For those who watched the Tokyo 2020 Olympics opening ceremony live, you may have noticed a swarm of lights near the end that eventually formed a giant Earth. Those lights are actually a swarm of 1,824 drones that eventually segued into a rendition of John Lennon’s song “Imagine,” performed by Angelique Kidjo, Alejandro Sanz, John Legend, Keith Urban, and the Suginami Children’s Choir. Unfortunately, there’s no word yet on what kind of drones were used in the show. Read more for two videos and additional information.
Photo credit: Medium
The previous internet speed record of previous record of 178Tbps set a year ago has just been obliterated by a team of researchers at Japan’s National Institute of Information and Communications Technology (NICT). They managed to transfer data at an astonishing 319Tbps by using advanced fiber optic technology with a 4-core optical fiber of 0.125 mm standard outer diameter. Read more for a short news segment and a bonus video.
Unlike other pens, the Erasable Circuit Marker lets you draw with conductive ink that can light up special sheets of paper. This means that soldering and creating electronic circuits may become a breeze due to the electrical connections. That’s right, you’re able to draw electric circuits quickly and easily, thanks to the company’s patented AgIC nanoparticle silver ink. When two points connect on a sheet of paper, you’re able to create a working electric connection. Read more for two videos and additional information.
The Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency (JAXA) has partnered with Sony, TOMY Company, Ltd. (Tomy Company), and Doshisha University to develop a transformable lunar robot. This innovative robot will be ultra-compact and ultra-lightweight capable of traversing in the harsh lunar environment by employing the miniaturization technologies of TOMY Company as well as Doshisha University. Read more for an additional picture and information.
Soya no Sohi, also known as Azusa Gakuyuki on Twitter, gained thousands of fans on social media platforms as a young motorcycle enthusiast traveling the scenic roadways of northern Japan. This social media influencer traversed through mountains, beaches and the countryside on Yamaha sport bikes. What most did not know is that Soya was actually Yasuo Nakajima, a 50-year-old man who used the AI-powered FaceApp to transform his face in every shot. Read more for a video and additional information.
Developed by the MA Corporation, the Katsugyo Bag has nothing to do with the handbags that people carry around, but is rather a portable aquarium of sorts. It’s properly equipped to transport live fish, whether it be from the market or your home, while an small gauge on top shows the water’s oxygen saturation. This device is separated into two body sections, enabling you to remove the aquarium, store the fish, and then connect it to the main section before turning on the power. Read more for a video and additional information.
Japanese billionaire Yusaku Maezawa has started the dearMoon Project, opening the application process for eight civilians to join a week-long expedition to fly by the Moon on SpaceX’s Starship in 2023. This trip for the lucky few that are chosen will be funded entirely by Maezawa, who leads this mission based on his curiosity and desire to see and appreciate the Earth from afar. There are only two conditions for the applicants: each person must demonstrate a potential for individual growth from this mission, along with the ability to support the fellow crew members who have the same potential and vision. Read more for the announcement video and additional information.
Universal Studios Japan has finally lifted the embargo on Super Nintendo World, and to celebrate, we get to see two of its attractions – Yoshi’s Adventure and Mario Kart: Koopa’s Challegen – up close. If you hate spoilers or are planning to head there yourself in the near future, these videos should probably be skipped. It’s not yet open to the public, but Universal Park News Today managed to get access as a press outlet. Read more for two videos and additional information.
Even though the PlayStation 5 was released on November 12, 2020, it’s still sold out everywhere, so when a new shipment arrives anywhere, chaos ensues. This includes Akihabara’s Yodobashi Camera, and rather than use a lottery system or restrict purchases to the store’s special credit card holders, they offered the 300 consoles as first come, first served, this time around. Let’s just say that things got so rowdy that police needed to be called in. Read more for two videos.
Photo credit: LEAD
Nestled in Hokkaido’s northern mountain range, the cozy YEZO retreat aims to be both eco-friendly and comfortable at the same time. To accomplish this, it boasts a combination of wood, stone, water, and light in its construction to help visitors have a serene reflective experience during their stay. Whether it be the central concrete chimney or curved roof made from glue-laminated timber beams, its minimalist build earned it the 2020 Golden Pin Design Award. Read more for a video and additional pictures.