Norm Nakamura of Tokyo Lens stumbled upon Eno in Japan, a bizarre, yet innovative, self-driving AI taxi for up to three people at once. It stands around 2-feet-tall and comes equipped with LiDAR sensors, cameras, as well as lights for nighttime use.
Japanese toy manufacturer MegaHouse, in collaboration with Iriso Precision Company, has created the world’s smallest functional Rubik’s Cube, and it measures just 0.50 cm tall. Why? This creation celebrates the 3D combination puzzle’s 50th anniversary.
Fujitsubo’s Snowkel might be the strangest exhaust system we’ve seen yet, but it does serve a specific purpose. It was designed to route exhaust fumes through the layer of snow and into the atmosphere during a blizzard, or worse, an avalanche.
You’ve seen Max Verstappen’s old Civic Type R, now one of the earliest examples could be yours for the right price. This showroom condition 1998 Honda Civic Type R was imported from Japan with 53,000-miles on the odometer, and has already reached $40,000 USD at auction, with 2-days left on the listing.
Komatsu Global unveiled an autonomous underwater bulldozer with an all-electric powertrain at CES 2025 this past week. This isn’t just a prototype either, as several are already in use building showcases for Expo 2025 in Osaka, Kansai, Japan.
Photo credit: Kyoto University
JAXA’s (Japanese Aerospace Exploration Agency) LignoSat was successfully deployed from the International Space Station in December 2024. Researchers are using it to investigate the use of wood in space and the findings could one day offer a more sustainable alternative to conventional satellites.
Osaka University researchers, led by Hisashi Ishihara, have developed a robotic child capable of demonstrating lifelike facial expressions, albeit somewhat sleepy ones. More specifically, the team worked on dynamic facial expression synthesis technology using “waveform movements,” which represents various gestures that constitute facial movements.
Universal Studio Japan’s new Donkey Kong Country expansion at Super Nintendo World has opened to the public, and aside from all of the new merchandise as well as food, the main attraction is most certainly Mine Cart Madness.
Legendary video game designer Shigeru Miyamoto provides us with a first look at the new Donkey Kong Country Land in Super Nintendo World at Universal Studios Japan. Slated to open on December 11, 2024, guests will not only be able to enjoy several new attractions, but also themed food offerings as well, including the DK Wild Hot Dog.