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Created by Studio Lindfors, these images show scenes of New York and Tokyo after massive floods caused by climate change. Never did the end of the world as we know it look so dreamy and romantic. I can only hope that Al Gore keeps flying around the world in his private jet, because I can't wait to go down Broadway in a gondola, singing in the rain. [Studio Lindfors and Flickr via Bldgblog]

The car is being shown by the Japanese manufacturer at the Tokyo Auto Show 2009. [El Mundo—Thanks Eduardo González]

The system uses transparent rubber, an overhead camera, and an LCD panel that emits polarized light. The camera detects the diffraction of light as it passes through the three-dimensional transparent rubber, interpreting your moves and the force you apply to its surface. According to Koike, you can apply this for many things. One example: A three-dimensional model of the brain for surgeons to practice on. I can think of less elevated examples, Hideki.

There's only one disadvantage: The overhead camera. The problem is that the user's hand can get in the way sometimes, which will give erroneous results. They are planning to embed the camera inside the LCD. [New Scientist]

The full suit comes in three sizes, with the largest weighing 50lbs (though it seems you don't notice that when you're wearing it). It now looks like single and two leg versions will rent for about $1570 and $2300 per month.

Despite the tests, Cyberdyne still won't say when the HAL suit will reach the greater public. Check out the vid, the future looks super strange. [HPlus Magazine]

Older video showing the suit can help users lift up to 10x the weight they normally could:

It's notable that there are "over 130 million e-money cards issued," which amounts to "more than enough for Japan's estimated population of 127 million citizens." I wonder why only about half appear to prefer using the prepaid e-money cards when there are enough for everyone out there. 'Fess up. Who's hogging the cards?

Actually, I can kinda understand why someone is snatching these cards up: they make you feel like a magician! While they work like prepaid debit cards, e-money cards (Suica, Edy Cards, and similar) are contactless smart cards which just need to be waved at a kiosk, vending machine, or terminal. This is similar to RFID tech found in some credit cards in the States, but way more commonly accepted overseas. I can't wait until e-money cards are commonly issued here so that I can feel like Cinderella's fairy godmother every time I shop for gifts. [NIKKEI]

Photo by VS Medios

That's my general advice based on two experiences: Pass on the paperwork. But if you manage to flee the ceremony piloting a Gundam through the night, then yes, by all means get married.

Anyway, my lovely dorky couple, what's up with the white balloons? Where are the deadly lasers? [Shibuya246 via Kotaku]

We tend to forget about film here at Giz, as we're so taken with the newest and most advanced gadgetry, but there's something so cool about these mechanical wonders. Some of them are decades old, some are brand new, but we're sure they're all a breath of fresh air in the monument to tech that is Tokyo. [Tokyo Camera Style via Crunchgear]

Gundam under construction

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Gundam details

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More perspectives

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Really just advertisement for Uniqlo—sort of Japan's Gap—you'll quickly forget any corporate affiliation as the virtual calendar layers the hypnotic music of Fantastic Plastic Machine behind the even more entrancing Tokyo imagery. Of course, little do you know, Uniqlo is abusing your mind's temporary complacency, planting commands to learn Japanese, visit Tokyo, consume shabu-shabu and then, maybe, buy a new shirt or two.

Still, we could do worse. [Uniqlo Video via Pink Tentacle via Tokyo Mango]

Come on people, let's start building these robots now. I'm sure the bad aliens are going to come any second now, so better hurry up. Don't forget to check the rest of the beautiful shots at Pink Tentacle. [Pink Tentacle]

This RX-78 Gundam will be hanging out in Odaiba for about two months until its robot powers are needed in North Korea. So look out for that. And head over to Danny Choo's site for loads of high-res pics of this thing. [Danny Choo via Topless Robot via The Daily What]

Suspended in a flexible matrix of carbon nanotubes and rubber, the new OLED displays can be stretched an additional 50% of their normal size and wrapped around complex, 3D surfaces. No, they aren't paper-thin like other prototypes we've seen and the graphics are currently monochrome, but these OLEDs appear to be incredibly practical for everyday use. Plus, the displays can be manufactured through an industrial printing process that should make the technology inexpensive to boot...you know...some day...or never...or tomorrow...or something. Neither children's toys nor condoms will ever be the same. [Technology Review via KurzweilAI]

The technique used here is called stereographic projection—defined as a "mapping function that projects a sphere onto a plane." [Flickr via Boing Boing Gadgets]

Created by Samuel Cockedey using Canon DSLR cameras—mostly a 350d according to him—shows one of the most amazing and hi-tech cities in the world from different angles and in different times through the day. Some of sequences are so perfect and beautiful that make me want to jump into a plane and join my friend Francesca, who is now on a holiday trip there.

Instead, I'm going to watch Lost in Translation and fall in love with Scarlett Johansson once again. [Dark Roasted Blend]

Cellphone gamers square off against other players connected through Toshiba's Youtube channel. The number keys are used to control a paintbrush, and the goal is to cover squares on the grid in paint while searching for the Toshiba mascot.

The game was created as a marketing ploy to show that the billboards could relay data from the internet in real time. And while the game isn't the most exciting thing in the world, the idea that you could randomly walk by and interact with it is very exciting. [Nikkei via Pink Tentacle via Dvice]

Of course, if you are worried about alien invasions and enemy robots, maybe we will need the Gundam to protect us against you.

Sure, there was a 59-feet Gundam laying down in a park attraction already, but people, this one is standing out in the open, and its heads moves. So he can stare at its enemies until they are too embarrassed to keep destroying the Japanese megalopolis.

Unfortunately, the Gundam—which will be built on a steel frame using fiberglass-reinforced plastic—will only be up for two months to celebrate the 30th Anniversary of the series. After that time, you will have to depend on your Gundam boots, like me. [Bouncing Red Ball via Anime News Network]

The project is a collaboration between creative director Tag (Ryo Taguchi), photo retoucher IMKW (Imakawa), and contemporary artist Immr (Yuichiro Imamura). Doesn't the ultra-modern Tokyo skyline look a little insane behind all that well-manicured green? [006600 via Cscout Japan]

The eruption started around 2AM, February 2. Scary stuff. [Pink Tentacle]