Tokyo sky tree

The soon to be tallest building in Japan will be the Tokyo Sky Tree 東京スカイツリーwhich is slated for completion in the Spring of 2011. Long discussed, the tower is being constructed by a group of six terrestrial broadcasters (including NHK) who will use it to transmit digital television signals.

When completed, the 634 meter tall tower will stand out in Tokyo’s skyline and the tower’s observatory will be open to the public in the spring of 2012.


(TOKYO SKY LINK PICTURE)http://www.curiosidadesinmobiliarias.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/03/tokyo-sky-tree-img.jpg

(INFORMATION CREDIT)http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tokyo_Sky_Tree

humanoid practice robots in tokyo?

It appears that Japan's latest invention is a robot designed to help dentists better at their jobs. This robot can "feel pain" so it informs the doctor's when they are being too harsh on them, making dentist in training enhance their profession. eg: If a dentists hits a virtual nerve the robot will simply imform them it's in pain. Dr. Naotake Shibui of the Nippon Dental University in Tokyo, who developed the robot with technicians at Kokoro Co. "Our aim is to train dentists to worry about whether patients are comfortable, and not just focus on technical expertise." It's primary sensors are located at the teeth. The robot looks so realistic it's almost a bit creepy but so awesome. It's not letting me upload the photo but for now but copy the link below.

http://img.dailymail.co.uk/i/pix/2007/11_04/dentalrobotG3011_468x637.jpg}

(ARTICLE CREDIT)http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-498530/Japans-latest-invention-The-dental-training-robot-feel-pain.html

Japanese names

In Japan calling someone's name without a title is considered rude. In ancient times, people in Japan were considered the property of the Emperor and their surname reflected the role they served in the government. Japanese names are usually written in Kanji, which are Chinese characters in Japanese pronunciation. A name written in kanji may have more than one common pronunciation, only one of which is correct for a given individual. Most names are common in certain regions Japan. For example, in Okinawa the surnames Shimabukuro, Chinen and Higa are very popular. Now a days, Japanese people have a surname and a name that is given to them. Middle names are not used in Japan.
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.The Imperial house of Japan

Also known as the Yamato Dynasty. The imperial house of Japan is the family of the Emperor of Japan. Who is the symbol of the state and unity of the people.The Japanese monarchy is the oldest continuous hereditary monarchy that still exists in the world today. Members of the imperial and social duty perform ceremonial and social duties, but do not interfere in the government. Also the Imperial house of Japan is the only family who do not have surnames.
The picture you see above, is the Tokyo imperial palace.
Palace credit
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Japanese Taboo's

I thought it'd be insightful to let you in on some topics that would be considered Taboo's in Japan, apparently the Japanese feel very responsible for what happens to their country and are very sensitive to what foreignors think about it.

Burakumin

Is a discriminated population in japan who used to handle corpses and dead animals. They are thought to bring bad luck and were driven to their own villages.

Hibakushas and WWII

HibakushasAre victims that have been effected by atomic bombs and now have radiation, and i'm sure you know what WWII is.

Amakudari and economical disasters

Senior bureaucracts who are offered to take high positions in large companies after their retirement. They are not mentioned because they are known to have caused some financial scandals.

Hikikomori

A Hikikomori is a person who refuses to go to school. Popular reasons are failing their entrance exams, teasing in school, or fearing the pressure of society. Since education is very important in Japan Hikikomori's are not spoken of and looked down upon. Hikikomori's are to hide themselves in their room and are a secret. Parent's are not to speak of them to neighboors or anyone. Their parents bring their food to their rooms and Hikikomori's are not allowed to look at them in the eye.
If any of you guys have seen the ring 2 doesn't this remind you of the scene where that girl walks into her neighboor's creepy room and there's a girl crouched in the corner viciously cutting her hair? I'm pretty sure that's a Hikikomori and that's what i'm going to picture in my head from now on.

Japanese plants

This goes back to my Japanese sacred garden post. Japanese sacred gardens have about a dozen or more sacred plants, hopefully you find all of the indigenous plants I listed insightful.
AZALEAS   Some experienced gardeners feel that azaleas, while often overlooked, are actually the single most important plant in Japanese gardens.
PINES   There is no doubt that the 2-needled pine is the "king" of Japanese garden specimen trees.
BAMBOO   Often used as an accent, bamboo is a fascinating element in many Japanese gardens.
JAPANESE MAPLES   In Japan, the regular green species tree, Acer palmatum, is far more popular than colorful cultivars.
FLOWERING TREES & SHRUBS   Contrary to Western belief, the Japanese people actually love flowers.  Instead of planting herbaceous plants they tend to enjoy the seasonal bloom of woody trees and shrubs.
MOSS   Moss grows abundantly in many parts of Japan.  Known as koke in Japanese, it is a ground cover that is commonly seen in Japanese gardens.  Some gardens in Japan have even been created around the moss theme and can be accurately described as "moss gardens."  Read these articles to learn more.
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