Tokyo Times

Photographs from a small group of islands

Technology Stuff

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A triumph in design

After the success of its horse and Maiko themed bras, Triumph International has managed to up the ante even further with its new skin bra. This state-of-the-art bra is made of silicone, and if that isn’t enough for you, it is available in transparent and beige.

So without further ado, here’s a picture of the skin bra in all its glory. Which just so happens to be modeled by a young and attractive model.

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A marvelous combination of technology and design I think you’ll agree. I was so impressed I bought one of each colour. Despite that the fact that I don’t possess man-breasts, and have never had a penchant for wearing women’s underwear.

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Cool clothing

The jacket pictured below is decidedly uncool in a fashion sense, but when it comes to the hot and humid Japanese summer, it’s the coolest clothing out there.

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The clever people at PC2B have equipped the jacket with 2 fans that send a current of air through the garment, helping to reduce body temperature. By wearing it you may appear to possess the physique of a sumo wrestler, but at least it will stop you sweating like the proverbial pig.

Here’s hoping that air-conditioned underwear is next on PC2B’s list.

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The Chroino canter

Whilst humanoid robot technology has been rapidly advancing over the last few years, one distinctive feature of all of the robots has been their rather awkward knees-permanently-bent gait.

Or I should say it was. As Robo garage of Kyoto University has managed to produce Chroino, a robot that swivels its hips while it walks. Giving the little robot a natural swagger. Which after this technological breakthrough, its makers will surely be copying.

Unfortunately no videos seem to be available, but here’s a picture of Chroino mid-stride.

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And here’s another just for good measure. This one of the robot striking a pose that highlights in no uncertain terms who is really the boss.

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Penny-pinching pictures

“If digital shoplifting keeps up, our books won’t sell.”

Yoshihiro Maruoka, operator of Kobunkan Shoten bookstore, on people who use cell phone cameras to photograph pages of books and magazines.

It’s not uncommon to see people standing in line outside a shop or restaurant that is having a sale of some kind. And that’s fair enough I guess, as there is nothing wrong with seeking out the odd bargain. But isn’t going through all the trouble of photographing a book or magazine taking being careful with one’s money to new and previously uncharted depths?

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Pet protection

“The chip will prevent thoughtless owners from abandoning their pets.”

Naoto Kitamura, a Lower House member and licensed veterinarian, on a proposed law to make chip implanting mandatory in pet dogs and cats.

The chip is said to send out the animal’s location and a distress signal when it simultaneously finds itself near a sack, a piece of sting, a heavy object, and a large body of water.

Or so I’m led to believe.

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Smallest internet-capable phone in the world?

Tuesday saw Japan’s largest mobile phone provider, NTT Docomo, unveil what the company is claiming to be the world’s smallest internet-capable mobile phone. The 1.9 cm thick Premini, is a measly 9 cm long and 3.9 cm wide. And weighs in at a waif-like 69g. This new model is said to be aimed at males in their 20’s and 30’s, who want a phone with just the minimum of functions. With minimum possibly meaning everything except a camera!

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Whilst the last few years have seen mobile phones increase in size to accommodate their ever expanding range of functions, recently a few basic models similar to the Premini have been released. What they lack in functions, they make up for in size and coolness. Like AU’s decidedly stylish infobar phone.

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