, Just For the Popping

tgrumet — Wed, 14 Dec 2005 16:02:13 EST

Who needs a package to pop bubble wrap? In Japan, it seems it's perfectly sane—as well as logical—to buy a product called "Pucchin Sukatto!" It's basically a pack of 15 square sheets of—yes— that's right, bubble wrap, just to pop. For fun. I like the fact that it's noted as a "toy, a gift, a party prize or a finger-exercising tool for elderly people." Here grandma, I know your arthritis is flaring up, enjoy this big box of bubble wrap to help with the pain. Really, I do love the Japanese.

Time-killing bubbles [Oddjapan]

Crime Prevention, Japanese Style

Travis Hudson — Mon, 12 Dec 2005 14:15:40 EST

Forget mace and weapons, the Japanese are too hardcore for those types of crime prevention. Instead, they are rolling this out. It's a handheld device that can do multiple things to ensure your Swap Meet Louis will stay safe. It can dial out two preset numbers and also be able to receive calls. On top of that it can act as a GPS device along with an integrated alarm. A panic button will sound a loud alarm and there is also the option to transmit location information without the alarm going off. This device will require a monthly fee of 1720 yen, or roughly $14, and is Japan-only folks, sorry.

Japan launches more crime prevention phone devices [Phoneyworld]

Mario Knows You Smell

gizmodo.com — Mon, 12 Dec 2005 11:27:58 EST

The Japanese know we're suckers for anything Mario-related. So when a guy on eBay puts up some official Mario "Bath Bombs" for sale, people in the states love it for two reasons: it's Mario and it makes you smell like fresh flowers. Drop Mario into your hot bath and he'll fizz you with his water-jet pack and make you feel all fun and gamer-like. Clean as sunshine, too. Bidding ended at a lame 2.35 / $4.11 for these suckers. Guess Mario isn't that much of a blast when it comes to cleaning up.

Mario bath bombs for stinky gamers [Boing Boing]

Hello Kitty Speaker-Blob

gizmodo.com — Tue, 06 Dec 2005 10:10:56 EST

Looks like someone has been playing "A Boy and his Blob" for Nintendo a little too much. This speaker was designed by David Ellis for Kitty EX in Japan and looks like the result of a sexual union between Hello Kitty and a deformed marshmallow. Either way, the speaker is tuned more for fashion than audio, so don't expect any B&O quality stuff here. Still want one? Go beg Mr. Ellis for one because these are not for sale!

Kitty Speaker [cNet Asia]

Japanese Segway Scariness

Travis Hudson — Mon, 05 Dec 2005 15:23:37 EST

Japan decided they needed to one-up the Americans yet again by unveiling a Segway that is minus the handles and steering mechanism. Safety and "riding-while-drunk" issues are my immediate concerns with this...? Hell, look at this guy: his eyes are closed so tight because he's probably crapping himself. Expect Segway PMP-2 lawsuit news coming in the near future.

The Japanese Segway PMP-2 [Akihabara]

Sony Launches TV Network Service For PSP

gizmodo.com — Fri, 02 Dec 2005 09:41:16 EST

Those in Japan are going to get the goods from Sony very soon. Sony is launching a new network TV service for the PSP to showcase its capabilities. The service works through the PSP's Wi-Fi connection to grab content via the Sony Portable TV Network. Users will be able to download videos, movies, music videos, and more at about $3 a pop. The problem is that it's more like a rental service. The videos expire within 1 to 2 weeks and then are no longer viewable.

Sony launches Portable TV network for PSP [Mobile Whack]

Pricing and reviews for Sony PSP [Amazon]

Get Your Crap Off My Table

gizmodo.com — Fri, 11 Nov 2005 08:56:20 EST

This one is real cute, a table that clears itself off. The Katazukue table is a basic table with two powerful conveyor belts built-in. Throughout the day, the table will get sick of you being such a slob and piling your cereal bowls, porn mags, and panties on top, so it will clear itself off by moving the conveyor belts until everything falls off the edge. The idea behind this is that we spend a lot of time at our table for multiple things such as breakfast or work and never get around to cleaning the table off sometimes. With that in mind, Katazukue thinks for itself and involves itself in the process of work by cleaning its surface off. You can check it out if you're in Japan at the BankArtLife show in Yokohama this winter.

Katazukue, the tidy table [WMMNA]