Another lead for Japan over USA - Digital TV for Cell Phones

Wired News: Japan: Digital TV for Cell Phones:

Once again in the Mobile world, Japan and other parts of the world are leading over USA. Japan just introduced digital TV over public airwaves that can be received by cellphones with a special receiver. Unlike attempts in USA, this service is FREE and is broadcasting regular TV channels - ones that people are used to watching at home. Verizon's and Sprint's attempts to offer some limited video on demand lags far behind. Besides, why go for internet based streaming video when you can do it over the airwaves.

Mobile to replace cash and plastic in ten years?

Mobile to replace cash and plastic in ten years?

At least in Japan it might happen. Already you can use your cell phone (kei-tai denwa) to buy train tickets, purchase drinks from a vending machine, etc.

Tags: japan, credit card, electronic wallet, mobile, cell phone, payment, cash

http://whatjapanthinks.com/2006/03/28/mobiles-to-replace-cash-and-plastic-in-ten-years/

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Japan's 'second virgins' are camels in a dry spell - MSN-Mainichi Daily News

This is very interesting - with 50% of women not marrying till 30 and so many of the above 30 males becoming virgins - Japan is in for major demographic troubles ahead

Japan's 'second virgins' are camels in a dry spell - MSN-Mainichi Daily News: "year "

Quote Details: Pierre Beaumarchais: It is not necessary... - The Quotations Page

"It is not necessary to understand things in order to argue about them."
- Pierre Beaumarchais, French businessman & comic dramatist (1732 - 1799)

I guess this must be most bloggers' swan song - that includes me by the way, so please no angry comments. Just kidding - taking a break from serious blogging.

technorati tags: blob, blogger, blogging, quotation, cynical

Shunbun no Hi - Vernal Equinox Day

March 20 or 21 is the Vernal Equinox Day - celebrated as the Start of Spring Season in Japan.

Akihabara Station

Japan March 2006 007, originally uploaded by sanjaykalra.

The station itself is quite nondescript - belying Akihabara's reputation as the world capital for glitzy electronics.

Lighted path to Epson Aqua Stadium in Shinagawa, Tokyo

Japan March 2006 016, originally uploaded by sanjaykalra.

In Japan it's christmas lights all year round - yet they are the most efficient users of enegy in the developed world - two reasons really - one, high density housing, and two, mass transit system.

Toyota I-Swing: Geneva Motor Show 2006

I-Swing, you swing, we all swing for I-Swing :-)


This working demo of what Toyota calls the I-Swing sure tilts and balances a lot like a Segway, except instead of standing, you are seated in a cushioned chair. It is also a car, said a Toyota executive from Tokyo speaking through a translator. Unless something was lost in the translation, the vehicle will be street legal like a motorcycle, he said.

Geneva Motor Show 2006

Hina Matsuri (Girls' Festival)

Hina Matsuri - Explore Japan - Kids Web Japan - Web Japan

March 3 is Hina Matsuri (Doll Festival or Girls' Festival), when people pray for the happiness and healthy growth of girls. Families with young daughters mark this day by setting up a display of dolls inside the house. They offer rice crackers and other food to the dolls.

Technorati: Favorite Buttons

Technorati has introduced a new Favorites feature - you can add upto 50 blogs to your favorites - and you can share your favorites with the world. Try this feature by clicking on the button below - if you want to add my blog to your favorites.