Japan Press Magazine July 2016

JAPAN There’s a Box?

July 2016

Japan.Co.Jp

JOEY SLICK

Rocks Japan’s

Rakuten FM 89.1

THE COOLEST OF COOL JAPAN SEX * COMMUNITY * FASHION

www.JapanPressMagazine.com - 1

JAPAN PRESS MAGAZINE JULY 2016

Table of Contents

COOLEST OF COOL JAPAN! WINNER: The Archelis Wearable Chair

by Nitto

“Doctors, dentists, and even sushi makers — professionals who spend a lot of time on their feet – all wanted something that allows them to physically relax somewhat while not halting work.” -- Takuya Sato

Ministering

the Masses:

DJ Joey Slick Finds Tokyo’s Groove on Page 42

2 - JAPAN Press Magazine

08 New 4K Video Tech ‘Sees’ in the Dark 10 Towards Decommissioning Fukushima: 11 Japanese Consumers ‘High’ on Cannabis Oil 12 Superfoods Are Coming to Breakfast 16 Decorative LEDs Titillate the Senses 17 Big Hong Kong Expos Deliver Eye-Popping Tech 18 Waterproof LEDs Safe Enough for Fish 20 High-Tech FiltersRedefine Water Purity 22 Clif Bar Blazes a Trail in Japan 24 Toying with the Heart, and Other Body Parts 25 Micro Drones: Tiny Toys Pack Cool Features 26 Hydrogen Stations Taking Root in Japan 27 Why Do Tomatoes Smell ‘Grassy’ 30 New Cycling Gear Promises More Safety 32 Doctors Prescribe the Wearable Chair 38 Materials Research Unlocks Tech Marvels 39 Vietnam Eyes Top Outsourcing Status 40 Micro Lenses Help To Revolutionize Medical Exams 41 CO2 Microbubbles May Cure a Bad Mood

DEPARTMENTS 46 48 50 53 54

Jobs In Japan Community Groups Booth Babes!

Cool Japan Companies Calendar of Events www.JapanPressMagazine.com - 3

Stand and Deliver Bradley L. Bartz, Publisher

Dear Prime Minister Abe,

JAPAN PRESS MAGAZINE JULY 2016 JapanPressMagazine.com JapanPressNetwork.com JAPAN.co.jp JPN.co.jp

Japan Press Network KK

1848 Hiari, Isumi-Shi, Chiba-Ken Japan 298-0002 Phone: 03-4578-9370

I want to open a business in Japan, but I can’t open a bank account. I want to hire a staff and find, push, and polish the news, but without the account, 24454 Hawtorne Blvd Torrance, CA 90505 I can’t pay them. I also want to sell advertising space, but I can’t invoice.

Phone: 1-310-373-3169

Is Japan open for business? Really? It sometimes seems hard to tell. My own company has faced multiple rejections in setting up a business ac- BRADLEY BARTZ publisher publisher@JPN.co.jp count to process simple transactions.

BRADFORD FRISCHKORN editor

We at Japan Press Network K.K. (JPN) can wait. No matter how long it editor@JPN.co.jp takes, we will find a way to publish Japan Press Magazine. We will report on the news, and find the ‘Cool Japan’ companies and products that de- KYU CHAH advertising serve attention. This is our mission. advertising@JPN.co.jp My first attempt at this month’s Letter from the Publisher was innocuous, merely a regurgitation of the stories in this issue. From Nitto’s wearable chair, winner of our monthly Coolest of Cool Japan award, and amazing ‘pill camera’ technology, to red-hot DJ Joey Slick, all that seemed to make sense. But I’ve since been advised that a forum such as this could and should be given more credence to air higher level viewpoints and commentary on pressing issues.

Upon reflection, I’ve come to realize that the concept of freedom of the press is under assault in Japan. For 2016, Reporters Without Borders ranks the country at No. 72 on its list in terms of ease of information access to journalists. Just six years ago, before Mr. Abe took office, Japan ranked No. 11. That’s one heck of a fall from grace. See for yourself at https://rsf.org/ en/ranking. Coincidence?

JAMES GIBB, Classifieds, Jobs and Events jobs@jobs.co.jp LI XIAO, Chinese Editor Li@JPN.co.jp SAORI AOYOGI office office@JPN.co.jp TOMOKO SAKAI art director neko@JPN.co.jp SIMON MANSFIELD space & systems space@JPN.co.jp MEG SIMMS intern

For a nation of such awesome economic power, world-renowned tech- meg@JPN.co.jp nology, impressive public safety and admirable war-renouncing posture, certainly Japan can do better than 72. South Korea is 70th. Argentina is 54th. Can you guess where former apartheid-embracing South Africa is?

Try 39th.

1 Year is just 10,000 yen in full color or 6,000 yen for black & JAPAN Press Network, K.K. is a Japanese company founded by three U.S. white -plus postage - Please email: subscribe@JPN.co.jp citizens with decades of living, loving, learning, earning (and tax-paying) Please include your name and address. We will bill you with experience in this impressive nation. Yet, somehow, the label of ‘foreign your first issue!

Subscribe today!

press’ feels almost derogatory. Why can’t banks allow firms such as ours access to business accounts in order to do our jobs? We’re the kind of gaijin (foreigners) the country should welcome to help jump-start this economy!

We hope our readers can see and appreciate our point of view. We welcome any and all commentary. Oh, and enjoy the July issue!

Bradley Bartz, publisher 4 - JAPAN Press Magazine

Incredibly small print that says nothing. No claims. No Boasts. Just that we are doing a job that we love and we hope you like it too. Take care and Gambare! Some publications will put circulation numbers here and someday we will too. Right now we are a startup. So the readership as of this moment is 6. We hope you understand that we will work very hard. Thanks again.

Copyright © 2016 Japan Press Network KK JapanPressNetwork.com ISBN-13: 978-1533184733 ISBN-10: W1533184739

JAPAN NEWSMAKERS

“It’s easy to overlook the “Removing fuel debris from the reactor contamibenefits of high quality nant vessel is one of the top priorities for decomdrinking water, especially missioning (the reactor).” –Ryuta Kasada when people suddenly find themselves without it. But first off, it needs to taste good.” -- Muneaki Furukawa

“For people into video recording and filmmaking, the graduation to UHD represents another quantum leap.

Security and surveillance geeks, especially, want to be on the cutting edge.” – Koichi Tamura

“Japan has a long-standing tea-drinking culture, and green tea (ocha) has many similar benefits (as the moringa leaf), although to a less concentrated degree.” – Masato Kataoka

“Tail lights that flicker are not new, of course. But a deceleration flicker is different and signals a speed change.”

-- Min-Hyeon Seong

Min-Hyeon Seong,

“The idea with the Tittle was to create a consumer grade LED lamp that is both practical and entertaining.” -Kinsen Au

“Customers like the elegance of the design and the relative ease of use.

The cleansing effect is thorough, and those with acne and sensitive skin can really feel the difference.”

-- Ryousuke Koseki.

“Historically, Japanese ART OF WAR THE called can be ‘onigiri (rice ball) snackers,’ so the concept of consuming a portable power bar is not totally alien.” – Yasushi Yamada

The plethora of cool gear (and the aggressiveness of the largely Chinese salespeople pushing it) made it abundantly clear that not all trade fairs are equal.

“The (Iwatani) Tokyo (hydrogen refueling) station only services about 10 vehicles a day, so it’s not exactly a mecca for traffic yet.” – Toru Komatsudaira

“Refined cannabis products are still relatively new to Japan, and consumers are just starting to come around to them. There are some stigmas to overcome, so it’s an education in progress.” -- HidetakaYamazaki “Keep them small, quiet and airborne, and it’s easy to see how toys like these can be used for mischief.” – Justin Chan

“In 10 years we might see a 10fold increase in LED power efficiency and even better luminescence.” – Hitoshi Tatsuno

www.JapanPressMagazine.com - 5

6 - JAPAN Press Magazine

www.JapanPressMagazine.com - 7

New 4K Video Tech ‘Sees’ in the Dark

By Bradford Frischkorn

The capabilities of rapidly developing 4K video technology are turning night into day, and claiming a place once ruled by only by infrared and night vision equipment. Engineers at Sony think they have reinvented a new night owl.

Koichi Tamura

In many respects, Japan is the granddaddy of cutting-edge video development. Lavishly subsidized by the state since Tokyo hosted the Tokyo Summer Olympics in 1964, Japan’s “Hi-Vision” specifications finally received the blessing of the International Telecommunications Union (ITU) as the global studio standard in 2000. Since then, high-definition TV (HDTV), the commercial equivalent of Hi-Vision, rapidly became the broadcast standard in most developed countries.

Actual Image

While the upgrade over prior media tech was truly revolutionary, evolution continues apace. Following an explosion in the market for HDTV-quality video equipment over the last 20 years, steady price falls have allowed 4K ultra high-definition (UHD) technology to make serious inroads in television and consumer media from 2015.

SNC-VB770 image

Sony SNC-VB770 surveillance camera with Zeiss 35mm f/1.4 lens

8 - JAPAN Press Magazine

The difference between HD and UHD is significant on many levels; for the viewer, 4K UHD’s 4320p quality contains over 8 million pixels versus just over 2 million pixels for standard HD 1080p resolution, resulting in unprecedented clarity. UHD’s 16:9 aspect ratio (the same format seen in movie theaters) remains the same as HDTV. “It will take some time before UHD broadcast quality takes root as the norm,” says Sony sales engineering manager Koichi Tamura, present at Sony’s display booth during Security Show 2016, an exposition held at To

kyo Big Sight in Odaiba from March 8 to 11. “Still, for people into video recording and filmmaking, the graduation to UHD represents another quantum leap. Security and surveillance geeks, especially, want to be on the cutting edge.”

Sony’s newest, hottest commercial UHD camera is the squarish, black, innocuous-looking 700g SNC-VB770 network surveillance unit. Equipped with a 35mm full-frame CMOS sensor, it can take both 4K video and 12.2-megapixel color photos amid light as faint as 0.004 lux (a moonless clear night sky registers at .002 lux).

Sony’s ‘E-mount’ architecture maximizes the performance of the sensor, keeping resolution high across the entire image area. The camera also allows for a good deal of customization and flexibility, as Sony grants permission to third-party manufacturers to create lenses without having to pay royalties.

Since 2011, Sigma, Zeiss, Voigtländer, Rokinon, Zunow, Tamron and others have crafted new lenses that can be used with Sony’s machine. Earlier this year, Sony also launched its own G Master brand of interchangeable lenses.

says Mr. Tamura.

In a dark viewing room at the expo, Sony’s UHD camera generates screen images imperceptible to the naked human eye, turning a near-pitch black moonless nature scene into clearly identifiable terrain in full color-reminiscent of professional, perhaps even military-grade night-vision equipment. Meanwhile, a competing HDTV screen of the same scene remains nearly completely dark.

“Anyone who’s ever used even an infrared camera to see in the dark knows that even that technology can be unreliable. However, (Sony’s) new surveillance camera…takes night vision to a whole new level,” says tech review site Videomaker.

The SNC-VB770 is fully networkable, outfitted with connectivity for Wi-Fi, LAN, HDMI port, audio input, sensor input, and alarm output. Plans call for commercial availability from August at a price of about $7,500. The quality of the unit’s imagery-thanks to Sony’s world-class lead in sensor technology--should offer significant value over rival makers, adds Mr. Tamura.

Other features include ‘intelligent cropping,’ which lets users crop images in 4K resolution from multiple images at the same time with simultaneous video streams. In dynamic mode, the camera can detect and track moving objects automatically. The camera’s ‘intelligent scene capture’ feature also allows for automatic adjustments and adaptations in picture quality depending on time, weather and lighting conditions.

“Upgrading to 4K UHD can pose memory capacity problems due to the high pixel density, so the cropping function can save a great deal of disc space, and let the camera to focus on only what matters to the operator,” www.JapanPressMagazine.com - 9

Towards Decommissioning

Fukushima:

‘Seeing’

boron distribution in molten debris

by Staff Writers

Decommissioning the Fukushima Daiichi Nuclear Plant just got one step closer. Japanese researchers have mapped the distribution of boron compounds in a model control rod, paving the way for determining re-criticality risk within the reactor.

To this day the precise situation inside the Fukushima Daiichi Nuclear Plant is still unclear. “Removing fuel debris from the reactor contaminant vessel is one of the top priorities for decommissioning,” says lead author Ryuta Kasada of Kyoto University.

Stainless steel tubes filled with boron carbide are used to control energy output in boiling water reactors, including at Fukushima Daiichi, as boron absorbs neutrons resulting from splitting atoms.

With such control rods functioning properly, nuclear fission occurs at a steady rate. In an extreme situation, such as during the Fukushima accidents, where overheated vapors come in contact with the rods, boron reacts with surrounding materials like stainless steel to create molten debris.

“When melting happens, phenomena like relocation occur such that the boron atoms - trapped in the debris accumulate towards the bottom of the

10 - JAPAN Press Magazine

reactor,” explains Kasada. “This can lead to a lack of control agents in the upper core structure and thus a higher risk of re-criticality in those areas.”

“It’s crucial to get a picture of how boron atoms are distributed inside the reactor, so that we know which areas have higher risk of re-criticality. It’s also important to know the chemical state of boron, as some boron compounds can affect the formation of radioactive materials released to the environment.”

Kasada and colleagues filled a model control rod with steam at 1250 degrees Celsius to imitate conditions of a severe nuclear accident. The team then mapped the distribution of molten boron debris and simultaneously determined its chemical state with a soft x-ray emission spectrometer, in which they combined a new diffraction grating with a highly-sensitive x-ray CCD camera, equipped to a type of scanning electron microscope.

The boron compounds - including boron oxide, boron carbide, and iron boride - each showed different peak structures on the x-ray spectrum.

“Previously this was only possible to visualize in large synchrotron radiation facilities. We’ve shown that the same is possible with laboratory-sized equipment.”

“This finding demonstrated on a micro-scale what needs to be done in

Fukushima,” says Kasada. “This can’t yet be applied in the field, but in the meantime, we plan to visualize the chemical state of other elements so as to create a sound materials base for decommissioning Fukushima.”

Fukushima nuclear meltdown caused hydrogen explosion Research paper: “Chemical State Mapping of Degraded B4C Control Rod Investigated with Soft X-ray Emission Spectrometer in Electron Probe Micro-analysis” will appeared 10 May 2016 in Scientific Reports, with doi: 10.1038/ srep25700 Compilation of control rod cross-sectional images, showing results of high-temperature steam oxidation. Japanese researchers have mapped the distribution of boron compounds in a model control rod, paving the way for determining re-criticality risk within the reactor.

Image courtesy Kyoto University

Meanwhile, the market for pot-infused products such as lotions, balms, shampoos and lubricants has exploded.

Japanese Consumers ‘High’ on Cannabis Oil

By Bradford Frischkorn

Despite living in a country with tough marijuana laws, Japanese consumers are nevertheless getting increasingly ‘high’ on cannabis oil. Researchers at Arthur Corporation are hoping that the buzz lasts.

From its base in Aomori Prefecture in northern Japan, the company, which turns two years old in October, has developed a line of therapeutic oils and gels that it hopes will benefit from current, more liberal thinking about uses for cannabis. Arthur reps attending the CareTEX 2016 exposition held at Tokyo Big Sight from March 16-18 found themselves busy fielding inquiries from a steady stream of passers by.

The expo preceded by a month a plethora of festive, annual 420 (“four-twenty”) celebrations held across the U.S. and elsewhere on April 20 to observe increasing recognition of both recreational and medicinal uses for the plant. At present, just 21 of 50 American states maintain a complete ban on cannabis production and consumption, while a growing number have decriminalized recreational use and/or recognized prescription use. Four states have completely liberalized local laws, resulting in a proliferation of farms and dispensaries to satisfy bur-geoning demand.

Arthur moisture gel

“There’s nothing weird or dodgy about our products!” jests Arthur Corporation general manager Hidetaka Yamasaki, enthusiastically greeting guests to his booth. Arthur’s flagship edible oil

Arthur oil

product, which is not psychotropic, helps to stimulate and rebalance the human body’s own endocannabinoid system (ECS), a group of receptors in the brain and central and peripheral nervous systems involved in regulating appetite, pain sensation, memory, and immune system functions.

The key ingredient in the oil is cannabidiol (CBD), one of over 100 active cannabinoids identified in cannabis accounting for up to 40% of the plant’s extract. CBD is thought to have wide potential medical applications. Arthur Oil retails for ¥16,000 per 50ml bottle; one drop held under the tongue for 90 seconds per day is usually enough for the average user, says Mr. Yamasaki.

Recent research has shown that particularly among the elderly, ECS deterioration can be addressed with cannabis oils, including the regulation of blood sugar and blood pressure levels, he adds.

On the topical side, Arthur Moisture Gel is absorbed through the skin for localized relief of pain, inflammation, as well as muscle soreness and tension.

It contains silk peptides, which function as moisture-binding agents and help the skin to repair itself, while extracts of hibiscus, jojoba, hybrid rose, and argania spinosa kernel oil serve as conditioners and emollients. A 50g bottle, recommended for both children and adults, sells for ¥10,000.

Industrial cannabis has a long, albeit uncelebrated history in Japan, particularly in the north, where it had been used in weaving, rope-making, and for ceremonial rituals until it was largely banned in 1948. Japan’s legal stance on marijuana, the more psychoactive form of cannabis with higher tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) content, has remained one of the toughest in Asia, with even small amounts of the drug warranting lengthy prison terms or deportation.

Still, the market for cannabis looks set to grow rapidly. In the U.S. alone, where consumption is highest, the legal marijuana industry was on pace to generate $10 billion by end-2015, and up to $29 billion by 2019, according to Marijuana Business Daily, an online news site. Still, only one-third to one-fourth of that total is seen coming from sales of the plant itself; ancillary products and services fill in the balance.

“Refined cannabis products are still relatively new to Japan, and consumers are just starting to come around to them,” says Mr. Yamasaki. “There are some stigmas to overcome, so it’s an education in progress.”

Hidetaka Yamazaki www.JapanPressMagazine.com - 11

Superfoods Are Coming to Breakfast

By Bradford Frischkorn Breakfast foods are increasingly not only healthier, but super healthy. Fans simply call them “superfoods.”

Japanese importer Brilliant Earth Co. is hopeful that a dietary revolution is brewing in our morning tea. Based in Ehime Prefecture, some 800km southwest of Tokyo, the firm holds an exclusive nationwide distributorship for a range of healthy foods, including Moringa oleifera, which has garnered worldwide fame in recent years.

known as the Drumstick Tree or Horseradish Tree, has developed a reputation in native India, Pakistan, Bangladesh, Afghanistan, and Africa, where the leaves, bark, flowers, fruit, seeds, and root are used to make medicines. The powdered leaves contain 46 types of antioxidants, four times more calcium than milk, seven times more vitamin C than oranges, three times more potassium than bananas, and four times more vitamin A than carrots. Antioxidants are known to guard against cancer and degenerative diseases.

WebMD notes that Moringa also serves as an effective natural treatment for anemia, rheumatism, asthma, cancer, constipation, diabetes, diarrhea, epilepsy, intestinal ulcers, high blood pressure, and kidney stones, as well as a host of bacterial, fungal, viral, and parasitic infections.

used tea bag contents into milkshakes or salads.

“Orders are pretty strong for Moringa, as its nutritional reputation has begun to spread,” says Mr. Kataoka, who is also a licensed pharmacist. “Japan has a long-standing tea-drinking culture, and green tea (ocha) has many similar benefits, although to a less concentrated degree.”

Brilliant Earth tries to bundle Moringa with another up-and-coming superfood: the African Baobab fruit, recognized as one of the most nutrient-dense whole foods on the planet.

Completely organic, it dries naturally on the branch, and boasts more antioxidant content than any other fruit.

In terms of Integral Antioxidant Capacity (IAC), Healwithfood.org scores Baobab at 11.11 versus kiwifruit (0.34), oranges (0.10), strawberries (0.91), and apples (0.16). In powdered form, Baobab sports a slightly sweet, citrus flavor. Brilliant Earth has been marketing it for about the last year.

‘ Masato Kataoka

Brilliant Earth President/CEO Masato Kataoka dutifully manned a booth at the CareTEX 2016 exposition held at Odaiba in mid-March, doling out samples of Aduna Moringa Green Superleaf Powder to interested guests.

Moringa looks much like Japanese macha, a finely granulated and relatively expensive type of tea used in ceremonies and official occasions.

“Moringa can be blended into smoothies, or simply drunk like regular tea,” says Mr. Kataoka. “It really doesn’t matter; the health benefits don’t diminish no matter how you prepare it.”

Although it remains relatively unknown in the West, Moringa, also 12 - JAPAN Press Magazine

Baobab seeds and powder

Perhaps ironically, it is also touted to both increase sex drive, boost breast milk production, and prevent pregnancy.

Dissolved into hot water, the taste is slightly bitter. Nutritional site miracletrees.org recommends putting the

Moringa and Baobab superfood powders

Moringa leaves

“The Baobab is lesser known than Moringa, and probably works best as an additive, mixed in with pancake batter, cereals, granola, or spread on fruit,” says Mr. Kataoka. Considering the high fiber content (about eight times that of the Japanese gobo (burdock) root, we think people will get used to it over time.”

Brilliant Earth markets Aduna Moringa Green Superleaf Powder at ¥2,000 for a 100g canister (a 25-day supply), and Baobad Superfruit Powder at ¥2,000 for 80 grams (a 20-day supply).

www.JapanPressMagazine.com - 13

Big Hong Kong Expos

Deliver Eye-Popping Tech

By Bradford Frischkorn

Between Japan, China, Korea and Taiwan, Asia remains the place to watch for technology fans.

A trio of sprawling events in south China in mid-April put an exclamation point on this fact, where the 13th edition of the Hong Kong Electronics Fair (Spring Edition), and the International ICT Expo were held concurrently from April 13-16 at the Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Centre.

Meanwhile, the Global Sources Electronics Show opened across town at the AsiaWorld-Expo venue next to Hong Kong Airport from April 11-14.

The first two events, sponsored by the Hong Kong Trade Development Council (HKTDC), routinely rank among the largest annual summits in Asia. This year, they welcomed nearly 93,000 buyers from 145 countries and regions, up 1.3% from the prior year.

The Global Sources show hosted some 3,500 booths, and regularly sees over 50,000 guests.

The importance of the combined slate of events to local business was certainly not lost on city authorities. At Hong Kong airport, porters busily queried newly arrived visitors on the nature of their stay; those answering “expo” were passed swiftly through customs inspection, bypassing dozens of other travelers.

At the fair venues, 3D printing, audio-visual tech, digital imaging, electronic gaming, fitness and beauty, in-vehicle electronics & navigation systems, office automation, robotics, security products and wearable electronics were among the top product categories.

Japan Press Network was able to take a look at all three Hong Kong events, 14 - JAPAN Press Magazine

and will report on some the most interesting gear and industry trends in future pages of Japan Press Magazine and at http://www.jpn.co.jp. Some of the more tantalizing products are worth mentioning here, however, including: -- some of the most elegant prototype 3D printers ever seen (from Apparatus and Qingdao Unique Products) -- a brainwave-sensing headset that lets users control toys, play games, and de-stress (courtesy BrainLink) -- the “Baxter,” the world’s first dual-arm collaborative robot designed for manufacturing (Rethink Robotics) -- the “MAD Gaze” Android-based smart glasses that allow total handsfree computer multi-tasking (Mad Mad Group) -- the most innovative next-generation of baby monitors seen yet (Binatone) -- a smart wi-fi video door phone system (Kenxen) -- shoe insoles with embedded health monitoring modules (Jufeng Trading) -- a tiny infrared thermometer perfect for keeping tabs on toddlers and ill children (Odoyo) -- the Alpha 2 app-controlled Intelligent Humanoid robot (UBTECH) -- self-stabilizing electric unicycles and hoverboards that come with warning labels (Easy Wheel and JKing) -- the world’s smallest racing drone (RotorX) Needless to say, the collective buzz in Hong Kong over all the new technology was electric; Global Sources even hosted a “Gaming Zone” and an “Electric Personal Transporters Experience Zone” at its event that offered test drives of the newest gadgets, drawing

throngs of would-be buyers anxious for a try.

The plethora of cool gear (and the aggressiveness of the largely Chinese salespeople pushing it) made it abundantly clear that not all trade fairs are equal. On the surface, Chinese-style expos also differ from Japanese shows in that they lack so-called ‘eye candy’ (pretty booth girls and models) which are usually staples at Tokyo events.

Still, what they lacked in formality, they made up in content and vitality.

And there will always be room for improvements!

Shoegoo.co.jp www.JapanPressMagazine.com - 15

Decorative LEDs Titillate the Senses

By Bradford Frischkorn

A marriage of imaginative cell phone apps an a nifty LED design promises to turn the living room into an animated digital art space.

Hong Kong-based SPIN-R Ltd. may have developed one the coolest electronic decorations of the year with its cube-shaped, programmable, Wi-Fi controlled, light- and sound-reactive Tittle Light. The company featured several display models at the Hong Kong Electronics Fair (Spring Edition) held in mid-April, where they turned heads in the expo lobby.

The soccer-ball sized translucent cubes are housed within smoked glass, and come equipped with a built-in mic and 16MB flash memory. The units contain 512 RGB LEDs which can entertain with a variety of custom 3D animations, including mood lighting, digital and analog time displays, lighting patterns synchronized to music,

and personalized animated emojis.

All of the features can be controlled and manipulated via downloadable cell phone app compatible with iOS or Android systems. No assembly is needed.

The company put two years into developing the cubes, and completed its crowdfunding campaign period through Indiegogo in April. May 2016 has been targeted for the start of full production, with deliveries expected by the fall.

“The idea with the Tittle was to create a consumer grade LED lamp that is both practical and entertaining,” says SPIN-R CEO Kinsen Au. Several of the lamp’s features are immediately striking. Romantic mood lighting mode includes settings such as ‘sunset’ and ‘fireplace’, while other modes can display simulated fireworks and confetti. In weather mode, the Tittle can simulate lightning, rain, and snow.

Emojis allow for the display of several facial expressions. Users can create and save customized emojis on the mobile app or design their own 3D animated emoji through Tittle’s web platform.

Emojis created on the web automatically save to the user’s mobile app library, after which they can be sent to other Tittle users.

“We think the creativity that the Tittle affords will really help to make it popular,” says Mr. Au. “The emoji messaging capability in particular allows owners to actually communicate with each other, which is exciting.”

The Tittle Light represents a design departure for Spin-R, a six-year old company that had thus far focused solely on making high-end watch-winding devices. From Hong Kong headquarters, executives manage manufacturing in Shenzhen and communicate with a design team in Los Angeles. It is targeting a retail price of around $369 per unit.

Kinsen Au 16 - JAPAN Press Magazine

Tittle Light LED cubes

AVAILABLE ON AMAZON J/E and E/J Translation Services: 12 yen per word, more if highly technical Press Release Writing - From 50,000 yen.

Press Photography - From 100,000 yen Advertsiing Design and Copy Writing - Starting at 12,000 yen per hour RePrint Service - 10,000 yen per article pdf for internal use.

JPN Newswire - 100,000 yen per month for use of our original content in your media or company newsletter. Specific coverage reqeusts for media accepted.

Videoography - From 400,000 yen for filming and post-production. TV Quality Capable.

Welcome to Reef Break Retreat An Exclusive Ocean-Side Getaway

Situated in a small, terraced valley overlooking the Pacific Ocean, Reef Break Retreat is the ideal getaway from the hustle & bustle of Tokyo.

Reef Break Retreat offers the opportunity to chill out in a beautiful Japan Market Research - Starting at 15,000 per hour Yurt situated in a glorious garden. Reef Break Retreat also includes - drill specifically to your needs. a private Cabana and Bar as well as a large Rotemburo (Japanese hot tub). Relax to the sound of waves breaking on the reef, and awake to Advertising Servcies - Cost +17.5% for the identifi- birds singing in the garden.Located near Ohara in Chiba Prefecture, cation, placement and management of ads. only 71 minutes from Tokyo Station.

Japan Market Entry Consulting - Starting at 36,000/hr

Coolest of Cool Japan

www.reefbreakresort.com

www.JapanPressMagazine.com - 17

Waterproof LEDs Safe Enough for Fish

By Bradford Frischkorn

Commercial LED development continues to percolate into niche markets around the world. But fish tanks?

Osaka-based Japanese LED maker Meton Co., Ltd. has been making a living off the trend for the last several years. The 28-year old firm specializes in a range of industrial LED fixtures, including models suitable for underwater and high-moisture environments.

Rather than aquariums, however, most of the firm’s clients are farmers who see the benefits of low power consumption, low heat emission, and the increased safety that LEDs bring, says Meton CEO Hitoshi Tatsuno.

“In enclosed areas where livestock such as cattle, pigs, and chickens are kept, moisture levels are not only high, but the buildup of ammonia and methane gases also pose special risks that LEDs

18 - JAPAN Press Magazine

are far better at reducing than any other light sources,” he says.

Waterproof LEDs have also found a domestic niche in nurseries where high moisture is necessary to grow certain types of edible fungi, such as maitake, shiitake, and other varieties of mushrooms, he adds.

Agricultural uses for LEDs, in fact, may have just begun to be tapped. At Osaka Prefecture University’s state-ofthe-art GNG City Farm, 13,000 LED modules produce 5,000 leafy green vegetables each day. The facility is seen as a prototype upon which the global growth of urban farms may be based.

For Meton, promotoing LED units in such markets has been the mission for the last four years.

“We started in Kyushu (southern Japan) and have traversed the country up to Tohoku (the northeast). Almost all the major farms in Japan have now switched over to LEDs in some form,” says Mr. Tatsuno. “The only unconquered area left is Hokkaido.”

Meton’s largest 7kg LED unit generates up to 27,600 lumens at 260 watts, and can withstand temperatures ranging from -30C to +50C. An aluminum/ polycarbonate cover keeps it insulated from the elements. It sports a waterproof rating of IP65, enough to withstand high-pressure water projected from three meters. The average lifespan is about 50,000 hours.

The problem for manufacturers and sellers, as with all LEDs, is that once installed, little to no maintenance is needed for about 10 years. The built-in longevity has pushed Meton to offer a B2C line of fixtures to complement its B2B business. To this end, decorative indoor and outdoor lighting has shown potential, such as in rural locations, where gardens at scenic ryokan (inns) can be safely illuminated at night using low power, 2-watt lamps with no worries about fog, dew, or rain.

LED technological development is also far from finished. Promising advances in purple LED research may eventually make today’s blue LEDs (on which current white light technology

is based) obsolete, say some scientists.

White light efficiency is higher when converted from purple LEDs, while lighting distribution is more uniform, and color accuracy is higher.

The incentive for such study remains high in Japan, where electricity continues to be expensive in the wake of the 2011 Tohoku earthquake and tsunami that forced the shutdown of most of the nation’s nuclear reactors. As of 2015, the average price for Japanese power was $0.28 per kilowatt hour (kw/h), at the high end of the global scale. Australia ranked highest at $0.49 kw/h, with Germany at $0.33, the U.S. at $0.18, and China ranking near the cheap end at $0.11, according to data portal Statista.

“If cost savings are good enough, switching into tomorrow’s technology might be even wiser,” Mr. Tatsuno says. “In 10 years we might see a 10fold increase in LED power efficiency and even better luminescence.”

Low-watt garden-use LEDs

Hitoshi Tatsuno

“In 10 years we might see a 10-fold increase in LED power efficiency and even better luminescence.”

– Hitoshi Tatsuno

www.JapanPressMagazine.com - 19

High-Tech Filters Redefine Water Purity

By Bradford Frischkorn

How pure is pure? When it comes to drinking water, Japanese technology is helping to reset the bar.

Engineers at Syouei Wellness Co., Ltd. have developed a purifying machine that can turn the dirtiest cup of swill into a refreshing beverage. It may not be the same as turning water into wine, but for evacuees and victims of natural disasters who find themselves without access to urban amenities, it could be a godsend.

Trade winds pushed most of the debris away from land, but most parts of eastern Japan still suffered some form of contamination. And while few cancers are expected as a result of the radiation exposure received by the public, the nation’s third nuclear incident (counting the atomic bombings of Hiroshima and Nagasaki in 1945) has served to keep intergenerational nuclear awareness high. Iodine poses a special threat to public health because it has a high fission yield and accumulates readily in the thyroid in mammals, especially children, according to pediatricians.

Mr. Furukawa notes that the company fields about 100 inquiries per month for the water server. “The radiation fear is not going away, while there is increased awareness of the benefits of enriched hydrogen drinking water, as it really makes people feel better over time,” he says, acknowledging that long-term studies on hydrogen have yet to be completed. Early data look promising, however, and may include an array of benefits, including an increase in antioxidant enzymes that prevent aging, as well as improved glucose metabolism. The Syouei Wellness ma-

The Tokyo-based company showcased its flagship enriched hydrogen water server at the CareTEX 2016 exposition held in mid-March at Odaiba, Tokyo.

The 36kg standup unit is fed from tap water, and delivers cold or hot drinking water while adding vitality-enhancing hydrogen to a maximum concentration of 2.8 parts per million (ppm).

A patented modular filtering technology is what makes the machine special, as it eliminates virtual all impurities, including harmful radioactive isotopes. chine boosts hydrogen concentration by about 50% over tap water levels.

“The benefits of the machine are easy for people to understand, especially after the 2011 nuclear crisis,” says Syouei Wellness sales head Muneaki Furukawa. “It showed that not having accessto a reliable source of clean drinking water can itself be a disaster.”

Memories of the Fukushima Daiichi nuclear power plant meltdown remain indelibly etched into the memories of many Japanese. Radiation was released from reactor containment vessels, including iodine-131 and cesium-134 and -137, as a result of venting to reduce gaseous pressure and the discharge of coolant water into the sea.

20 - JAPAN Press Magazine

In addition to neutralizing radioisotopes, the server’s four-canister filtering system includes NASA-developed technology that also removes sediment, pollen, fungus, chlorine, mercury, heavy metals, and viruses while improving the overall taste. The entire system retails for ¥599,000. The filter set can be replaced for ¥24,000.

Water filtration canisters

“It’s easy to overlook the benefits of high quality drinking water, especially when people suddenly find themselves without it,” says Mr. Furukawa.

“But first off, it needs to taste good.”

“The benefits of the machine are easy for people to understand, especially after the 2011 nuclear crisis.

It showed that not having access to a reliable source of clean drinking water can itself be a disaster.�

-- Muneaki Furukawa Muneaki Furukawa

Author Madhu Thangavelu

Book Review This 578-page paperback, originally published in 2007, has been widely lauded for its easyto-read, yet detailed explanation of how the Moon could be used as a springboard for solar system exploration, starting with the history of the Apollo space missions in the 1960s.

Bold future ideas with a high degree of probability are described, including a solar power grid that wraps all the way around the Moon to generate continuous electric power, and the assembly of orbital outposts and cities. The book presents a realistic vision of human development and settlement over the next 100 years, with a plethora of benefits to global living standards on Earth.

AVAILABLE ON AMAZON www.JapanPressMagazine.com - 21

Clif Bar Blazes a Trail in Japan

“Historically, Japanese can be called foreign foods than in the past. But the ‘onigiri (rice ball) snackers,’ so the standard must be reasonably high.” concept of consuming a portable power bar is not totally alien,” says A&F sales manager Yasushi Yamada.

A shorter than usual winter, along with warm spring weather has sports and outdoor enthusiasts gearing up for an active season in Japan. Organic food maker Clif Bar & Company hopes to blaze a trail of its own in the island nation.

At ¥268 per unit, the snacks do not seem unnatractively priced. Sporting about 250 calories each, Clif Bars contain carbohydrates, protein, fiber, fat, and 23 vitamins and minerals.

By Bradford Frischkorn

A leading maker of natural energy, nutrition, and snack bars, Clif Bar’s high-carbohydate foods had already generated a loyal fan base in the U.S. before the company ventured to Japan in mid-2014. Local outdoor equipment vendor A&F has placed its lineup under an umbrella that includes 75 elite global manufacturers, including Adirondack, GSI Outdoors, Ultimate Survival Technologies, Cocoon, and Yeti.

Started in 1990 by avid bike rider Gary Erickson, privately-owned Clif Bar has grown rapidly, watching sales reach the multimillion dollar mark within several years. The firm’s products are largely organic, free of gluten, soy, dairy ingredients, trans fats, hydrogenated oils, high fructose corn syrup, artificial flavors, synthetic preservatives and GMOs. Its stable of 20 flavors includes Cool Mint Chocolate, Crunchy Peanut Butter, Chocolate Chip, Oatmeal Raisin Walnut, and Blueberry Crisp. Health magazine recently ranked Clif ’s White Chocolate Macadamia Nut energy bar, made with organic oats and soybeans, as the best and chewiest in a massive comparison test.

A steady stream of hungry people lined up to try a variety of samples at the CareTEX 2016 exposition held in mid-March at Odaiba, Tokyo, where A&F set up a booth.

22 - JAPAN Press Magazine

Yasushi Yamada

The company recommends eating one Clif Bar 1-3 hours with water before heavy exertion. They can also be consumed during lower intensity exercise such as hiking or biking to maintain energy levels.

Japan would seem to be a natural fit for Clif Bar, as the market appears to lack a true local standout. Still, Japan is not virgin territory when it comes to energy and nutrition supplements.

Convenience stores and supermarkets are typically stocked with an array of ‘eiyo dorinku’ (nutritional drinks), including the high-selling Alinamin V, Yunker Star, and S-Cup DXa. In recent years RedBull and Monster Energy have also joined the fray, experiencing some success.

Many of the top local sellers are made by pharmaceutical companies, which pack them with water-soluble caffeine, taurine and niacin, along with vitamins. Many are also geared for business people and urban professionals, and none are particularly renowned for their outright taste.

“Clif Bar prides itself on both quality and taste using whole ingredients, and that has an increasing appeal in the natural foods movement gathers momentum,” says Mr. Yamada, citing steady early sales growth as the company’s brand recognition begins to take effect.

“Dietary habits are changing as well, and there is more ready acceptance of

Clif Bar blueberry crisp (l) and oatmeal raisin walnut (r) energy snacks

“Historically, Japanese can be called ‘onigiri (rice ball) snackers,’ so the concept of consuming a portable power bar is not totally alien.”

-- Yasushi Yamada

Micro Drones: Tiny Toys Pack Cool Features

By Bradford Frischkorn

While aerial drones continue to increase in size and power for commercial use, toy drones aren’t far behind.

The pint-sized playthings are increasingly delivering some cool features for the casual user--and may point to where new and more serious applications lie ahead.

Micro drones are all the rage in China, where their concealable size, durability, and relatively low cost make them ultra-convenient, and where factories can churn them out in large numbers.

Salespeople at Shantou-based KD-Model had their hands full with interested buyers at the recent Hong Kong Electronics Fair (Spring Edition) held in mid-April. Not yet two years old, KD, a unit of Wintide Brand Ltd. has rapidly begun exporting to Europe, Japan, Korea and the United States. Its overseas affiliates include Walmart, Disney, Carrefour, and Toys “R” Us. One of the firm’s hottest selling miniature units is the palm-sized KD101 Nano Drone. Billed as one of the world’s smallest mass-production drones, the plastic 13 gram toy measures 7.5cm x 7.5cm x 2.9cm, easily fitting in the palm of an adult hand.

KD sales manager Justin Chan manipulates a joy stick that immediately sends the drone aloft, its four tiny rotors whining as it gently glides around the company’s booth at the fair. Its lithium-ion polymer (LiPo) battery can hold out for six to seven minutes of normal flight at a maximum range of about 20-30 meters.

“Young people love little drones for their cool design and amazing functions,” says Mr. Chan, as he navigates the toy’s control console, explaining some of its standard features, which

include anti-avoidance and air pressure sensors. The unit also comes equipped with a one-button automatic return function. Like all of the company’s items, the KD101 flies on the 2.4GHz frequency band, a common toy bandwidth.

For a lineup of mere toys, the Nano Drone and the rest of KD’s micro drones sport other impressive attributes for their size, including an auto hover mode, two modes of joystick play, and easy USB battery charging.

A Wi-Fi capable 720P HD camera can be linked to one’s cell phone by downloadable app to allow for real-time display of recorded still and video images.

Most of these goodies can be had for well under $35 per unit wholesale.

The convenient functions are intriguing enough to stir the imagination for how such toys might be ‘repurposed’ for more than just play, such as snooping and surveillance-jobs typically allocated to bigger, more sophisticated drones with longer battery lives and transmission ranges.

“Keep them small, quiet, and airborne, and it’s easy to see how toys like these can be used for mischief,” says Mr. Chan with a chuckle. “Although the drone industry in China is still new, we’re pretty sure that the potential is limitless.”

At the high end of its product line, the company offers larger drone kits such as the 115 gram four-rotor KD80 Modular Alien 3, which includes a remotely controllable on-board camera eye, modular battery, and a cell phone docking station on its control console.

“They’re just toys now, but who knows about tomorrow?” muses Mr. Chan.

“The late (Apple Computer founder) Steve Jobs was quoted as saying, ‘People don’t know what they want until you show it to them.’ Just a few years ago, when the four-axis drone was still at the toy level, few people had ideas

for how to use it.” Within the next decade, the aircraft industry will be expanded and all manner of uses for drones will be implemented on a step-by-step basis, he adds.

“I’m sure that unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) will become an integral part of our lives.”

Cell phone app allows for real time video display of micro drone camera images

Justin Chan

“They’re just toys now, but who knows about tomorrow?”

-- Justin Chan

www.JapanPressMagazine.com - 23

Toying with the Heart, and Other Body Parts

By Bradford Frischkorn

“Heart models sell ok, but bones are actually more popular, followed by knees and intestines.� -- JUMBO 3D business division head Makoto Hamada

24 - JAPAN Press Magazine

Enlarged 3D human heart model

Toying with the human heart may be a sin, but it’s serious business for Japanese professionals who make life-sized organ models.

heart may sell for ¥170,000. The designs can be taken from a variety of data sources, including MRI and CTscan images.

At Yokohama-based JUMBO Co., Ltd., which specializes in replicating human organs down to the last vein and ventricle for research at Japan`s top medical schools, there is no substitute for detail.

The company is one example of how advances in 3D printing have forged changes to otherwise orthodox business models at some domestic companies. Formerly a diverse data research, printing, and marketing concern, JUMBO added custom manufacturing of everything from anatomical parts to machine components from 2013.

The 68-year-old Yokohama-based company was a conspicuous exhibitor at the MEDTEC Japan expo held from April 20 to 22 in Odaiba, where staff displayed samples ranging from lifesized models of human intestines to monkey heads.

“Heart models sell ok, but bones are actually more popular, followed by knees and intestines,” says Makoto Hamada, head of JUMBO’s 3D business division. She points to a remarkably detailed replica scale model of a human knee joint, complete with simulated tendons, ligaments, and cartilage.

The popularity of bone and joint kits is likely directly tied to Japan’s rapidly aging society, she adds, since calcium depletion naturally accompanies the aging process. And while Japan is remains a leader in average life expectancy, higher fat consumption in recent decades has also triggered higher rates of obesity, heart disease and diabetes.

Three-dimensional models help to illustrate the effects of poor diet on the human body for medical students and nurses, as well as health care professionals and insurance agents who tutor corporate employees on how to stay fit. Ms. Hamada adds that zoos are also big customers due to the need for animal research tools.

The company has also embraced drone and satellite imaging capabilities, which have allowed for the manufacture and marketing of detailed terrestrial maps for use in infrastructure development, natural disaster prevention and tourism. The company makes use of camera images taken by aerial drones, electronic topographical maps from Japan’s Geospatial Information Authority, and satellite images provided by Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency (JAXA)’s PRISM sensor.

“Clients are naturally particular about accuracy for 3D imaged products given the size, scale, and cost of projects that could be involved,” says Ms. Hamada.

“On the medical applications side, of course, it’s best to provide a realistic, yet practical look and feel for a given body part. Professionals often want to see what healthy and unhealthy versions of a particular organ or limb look like in order to make proper diagnoses.”

JUMBO markets a typical knee model for about ¥120,000, while a human www.JapanPressMagazine.com - 25

Hydrogen Stations Taking Root in Japan

cooperation had succeeded in putting over 80 of the units in place by endMarch. The goal is for 1,000 locations to be set up by 2025.

Signs of Japan’s rapid hydrogen fuel system energy rollout are finally beginning to show up on the nation’s streets. The only question now may be how fast the “H2 revolution” overtakes the land.

One of the problems hindering a wider station rollout is the high cost; hydrogen stations run about $5 million each to build, and government subsidies cover only about half of that amount.

Just as important, only a few FCVs (fuel cell vehicles) are currently in circulation.

By Bradford Frischkorn

Hydrogen refueling station maker Iwatani Corporation is planning for a dramatic reshaping of the domestic landscape as the government’s “Strategic Road Map for Hydrogen and Fuel Cells” enters its second full year this June. In it, the Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry (METI) has called for at least 30% of Japan’s energy to be derived from renewable sources by 2030.

Together with solar, wind and other technologies, many see the hydrogen fuel cell market as claiming a sizeable chunk of that future. Iwatani has already set up a handful of H2 stations around the country, including one in Tokyo’s Shiba Koen neighborhood last year. The company broke ground on a new Sendai facility last April in the nation’s northeast region.

“The Tokyo station services about 10 vehicles a day, so it’s not exactly a mecca for traffic yet,” says Iwatani senior manager and engineer Toru Komatsudiara. “It’s a bit of a ‘chicken or the egg’ scenario; either we build up the H2 infrastructure first and wait for hydrogen cars to be released, or wait for the cars to increase, then build the stations. We have adopted the former concept.”

Iwatani is not alone in preparing for the coming hydrogen fuel wave. Japan’s Big Three automakers-Toyota, Nissan, and Honda--have already pledged to spend a combined ¥6 billion ($55 million) to help operate H2 refueling stations. The public-private sector 26 - JAPAN Press Magazine

Until March 2016, the Toyota Mirai was the only mass-produced H2 vehicle on the road, and only 700 were made in the first year (production launched in December 2014). Interestingly, Toyota includes three years of free fuel for Mirai buyers in California, but not in the domestic market.

This year, Honda began sales in Japan of its Clarity FCV, which boasts a 750km cruising range and three-minute recharge time, comparable to the Mirai.

“Much will depend on national policymakers and how METI’s infrastructure plan is further refined, but we’re confident that hydrogen fuel cells have advantages that will have a long-lasting place in the overall landscape,” says Mr. Komatsudiara. “We need other carmakers to get on board quickly, though.”

Toru Komatsudiara

“The Tokyo station services about 10 vehicles a day, so it’s not exactly a mecca for traffic yet.” --Toru Komatsudiara

Nissan has been slower to the game, with CEO Carlos Ghosn appearing to back battery electric vehicles (BEVs) over hydrogen fuel cells. The company’s Leaf electric car is the global all-time best seller in its class, having already passed the 200,000 unit milestone in December 2015. Five years after its introduction, nearly 60,000 of the cars are on Japanese roads. They can also be recharged at home.

Range and recharge time remain issues with electric vehicles, however.

The Leaf can only run for about 170km before needed a recharge, which can take 30 minutes to complete.

Iwatani’s own plans call for hydrogen stations call for a westward rollout from the Kanto (Tokyo area) to Chubu (Nagoya area), Kinki (Osaka area), and northern Kyushu. Current subsidies run through 2020.

Hydrogen refueling station in Tokyo

Why Do Tomatoes Smell ‘Grassy’

by Staff Writers

Researchers identify enzymes that convert the grassy smell into a sweeter scent.

A Japanese research group has identified the enzymes that change the grassy odor of plants into a sweeter “green” fragrance. This discovery can potentially be used to grow sweet tomatoes with less of a grassy odor. These findings were published on April 29 in The Journal of Biological Chemistry.

This research was carried out by a team from the Kobe University Graduate School of Agricultural Science: Kunishima Mikiko (PhD student), Assistant Professor Yamauchi Yasuo, Associate Professor Mizutani Masaharu, Professor Sugimoto Yukihiro, Associate Professor Kuse Masaki, and Professor Takikawa Hirosato.

The aroma emitted from green leaves, sometimes referred to among plant scientists as a sweet, “green” fragrance, has been the subject of research for

many years. After one of the compounds behind this aroma (2-hexenal, known as the leaf aldehyde) was discovered in 1912, research continued to progress, and a large part of the mechanism responsible for this “green” fragrance has been clarified. However, the enzymes behind an important step in the process - the production of 2-hexenal from 3-hexenal - remained unidentified.

While 3-hexenal is classified as an unpleasant smell, 2-hexenal is a sweet aroma, so the balance between these two compounds affects the quality of food products. For example, there is a demand for the sweet tomatoes that can be produced by reducing 3-hexenal and increasing 2-hexenal. Until now the enzymes for this process were unidentified, making artificial production extremely difficult.

After referring to past research, the group decided to use peppers as their raw material. They extracted 12 micrograms of purified enzymes (hexenal isomerases) from shop-bought peppers, and identified the genes of these enzymes. The successful genetic identification led to the discovery that the

same enzymes also exist in many other plant families, including solanaceae (nightshades), fabaceae (legumes), poaceae (grasses), and woody plant species. It demonstrated that many plant species possess the ability to convert 3-hexenal into 2-hexenal.

Further experiments revealed that although tomatoes possess the genes that can create 2-hexenal, these genes are not usually expressed. The researchers then manifested the hexenal isomerases extracted from peppers within tomatoes. The presence of these isomerases caused a reduction in 3-hexenal and an increase in 2-hexenal within the tomatoes.

These findings have made it possible to artificially stimulate hexenal isomerases within plants, and use this to control the ratio of hexenals within plants.

In addition to decreasing the undesirable “grassy odor” in processed food and drink such as vegetable juices, by using the hexenal isomerase gene as a marker to select varieties where this enzyme is more active, we can potentially identify and selectively breed species which have a reduced “grassy odor”.

www.JapanPressMagazine.com - 27

28 - JAPAN Press Magazine

Mr. Warren G. Shimeall was the last gaijin (foreigner) granted a law licencein Japan. He was a salty dog and a great legal mind. He kicked ass. He also owned Condomania! A great protection racket!

Rest in Peace 1925 - 2005

www.JapanPressMagazine.com - 29

New Cycling Gear Promises More Safety

By Bradford Frischkorn

Smart designs in bicycle safety gear promise to make roads safer for riders.

A group of South Korean entrepreneurs hope to achieve that by helping bikes to mimic cars.

Headquartered in Chuncheon, a provincial capital city located east of Seoul, bike equipment maker The Beam has developed an innovative rear lamp that helps automobile drivers to better understand when a bicyclist is slowing down, and thus avoid a collision.

The circular 34-gram LED-lit unit features a built-in sensor that causes it to flicker whenever sudden deceleration is detected, just as many newer car taillights do. The strap-on light packs 65 lumens of brightness, which is enough to provide visibility from over 2km. It can be charged from USB port and has a battery life of up to 18 hours.

“Taillights that flicker are not new, of course, but a deceleration flicker is different and signals a speed change,” says CEO Min-Hyeon Seong, who manned The Beam’s booth at the Global Sources Electronics Show held in Hong Kong in mid-April. “It should be no-brainer for automobile drivers to be able to understand.”

Less than a year old, The Beam’s founders were motivated by a gut feeling that even though the population of bike riders is edging up in their home country, accident rates are not decreasing.

The Korean Herald has reported that while the overall number of traffic deaths has seen a big decline since the turn of the century, the number of cyclist fatalities in the country actually rose between 2003 and 2009, from 253 to 333. By contrast, in the more 30 - JAPAN Press Magazine

populated UK, just 122 cyclists lost their lives in 2012, the most lethal year in half a decade. The paper also noted that as of 2009 still just 13% of the country’s cycle routes were separated from vehicles and pedestrians, and that even on designated paths, cyclists must often compete with other traffic.

International statistics that show that more cyclists on the road typically corresponds with fewer fatal accidents. Cycling accounts for just 3% of transportation in Korea, versus 25% for nearby Japan and up to 43% for the Netherlands.

South Korea also ranks near the top of international statistics for all traffic-related fatalities per population of 100,000 persons.

“We thought the bike safety equipment on the market may not be attractive enough to use,” says Mr. Seong. “So we thought to make some novel improvements. Safety is our biggest concern; if we can make it cool, then we might be able to make an impact.”

The Beam offers other safety products, including a set of highly reflective stickers for nighttime use. The stickers use 3M scotchlite material, and can be mounted anywhere on the bike.

“Taillights that flicker are not new, of course, but a deceleration flicker is different and signals a speed change.”

-- Min-Hyeon Seong

The flickering taillight is available in black and white and sells for under $50 wholesale. A two-piece sticker pack is available for around $12. The company also offers a mounted battery system that can charge lights, GPS devices, and smart phones. The Beam ships globally.

Min-Hyeon Seong (l) and Jung-woo Lee (r)

JAPAN.CO.JP: Hardhat Required AVAILABLE ON AMAZON “International entrepreneurship is a tough and nasty game!

You learn it by getting kicked in the teeth, by failing, by jumping back in, building on your goofs, and winning in the end!!!!!!!!! This is a great book, written in an unorthodox, fascinating style that will give the novice beginner to the game a real insight into how the game is played - like it or not!!!!! Read it! Seek out, contemplate, then massage the lessons taught, in your mind! Bury your mind in this book and you will find tons of action oriented take-away learning points that will save you tons of grief, money and time!!!!!!!!!!! The truth about the game is in this book!!! Part of the fun of the book is the reading and discovering the lessons!!!�

Dr. Fred Kiesner Professor LMU Entrepreneurship Loyola Marymount University, Los Angeles

www.JapanPressMagazine.com - 31

Doctors Prescribe the Wearable Chair

By Bradford Frischkorn

Sitting down on the job may actually be the best way to get things done after all. And who’s to argue if the doctor prescribes it?

For designers at Yokohama-based manufacturer Nitto, hopes are riding on the notion that physicians really do know best. The 49-year-old company has developed an ergonomic, wearable chair that may eventually supplant all of its existing metal-working businesses if it catches on.

position, the archelis transfers weight from the heels, calves, and knees to the thighs, where it partially ‘locks’ to support the upper leg muscles. The result is a very comfortable, non-exhaustive, easily sustainable posture. Nitto developed the device in cooperation with Chiba University.

Such devices represent a growing wave of tech advances that are steadily gain

trophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), muscuar dystrophy, spinal muscular atrophy and other ailments.

Cyberdyne, along with other companies such as Innophys and ActiveLink, comprise a small cadre of Japanese firms rushing to the exoskeleton design market. Most of the sophisticated gear is used for helping with lifting objects while supporting the lower back region.

Nitto’s archelis remains under development, with no pricing points or official release date yet announced. Mr. Sato says the firm hopes to have the first sets on the market by year-end, however.

The firm’s custom-built “archelis” unit is made of aluminum and carbon composite parts and straps to the thighs and lower legs. Both strong and ultra-light, it allows the wearer to partially recline while remaining standing, while still allowing ample stature to perform manual tasks.

Takuya Sato, a young Nitto sales manager and one of just three dozen employees at his firm, modeled the archelis with at the recent MEDTEC Japan expo held in mid-April at Odaiba.

“Doctors, dentists, and even sushi makers - professionals who spend a lot of time on their feet - all wanted something that allows them to physically relax somewhat while not halting work,” he says. “Surgeons have been especially vocal, as they can find themselves in the operating room for long hours performing complex procedures and can’t afford to take a break.”

The archelis is unlike other current robot-assisted exoskeleton products, as it requires no external power or pneumatic system and contains no servo motors or electronics.

Strapping in and getting used to the unit is easy; in the partial reclining 32 - JAPAN Press Magazine

The archelis wearable chair

ing wider acceptance in Japan.

In November 2015, the nation’s health ministry approved the sale of Cyberdyne’s “HAL” (Hybrid Assistive Limb) for Medical Use device, a wearable walk-assist robot. The machine is designed to help patients with amyol

Takuya Sato

COOLEST OF COOL JAPAN WINNER! “Doctors, dentists, and even sushi makers — professionals who spend a lot of time on their feet – all wanted something that allows them to physically relax somewhat while not halting work.” -- Takuya Sato

www.JapanPressMagazine.com - 33

Old School Coolers Catching On in Japan

By Bradford Frischkorn

‘Old school’ cooling technology has gotten a reboot in Japan, and proving that the best way to help the masses survive the heat may mean simply scaling up a tried-and-true idea.

Portacool Japan has been importing large-scale evaporative coolers for the last three years as the exclusive Japan distributor of U.S.-based Portacool.

The Texas company entered the cooling business in 1990 and has distributors in 56 countries.

The machines work differently from typical air conditioning systems which use vapor compression or absorption refrigeration cycles, and allow the temperature of dry air to be significantly lowered at a fraction of the energy use.

The cooled air is dispersed by a large electric fan.

In extremely dry climates, evaporative air cooling has the added benefit of moisturizing the surrounding air. Portocool’s products are widely employed at U.S. military bases in the Middle East, as well as in Japan, from Okinawa to the main island. At commercial facilities, they find homes in large garages, aviation hangars, warehouses, and open air buildings.

After facing initial skepticism, the coolers are likely to see adoption for mass crowd cooling at theme parks, concerts, and at outdoor sporting events, he says. But that may just be the beginning.

The only electricity needed comes from standard wall outlets, and powers the cooler’s fan, water pump, and switch.

Waste heat generation from moving parts is almost nil. The Hurricane 370 sells for about $5,000 in the U.S. fans.

“The technology increasingly looks like a good fit for Japan, as electricity prices remain high,” Mr. Sasawatari adds. “Some Japanese offices have even switched from centrally-mounted electric coolers to evaporative systems, partially out of concern over energy costs.”

Portacool Japan actively only markets the gear from spring to fall in when rising temperatures and the annual wet season combine to produce sweltering weather. Thus, for Mr. Sasawatari and his colleagues, the job of promoting the cooling gear is essentially a part-time gig. The company both sells and rents the machines.

Portacool makes a range of machines, from the tower-like Islander unit for patio use to the newest Hurricane 370 model. Touted as the most powerful variable-speed evaporative cooler on the market, the 236cm tall, 188kg device is equipped with a 284-liter water tank and capable of generating wind speeds of up to 56kph. It can effectively cool an area up to 580 square meters, meaning that just a handful of them would be enough to chill a sellout crowd at the Tokyo Budokan venue, which holds up to 14,000 guests.

“Who knows? If global warming keeps getting worse, we may need these machines year-round in Japan,” he says. “It will become a full-time job.”

“The technology increasingly looks like a good fit for Japan, as electricity prices remain high.” --Kazumi Sasawatari

Domestically, they have begun to find acceptance in domestic factories, indoor parking lots, and at agricultural facilities, says Portacool Japan managing general director Kazumi Sasawatari.

“The cooling effect is much more gradual compared with permanently installed coolers that run on freon and other gasses, which tend to chill the air so quickly that people can become sick.”

34 - JAPAN Press Magazine

Kazumi Sasawatari

Drone Control: Taking Pride in Zero Latency

By Bradford Frischkorn

Drone operators flying over long distances or through radio traffic know that clear signal reception can mean the difference between mission success and failure. To that end, achieving so-called “zero signal latency” is the industry’s Holy Grail.

For drone equipment maker AMIMON, it’s a veritable calling card. The 11-year old Israeli company develops and manufactures HD wireless video modules that replace cable connectivity with minimal loss of latency-the delay between signal transmission and mechanical response.

Long a player in more traditional integrated circuits (IC), the company has recently turned its talents toward the exploding global aerial drone market, where sensitivity to latency is high.

One year into the start of its Japan operations, the firm ran a busy booth at the first annual Japan Drone 2016 expo held in Chiba’s Makuhari Messe last March.

“The Japan market is booming, and just like in the U.S. and Europe, more and more users are piling in,” says AMIMON customer support engineer Idan Pearl. “But with (transmission) bandwidths getting crowded, signal processing is becoming more important than ever.”

Amimon functions as an OEM, but also makes its own CONNEX brand.

One of the company’s hallmark products is the AMN 2120/2220 transmitter and receiver chipset, which allows full HD support of 1080p and 3D A/V formats at a latency of less than 1 millisecond.

The unit’s Dynamic Frequency Selection (DFS) capability is a key component of the system. DFS is a mandate

for radio systems operating in the 5GHz band, as it can identify and take action to avoid other radio transmissions that are considered primary-use or mission-critical, such as military and civilian airport radars, and some police and emergency equipment.

While there are local agencies in every country that regulate the use of RF (radio frequency) spectrum, DFS is a standard requirement of the International Telecommunications Union (ITU), and thus critical for commercial 5GHz product makers. AMIMON’s gear can be tailored for both professional and more casual users, but it makes primary use of 5.1GHz and 5.8GHz bands.

“Professional drones are expensive, and the sophisticated cameras, sensors and other gear they carry can be even more pricey, meaning that a sizeable investment can be put at risk,” says Mr. Pearl.

“For toys flown indoors, interference is not a worry. But for serious outside use, not outfitting a UAV (unmanned aerial drone) to deal with the bandwidth issue is very risky.”

The problem in Japan is complicated by government broadcast regulations, which many see as archaic. Currently, the country’s Aviation Act prohibits flying drones over residential areas or areas surrounding an airport without permission from the Minister of Land, Infrastructure and Transportation.

Flying drones at night and during public events is also prohibited.

In addition, UAVs in unrestricted areas are required to observe a 150 meter ceiling and to stay at least 30 meters from people, buildings, and vehicles.

Rule violators are subject to a fine of up to ¥500,000.

Industry players are hopeful for change, however. For example, while radio signals controlling drones are

now capped at 10 milliwatts, enough for transmitting images within around 300 meters, current proposals are calling for the limit to be lifted to 1 watt, which would allowing a range of around 5km. This would make it easier to send ultrahigh-resolution 4K video suitable for such applications as detailed scanning of roads and bridges for cracks and other defects.

AMIMON’s high-end “plug-and-fly” gear allows for viewing of recorded images in real time, and also manipulation of the camera gimbal. It requires no pre-flight calibration.

The firm counts film studios and aerial photography outfits among its major clients.

“We’re hopeful that the legal changes will come into effect by year-end,” says Mr. Pearl. “There is great potential for drones in Japan across many areas, and if the government can get more into step with industry, the country has a chance to be a real leader in the field.”

“Professional drones are expensive, and the sophisticated cameras, sensors and other gear they carry can be even more pricey, meaning that a sizeable investment can be put at risk.” --Idan Pearl

Idan Pearl

www.JapanPressMagazine.com - 35

New 3D Printer Set to Reshape Market

By Bradford Frischkorn

Still in its infancy, 3D printers are fast beginning to look like some of the artwork they produce. For newbie 3D printer company Apparatus, it could be the wave of the future.

Simplicity and elegance perhaps best define Apparatus’ new Arc desktop machine, which looks a bit like a triangular ice chest without the sides, and definitely unlike any other 3D printer.

Company co-founder and engineer Jon Buford brought a pre-production model to the Global Sources Electronics Show held in Hong Kong in midApril.

“We started with end-use considerations--what problems users have, what inconveniences they face, and what are the core features that they really use,” Mr. Buford says.

The end result was a 150mm, 2kg device that seems a good deal smaller and lighter than conventional 3D printers of comparable output. The Arc also features a full servo motor control feedback system that can ‘sense’ when problems arise, such as if the filament is not in place, if an object is blocking the production mechanism, or if the user forgets to install the print surface.

“Calibration, such as getting the printer bed at the right height and level, has been one of the ‘black arts’ of the industry for a long time, and takes practice to master,” he says. “We hope to eliminate that and thereby make the machine much easier to use.”

The Arc’s design also allows for a longer than average printing bed, and can operate on laptop computer-level power, affording a measure of portability if absolutely necessary. Its compact size and weight means easy storage, while 36 - JAPAN Press Magazine

the semi-open source operating system should allow for a measure of customization.

Kong for the last 12 years.

The trend lines for the 3D printer industry are indeed bullish. Wohlers Associates estimates that the global industry grew to over $5 billion in 2015, a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of almost 26%. In 2014, the industry grew 34.9%, its highest rate in 17 years.

Sales of industrial-use 3D printers have been soaring, but desktop 3D printer growth also remains strong, with nearly 300,000 machines sold since the start of 2015.

“While not quite yet resonating with general consumers, desktop 3D printers remain an important gateway technology for the evolution of the 3D printing industry,” says Chris Connery, VP for global analysis at market research company CONTEXT. “Today’s young engineers, students, and hobbyists need to become exposed to the concepts necessary to allow them to properly design products for an additive manufacturing environment and low cost, entry level personal 3D printers allow for this learning to take place more rapidly.”

Apparatus is targeting professionals and educators as its primary customer base. The Arc is in its final design stage, with mass production slated for July. The company is busy lining up its first buyers now and will sell directly to most areas of the world. For Japan, however, the firm is looking for a local partner while contemplating crowd funding possibilities.

“With all its technological capabilities, we think Japan will be huge market,” says Mr. Buford, who is a veteran tech entrepreneur, and has helped to cofound other ventures such as BootHK, Hardware Massive, and StartupsHK. A U.S. expat, he has been living in Hong

“We started with end-use considerations--what problems users have, what inconveniences they face, and what are the core features that they really use.”

-- Jon Buford

Jon Buford

HDTV Projection Tech Hits the Wall

By Bradford Frischkorn

Improving image projection technology can now turn a living room wall into a veritable movie theater.

Taiwan-based Ultmost Technology Group is betting that its new CasTV device may spare families not only the cost of buying cinema tickets, but possibly even a new computer monitor.

CasTV made its public debut to an enthusiastic reception at the annual spring Hong Kong Electronics Fair in April. Billed as an ultra-short throw projector/smart TV, the breadbox-sized unit displayed a Hollywood film on an adjacent white wall with impressive HDTV clarity and brightness.

The CasTV system sports several big advantages over contemporary home A/V equipment. It can be positioned on the same spot as a TV monitor while eliminating the need to fuss with cables. It also allows for connection to set-top boxes, DVD players, camcorders, or game consoles, and can be used for direct internet streaming using an ethernet cable over the built-in Wi-Fi. In terms of compatibility, the machine incorporates DLNA (Digital Living Network Alliance), Miracast, and Airplay casting programs which allows it to work with cable, satellite and telecom service providers while ensuring smooth interface with laptops, tablets and smartphones, mirroring Android and iOS devices.

“We see the CasTV as a kind of all-inone solution for home entertainment,” says Ultmost President Justine Shen, on hand at the expo to help explain the device to interested customers. “The fact that the projection system uses reflected, not direct, LED light removes

a major concern about eye strain.”

Owners who wish to use existing sound systems can either physically and wirelessly connect their amps and speakers to the unit.

Ultra-short throw projectors have existed for decades. But technological advances have taken them far from their low-resolution, incandescent bulb-driven roots. Using ultra wide-angle lenses or a set of convex mirrors, light is spread from DLP or LED chips, eliminating old problems such as shadow casting and hot-spot visibility while dramatically improving brightness.

In the B2B market, short-throw solutions saw sales grow to 256,000 units in the first quarter of 2016, up 8.5% on-year, with India and China leading the way in the Asia-Pacific region, according to research site Futuresource Consulting.

Ms. Shen, after which a succession of models is slated for rollout.

Ultmost CasTV projector

“We see the CasTV as a kind of all-in-one solution for home entertainment,” --Justine Shen

Meanwhile, the home-use market is trending towards more efficiently utilizing smaller spaces for entertainment, say industry watchers, an ideal condition for short-throw technology.

There is no shortage of projector makers; familiar names such as Sony, Epson, Optoma, Canon, and NEC lead the list of best-selling brands.

The problem thus far has been cost.

B2B models can run well into the five-figure dollar range. For home use, Sony’s highly-rated VPL-VW300ES projector sports a retail price tag of over $6,000, as does the Epson EHLS10000 projector.

At a retail price point of under $1,000, Ultmost, which sports a long history in DVD component and image projectors, hopes to attract a new generation of customers to the CasTV. The proprietary technology should be available for direct purchase from May, says www.JapanPressMagazine.com - 37

Materials Research Unlocks Tech Marvels

By Bradford Frischkorn

Cutting-edge materials research sports a long history of helping to bring world-changing technological changes to broader industrial and consumer use. The principle is no less true today for metal alloy experts, who are tasked with unlocking the keys to making tomorrow’s gadgets look, feel, and work as hoped.

At Furukawa Electric Co., Ltd., the mission involving copper research is to increase heat and stress resistance while improving reliability in connectors and sensors used in everything from USB drives to supercolliders.

With some 50,000 employees and 137 subsidiaries and affiliates spread across four continents, the 132-year old manufacturing conglomerate showcased some of its know-how at the recent International Laser & Photonics Expo in Tokyo in mid-April.

“In either the B2B or B2C space, there is a tendency to overlook what it takes to make ideas so cool,” says Kuniteru Mihara, Ph.D., a manager at Furukawa’s electronics component materials division. “The bar is set high, and keeps getting higher. There is no slowdown.”

One of Mr. Mihara’s responsibilities is to figure out which copper alloys are best for connectors used in computer boards, batteries, media cards, relays, wire harnesses and other devices. Recent discoveries show that titanium-copper and beryllium-copper plating techniques are good for electrical conductivity while maintaining high resistance to heat, cracking and warping.

“Especially when it comes to products that customers manipulate with their own hands, like memory sticks and 38 - JAPAN Press Magazine

camera lenses, connectors must be hard enough and smooth enough to withstand the stress of repeated plugins and swap-outs while not becoming brittle and losing performance despite changes in temperature and moisture,” says Mr. Mihara. “The trick gets more challenging as customers come to demand more portability, more capacity, faster speeds, and lighter weight.”

In the exploding world of IoT (internet of things) technology, in which devices are increasingly becoming more interconnected, rapid miniaturization poses its own challenges, particularly the ability to resist electromagnetic ‘noise.’

Traditional electronic component manufacturing practices have held that using iron in varying amounts has been the best way to maintain strength and durability, but this is actually a detriment now, says Mr. Mihara.

For ultra-sensitive equipment being designed for gear connected to satellite global positioning systems (GPS) and MRI (magnetic resonance imaging) machines and other sophisticated medical equipment, shrinking component sizes come into direct conflict with electromagnetic forces that dramatically erode reliability.

“Efforts to overcome obstacles like this have led to the development of next-generation conductive and superconductive materials that show strong resistance to magnetic fields,” Mr. Mihara says. “They are indispensable now.”

Advances in materials research helped Furukawa to grab some of the spotlight in 2012 when CERN (the European Organization for Nuclear Research) announced the discovery of the Higgs boson particle (also known as the elusive “God particle”) using its Large Hadron Collider (LHC). Superconducting cables supplied by the

company where used extensively in the 27-kilometer long machine, in which gigantic superconducting magnets produced high-energy states mimicking conditions thought to exist just after the Big Bang explosion billions of years ago.

François Englert and Peter W. Higgs were jointly awarded the 2013 Nobel Prize in Physics for the discovery.

CERN Large Hadron Collider

Vietnam Eyes Top Outsourcing Status

raised its overall productivity by almost half over the last decade, while wages have remained relatively low.

Don’t look now, but Vietnam is on the move, and quietly eyeing a spot among the world’s top outsourcing destinations. The nation’s effort is good news for companies looking for an alternative to rising wages in China, particularly IT firms on the hunt for engineers to help them build computer networks, databases and other systems on the cheap.

“Political and economic stability is usually the first thing foreign investors ask about Vietnam,” says Tran Ngoc Tram Anh, marketing officer at FPT Japan Co., Ltd., one of Vietnam’s largest IT software developers and talent outsourcing providers. “Critics don’t really worry so much about the fact that the government is Marxist when peace and stability are maintained and the economy is growing well.”

Vietnam’s somewhat stealthy ascendance as a low-cost manufacturing mecca in recent years has not gone totally unnoticed. U.S. President Barack Obama’s May visit, in which he lifted a decades-old arms embargo, pointed the way to a full restoration of diplomatic relations, and a great deal of potential American foreign direct investment (FDI).

Since 2000, Vietnam’s economic growth rate has been among the highest in the world, with GDP averaging about 6% for the last five years. The nation sports other advantages, including low inflation and interest rates, a stable currency, a young and educated population, an expanding middle class, a single language, a single religion, and a contiguous land mass.

In April, accounting firm Deloitte Touche Tohmatsu Ltd. and the U.S. Council on Competitiveness published its annual Global Manufacturing Competitiveness Index (GMCI), in which Vietnam, along with Malaysia, India, Thailand, and Indonesia (aka the “Mighty Five”) were seen breaking into the top 15 nations in terms of manufacturing competitiveness over the next five years, representing a “new China” in terms of low cost labor, agile manufacturing capabilities, favorable demographic profiles, and market and economic growth.

The government also offers numerous tax incentives and reduced duties on capital goods and raw materials used in export-oriented production. Manufacturing-oriented investments now account for over 70% of registered FDI, according to Vietnam’s General Statistics Office. Export growth has averaged over 23% per annum for the last five years. Even tourism is booming; the total number of foreign tourists to Vietnam has already topped 4 million in 2016, a 20% year-on-year increase.

By Bradford Frischkorn

The prediction was based on an indepth analysis of responses from more than 500 CEOs and senior leaders at manufacturing companies throughout the world.

Labor costs in China, which have seen the steepest rise in Asia over the last 10 years, are cited with alarm by manufacturers. By contrast, Vietnam has

In February, the Vietnamese government, together with the World Bank Group, produced the Vietnam 2035 report, laying out key reforms for the country to grow its economy, become more equitable, and install modern governance over the next 20 years.

Reaching the ambitious goal of upper-middle-income status would require Vietnam to grow at least 7% per year, raising the average income level

to over $7,000 - or $18,000 in purchasing-power parity (PPP) terms - by 2035, compared with $2,052 - or $5,370 in PPP terms - in 2014.

Vietnam is still performing below potential due to slow progress on cleaning up non-performing loans in the banking sector and removing barriers to private investment by reforming over-leveraged SOEs (state-owned enterprises), notes Tony Diep, Managing Director at Indochina Capital.

“However, the overall view is that Vietnam is heading into several good years,” he says, with the passage of the TPP (Trans-Pacific Partnership) trade agreement anticipated to be a major game changer.

“The government has aggressively opened the country to both tourism and business, which is a welcome sign,” says Ms. Anh, whose firm specializes in cloud computing and system migration services. More recently, it has begun responding to increasing need for IoT (internet of things) software engineers.

“IT skills can be very expensive. Our Japanese clients are catching on to the fact that hiring Vietnamese personnel can help cut cost those costs by up to 60%,” she says.

FTP Japan has set a goal to educate and train 10,000 Japanese-enabled Vietnamese engineers over the next five years for outsourcing or direct employment opportunities. Some 5,000 have already completed the company’s course, and 200 have been placed with clients in Japan.

Tran Ngoc Tram Anh

www.JapanPressMagazine.com - 39

Micro Lenses Help To Revolutionize Medical Exams

the International Laser & Photonics Expo held in April in Tokyo. “But frankly, endoscopes are just beginning to make an impact. New uses are constantly being found.”

Feeling queasy about an upcoming colonoscopy exam? Patients can take some solace in the fact that such procedures have become so much easier than in the recent past, and may become nearly effortless in coming years.

The field of endoscopy has both exploded and segmented to include laparoscopy, gastrointestinal endoscopy, arthroscopy, obstetrics/gynecological endoscopy, urology endoscopy, bronchoscopy, mediastinoscopy, otoscopy, and laryngoscopy.

By Bradford Frischkorn

Planners at Sumita Optical Glass Inc. see endless possibilities ahead. The firm develops a line of B2B products utilizing advanced lens designs that have helped to dramatically reduce the pain and trauma of modern surgery.

The key device in the firm’s sphere of influence has been the endoscope, which uses tiny lenses to capture internal body cavity images. After the endoscope is introduced via a small skin perforation, a charge-coupled device (CCD) transmits the images electronically for display on a video monitor for doctors to see.

Since their adoption in 1992, endoscopes have helped immensely with the evolution of non-invasive upper and lower intestinal tract exams. Since then, the field has experienced a spectacular run that has revolutionized surgical technique; today, small-caliber flexible endoscopes with attached cutting tools are used to examine and perform surgery in almost any part of the body while incurring minimal scarring.

Sumita makes lenses as small as 2.2mm in a range of shapes, from aspheric to super-wide angle designs.

“The ‘minimal invasiveness’ issue is obviously a huge benefit in medicine, since surgery recovery times had traditionally been a major issue,” says Sumita’s Takayuki Ishibashi, on hand at 40 - JAPAN Press Magazine

The global endoscopy equipment market is expected to grow to $33.6 billion by 2020 from $23.8 billion in 2015, a compound annual growth rate of 6.1%, according to research site Markets and Markets. While North America currently accounts for the largest share of the market, followed

by Europe, Asia-Pacific is seen growing at the highest rate while serving as a revenue pocket for companies offering endoscopy equipment. Japanese firms Olympus, Fujifilm, and Pentax Medical Corp. rank among the global players.

Going forward, the contributions of endoscopy to medical science are likely to be even more meaningful, while progress in miniaturization is allowing for the development of smaller and smaller lenses. Robot-assisted endoscopes are already in use. Mini-laparoscopic surgery features instruments as small as 2.3mm to 3.5mm in size. And new cameras developed in the Netherlands allow surgeons to look inside blood vessels.

Meanwhile “capsule endoscopy” continues to make strides. Patients swallow a video capsule containing a tiny light bulb, battery, and radio transmitter which takes photos of the inside of the esophagus, stomach, and small intestine as it passes through the body.

The pictures are beamed to a small receiver worn the patient’s waist and then downloaded for diagnosis. Hours

later, the capsule is passed by the patient into the toilet and flushed away.

Israel-based Given Imaging, which controls about 85% of the capsule endoscope market, has seen its vitamin-sized PillCam administered over 1.5 million times thus far. The Olympus Endocapsule 10 features 3D tracking, and can automatically flag images needing closer inspection as well as indicate exactly where images were taken to determine the location of any abnormalities.

“Imaging devices will certainly continue to decrease in size, such that ‘microendoscopy’ will be feasible in the near future,” says Ricardo A. Natalin at online research site Medscape, adding that endoscopy of any luminal structure, including the vas deferens, will certainly follow.

Indeed, progress may not slow down until nanotechnology finally arrives, say many experts.

“A time when tiny robots patrol biologic structures to constantly survey and help protect normal anatomy and physiology is not difficult to imagine,” says Mr. Natalin.

“The ‘minimal invasiveness’ issue is obviously a huge benefit in medicine, since surgery recovery times had traditionally been a major issue,” -Sumita’s Takayuki Ishibashi

Takayuki Ishibashi

CO2 Microbubbles May Cure a Bad Mood

By Bradford Frischkorn

If eating better can help with weight loss, can bathing better help cure a nasty disposition? We may not wait long to find out.

Already hailed as a revolution in cleansing technology, microbubble generators are starting to diversify and proliferate, as creative designers continue to spin off new devices that take advantage of their remarkable power.

At Japanese beauty equipment maker Futek Inc., the idea is that cleaner skin means a better reflection in the mirror, and therefore a better mood. The company has just begun marketing its new CO2 Bubble Washbowl designed for deep facial cleaning. The company’s representatives were busy showing off the machine to swarms of interested ladies at the recent Beautyworld Japan expo held in Odaiba in May. To properly qualify as “micro,” a bubble must be less than 1/1000 micrometers in (0.001) in size - about 200 times smaller than a normal water bubble. Japan Press Network featured such a machine fitted for bathtubs using similar technology at the March Caretex trade fair. It sold for $3,000 per copy.

Futek’s battery-powered machine is about the size of a standard washbowl and far cheaper, as well as portable. Its patented design relies on palm-sized modular carbon dioxide cartridges to deliver the microbubble generating gas into the basin.

The company recommends adding its Bubble Wash Essence cream and pouch of CO2 powder to the bowl before beginning. At the push of a button, a soft blue LED illuminates the base of

the bowl as the CO2 gas bubbles emanate. Eyes closed, the user immerses his or her entire face in the gurgling water for several seconds at a time before toweling off.

“Customers like the elegance of the design and the relative ease of use,” says Futek’s Ryousuke Koseki. “The cleansing effect is thorough, and those with acne and sensitive skin can really feel the difference.”

Hands or face, the device feels like it works as advertised. To be effective for deep cleaning skin, some beauticians argue that microbubbles should be between 2-25 micrometers in size, allowing them to penetrate hair follicles and skin pores while not passing through epidermis.

Futek’s microbubbles average about 50 microns, but that doesn’t seem to matter a great deal; their mild negative ionic charge combines with positive-charged dander, sebum and other organic matter that collect on the skin and within pores for a deep cleanse that leaves no residue. Meanwhile, the carbon dioxide gas is touted to help stimulate blood circulation and beautify the epidermal layer.

Ryousuke Koseki

“Customers like the elegance of the design and the relative ease of use. The cleansing effect is thorough, and those with acne and sensitive skin can really feel the difference.”

-- Ryousuke Koseki

After a 15-second immersion in the tub, the absence of grime actually makes the hands look whiter and the skin feel squeaky clean.

Demand for the CO2 Bubble Washbowl has been strong since marketing kicked off six months ago, says Mr. Koseki.

Retailing for 39,800 yen per unit, the company has sold over 3,000 thus far.

The gas cartridges are good for about 15 minutes of total use, or up to 10 average sessions. A set of five sells for 7,200 yen. Bubble Wash Essence cream and CO2 powder replacements sell for 1,800 yen and 1,200 yen, respectively.

CO2 Bubble Washbowl in use

www.JapanPressMagazine.com - 41

42 - JAPAN Press Magazine

Ministering the Masses: DJ Joey Slick Finds Tokyo’s Groove

By Bradford Frischkorn

TOKYO (JPN) – As a man, Mr. Joey Slick may not be a recognizable household name everywhere in Japan, but he probably comes as close as it gets. As a top-rated DJ for the past 16 years on JODW 89.7 InterFM Tokyo, he commands a following that includes much of the 42 million-strong population of the Kanto Area surrounding the nation’s capital.

Known to his fans only by his radio handle, the suburban Los Angeles native has achieved quasi-guru status as the host of Joint One Radio, a special show highlighting popular current and past major and independent R&B, Hip-Hop, Rap, Dance, and Reggae music genres. His program is streamed over the internet, making it accessible both in Japan and worldwide.

Joey’s story is unique. He’s ethnically Japanese, but had never seen Japan until invited by Tokyo pop station J-Wave for a guest assignment in 1999. By then he had already made a name for himself in Southern California as a local DJ, first playing gigs at grade schools and high schools, and then at local colleges while still in his teens. A steadily building reputation landed him opportunities with the well-known Baka Boyz crew at L.A.’s KPRW “Power 106” FM where he gained access to pre-released material from artists, and where he began to develop an expansive DJ music pool to review and select songs to make the monthly rotation cut.

Further introductions led to a call from InterFM where he’s been ever since. After 16 years, Joint One Radio has been folded into Rakuten

FM’s platform, where it is on the air every day, 24 hours a day. He records his shows at the new Red Bull Studios Tokyo facility in Shibuya.

“The size and density of the listener base here (in Tokyo) is 30 times the L.A. area,” he says in a cool, practiced baritone voice. “Combined with modern streaming broadcast technology, it was easy to see that reaching at truly global audience was possible. That’s exciting.”

Joey produced his first ‘urban belt’ program on Japan’s prime time ‘drive time’ listening segment, quickly garnering a No. 1 rating. He likens the listener loyalty level to his Southern

The philosophy fuels a regular rotation that includes requested tunes, previously unheard material, and personal choices that span over four decades Promotional arrangements with artists some-times help to distribute complementary show tickets, prizes, and other perks to the listening audience.

Some of the largest markets in the United States borrow material and suggestions from Joey’s J1 Music Pool, a batch of titles that he personally selects to form a monthly rotation. Artists submit material for inclusion to the list, which he then

Joey Slick and songwriter Rihanna

California roots where rival stations KLOS and KMET staged a years-long ratings battle in the 70s and 80s with competing rock’n’roll music formats.

“Japanese music fans are passionate; I wanted to create the same feeling of station loyalty as we saw in L.A. during the height of the ratings war,” he says. “If the programming is hot, it will get a strong listenership. But it has to stay hot and engaging in order to keep people on your station.

Merely spinning records just doesn’t cut it.”

These days, Joey’s mission hasn’t changed: to expose the freshest and coolest sounds to listeners of all ages.

mixes and edits into promotional packages.

Rakuten FM is moving towards becoming increasingly involved in promotional campaigns with Red Bull, and plans to partner with other media, including Japan Press Network (JPN) to spread the news on upcoming events in which the public can participate.

At the same time, Joey puts considerable effort into introducing lesser-known local talent to a broader audience. Such names have included reggae artist Butcher and Hip-Hop act Nitro Microphone Underground (NMU). He also invites college and www.JapanPressMagazine.com - 43

high school students to get a taste of the radio broadcasting industry.

Recording labels sometimes send their up-and-coming stars to co-host shows.

Such a work schedule does not lend itself to long rest periods. Joey himself claims to have eschewed taking a regular vacation since 2000. That does not seem to bother him, however.

“I love the work to the point that it doesn’t really feel like a burden,” he says. “I also don’t want to leave my fans in the cold. If you made the best hamburger in the world and then suddenly stopped, loyal customers would be very disappointed.”

44 - JAPAN Press Magazine

Joey Slick Red Bull Studios Tokyo, Shibuya

Looking forward, Joey doesn’t anticipate any major changes to the frenetic pace, especially as the new 24/7 broadcasting format still needs to fill a slew of open programming slots. His studio’s mini fridge -- conveniently stocked with dozens of cans of Red Bull energy drink -may help to alleviate some of the fatigue.

But overall, the hard work has clearly paid off. Joey has been inducted into the West Coast Hip Hop Hall of Fame by founder Alonzo “The Grandmaster” Williams for his efforts in presenting quality hip hop to the Japanese market. Ratings-wise, Joint One Radio has remained in the number one spot consistently for the last twelve years.

“Honestly, I never thought my career in radio would come this far from my start in L.A.,” he says. “But I’m nowhere near the point where I want to stop being a DJ.”

JAPAN PRESS NETWORK

www.JPN.co.jp DAILY NEWS Our daily news about JAPAN is continually focused on the Coolest of Cool Japan and the latest in hi-technology news.

The Japan America Society of Southern California was founded in 1909 to build economic, cultural, governmental and personal relationships between the people of Japan and America. Join Today!

Japan America Society of Southern California 1411 W. 190th Street, Suite 380 Gardena, CA 90248 tel (310) 965-9050 fax (310) 965-9010 email info@jas-socal.org

www.JAS-socal.org

We find the greatest technology and people in Japanese companies.

Sometimes its the foriegn companies operating or originating in Japan that might indeed be the coolest of all.

Advertise Read Participate

“If the programming is hot, it will get a strong listenership.

But it has to stay hot and engaging in order to keep people on your station. Merely spinning records just doesn’t cut it.”

-- Joey Slick

Recommend advertising @JPN.co.jp 03-4578-9370 Grand Racconto by Giuliano Vangi

http://www.vangi-museum.jp/

www.JapanPressMagazine.com - 45

46 - JAPAN Press Magazine

New Jobsinjapan.com Website Goes Live July 1st!

Jobsinjapan.com was started in 1998 by James Gibbs, a U.S. citizen who had been living and working in Japan intermittently since 1985.

Gibbs’ initial idea was to create a guidebook to living and working in Japan. After compiling a lengthy list of 300-400 schools, he found himself constantly making copies for newly arrived foreigners looking for work. Additionally hours were spent in coffee shops, restaurants and over the phone explaining the ropes to new arrivals about all sorts of things from getting apartments, jobs, and visas to sharing insights on socializing and local customs, etc.

In 1998, the 567-page Guide to Jobs in Japan was finally published, garnering wide praise and scores of positive testimonies from grateful people who credited the book as instrumental in helping them to find jobs and change their lives.

Gibbs also took to the internet in 1998, creating www.jobsinjapan.com, moving all the information in the book to the web. Within a few years, job listings topped the 500 mark. As an entirely free service for both employers and job seekers, jobsinjapan.com was unique among its peers; it survived on only paid banner advertising and value-added listing services for employers seeking additional exposure.

As users have come to demand more functionality, the site has been relaunched as of July 1, 2016. It remains free for job seekers and very reasonable (dare we say “cheap”) for employers, while still containing some perks.

Almost 20 years later, our primary mission of helping foreigners find jobs in Japan is unchanged. As a token of our gratitude for your support, please take advantage of our special Domino’s Pizza 1,000 yen off coupon for registering for free at jobsinjapan.com.

Thank you, and thanks to Domino’s for the tasty treat and the coupon. We hope you find success at jobsinjapan.com! www.JapanPressMagazine.com - 47

EFL/ESL & Other Teaching Jobs in Japan YMCA INTERNATIONAL SCHOOL (TYIS) seeks Science teacher for Grades 6 & 7 and Math teacher for Gr.7 starting Aug.22. Can be full-time or part-time.

MUSTS: valid visa, native speaker, state/province classroom license. (TESOL certificates don’t count).

Closest station: Toyocho on Metro Tozai Line. E-mail resume to Principal. tyisschool@gmail.com KOSHIGAYA LAKETOWN AREA (Musashino line) daycare teacher sought for 1-2 classes one day a week.

4:30-5:20 and 5:30-6:20 any day of the week, your choice. 5,000 yen per class. Transportation fully paid and lesson plans and support provided. Classes start very soon. Please contact Jonathan. eplacechildren@hotmail.com SUMMER FIELDTRIP TEACHERS 5-day intensive, 9:05-16:30. 50,000yen /5-day course up to 250,000yen for 25 days plus transportation, free lunch. Visit sightseeing spots; teach conversational English to 2-3 children, grades 1-8 in TOKYO, NAGOYA, OSAKA. Native English required. Students welcome. Choose 1-5 courses and location. 7/25-7/29, 8/1-8/5, 8/8-8/12, 8/15-8/19, 8/22-8/26 for 5-25 days. Apply by e-mail with CV/resume. ACE English School summer@ace-school.com ACE ENGLISH SCHOOL recruits Native English Speakers teaching conversational / business English to children / adults at student’s home, teacher’s home, a cafe, or companies in TOKYO, KANAGAWA, SAITAMA, and CHIBA on weekdays or weekends. 3,5005,000 yen/hour plus transportation. Teaching days & time are negotiable. Experienced teachers and university students welcome. Email resume: fit@ace-school.com 48 - JAPAN Press Magazine

IT & Technology Jobs in Japan AtoZ Corporation is seeking a Sales Engineer in the Matsumoto area, Nagano. The position will be starting from April, 2017. JLPT N2 Japanese skills required. English and German fluency also required. Email your resume. inquiry@atoz-ed.com

Modeling / Acting / Entertainment Jobs in Japan Group Echo Osaka Looking for someone to supervise some military related part in drama acting. Or someone who ever served in the army. 06-6357-9413 info@groupecho.jp http://www.groupecho.jp

ISR is seeking Senior Java Developer(s). The candidate must have extensive experience with Java, web application framework(s) & familiarity with Apache Maven, Servlet API, JAX-RS, EJB, JSF, CDI, etc.. Email resume to wang@isr.co.jp

Group Echo (Tokyo) For Movie, French female, good at acting, 20s to 40s. Valid work visa is required. Tokyo: 03-6804-7677. [ e-mail ] grpecho-tokyo@celery. ocn.ne.jp http://www.groupecho.jp/

General Employment Jobs in Japan

Bilingual Jobs in Japan

ELeapforce is looking for a Search Engine Evaluators who are highly educated individuals for an exciting work from home opportunity. Applicants must be self motivated and internet savvy. This is an opportunity to evaluate and improve the results for one of the world’s largest internet search engine companies. To apply please visit our website https://www.leapforceathome.com/qrp/core/register/33

J-E TRANSLATER Japanese major financial institute is seeking for a professional Translator (J-E) . Native English speaker. 3years and more translating experience at Financial company is necessary. Living in Japan. Preferential candidate : JLPT=N1. Seeking Junior to Mid-age enthusiastic professional. info@hdi.co.jp

E-GAIKOKUJIN RECRUITING is seeking well-paid product testers. You can earn pocket money in your free time! We have assisted a growing number of leading Japanese companies for online surveys, home-use tests, group interviews, one-on-one interviews and product testing. NO sign-up fees and registration takes only a few minutes. https://www.e-gaikokujin.com/monitor/

Tokyo Speed Dating

DONT MISS THIS! Meet 15-25 people in a series low-pressure five-minute dates. Manage your time and money efficiently by short-listing people for future second dates. Snacks and one drink included. Y1,000 discount for foreigners from Y3,500 ( foreigners Y2,500) Reservations recommended to assure a seat but walk ins are okay on a standby basis.

VIDEO PRODUCER WANTED Award-winning design, publishing and digital communications agency in central Tokyo seeks video producer who is an enthusiastic and creative individual with at least five years’ experience and a thorough knowledge of the industry from concept to mailto:info@tokyospeeddating.com completion. Apply here: http://www.tokyospeeddating.com/ https://custom-media.com/careers/video-producer/

Visit Tokyo Speed Dating Online for Latest! www.JapanPressMagazine.com - 49

Alumni Clubs Ohio State University Alumni information. - Open to all alumni and interested friends for socializing and networking. stretchnd@yahoo.com Singapore Universities Alumni In Tokyo - Open to all alumni and interested Singaporeans and friends. Tel. 03-3320-8189.

University of Alberta Alumni Association of Japan - Tel. 03-3475-1171 University of Kansas Alumni Club - This group meets once a month to make new friends, exchange information and network. Meetings are open to anyone interested in Kansas or KU. Tel. 03-5255-3090.

Royal Roads University in Japan Alumni Information - Contact Michael at royalroadsjapanalumni@yahoo.com.

Group meets with the British Columbia Universities Alumni Group in Tokyo.

Georgetown University Alumni Club of Japan - Alumni social and networking organization. See the Hoyas Online site for contact details. http://alumni.georgetown. edu/site/PageServer?pagename=clubs_international University of Pennsylvania Club of Japan - Fax. 03-3769-2047, e-mail: jihibiya@ cc.mita.keio.ac.jp.

American Graduate School of International Management (Thunderbird) Meets on the 1st Friday of the month. For a schedule of events and contacts, please see the Web site. Alumni Association contact: Tony Padgett, President, tel. 03-5391-2350 University of Wisconsin Alumni Association Chiba - UWAAC was newly formed in 1997 but is a well organized and very active group with a full schedule of activities and events. Anyone who attended a UW school, another Wisconsin college or university, or has an interest in the state is welcome. One-year membership is 1,000 yen. Contact: Kim Santiago, tel. 043-2436261 University of Michigan Alumni Group Contact: Ethan, tel. 045-943-4132.

50 - JAPAN Press Magazine

Durham University Alumni and Friends Contact: Marilyn Lloyd, tel. 059-225-8262.

Sigma Kappa Sorority Alumnae in Japan Contact: Cindy, tel. 0592-28-4369.

Harvard Club of Japan - Contact: Thierry Porte, tel. 03-5424-7851.

Indonesian Students Association in Japan - Tel. 044-935-0688.

EFL & Related Groups Tokyo Talk 23 - Free social meet up group for those who want to practice their conversational English. English speakers who can help out also appreciated. Please see websitefor details. https://sites.google.com/site/tokyotalk23/ aboutus ECO-LAMA INTERNATIONAL welcomes people of all cultural backgrounds to join our get-togethers & courses in Environmental Sustainability, Intercultural Competence & Social Action. Visit our website—in English: http://www.icajapan. org/ELIe/ecolamaE.html--or in Japanese: http://www.icajapan.org/ELIj/ecolamaJ. html--To join a course or become a member, call Institute of Cultural Affairs Japan (03) 3484-4449 or E-mail folk_circle@yahoo.com, Andrew@icajapan.org Get a worldwide recognized qualification to teach English as a second language. Get the Cambridge CELTA Certificate in Australia, New Zealand or Spain. For further information email info@studyglobal.com or visit the website http://www.studyglobal.net/celta_teacher_training.htm Tokyo English Teachers Club Meets twice a month in Shinjuku to discuss teaching jobs in Japan. Discussion includes chain schools, ALT positions, and business English. E-mail ron99@gol.com for time and location.

JALT This is the largest association for language teachers in Japan (over 3,500 members in 40 chapters nationwide. Monthly meetings and an annual conference are held. Generally 1,000 yen for nonmembers to attend meetings. Quarterly journal and monthly newsletter.

FL Teacher Unions IIEEC Teacher Training Center Members 1,500 yen to attend. Nonmembers 3,000 yen to attend. Tel. 03-33238919 Association of Canadian Teachers in Japan (ACTJ) ACTJ meets on the 1st Sunday of each month at the Salty Box Grill in Roppongi (Roppongi St. Exit 2) from 7:00 p.m. to network, exchange job information (e-mailed to members) and socialize. Produces Canadian Content newsletter. Most members are Canadian, but anyone who is interested in Canada can join. Contact: Kevin Burrows, tel. 0424-22-8864, fax.

0424-23-3869, e-mail, japan@tesl.ca.

Association of English Teachers of Children (AETC) Founded in 1979, AETC improves standards for teaching English to children by disseminating new trends to its membership of 800. A monthly newsletter and monthly meetings on Sundays from 1:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m. Tel. 047-353-0130, fax.

047-353-0130.

IIEEC Nagoya Study Group Teacher training. Members 1,500 yen and nonmembers 3,000 yen to attend. Contact: Hitomi Takaoka, tel. 052-895-5004, fax. 052-895-2327.

IIEEC Osaka Study Group Teacher training. Members 1,500 yen and nonmembers 3,000 yen to attend. Contact: Satokoh Kanoh, tel. 0729-41-2172.

IIEEC Fukuoka Study Group Teacher training. Members 1,500 yen and nonmembers 3,000 yen to attend. Contact: Kevin O’ Leary, tel. 094-232-0101, fax. 094-231-0372.

BADBOY.CO.JP

Launching Soon!

It’s Free, Funny and Freaky

PRINCESS.CO.JP

www.JapanPressMagazine.com - 51

Bartz.com/studio

Diane Clapp Bartz

52 - JAPAN Press Magazine

Diane is enjoying a lifetime of personal fulfillment and acclaim through her artwork, recognized for its emotion, imagination and expert blending of color. Visit the Studio website today.

Rights & Advocacy Groups

Religious Organizations

Skills Build Forum 9 Family: Representatives from nonprofit NGOs in the area of women and children present the issues they work on, projects & things you can do to make a difference. June 3rd (Sun) 2:00 - 4:45pm Harajuku/Omotesando area (access information is on the website below) For details: http://people-for-socialchange.blogspot.com

We are seeking atheist/agnostic individuals who would be interested in co-hosting Age of Reason, a livestream show that promotes positive atheism, knowledge and common sense. Anyone interested, please email. tv-ageofreason@tv-ff.com

Participants welcome to join Tokyo 911, a global citizens rights group reporting on several issues that are important to maintaining civil freedoms around the world.

Visit http://www.tokyo911.com or mail tokyo@tokyo911.com Amnesty International defends human rights worldwide through letter-writing, campaigns and fund-raising. People of many nationalities are active in an English-speaking local group in Tokyo. New members welcome. For more information email amnestygroup78@yahoo.com United for a Multicultural Japan (UMJ) - An organization for non-Japanese who are permanent residents of Japan and have Japanese spouses. Provides monthly newsletter, free legal counseling, support, information, cooperation and online help to members. This group is particularly active in protecting rights of foreigners in Japan.

Contact: S. Suzuki, tel. 0471-20-8407, fax.

0471-20-8408. We are a Charity Organisation working with Karenni/Burmese Refugees re-located to the Thai boarder. Based in Osaka, we are looking for new members to help us with events organising, Public Relations, field trips. We have meetings once a month, and welcome all new members. For more information, Call Brooke 09075534825 General Union - Do you have a workplace problem: unfair termination, unpaid overtime, salary withheld, no paid holidays, no unemployment insurance? Contact the General Union. Offices in Osaka and Nagoya. Sister Unions in Tokyo, Sendai, Fukuoka, and Kumamoto. (06)6352-9619, e-mail gu@generalunion.org . We seek to defend the rights of all workers in Japan

For people who have a great joy of being saved and want fellowship, prayer and bible study. Or if you want to know more about Jesus and his salvation. All welcome! Contact Gary by e-mail. english. bootcamp7@gmail.com Japan Catholic Expatriates -- an online group/resource for Catholics in Japan. “Like� us on Facebook, or email us. [ e-mail ] japancatholicexpats@gmail.com God at Work. I am currently organizing a Bible study for Christian professionals working in the Tennozu Aisle area. Contact Joseph Gabriella by e-mail if you are interested in learning more about how to honor Jesus through your work. jjapan1802@yahoo.co.jp

Toastmasters Clubs Bonjour Toastmasters Club Join the first French-speaking toastmasters club in Japan! Bonjour Toastmasters Club meets every 2nd and 4th Thursdays at JICA GLOBAL PLAZA, 4-24-4 Hiroo, Shibuya, Tokyo, from 7:30 pm to 9:00 pm. Francophone guests and new members are always welcome! bonjourtmc@gmail.com http://bonjourtmc.blogspot.com/ Tokyo Metropolitan Toastmasters Club meets every 2nd and 4th Saturdays in Chiyoda-ku, Tokyo from 9:30am to 11:30am.

Visitors and new members are always welcome. inquiries@tokyo-metropolitan.org http://en.tokyo-metropolitan.org/ Visionaries Toastmasters Club meets every 1st, 3rd and 5th Saturdays in Musashi-Kosugi, Kawasaki (Greater Tokyo Area) from 6pm to 8pm. Visitors and new members are always welcome. [ e-mail ] contact{&!} visionaries.vc http://en.visionaries.vc/

Nihonbashi Century Toastmasters Club meets every 2nd, 4th and 5th Thursdays near the Ningyocho Station or Suitengumae Station from 7pm to 9pm. The 2nd Thursday meetings are in English, 4th Japanese and 5th bilingual. Please see http:// en.nihonbashi-century.org/ for more details.

Contact: nihonbashi.century@gmail.com Kyoto Toastmasters Club - Bilingual club.

2nd and 5th Saturday of every month, 2:00-4:30 pm. Check venue and details at http://kyoto.freetoasthost.biz/ Yokohama Frontier Toastmasters Club - 1st, 3rd and 5th Wednesdays of every month at Kanagawa Kenmin Center or Kanagawa Roudou Plaza (L-Plaza) near the Yokohama Station or Ishikawa-cho Station from 7:15pm to 9:15 pm. We hold meetings every 3rd Wednesdays in English only and every 1st and 5th Wednesdays in Japanese only. http://yokohama-frontier.org/ Contact: yokohama.frontier@gmail.com Tokyo Bilingual Toastmasters Club - 1st and 3rd Wed each month at Jiyugaoka Juku Center. 7p-9p., All meetings held 1st half in English and 2nd half in Japanese.

Fun, diverse group with members from six countries. Come grow with us!

Info@toastmasterstokyo.com Chiyoda Toastmasters Club - 1st and 3rd Thursdays of every month at Uchi-Kanda Social Education Center from 7:00 pm to 9:00 pm, in English and Japanese. http://chiyodaspeech.org/ Contact: chiyodaspeech@gmail.com Shonan Toastmasters Club - 2nd and 4th Saturday of every month at the Fujisawa Industrial Center Bldg. 7F from 2:00 p.m. to 4:15 p.m., in English. For more info, please see: http://www.shonanfujisawa. com/~shonan.9-tmc.717/ Join Toastmasters International Bilingual Speech Club: Improve your Japanese and English communication skills and be a better speaker, presenter and a proven leader. Yamanote Toastmasters a bilingual group meets every 1st and 3rd Friday of the month at 7pm in Nakameguro Interested in attending? Contact me. sonik212@yahoo.com www.JapanPressMagazine.com - 53

54 - JAPAN Press Magazine

June and July Issues AVAILABLE ON AMAZON

AUGUST ISSUE - The Hottest Ever!

-Zero Hour for Healthy Hydrogen in Japan -Miniaturization is Big Biz for Micro Tubes -Entrepreneurial ‘Dinosaurs’ Still Roam in Japan -Digital Pet Collar Makes Finding Fido Easy -Satellite Software ‘Descends’ to Drone Altitude

And Much More The Hottest Booth Babes of Japan Advertsing Deadline July 20th Please contact us today!

Advertising@JPN.co.jp 03-4578-9370 www.JapanPressMagazine.com - 55

56 - JAPAN Press Magazine

FEATURED COOL JAPAN COMPANIES A&F nutrition http://aandf.co.jp AMIMON drone equipment http://www.amimon.com/ Apparatus 3D printers http://apparatus3d.com Arthur Corp. cannabis oil http://arthur-inc.com Brilliant Earth Co. nutrition http://www.earth-sea.jp/ KD-Model drones http://kd-model.com FPT Software software/outsourcing https://www.fpt-software.jp Furukawa Electric Group materials

http://www.furukawa.co.jp

Futek Inc. health care http://www.futekinc.co.jp Global Sources promoter http://www.globalsources.com Hong Kong Trade Development Council promoter http://www.hktdc.com Iwatani Corp.

hydrogen fuel stations

http://www.iwatani.co.jp

JUMBO Co., Ltd.

3D models

http://jmb.co.jp

Meton Co. Ltd

LED lighting

http://www.evolight.co.jp/

Nitto ergonomic equipment http://nitto-i.com Portacool Japan air coolers http://www.portacool-jp.com SONY Corp. video technology http://www.sony.co.jp/ Spin-R Ltd. LED displays http://www.spin-r.com Sumita Optical Glass Inc.

electro-optics

http://www.sumita-opt.co.jp

Syouei Wellness water filters http://313599.net/ The Beam bicycle accessories http://www.thebeamkorea.com Ultmost Technology Group HDTV projectors

http://v2.ultmost.com/ www.JapanPressMagazine.com - 57

Event Name Category Event Date June Solstice Season 20-JUN-16 Star Festival Observance 07-JUL-16 Sea Day National holiday 18-JUL-16 Mountain Day National holiday 11-AUG-16 Respect for the Aged Day National holiday 19-SEP-16 September equinox Season 22-SEP-16 Sports Day National holiday 10-OCT-16 Culture Day National holiday 03-NOV-16 Shichi-Go-San Day Observance 15-NOV-16 Labor Thanksgiving Day National holiday 23-NOV-16 December Solstice Season 21-DEC-16

58 - JAPAN Press Magazine

hi

“Old School” Renewable Energy www.JapanPressMagazine.com - 59

JAPAN.co.jp Directory of unexpected treasures

60 - JAPAN Press Magazine