All About Japan

Step Inside One of Akihabara's Weirdest Shops

A very strange toy shop in Akihabara—an area chock-full of weird shops—sells whacky, bizarre and funny inventions.

Robotics Inspired by 'Ghost in the Shell'

University of Tokyo robotics engineer Takuya Umedachi is working on synthetic 'soft-body' technology capable of complex and flexible movement.

Huis Ten Bosch & Sasebo Sightseeing

Check out Kyushu's top theme park along with stunning views and fantastic food!

18-Meter Gundam Robot Unveiled in Yokohama

An 18-meter-tall MOVING Gundam robot was unveiled in Yokohama.

Giant Robots Battle It out, but Who Will Win?

The giant robot battle between Team USA and Team Japan that was two years in the making finally comes to an end, but it's only the beginning of giant robot fights.

Robot Housekeepers in the Near Future

This housekeeping robot can keep your home spic and span while you're away!

360° VR Video Transports You to Japan

Swish the camera around and take a virtual tour of famous sightseeing spots as if you were in Japan, all in the comfort of your own home.

Japan's Robots: Past, Present & Future

Dr. Kazuhito Yokoi, director of the Intelligent Systems Research Institute in Tsukuba, outlines where robots are going.

Meet a Robot with Heart at Tokyo's Lovot Café!

The robots at this café are cutting edge—developed and programmed to react emotionally to interaction with humans. Now, for the price of a simple meal, you can get a glimpse of how our future will be spent with the cutest “care robots.”

Robot Serves Up Okonomiyaki in Okayama

Apparently, this robot has been serving up the savory Japanese-style pancakes on the downlow for over 40 years!

Riding in a Transformer Will Soon be a Reality

With help from the designer of the original Gundam, Japan now has a transforming giant robot/car that two full-sized adults can ride in. Seriously—it's kind of amazing.

Odaiba's Robot Revolution—on an iPhone!

Check out some of the funky stuff on display at the iREX International Robot Exhibition, all set to a funky beat!

16 Authentic 'Japan' Experiences around Tokyo

How do you get an 'authentic Japan' experience in the Tokyo area? It depends on what you mean by 'authentic,' and what you mean by 'Japan!' Here are 16 'real Japan' options around Tokyo, running the gamut from the very old to the very new!

Peeling Back the Surface of Robot Geisha

MythBusters' Adam Savage explores Ghost in the Shell’s coolest practical effects at Weta Workshop.

Virtual Shopping Via Robot

The Tsutaya Electrics store in Tokyo’s Futakotamagawa area tests having customers shop virtually using a remotely controlled robot as many business establishments are closed due to the novel coronavirus.

Building the Future: Tokyo's Robot Exhibition

Cutting-edge machines are on display at the International Robot Exhibition in Tokyo.

Meet the Queen of Robot Entertainment

Behind the bright lights and massive robots at this popular tourist spot is a female president who’s been there from the very beginning.

Robots in the Age of Coronavirus

Companies are programming robots to help people adapt to the new normal brought about by the global pandemic.

Delivery Robots Take a Trial Lap Around Tokyo

Project officials have begun testing in Tokyo the use of delivery robots that handle orders from multiple stores.

Improving Traditional Crafts with Technology

Exchange students from the University of Buffalo learn about 'kumiki,' a traditional carpentry technique, from artisans in Hida, and use technology to bring this time-honored craft to the modern age.

  • 1
  • 2
  • 1
  • 2
  • 1
  • 2
know-before-you-go