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Special Report: Iwatani Cassette AMORFO PREMIUM
The company developed the energy saving inner burner type judging that it would be perfect for the portable compact gas burner.
Iwatani was the first in Japan to develop a cartridge-type portable gas cooking stove using gas cans. This time, the company has released a new model that uses an inner flame burner. An inner flame burner distributes the heat evenly throughout the bottom surface of the pan, which allows for more efficient use of energy in comparison with external flame burners (that tend to disperse the heat unevenly). The top plate is coated with fluorine for easy cleaning.
On Site: Japan International Boat Show 2012
We visit the Japan International Boat Show to check out the latest in power boats,sail boats, and personal water craft.
Schedule: From March 1 to 4, 2012
Location: Pacifico Yokohama (Indoor Exhibition) + Yokohama Bayside Marina (Marine / Outdoor Exhibition)
Featuring the latest information on the newest products and goods for enjoying marine sports, such as powerboats, sailboats (yachts), personal watercrafts and jet skis, as well as inflatable watercrafts (rubber boats) and windsurfing equipment. In addition to the latest news on popular models and newest product lineups at the main exhibition site, this year the outdoor and floating exhibitions are going to take place at the Yokohama Bayside Marina.
Gadgets: Platinum Fountain Pen #3776 Century
This is the first time an airtight screw on cap has been used on a high-performance fountain pen to completely seal off the point from the outside air.
The 3776 line of platinum fountain pens has been a long-selling series for over 30 years. The name "3776" corresponds to the height of Mount Fuji, and is meant to symbolize the "summit" in fountain pens. One of the main features of the latest model in the series is an airtight cap that prevents the ink from drying. Even if it is left unused for a whole year, the ink will not dry
Special Report: Titanium on Wheels
We introduce two products that are the creations of a company which specializes in titanium welding.
On Site: SECURITY SHOW 2012
SECURITY SHOW is Japan's largest comprehensive exhibition of the security and safety industry. Its exhibits include video surveillance systems, access control systems, information security systems and many other security related products.
Schedule: From March 6 to 9, 2012
Location: Tokyo Big Sight
We visit an exhibition of the latest of security related products, featuring new and improved video surveillance and personal ID systems. It's one thing to include advanced technology in these systems, but it's just as important to ensure that they're easy to use. Join us at the 2012 Security Show for a look at the latest innovations in the safety and security industry.
Gadgets: digital negatives for the PICTORICO ink jet printer
We experience the world of photography by using digital negatives, which link together digital photography and silver salt/halide printing.
Once you look at the digital photos you've taken, that's it, so your photography skills don't improve much. Now, try creating a black and white silver salt/halide print of professional level. In the XX segment, we experience the world of photography by using digital negatives, which link together digital photography and silver salt/halide printing.
+Style: Made in Niigata - A Grater Design
We introduce the creations of an industrial designer who holds firm on his creations being manufactured in a local town in Japan renowned for its metal processing industry.
We take a look at some decidedly non high-tech products being produced by a company in Niigata. The designer has set out to make subtle but effective improvements on simple kitchen utensils.
On Site: Tokyo Health Industry Show 2012
We visit a tradeshow that features the latest in health-related industries. As interest in health, fitness and beauty continues to grow in Japan, the tradeshow offers an insight look at new trends.
Schedule: From March 14 to 16, 2012
Location: Tokyo Big Sight
Tokyo Health Industry Show has continued to grow in line with the expansion of Japan's health industry and the show is by far the largest event of its kind in the country. The 2012 edition will feature over 500 exhibitors, including new zones such as Sports & Fitness, Locomotive syndrome treatment, and Health Products for Local Government.
Gadgets: DESIGNPHIL - New aluminum ruler
We'll be taking a look at collaborative work between a contemporary designer stationery maker and local traditional craftwork.
Embedded in this new aluminum ruler series is crafted wood, cloth and metal. Stay with us to visit one of the craftsman involved.
Special Report: Bringing Glasses Back to Life
Having a pair of glasses break can be debilitating. But luckily, there is now a company that specializes in repairing broken glasses.
For people who wear glasses, getting them fixed properly and quickly is essential for returning to a normal lifestyle. In Japan, 96% of glasses are manufactured in the city of Sabae in Fukui prefecture. We visit a company there that will take your broken pair of specs and return them to you as good as new.
On Site: Japan International Sport Fishing Show 2012
We visit a tradeshow to see what's new in the world of fishing. The exhibition hall attracted many fishing enthusiasts.
Schedule: From March 23-25
Location: Pacifico Yokohama
Over the past several years, fishing as a sport has been on the decline in Japan. But at the same time, according to some sources, it is finding new fans who are interested in getting closer to nature.
Gadgets: Cool Green Machine
We see some cool innovations one company is adding to its line-up of refrigerators in order to distinguish themselves in a fiercely competitive market.
Special Report: Traditional Craftsmanship Freshens Up with Modern Design
A company that has been making bronze cast products since 1897 has recently started to also produce its own brand of stationery, kitchen utensils and interior decorations.
The collaboration between one local designer and a traditional manufacturer has resulted in a line of unique and elegant products. At the same time, it has breathed new life into a time-honored form of craftsmanship.
On Site: Tokyo Motorcycle Show 2012
The superior performance of Japanese motorcycles is renowned around the world. We visit the Tokyo Motorcycle Show, as there is no better place to check out the latest Japanese powerhouses.
Schedule: March 23-25
Location: Tokyo Big Sight
Several Japanese manufacturers share a large part of the worldwide Motorcycle market. We recently visited the 2012 Tokyo Motorcycle with exhibitions from companies around the world. An amazing number of the latest models from foreign brand names were also on display. We cannot feature all of them in the program, but you can check them out in the photos below.
+Style: Reinventing Socks
Socks have had the same basic shape for ages. But these socks bring a whole new "angle" to the idea of comfort. How about offering the gift of comfort from Japan?
We introduce socks that are shaped like an "L", with a right angle. This unique shape is supposed to make the socks easier to put on and more comfortable. We asked their creator to explain the idea behind their development.
Special Report: Shoes Fresh from the Oven
We visit a company in western Japan that has decided to take the more challenging approach of making its shoes by hand.
We take a look at a surprisingly affordable and stylish sneaker with a hand-made warmth that can't be copied on an assembly line.
We visit the factory where it is made and check out the techniques used for creating the line called "Shoes Like Pottery".
On Site: FINETECH JAPAN 2012
In just a few years, smart phones have become ubiquitous, and their widespread adoption has fueled many advances in touch screen technology.
We visit a trade show to check out the latest in the world of flat screens and touch-sensitive displays.
Schedule: April 11-13
Location: Tokyo Big Sight
FINETECH JAPAN is the World's Largest FPD Tradeshow, showcasing the latest displays, touch panels, components, materials, and manufacturing and inspection devices all in one event gathering touch panel manufacturers from a wide range of industries from all over the world.
+Style: Art Right at Your Fingertips
Here is a unique gadget called a "finger brush" and just as the name implies, it's a brush that fits onto your fingertip.
In Japan's ancient capital Nara, a 200-year-old ink manufacturer has created a new unique sort of brush.
We find out how and why it was developed.
Special Report: Experience and Know-How to Revitalize Traditional Japanese Crafts
On Great Gear, we often cover products or industries with their roots in traditional Japanese crafts, but in this Special Report, we're focusing, not on a product, but on a person who has successfully modernized a traditional brand with his experience and know-how.
We meet a remarkable man who runs a traditional business that has been in his family for 13 generations.
After bringing his own company back from the brink of obsolescence, he now uses his experience and know-how to help revitalize other forms of traditional Japanese crafts.
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May 23, Wed.
Special Report: Experience and Know-How to Revitalize Traditional Japanese Crafts
On Great Gear, we often cover products or industries with their roots in traditional Japanese crafts, but in this Special Report, we're focusing, not on a product, but on a person who has successfully modernized a traditional brand with his experience and know-how.
We meet a remarkable man who runs a traditional business that has been in his family for 13 generations.
After bringing his own company back from the brink of obsolescence, he now uses his experience and know-how to help revitalize other forms of traditional Japanese crafts.
On Site: SEA JAPAN 2012 "International Maritime Business Trade Show"
We visit an international maritime business trade show.
Join us as we check out the latest in shipping equipment, technologies, and services.
Schedule: April 18-20
Location: Tokyo Big Sight
Japan is a nation surrounded by the sea and the shipping industry plays a prominent role in keeping the country's economy robust.
We pay a visit to the Sea Japan trade show where we get a sneak peak at some up and coming technologies designed to make maritime activities safer and more efficient.
+Style: This Bag "Seals" the Deal
A company special
Special Report: Sit Back and Relax...in Style
The massage chair we feature on our "Special Report" segment is a stylish designer model that looks good and makes you feel good.
It's an elegant new way to get rid of your stress after a hard day of work.
Massage chairs are getting increasingly popular, especially in eastern Asia.
Until recently, large full-featured models held the biggest share of the market, but over the past two years or so, new kinds of models have begun to appear and have been selling extremely well.
These stylish chairs could make spending time in the living room even more fun and relaxing.
On Site: JAPAN HOBBY SHOW 2012
We visit an exhibition called the Japan Hobby Show.
The popular show features all kinds of hobbies, from old standbys such as knitting and accessory-making to new and trendy ones, and has plenty of booths for trying them out.
Schedule: April 26-28
Location: Tokyo Big Sight
Like in many countries, arts and crafts in Japan are a creative outlet for lots of dedicated and enthusiastic fans.
Over 130,000 of them gathered in Tokyo recently for the Japan Hobby Show 2012.
There, we check out how amazing new advances in technology have made it much easier for people to learn some basic skills and take up all kinds of new hobbies.
+Style: Parcel Folding Stool
We take a look at a lightweight but sturdy portable compact stool which is trendy enough to be taken up by many women's fashion magazines in Japan.
To be featured here, it has to be more than just functional. Let's find out how a cardboard stool can also be stylish.
It's lightweight but incredibly strong, strong enough in fact, to make a stool that can easily support the weight of a full grown adult.
Having furniture that you can fold up and put on a bookshelf makes a lot of sense.
Take a seat, and stick around for this cool stool.
+Style: Hand-Crafted Wooden Speakers
It's a speaker for a component stereo system and it's hand made from the wood of the broad leaf beech trees that flourish in the northern prefecture of Aomori.
Music shouldn't just sound good, it should also look good.
At least you might think so after seeing the product featured on our "+ Style" segment.
We take a look at a special manufacturing process for wooden interior decorations applied to stereo speakers.
Having captured the attention of both audiophiles and design aficionados in Japan and abroad, the speaker's shape is as unique as the method used to create it.
The result is a beautiful product with high quality sound which has also become a hit in Europe.
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Jun. 6, Wed.
+Style: Hand-Crafted Wooden Speakers
It's a speaker for a component stereo system and it's hand made from the wood of the broad leaf beech trees that flourish in the northern prefecture of Aomori.
Music shouldn't just sound good, it should also look good.
At least you might think so after seeing the product featured on our "+ Style" segment.
We take a look at a special manufacturing process for wooden interior decorations applied to stereo speakers.
Having captured the attention of both audiophiles and design aficionados in Japan and abroad, the speaker's shape is as unique as the method used to create it.
The result is a beautiful product with high quality sound which has also become a hit in Europe.
On Site: JAPAN IT WEEK 2012
Brian Hughes heads out to Japan IT Week at Tokyo Big site to scope out the latest in Information Technology...and to play with lots of high-tech toys for big kids.
Tag along with him and join in on the fun in our "On Site" segment.
Schedule: May 9-11
Location: Tokyo Big Sight
From smart phones to cloud computing, information technology keeps progressing rapidly as companies develop one new product a
Special Report: An American Heart Inside a Japanese Body
The bike we introduce in this "Special Report" segment certainly captures the look and feel of an American style chopper, but it is mass-produced with high-quality Japanese engineering.
In the world of motorcycles, there is often a clear distinction between American style bikes and those made in Japan.
American bikes can conjure images of hi-handled choppers and growling street cruisers.
Japanese bikes, on the other hand, are often considered finely engineered speed machines.
Now, there is a hybrid machine that bridges the gap.
It's called the Road Hopper and it is the focus of this "Special Report".
On Site: Automotive Engineering Exhibition 2012
This "On Site" segment is a little different from those we've done in the past.
We visit the largest technology expo in Japan featuring the latest advances in electric, hybrid, and plug-in hybrid vehicle systems.
Get ready for some serious new technological developments.
Schedule: May 23-25
Location: Pacifico Yokohama Exhibition Hall
The Automotive Engineering Exposition focuses on the integration of new technology into EVs, hybrids, and plug-in vehicles.
Reporter Brian Hughes thought this would be an easy assignment.
Little did he know that instead of simply looking at some radical new technology, he'd actually be a guinea pig for testing it out.
Gadgets: Shedding Light on Innovation
A small company in Shizuoka is trying to change old conventions by bringing new lighting concepts to life.
We visit the manufacturer, which helps realizing the designers' ideas for these interesting lamps into actual products.
For practical reasons like cost and efficiency, most Japanese homes are equipped exclusively with florescent lighting.
When it comes to lighting, Japanese homes are still very much "in the dark".
The idea of lighting as a means for relaxation and of illuminating only needed areas still hasn't caught on.
In this "Gadgets" seg
Special Report 1: Rethinking Hydroelectricity
Using large dams is not the only way to generate hydroelectricity.
Small hydroelectric power stations on small aqueducts that flow through the urban district of a small city in Japan are currently attracting nationwide attention.
We take a look at these small yet powerful turbines.
Japan is blessed with an abundance of fresh water, most of which flows down from the mountains that cover over 70% of the nation's land.
This makes it an ideal candidate for hydroelectric power generation.
In fact hundreds of dams have been built on the country's rivers to produce electricity.
Large dams produce no radiation and almost no green house gasses but unfortunately they are not without some negative impacts on the ecology of the rivers they block.
In the prefecture of Yamanashi, however, a local city government has developed a series of very small hydroelectric generators which make use of some old technology and don't require the damming of a whole river.
Special Report 2: Taking Urban Solar Energy to the Next Level
Solar Panels are becoming an increasingly viable source of renewable energy.
Until recently though, their use in large numbers was limited to deserts and other wide-open spaces outside urban areas.
In this second "Special Report", we'll be taking a look at a university research facility that is covered with solar panels and is located right in the middle of a city.
Making use of the sun's power is nothing new.
In Japan, solar panels are becoming more common on the roofs of individual houses, but the lack of space limits their output to significantly less than what an average household consumes.
We take a look at a research facility in Tokyo that has developed a practical way to increase the number of solar panels that can be placed on buildings in urban areas.
On Site: New Environmental Exposition 2012
Recycling, energy efficiency and alternative energies are becoming increasingly vital to
Matsumoto Special 1: Matsumoto Folk Craft Museum
The city of Matsumoto in Nagano prefecture has a long tradition of craftsmanship, which lives on today in the form of a nationally famous craft fair.
Before we visit the fair, we stop by a museum that was opened by a Matsumoto craft shop owner who was inspired by the Japanese Folk craft movement.
A man by the name of Taro Maruyama, who ran a crafts store in Matsumoto city opened the folk craft museum about 50 years ago using his own funds.
The museum collection includes around 6800 pieces of furniture, pottery, dyed cloth, glass and other objects.
At any given time, 800 of them are on display depending on the season and events.
Matsumoto Special 2: Renovation in a Castle Town
We take a walk around the streets of Matsumoto to see how old buildings have been preserved, renovated and given new life.
Adorned with distinct white patterns, the traditional look and feel of the buildings in this castle town is a great draw for both Japanese and foreign tourists alike.
Among the shops that line the streets in Matsumoto city are crafts stores, antique stores, art galleries, and clothing boutiques.
Many of them are in old buildings with traditional shingled roofs and walls made of clay and white plaster.
Thanks to the restoration and preservation of these buildings the area retains some of its old castle town atmosphere.
This is one of the reasons it attracts many tourists and local residents.
On Site: Matsumoto Craft Fair 2012
We head to the Matsumoto Craft Fair, which is held every year in May.
During that month, enthusiasts from around Japan flock to the city as museums and galleries in Matsumoto join forces to hold various craft-related events.
Schedule: May 25-26
Location: Agata-no-Mori Park in Matsumoto
This year is the 28th edition of the craft fair.
It is held on what used to be the grounds of an old-education-system high school.
Now, as you can see, it's a park filled with plants an
Special Report: Custom Made Insoles
With Olympic fever gripping the world, we take a look at a story involving top athletes and insoles that are custom made for their shoes.
The insoles are made by a trainer who has spent over 15 years evaluating Japanese people's feet and their walking posture.
This time, we meet up with a former professional tennis player. However, we focus our attention not on her playing, but on her feet.
What's so special about them?
The answer is found inside her shoes. These insoles look quite ordinary. But actually, they were customized specifically for a professional athlete.
We visit a trainer who creates these insoles by making many small adjustments while checking his clients' movements and the insoles' fit and feel.
On Site: Interior Lifestyle Tokyo 2012
We visit a trade show featuring interior products where we'll see the latest trends in designs intended to make our day-to-day living just a little bit better.
Schedule: June 6-8, 2012
Location: Tokyo Big Sight
The things that surround us in our everyday lives are one indication of how we live.
The Interior Lifestyle Fair focuses on products designed to add a little flair to the time we spend at home.
We check out some innovative and useful products with a unique look and feel.
+Style: A Traditional Tea Canister
We take a look at a household item that is as simple as it is practical: a can.
But not just any can. This is a can with a story.
This is an award-winning tea canister hand crafted with precision in a small shop run by a family with experience that spans over six generations.
In a select boutique in Tokyo, we came across a very beautiful but functional tea canister.
We were amazed to see how the lid seemed to glide on when opening it and putting it back on.
We take you to the oldest shop in Kyoto making tea canisters.
After that, you'll never look at a humble tin can the same way again.
In our "Special Report", we take you to one of Tokyo's newest hot spots which was opened this year by Japan's largest CD and DVD rental company.
It's definitely much more than just your average neighborhood video rental shop and it's attracting quite a crowd, even tourists from abroad.
Open from 7am until 2am, the Daikanyama T-Site is a place where one can enjoy magazines, books, movies and music in café and bar lounge like atmospheres.
Its target is the 50 to 60-year old crowd but it is also attracting much attention and even tours from overseas.
T-Site is a great example of a company that has adapted itself to changing times.
On Site: International Tokyo Toy Show 2012
Boys and girls of all ages will be excited to see what toy makers have in store for them in the year to come. Whether if you're looking for something cute, cool, or just plain fun, you'll be sure to enjoy this "On Site" segment.
Schedule: June 14-17
Location: Tokyo Big Sight
We visit a very popular event, the International Tokyo Toy Show.
Every year, huge crowds of buyers from around the world flock there to check out the latest toy products and trends.
Get ready for some serious toy business.
Gadgets: One guitar to play them all
When deciding which electric guitar to buy, people normally have to choose between a single coil pickup, which produces a dry and harder sound or a humbucker pickup, which has a thicker, heavier sound.
But now, there is one guitar that can produce both types of sound, and much, much more...
It can be hard to make the right choice of electric guitar because there are just about as many models of electric guitars out there as there are musical genres.
But there is now a new kind of all-in-one electric guitar that uses electronic technology to reproduce the sounds of all kinds of guitars, just like a synthesizer.
Pros and beginners alike are sure to get hooked on this one.
In our "Special Report" segment, we introduce a new method for preventing landslides that not only can be implemented much more quickly than the traditional method, but also preserves the beauty of the scenery.
Japan is hit by several typhoons a year in addition to its already abundant rainfall.
Needless to say, the threat of landslides is taken very seriously.
Until now, the primary method of extreme erosion prevention was to cover the slope with concrete, which is effective, but obviously not great for the environment, and certainly a blight on the landscape.
Recently, however, a company in Tokyo has developed a more Eco-friendly method that is just as effective.
This new method could be a big step in making them a thing of the past.
On Site: Manufacturing World Trade Show 2012
If you build it, they will come...to the Manufacturing World trade show 2012 in Tokyo.
On this "On Site" segment, we check out displays showcasing the cutting edge industrial technologies in the fields of construction, machining, medicine and more.
Schedule: June 20-22
Location: Tokyo Big Sight
It goes without saying that every product we cover on Great Gear has to get made somehow - by hand, machine, or some combination of the two.
Manufacturing itself is a big business and there is a constant flow of new technologies to make it more efficient.
Many of the businesses featured here at the trade show are small businesses that have developed innovative technologies.
Gadgets: Gaze at the Stars in Your Own Bathtub
In Japan, taking a bath is about more than just getting clean; it's a time to relax and unwind physically and mentally. So, there are all kinds of bath time products available to make the moment even better. In this "Gadgets" segment, we introduce one that is "light years" beyond all the others.
This home planetarium we introduce is not quite the same as the real stars, but you can see where a little starlight ambience could help make bath time more rel
Home Tech: A "Waterless" Cooking Pot
We take a look at a unique little pot called MUSUI NABE that has become a household commodity in Japan since it was first developed sixty years ago. Its design secrets allow it to cook food with very little water, maximizing both flavor and nutrition.
It's a different kind of kitchen product which, with a history of just 60 years, is relatively new.
Nonetheless, it's taken Japan by storm, selling so well that, statistically, one in four households has one.
Originally, the manufacturer produced aluminum-cast parts for automobiles, and they applied the same technology to make pots.
On Site: International Stationery & Office Products Fair 2012
We see how manufacturers of stationery and office supplies are striving to stay relevant in a digital age. In this "On Site" segment, you'll be sure to enjoy these analogue products designed to work with electronic devices.
Schedule: July 4 - 6
Location: Tokyo Big Sight
With smart phones, tablets, and lap top computers now commonplace in today's society, manufacturers of stationery supplies are facing a situation where the demand for many of their traditional products is in a noticeable decline.
A large number of products on display at this year's International Stationery & Office Products Fair are designed to interface with the electronic products that we use to organize our everyday lives.
+Style: Weaving a Thousand-Year-Old Tradition Into Modern Kitchenware
We take a look at kanaami, or wire netting ware used for the preparation of food. It's a craft practiced by Kyoto artisans for over a thousand years. But these beautifully handcrafted items aren't just nice to look at - they are also very useful in today's modern kitchen.
We visit Kanaami Tsuji, a manufacturer that currently makes 12 different kinds of handmade kanaami items, including some made of bent wood.
Their products are available in seven major Japanese cities and efforts are underway to make them
+Style: BUILDING HOMES, ONE COFFEE AT A TIME
Cafés have become very popular in Japan, but they are no longer just places for drinking and eating. In our "+Style" segment, we visit a new café in Tokyo that represents a whole new way of doing business.
Like many people around the world, it is the dream of many Japanese families to have their own home.
One Japanese housing company has come up with a pretty unique model for introducing its products to potential customers even before they have made the decision to build a house. Instead of trying to get people to visit its showroom, the company decided to create a place in the community that people were likely to visit.
A stylish café full of new ideas adds vitality and stimulation to the city and its people.
On Site: TOKYO CAMPING CAR SHOW 2012
For this "On Site" segment, our new member, Mai Ishikawa comes to report at the Tokyo Camping Car Show 2012, which features all kinds of domestic and foreign campers, from full-size American models to compact and lightweight Japanese ones.
Schedule: July 7-8
Location: Tokyo Big Sight
Although the initial cost can be a bit pricey, a camper allows you to travel where you want, when you want.
Traveling by camper is a great way to see Japan. In addition, you'll also be sure to enjoy the rest areas along major highways or general roads.
This show's visitors mainly consist of families and couples, young and old, and the booths are filled with potential customers checking out campers.
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Sep. 5, Wed.
+Style: BUILDING HOMES, ONE COFFEE AT A TIME
Cafés have become very popular in Japan, but they are no longer just places for drinking and eating. In our "+Style" segment, we visit a new café in Tokyo that represents a whole new way of doing business.
Like many people around the world, it is the dream of many Japanese families to have their own home.
One Japanese housing
Special Report: Capturing the Stars
Normally, taking great pictures of the night sky requires expensive equipment that tracks the movement of the stars. But recently, a major Japanese camera company has come out with a simple and affordable device that helps do away with all the conventional equipment.
Everyone would agree that photographs of the starlit sky look amazing. However, unfortunately, it may not be easy for anyone to take good photos, except for astronomy enthusiasts who build homemade observatory domes in their backyards.
Astrotracer by PENTAX RICOH IMAGING. It follows the movement of the stars when taken photographs. During the few minutes of exposure time, the camera calculates the movement of the stars, and the image sensor follows the movement.
We check out this exciting new device, made by astronomy fans for astronomy fans, and easy to use, even for beginners.
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Sep. 12, Wed.
Special Report: Capturing the Stars
Normally, taking great pictures of the night sky requires expensive equipment that tracks the movement of the stars. But recently, a major Japanese camera company has come out with a simple and affordable device that helps do away with all the conventional equipment.
Everyone would agree that photographs of the starlit sky look amazing. However, unfortunately, it may not be easy for anyone to take good photos, except for astronomy enthusiasts who build homemade observatory domes in their backyards.
Astrotracer by PENTAX RICOH IMAGING. It follows the movement of the stars when taken photographs. During the few minutes of exposure time, the camera calculates the movement of the stars, and the image sensor follows the movement.
We check out this exciting new device, made by astronomy fans for astronomy fans, and easy to use, even for beginners.
On Site: TECHNO-FRONTIER 2012
Because robots are a big business in Japan, som
For our final segment: "TRADITIONAL CRAFTS", we go back and look at two handmade pieces of Japanese craftsmanship, which are not only meant to keep those traditions alive today, but also aim to innovate to keep the crafts relevant in a modern age.
Tea Canister :
The lid on this traditional tea canister seals with airtight precision. The quality of the seal can last for over 100 years. They are made of a material which changes its color with use. Many people enjoy watching the way the canisters change as they use them. Over several generations, the shop's owners have been careful to adapt to the times. But the canisters are each made with a quality that remains timeless.
New Aluminum Ruler :
Theses rulers are made using ten different types of wood. It takes two months to make the several thousand wood pieces needed to put them together. While developing this new product, the artisans faced a difficult challenge, as the shapes of the ruler are different from those they were used to create with their traditional method. But because the workshop was already creating new kinds of products using the same traditional method, the idea eventually became reality.
DESIGN: Putting Some Style in Our Everyday Lives
In our first segment on "DESIGN", we review two commonplace products whose designs were modified to highlight their simplicity and elegance and improve their functionality.
Iwatani Cassette AMORFO PREMIUM :
This inner flame burner uses heat more efficiently and saves energy. Not only is it efficient, it is also very stylish. The surface of the stove cleverly uses the beautiful reflective quality of stainless steel. Until recently, it was rare for a company to put so much effort into the design of common household cooking products. Table top gas stoves are becoming more and more recognized as devices great for emergency situations
Special Report: A Museum Dedicated to Railway Modeling
We visit a museum, which displays the works and collections of a man with a tremendous passion for model railroads. The museum's director, Nobutaro Hara, who turns 93 this year, was able to build the museum, thanks to the collaboration of his two sons who believed in their father's dream.
A museum called the Hara Model Railway Museum recently opened its doors in Yokohama. It features 1,500 pieces of model railroad out of a 6,000-piece world-renowned private collection, which was accumulated over the course of 80 years.
The director, Nobutaro Hara, had a strong wish to communicate to children the importance of manufacturing and of scientific pursuits through this museum, and so he and his two sons have put a lot of thought and effort over 10 years to open it.
Most of the pieces are extremely rare, and many are handmade originals created to resemble the actual trains as much as possible. Join us and see model railroad craftsmanship at its best.
On Site: Japan DIY Home Center Show 2012
Brian Hughes reports from Japan DIY Home Center Show. Tools, paints, supplies of every kind, and even some handy gadgets are on display there. In this "On-Site" segment, you'll find all the latest and greatest products to help you with your "Do-it-Yourself" projects.
Schedule: Aug. 23 - 25, 2012
Location: MAKUHARI MESSE
When the show first started in 1978, "DIY" was an unfamiliar term in Japan.
Since then, it has become a household expression and the scope of the show has grown right along with it. These days, home improvement centers can be found across Japan, which shows how "DIY" has become a part of people's lives.
Our lives mostly center on computers, but sometimes it may be nice to roll up our sleeves and get our hands a little dirty. There is always a feeling of satisfaction when we look at a completed project and say, "I did it myself".
Gadgets: A GPS Watch for Globalists
The GPS in this timep
Special Report: A Can Walks into a Bar...
Recently, a unique little bar was opened under the railroad tracks of Akihabara Station.
The shop is named "Can's Bar", and as the name suggests, the concept behind it is to serve alcoholic drinks accompanied by canned foods.
The system of this unique bar is made so that people can easily drop in, buy a can of food, order a drink and pay at the cash register before consuming. The customer chooses a can he or she likes, takes it to the counter, and orders a drink.
The manager serving customers at the counter actually used to be an employee of the railroad company that owns the bar.
The reason he chose to serve canned food is because products come in a huge variety in addition to being safe and fresh.
On Site: Noodle World & Inter Food Japan 2012
Ramen shops and Izakayas are two types of restaurants that can be found all over Japan.
Brian Hughes reports what's cooking at the Noodle World & Inter Food Japan tradeshow.
Schedule: Aug 29 - 31, 2012
Location: Tokyo Big Sight
Both Ramen noodle shops and Izakayas are popular kinds of restaurants in Japan.
Ramen is a dish of boiled Chinese noodles served in a warm broth, and Izakayas are a type of Japanese pub that serves alcoholic beverages and dishes that go well with them.
So important is the beloved noodle dish that it warrants its own trade show, which showcases new commercial ingredients for Ramen shops as well as Izakayas.
The show attracts members of the professional Japanese food industry.
Gadgets: The Ultimate Figure Drawing Mannequin
In this "Gadgets" segment, we are trying our hand at this new way of drawing Manga by using a doll, which looks like a robot and interacts with a drawing program on a computer to create and even animate, human-like figures.
What if you could move a figure on a computer screen just by manipulating a doll? A magical device just like that has appeared on the market.
It is a doll with sensors embedded in it
Special Report 1: Craftsmanship a "Clip" Above the Rest
In our first segment, we visit a metal forging company specialized in manufacturing beautiful nail clippers. Let's check out their amazing craftsmanship as well as their unique way of doing business.
This company's main product is a pair of plier-style nail clippers. Its steel has been carefully selected and worked by skilled craftspeople, creating a fine cutting instrument. The company's products have received a good reputation from England or Germany, countries with long traditions of fine blades work.
On site at their factory, the work area is completely enclosed in glass so that visitors can see the craftspeople work through the windows. The 3rd generation owner of the company decided to make the factory an open one because craftspeople skill is the result of decades of work and he wanted to show people their dedication to their work and the essence behind the products.
Special Report 3: Ironware Teapots Straight Out of History
In our final segment, we head to Iwate Prefecture, which has been producing a type of ironware known as Nambu Tekki for around 400 years. We take a look at their efforts in reviving a traditional industry.
Nanbu ironware came from the Nanbu clan feudal lord's efforts to spread tea ceremony to educate the residents of his territory.
It all started when the lord called over a kettle maker from Kyoto to make one for use in tea ceremony. The technique of ironware making is designated as one of Japan's representative traditional crafts.
Iwachu, the top Nanbu ironware maker boasts a lineup of over 1800 different kinds of products. The majority of the ones made for the domestic market are black or dark brown, but these colorful ones are favored in Europe and the United States. The company is hoping to raise interest and the status of Nanbu ironware within Japan by promoting its use overseas.
Special Report 2: Speakers that Really "Rock"
Then for our second segmen
Special Report: Pouring Craftsmanship into Your Morning Coffee
We visit a manufacturer of glassware for medical and laboratory-use, which still uses hand-blowing techniques. In this "Special Report" segment, we take a look at their original coffee dripper.
This company called Koizumi Glass Seisakusho manufactures a hand-blown coffee dripper that looks like it's made out of two cone-shaped flasks connected as one. The product's name, "Minowa Ni-chome Nell Dripper" comes from the address of the company's Tokyo headquarters address. The coffee dripper has been well-received at stores selling coffee equipment, due to its resistance to heat and especially for its handmade feel, which sets it apart from other products. Poured into this coffee dripper is the spirit of traditional craftsmanship and much time and effort, all in the hopes that an equally carefully brewed cup of coffee can be enjoyed and the weakened glass industry be perked up.
On Site: LOGIS-TECH TOKYO 2012
Logistics is the field of moving things quickly and efficiently. It's important to a number of industries and literally makes our world go round. We sent Mai Ishikawa to LOGIS-TECH TOKYO 2012 to find out what's new in the world of logistics.
Schedule: Sep 11-14, 2012
Location: Tokyo Big Sight
LOGIS-TECH TOKYO is one of the largest Material Handling and Logistics trade show in Asia. More than 400 companies exhibit including Japanese leading companies and over 120,000 logistics related visitors from all over the world. Featured at the event are RFID tags, energy efficiency, robots, and many more examples of the new technologies being incorporated into innovative logistics systems. Faster and more efficient systems make business sense, but even more importantly, they make it safer for workers in factories and warehouses.
+Style: Kimonos Cut From A Different Cloth
We introduce Kimonos made of denim that can be worn casually, just like jeans. We check out how well these unique creation
On Site 1: CEATEC JAPAN 2012 Part-1
In this "On-Site" segment, we have for you a two-part report from CEATEC JAPAN 2012. In part one, Brian Hughes takes a look at advancements in ultra-high quality television technology.
Schedule: Oct 2-6, 2012
Location: Makuhari Messe
CEATEC is Japan's largest consumer electronics exhibition. This year, the show had about 160,000 visitors who came to check out what's new over 5 days. Although Japanese electronics companies have recently been facing tough business prospects, they're at CEATEC in full force, showing off their latest products and technologies.
Especially, television sets are the centerpiece of the show with all the major manufacturers displaying their latest and greatest models. Many prototypes are displayed here, but there are also products already available on the market. Prepare to be mesmerized by some amazing advances in image quality.
On Site 2: CEATEC JAPAN 2012 Part-2
CEATEC isn't only about consumer products; it's also about innovative new technologies designed to make future products better. In part two of our "On-Site" segment, Brian shows us more highlights of the exhibit.
Schedule: Oct 2-6, 2012
Location: Makuhari Messe
Consumer electronics advance so rapidly, it's sometimes hard to keep up. It's also hard to tell which advances are here to stay and which to stay away from. Advances in appliances and electronic devices are very visible, but what aren't so visible are the steady advances in the electronic components that comprise them.
At CEATEC Japan, we check out some appliances and electronic vehicles that communicate and can be operated with smart phones, innovative car navigation systems and hard-disk drives, eco-friendly products such as compact fuel cells and low-power consumption speakers, as well as a crowd favorite: "Murata Seisaku-kun", a self-balancing robot, among many others.
Gadgets: A Camera with a Touch of Femininity
Electronic products like digital camer
Special Report: Next Generation Power Generation
On this "Special Report" segment, we take a look at an amazing little product that uses gas to produce electricity on a small scale but very efficiently. It's a very small gas turbine engine for robots or household generators.
IHI Corporation is known for its world-class technology, which it uses to produce commercial jet engines. The company developed an ultra compact power generator unit, which uses the same gas turbine technology found in jet engines. The gas turbine unit is 8 cm in diameter, 12 cm long and weighs 1.2 kilos. It is the smallest in the world. So small in fact, that it fits in a container just a little larger than a briefcase. Despite its diminutive specs, it can output 400 watts of electricity for extended periods of time. The turbine spins at the high speed of 330 thousand rotations per minute, yet it sounds surprisingly quiet. It's still a prototype, but it might not be long until this compact generator is commercialized.
On Site: Home Care & Rehabilitation Exhibition
We sent Brian Hughes to have a look at the 2012 Home Care & Rehabilitation Exhibition. You'll see the best of what's available for the lives of the elderly or disabled on this "On-Site" segment.
Schedule: Sep 18-20, 2012
Location: Tokyo Big Sight
Japan has one of the highest life expectancies in the world but it also has a declining birthrate. That means that the percentage of the population over 65 is on the rise. In fact some projections estimate that it will pass the 25% mark within the next ten years. A number of companies gathered recently in Tokyo to display the newest technologies in the field of home care and rehabilitation. The displays featured an amazing array of care and rehabilitation products, as simple as a walking stick with an innovative and ergonomic design, to sophisticated devices including a robot that will gently lift up your body, various progressive types of wheelchairs and many other devices
Special Report: Zero Carbon House Project
We take a look at a house that was built by a group of Japanese researchers with the goal of eliminating CO2 emissions over its entire life cycle. This was made possible using technologies and materials that already existed.
The reduction of CO2 emissions is a long-term global goal, but unfortunately there has been surprisingly little reduction in overall CO2 emissions in the housing industry. That's why researchers started experimenting with a new way of building homes and came up with a pretty impressive house. The name of their project is LCCM, which stands for Life Cycle Carbon Minus. Their goal is to eliminate carbon dioxide emissions during the life span of the house, from when it is built to when it is torn down. They hope to achieve this goal within 30 years. This house is a demonstration model which is regularly open to the public. There are 20 sensor devices located throughout the home so that visitors can easily see the amount of sunlight, room temperature and energy conservation.
On Site: JISMEE 2012 : Japan International Small and Medium Enterprises Exhibition
We visit a tradeshow which features products, technologies and services developed by start-ups and small-to-mid-size companies. Join us as Brian Hughes discovers an amazing variety of the latest products, technologies and systems.
Schedule: Oct 10-12, 2012
Location: Tokyo Big Sight
Many industrial innovations occur not in large companies, but in small or medium sized ones. While many of the companies are quite small, their ideas are big, and they're all hoping for a chance to make them even bigger.
The tradeshow featured a wide variety of products born from such ideas, including a miniature EV developed to be used to train young developers joining the auto industry, colorful titanium bolts born from a personal hobby, a compact clean room that is energy-efficient and portable, a new robotic hand which can be attached to already existing
Special Report: Kibiso Silk - Following a New Thread in the Tradition
For this "Special Report" segment, we visit silk producers in Yamagata who attempt to revive a trade that was once the pride of Japan. They came up with exciting new products to bring back the tradition of silk its former luster.
Decades ago, silk products used to be the star performers of Japanese exports. However, the silk industry was hit hard by globalization and it is now on the decline. There are currently only two factories producing silk from silkworm cocoons in Japan. Even so, a new venture has begun to make new silk products, including bags, scarves, book covers and other small accessories. The product line is called "kibiso", a word that refers to the first threads that come out of the cocoon. These threads were once used in cosmetics when production levels of silk were higher. However, with production decreasing over the generations, they just became a waste byproduct. The inspiration for these new creations came when a textile designer looking at a bundle of "kibiso" lying in a corner of the factory decided that it shouldn't go to waste. And now, it is being recycled into secondary silk products with a casual feel and a lightness of weight that are a prefect fit for our times.
On Site: Interior Lifestyle Living 2012
Interior Lifestyle Living is a trade show that is held twice a year: once in the spring and again in the fall. Mai Ishikawa reports "On Site" to give us the update on what's new in the world of interior design.
Schedule: Oct 17-19, 2012
Location: Tokyo Big Sight
The fall edition of the show features interior products from around the world, including tableware, furniture, lighting, textiles and designer appliances. Many of these products were the results of innovative ideas, such as flexible partitions made of wood, stylish aluminum vases for flower arrangement, door chimes with sweet and soothing sounds and Japanese traditional crafts combined with moder
Special Report: Celebrating the Richness of Woodworking
We visit a new type of custom order furniture shop located in a former lumber district of Tokyo. Come and discover the endless possibilities of wooden furniture on this "Special Report" segment.
Shinkiba is an area located near Tokyo Bay that was once a lumber town. Even nowadays, many different kinds of wood can be found here, each with a distinct look and feel, along with experts who know different ways of working with wood. This is the ideal location for a shop like "Flags Shinkiba". The studio-style shop is full of wooden products with natural finishes, including cups and saucers, desks, and even lights. All of the items are handmade by craftspeople using domestically cultivated wood. One of the aims of "Flags" is to create one-of-a-kind items involving the participation of the customers. Thanks to its location, this shop lets people discover the culture and richness of woodworking.
On Site: International Optical Fair Tokyo 2012
In this "On Site" segment, our own far-sighted reporter Brian Hughes went to the International Optical Fair in Tokyo to see what the world's eyewear companies have in store for us in the coming year. Tag along for a closer look.
Schedule: Oct 22-24, 2012
Location: Tokyo Big Sight
This show is all the rage among eyewear enthusiasts. 520 exhibitors from 20 different countries displayed a wide range of stylish eyewear products. Everywhere around the show floor, designers and manufacturers proudly promote their latest innovations, including state-of-the-art materials like carbon fiber and "metal rubber", stylish eyeglass frames for kids, lightweight frames you can assemble by hand, a machine that automatically cuts lenses and even a pair of glasses that fold into a card-sized case.
Gadgets: A Compact EV Made for Urban Travel
A major automobile manufacturer has developed a new short distance commuter compact electric vehicle. Join us on our "Gadgets" segment an
+Style: Tableware You Can Cook with
We take a look at a new line of porcelain tableware that is meant to save space, water, energy and time. Find out how you can use this highly functional tableware in our "+Style" segment.
This simple white dishware is part of a new line of products called "OSORO" by Narumi ceramics. The silicon parts which come in seven different colors serve as lids to hermetically close it for refrigerator storage, or can be used to stack plates and bowls when heating in the microwave. This means that this porcelain dishware is heat resistant enough for the microwave and can be directly served on the dining table. Not only is it convenient, it's also simple, elegant yet strong. Another strong point of the series is that they can be stacked to save space in the cupboard. During development, the company found that a 55-degree angle was the most stackable. All the materials to make porcelain starting with the clay are part of an integrated manufacturing process. Accuracy and uniformity in size are a very important part of the "OSORO" series and each dish is measured with a special gauge. The result is a perfect shape manufactured with industrial precision.
On Site: Japan International Machine Tool Fair 2012
We sent Brian Hughes to the 26th Japan International Machine Tool Fair. From robot to cutting-edge tools, the machines at this event are attracting attention from all over the world.
Schedule: Nov 1-6, 2012
Location: Tokyo Big Sight
On Great Gear, we often visit the factories that produce the items in our stories. It's interesting to find out how things are made, and it's fun to see the machines in operation. However, sometimes you may wonder where the machines come from. The answer is right here at the Japan International Machine Tool Fair. Machine tools serve as the foundation for many industries. State-of-the-art electronic products and airplanes must be made with single micron-level precision, and this requires machine too
Special Report 1: Farming Beneath a Dome
In our first "Special Report" segment, we take a look at a uniquely shaped plant factory, which is up and running in one of the devastated areas from the Great East Japan Earthquake. Within its dome is a circular vegetable cultivation stage.
This is a dome-type plant factory produced by a company named Granpa. Curly lettuce is grown inside this 29-meter diameter dome. A maximum of 14,000 heads of lettuce can be grown in one dome. The harvest varies according to the season, but roughly 250 to 400 heads of lettuce can be picked a day. For now, eight domes have been up and running since September 2012 at Rikuzen Takata Farm in Iwate prefecture. The company that developed them already had one operating in Kanagawa prefecture which is what led to the interest by Rikuzen Takata City. This dome allows the planting of seedlings while standing up straight, which is impossible when planting things outside. The strong point of the plant factory is that it can supply a stable amount of vegetables every day with a constant quality. Additionally, post-harvest work is also relatively easy, as the inside of the dome is always kept clean. The dome plant factory different from the square ones is the product of a number of ideas. It foretells the future of farming and also brings hope to the devastated areas.
Special Report 2: Cotton Comes to the Rescue
After the tsunami struck the araes in 2011, rice paddies in the area were submerged under salt water for an extended period of time, making the cultivation of rice impossible. In our second "Special Report" segment, we check out how cotton could save farmers in the disaster stricken area.
The agricultural land in Miyagi prefecture that was flooded by the tsunami in 2011 has since then been cleared, but nothing grows there. But now there is a ray of hope for the area, coming in the form of cotton. No more than three months after the disaster, local farmers teamed up with businesses
