Cheap Snacks are back!!!

Dagashiya, small mom and pop stores, have almost vanished with the rise of convenient stores all over Japan. Some may still remember those stores where you spend your childhood buying cheap candy from an old lady or gentleman. Well they are making a comeback thanks to retro trends in Japan.



Read whole article here

Hair in Japan!!!

Shampoo advertising in Japan often features blond foreign women, but now Japanese cosmetics giant Shiseido has launched a new campaign with the slogan "Japanese women are beautiful". Advertisers believe that this will give Japanese women more confidence and see local models as rolemodels instead of trying to look overseas.

This can have a significant impact of the advertising scene in Japan. Shiseidos Tsubaki emerged No. 1 in shampoo sale rankings, a victory for the Tokyo-based company used to trailing Unilever, P&G and Japanese rival Kao Corp.

Well, I think many of us have know this secret for a long time. Japanese women are beautiful!



Courtesy of Shiseido

A sweet battery by Sony!!!

Sony has developed a new battery that runs on glucose (sugar) extracted from grape juice and sport drinks.

The battery is capable of breaking down the glucose and generate 50mW of power, enough for a Mp3 player and a set of small speakers.

This new Bio-Battery is pretty cool, but still a little too big in my opinion. It will be interesting, once they can reduce it to a portable size or even integrate it into mp3 or CD players.



Courtesy of Sony

If you want to watch the click here Japanese

A sweet battery by Sony.

A new Internet Japanese style!!!

Communications minister Yoshihide Suga said Japan will start researching and developing technology for a new generation of network to replace the Internet.

It is planned to get this technology ready for 2020 and a variety of organizations including businesses, academia and the government will be involved in the process.
They are trying to create a technology that is faster and less susceptible to virus and breakdowns.

It sounds like an attempt to revolutionize the market again and establish Japan as the technology leader. I just wonder how far other countries can go in the next 12 years. Will their idea be that good once we get to 2020?

Courtesy of Japan Times

Cupnoodle in a can!!!

If you love Ramen noodles, then you might have had cup noodles more then once. In Japan they have taken it now a step further, offering "Ramen in the can" that can be bought in vending machines. Yes, vending machines!

It seems like in Japan you can get everything in vending machines. I personally haven't tried these noodles in a can yet, but the idea seems good. Any of you have tried it?

It makes you wonder what else is going to be available in vending machines.



Courtesy of Mainichi News

Drunk driving - no thank you!!!

Nissan has developed a new concept car with breathalyzer-like detection systems to lower the number of drunk drivers and accidents.

The alcohol-detection sensors check odor, sweat and driver awareness, issuing a voice alert from the navigation system and locking up the ignition if necessary, basically the car won't let you drive if you are drunk. I bet many parents would love this technology in their kids car, or maybe it is the other way around.

Nissan says that it expects to offer this technology for mainstream markets in the next few years. Check out the video.

Project your mood!!!

Feeling exhausted after a long day? If yes, the new projector UMINE by Takara Tomy might be the right thing for you. This LED projector displays various "atmospheres" as ocean, beach, forest, etc. To make the experience even better you can connect it to an audio player and add relaxing sounds.

Sounds good, doesn't it. I wonder what else can be projected?



Courtesy of Akihabaranews

Brush and rinse - All in one!!!

Forget about using your hands to get water and then rinse your mouth after brushing your teeth. The Brush and Rinse toothbrush allows you to do both. Its' design allows you to first brush your teeth and then just flip it and it redirects the flow of water up to your mouth. Smart isn't it? This product can't be found yet in department stores as it's only a prototype at the moment. If you really need to have one, $1750 will get you one (There are only 27 on the whole planet). For the creative ones, I guess you can use it to consume a beverage as well, just pull it out in a bar. I am sure you will get some attention.




Courtesy of Ubergizmo

Bug Capsule!!!

Children in Japan seem to have a special fascination for bugs. They are mini scientist that can teach even many adults about insects. Rhinoceros bettles are common pets and kids spend time searching for them in nature. To make things easier BANDAI has launched environmentally friendly bug copies that come in "gachapon" capsules. A variety of beetle copies can be purchased at vending machines for ¥200. And believe it or not, the replicas are made of biodegradable biomass chips.

So if you don't live near any forest or piece of nature, with these replicas, your child can still be a proud owner of a giant bettle.



Courtesy of Bandai

Uniqlo expanding!!!

If you have been in Japan you might be familiar with Uniqlo. Their stores have been popping up everywhere. With Japan being known for step prices, Uniqlo has found its niche offering good quality clothes at very affordable rates. By keeping it simple and comfortable they remind us a little of GAP. Well, now they are planning their international expansion more aggressively and maybe you will see a store pop up in your neighborhood. The formula seems to be: "Keep it simple and affordable". Retailers around the world watch out, a fierce competitor is around the corner. Do you own any Uniqlo products? I do, and the price-value relationship is hard to beat.




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Paper pets hit the Japanese market!!!

D-Torso products, created by Japanese Designer Yuki Matsuoka have been around for some time, but are now hitting the mainstream market with their pet line. For years they have been selling mannequins, but the new variations added to the product line have allowed them to significantly increase their sales. Laser cutting technology makes it possible to recreate accurate copies. Besides getting a new item for your home, you can enjoy putting them together yourself.

And these animals you don't even have to feed, just don't try to take them for a walk in the rain!



Courtesy of D-torso

New Japanese Art!!!

A new type of art is becoming increasingly popular in Japan. You could say history meets the modern world with young artist expressing their particular views on the canvas. It will be interesting to see how this type of art will influence other mass products and if designers of consumer products will adapt this trend.



Akira Yamaguchi

Courtesy of Mizuma Art Gallery

Nutritionist on hold!!!

Do you want to know if your meal is healthy and fits your diet? Now you can subscribe to a service that will allow you to do that. Just take a picture of your meals with your cellphone and send them to your assigned nutritionist.

An Osaka business is now offering this service. Within three days you will get advice from a nutritionist about the nutrients and calories of the meal, and even some recommendations to make adjustments in case it does not fit your diet.

This idea could be easily transferred to other countries and we know which ones are especially in need of an obesity remedy. The Osaka business does not have a website, but myfoodphone in Canada has one available.

The price is right!!!

The Japanese do not seem to have a shortage of ideas. Now you can find supermarkets with digital price labels (LCD). They are controlled from a central location and allow instant changes to either increase the price or offer a discount. This new device saves time, as employees don't have to make labels manually anymore. Furthermore, they are solar powered, "Mother Nature" says thank you.

Not bad, don't you think? Any of you have seen these already? If yes, at what stores?



Courtesy of dannychoo

Refreshing cucumber!

How about a cool Pepsi and a cucumber to refresh yourself in the hot Japanese summer? Well, now you can have both in one. Pepsi has launched early this summer the new Pepsi Ice Cucumber. Yes, you heard right, Pepsi with cucumber flavor.

Sounds strange, but initial sales went through the roof for this new beverage. Pepsi made 200,000 cases and expected it to last one or two month, but after just two weeks they were all gone. If you were lucky enough to try one, let us know how it tastes. It makes me wonder what is next, radish flavor?

Sampling welcome!

The cosmetics market in Japan is highly competitive and buying high quality products can be pricey. Therefore, many consumers would like to test a number of products before purchasing them. However, when trying samples in a department store many customers feel pressured by the sales people and this can ruin the shopping experience.

Club-C has opened a number of sampling salons that invites customers to take their time and try as many products as they want. They have knowledgeable consultants present that will answer any of your questions without pitching a sale. Customers can purchase their products later at a traditional counter or over the internet.

I wonder how many people go there to get their daily make-up for free?

LED Ambiente!

Do you remember hunting fireflies during your childhood? I still remember those summer nights spending all night watching fireflies light up. Well, good news if you would like to go back in time.

Sunnoda has created the Hotto suru Hotaru, meaning “relaxing fireflies”. The traditional bamboo cage with vegetation and three LED fireflies is close enough to the real thing. Powered by two AA batteries it lasts up to 200 hours. There are two versions available ranging from ¥3780 to ¥5040 (about $31 to $42).

I can imagine putting one on the balcony and enjoy a nice drink while relaxing. If you spot some on balconies while walking the streets, let us know.




Courtesy of CScout

Silicone anyone?

Feeling lonely? Well I guess the good old fashioned blow-up doll is out. If you have a fetish (who am I to judge what you do in your freetime)and have some extra cash on hand, for ¥599,000 (about $5,000) you can order the G-Body from Silicon Arts. 149cm it is pretty much life size. Well if you need it and want it, it is available. I guess it can also serve to shorten the morning commute. Just put it on the seat next to you and use the carpool lane. Don't forget to send me a picture of the police officer when he stops you and please don't send me a bill for the ticket.



Courtesy of dannychoo

Sushi, kids play?

Like Sushi, have kid, Bandai might have created the perfect product for you. Cooking related toys for girls are a hot trend and for about ¥3000 ($25) you can buy the Nori Maki Maki. Enjoy making sushi with your little girl and why not with your boy too. Cooking is not just for girls. I may even buy one for myself. Yammy, sushi all day long.



Courtesy of Diginfo

Super H2O anyone?

German beverage giant Adelholzener has launched a new super water in Japan. Energy drinks and supplements are very popular in Japan and the new Oxygen02 water may be the next big thing (time will tell). This enriched water contains 15 times the Oxygen levels of normal water and a dose of calcium, magnesium, and citric acid. It is also available in a variety of flavors. Do we really need all that oxygen? Why not just taking a deep breath, it's cheaper. I have not tried this water yet, but would love to hear from anybody that has. Does it give you wings, like another famous product?



Courtesy of Adelholzener

Getting close!

Projectors are useful, but they have their limitations. Sanyo has come up with a new projector that will change this business in many ways. The LP-XL50 allows you to project a 80inch image pretty much anywhere. But that is not what makes it so special, regular projectors need to be placed at a considerable distance from the wall or screen, but this one needs just 8cm (a little over 3 inches).

Furthermore, you can project images from an angle and not just in a straight line. This will avoid those shadows on the screen when your teacher walks through the room. For stores with limited space this innovation allows new advertising strategies. How about projecting your new products on the wall. To be honest, I would like one for my room, but at ¥600,000 (around $5,000) the LP-XL50 is still a little steep for me. Maybe if you guys visit my blog often, I can get one for Christmas.



Courtesy of Sanyo

Got Light?

Designer Hironao Tsuboi saw the light when he thought of the lamplamp.

Why creating a fancy and complicated shell when the traditional lightbulb can be so cool.This 30W lamp is available in the U.S. for $28 at Unicahome. Might sound high for a lighbulb, but this can add that little special touch to your room. Priceless, don't you think?




Courtesy of Unicahome

Keeping employees awake?

For the boss that wants his employees to stay awake, the new Visiomate by Thanko.

Well the original idea is to help people maintaining their posture in front of the PC and not to get too close to the screen. This device can be plugged in through a USB port and will alert you with a sound if you get too close to the screen. Sleep alarm or posture assistant? You be the judge. Maybe its useful for those hours after a heavy lunch.




Thanks to Ubergizmo

Blu-ray meets Camcorder

It is expected that Hitachi is releasing this year the worlds first Blu-ray Camcorder.
Some of the specs: 8cm Blu-ray recorder, 5.3 megapixel CMOS sensor that is capable of recording at full 1,920 x 1,080 resolution. The price is expected to be around ¥250,000($2000). Not the cheapest toy, but I am sure that it will be worth it for some of you. We all look forward to the videos about new trends that you will send!


Hitachi has done it!

Thanks to 3Yen

For the hot summer !!!

A lonely summer at the beach? This towel may, or may not, make you feel better. Guys, I don't think it will be a chick magnet, but it may be a conversation starter or good for a laugh. At least some people may ask you to take a picture of it. Just one question to the inventor. How do you lay on this towel, on your back, or face down?



Image from Lee

I am all ears!!!

Ear cleaning anybody? The next thing in personal hygiene!!!

Tired of using simple ear cleaning sticks. Well in Japan you can go high-tech even when it comes to cleaning your ears. Check out this clip, pretty interesting.

Welcome!!!

Welcome All to Trends in Japan,

I hope that you will enjoy reading and participating in this blog. No matter if you are searching for business ideas or just want to be up to date with what is going on in the land of the rising sun, this blog is for you.

I am looking forward to your feedback and posts.

Arigato

Hector G.