June 04, 2015 at 05:00AM

Remember AIBO, the futuristic pet robot from Sony that amazed us with its dog-like appearance and behavior when it came out in 1999? It was probably one of the first examples of artificial intelligence the general public got a taste of, and we were quite duly fascinated with the antics of the robotic dogs, as evidenced by the fact that the first batch of 3,000 AIBOs sold out in just 20 minutes despite its 250,000 yen (about US$2,100 according to the exchange rate back then) price tag.

But now, more than 15 years down the line, AIBO owners who have become attached to their cybernetic pets, are facing a grave situation — an aging and ailing (or breaking down, in this case) population of AIBOs.

The AIBO, which not only looked like a dog but came programmed so that each one would develop a distinct personality depending on its interactions with its owner, indeed seemed to symbolize the future at the time it was released. It’s estimated that roughly 150,000 AIBOs were sold in total, but it appears the business of developing intelligent robotic pets wasn’t quite profitable enough, as Sony decided to discontinue production of the AIBOs in 2006.

As sad a development as that was for AIBO fans, the big problem now for owners of the electronic pet is that Sony’s repair service for AIBO, the “AIBO Clinic”, was also closed in March last year. The predicament of these owners has been the topic of a recent article on Japanese news and information compilation site Karapaia.

The article focuses particularly on elderly AIBO owners who have come to rely on these robotic dogs for companionship and peace of mind. For them, seeing their AIBOs “grow old” and malfunction, sometimes needing new parts that are no longer available, is a heartbreaking experience, and with the repair service now shut down, they are having to come to terms with the “mortality” of the pets they had thought would never grow old or die.

To the owners who have spent many years with their AIBOs and treated them like a member of the family, this can be a surprisingly difficult experience.

▼ Major Japanese network TV Asahi showed a segment last year about AIBO owners struggling to accept the unexpected mortality of their mechanical pets:

But there is still a glimmer of hope. For desperate owners trying to find a cure for their ailing AIBOs, A・FUN, a company specializing in vintage machine repairs, could be their savior. The company was started by former Sony engineers, so we guess there are no better people to turn to if your precious AIBO is in need of some treatment and care.

According to the Karapaia article, when the engineers decided to take on AIBO repairs, they had to start by taking one of the robots apart and studying the incredibly complex machinery inside — no easy task, and made even more difficult by the fact that Sony was no longer making parts for AIBO.

But the engineers persevered, propelled by the love of the AIBO owners for their long-time companions, and they are now at a point where they are able to perform “transplants” of parts between AIBOs and even custom make the necessary parts in some cases.

As a matter of fact, they even held a “group funeral service“ back in January this year for 19 decommissioned AIBOs whose parts would then be used for other AIBOs needing a transplant.

▼ The first generation AIBO that came out in 1999:

▼ And here’s a promotional video showing a later generation AIBO from 2003 in action:

Considering the amount of time and love these owners have given to their AIBOs, it’s not surprising that the engineers at A・FUN are being kept extremely busy with inquiries and repair requests. Hopefully, their work will allow many owners to spend a much longer time with their beloved pets than would be otherwise possible.

Karapaia’s article raises the issue of  whether it is reasonable to treat robots with artificial intelligence in the same way as regular toys. Should a company be allowed to cut off repair service for a machine that responds to you and grows with you? As technology progresses, this is the kind of question that we are sure to be facing more and more frequently. We can’t help wonder, how much longer will it be until we see kids playing with humanoid robots, and when that happens, will we be discarding these robots when they stop working or their parts become unavailable?

Source: Karapaia (Japanese)
Top Image: SONY Sep. 29, 2005 Press Release
Inset images: SONY Sep. 29, 2005 Press Release, SONY May 11, 1999 Press Release

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We thought robots didn’t die! The demise of the AIBO robot dogs and the fight to keep them alive

June 04, 2015 at 03:30AM

There’s no shortage of people doing out of the ordinary things on bikes in Japan. It’s not uncommon to see people riding while holding umbrellas, having their whole bikes covered in a parka, using a walking bicycle, or even a bicycle specifically made for wearing a kimono.

But the golden era of crazy Japan cycling may have come to an end. As of June 2015, a set of 14 laws have been passed nationwide to enforce safe and correct use of bicycles. If you plan on riding a two-wheeled foot-powered vehicle in Japan, then you may want to check them over to make sure that you don’t end up having to pay a hefty fine.

To be fair, the new laws won’t send you to jail or make you bankrupt if you make one mistake while cycling around Japan. The new policy simply says that if you are caught doing any of the illegal actions below twice or more in a three-year period, then you have to take a class on bicycle safety. The class costs 5,700 yen (US$46), and if you decide you’d rather skip out on it, that will cost you 50,000 yen ($404).

So with that out of the way, here are the 14 things you need to be careful not to do while riding your bike in Japan:

1. Ignoring Traffic Signals

Well that’s a given. Remember, green means go, and red means resist all temptation to floor it through the intersection.

2. Riding in Prohibited Areas

Another pretty straightforward one.

▼ Bicycles belong on the road, not in the water.

Flickr (Nick Page)

3. Riding Unsafely on Footpaths/Riding on Undesignated Pedestrian Roads

Since bicycles are classified as small vehicles, the law states that they must be ridden on the road whenever possible, unless the operator is a child, or there are signs that allow for bicycles to be ridden on the same stretch of pavement that pedestrians are using. Cyclists are also expected to ride at slow speeds when on sidewalks to avoid collisions.

4. Riding in the Wrong Lane

If there is a bicycle lane available on the road, cyclists are expected to use it. If there is no bicycle lane, then they are expected to ride along with the flow of vehicle traffic.

▼ Remember, in Japan that means you ride on the left side of the road, just like this gentleman is doing.

Flickr (Steve Voght)

5. Obstructing Pedestrians

This doesn’t just mean you’re not supposed to get all up in pedestrians’ grill and ride in circles around them or harass them. It means always yielding to pedestrians, giving them the right of way, and maintaining a safe, slow speed whenever you are sharing a road with them.

6. Crossing through Active Railroad Crossings

Yeah, don’t cross over the railroad tracks when the lights are flashing and the guard rails are down. That’s just not a good idea.

7. Ignoring Intersection Safety

When you get to an intersection, be sure to stop, check to see who has the right of way, then proceed carefully. Bursting through with your eyes closed and hoping for the best will probably not work out the way you want it to.

▼ You don’t want your bike (or yourself!) to end up as food for the Wheel Whale.

Flickr (Michael Coghlan)

8. Obstructing an Intersection

If you’re making a right turn across an intersection (the equivalent of a left turn going across the intersection in right-side driving countries), and you have to wait for traffic to make your turn, be sure to move up enough to let the drivers behind you who want to go straight and turn left get past. You don’t want to cause a backup.

9. Riding Unsafely in Roundabouts/Rotaries

Oh those big, circular roadways. It’s like a ferris wheel, but for moving vehicles than can slam into each other! Be sure to enter, ride, and exit observing all traffic rules.

10. Not Obeying Stop Signs

So, the sign says “stop.” It is usually in your best interest to listen to the sign.

▼ This sign says “stop” too. Please listen to the sign. It’s trying its hardest to keep you safe.

Flickr (Yukako Hinagu)

11. Not Stopping at Crosswalks

This is another item on the list to emphasize how cyclists are expected to give pedestrians the right of way. If you’re on a bike and you want to make use of a crosswalk, then you’re expected to stop before crossing if there are pedestrians also using it.

12. Riding a Bike with Poor Brakes

Not exactly sure why you’d want to ride a bike with ineffective brakes, or even one with no brakes at all. But if you were a fan for some reason, your days of crashing into things to stop your bike are over. Also, be aware that having brakes on only of your wheels can get you in trouble too; both the front and rear wheels need working brakes.

▼ Or else this might happen to you.

Flickr (Brad Hammonds)

13. Riding Under the Influence

If you’re planning on riding your bike back home from a nomikai (drinking party) with your coworkers, now is the time to start thinking of alternate plans. Either get someone else who hasn’t been drinking to drive you (and possibly your folding bike too?) home, or make use of all those taxi phone numbers most Japanese bars and izakaya (pubs) happily provide.

14. Not Riding Safely

Ah, the old catch-all. This basically covers anything else that could be considered operating a bicycle unsafely. This includes, but is certainly not limited to, riding one-handed, holding an umbrella while riding, and/or using a cellphone while riding.

▼ We’re also pretty sure that this unfortunately includes riding with adorable pets.

Flickr (m.louis)

Keep in mind that the laws apply to everyone aged 14 and older, and the two-strike policy is cumulative all over Japan. So if you get caught breaking one of the above somewhere in Tokyo, and then you get caught again a few months later in another prefecture, that’s your two strikes right there. You’ll have to hit the books and ace your bicycle safety class before you’re allowed back on the road.

We know it’s asking a lot of those out there who just love riding their no-brakes bike while drunk and carrying on a cellphone conversation, but in the interest of keeping everyone safe on the road, let’s all try to obey the new laws as best we can!

Featured/top image © RocketNews24
[ Read in Japanese ]

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14 things never to do on a bicycle in Japan with new traffic laws

June 04, 2015 at 02:00AM

One of the first things you notice when you come to Japan is how great everybody looks. The guys all know how to wear a suit, and the ladies dress conservatively and stylishly. In fact, it’s a well-known phenomenon that many foreigners who arrive in Japan for a prolonged stay will, within a few weeks, start smartening themselves up as a direct result of the example set by fashion and beauty-conscious Japanese.

But a shocking and kind of sad survey has revealed that in terms of being happy with their looks, the people of Japan are actually ranked bottom in the world…

The survey, conducted by German market research company GfK and which asked a total of 270,000 people aged 15 and older to rate their own looks, revealed that of the 22 countries surveyed, Japan ranked lowest in terms of overall satisfaction with one’s own physical appearance.

Mexico ranked number one for self-confidence, and China was somewhere in the middle. Turkey, Brazil, and Ukraine also ranked highly.

Interestingly, 55 percent of all polled participants answered that they were “quite satisfied” with their looks, and only 3 percent answered that they were “not at all satisfied.”

Sadly, 38 percent of Japan’s participants reported being “not at all satisfied” or “not very satisfied” with their appearance. This seems strange in a country where people often put a great deal of time and money into grooming themselves, but perhaps the bar is simply set higher here, with such a premium being placed on personal attractiveness.

▼ Why are Japanese people so hard on their looks?

Flickr – dat-pics

For a little extra context, Britain also ranked low in terms of self-confidence with 20 percent of those surveyed rating themselves as “not at all satisfied” or “not very satisfied” with their own appearance. Russia, South Korea, Sweden and Australia also ranked low with 19 percent. Brits may be self-deprecating by nature, and with its reliance on cosmetic enhancements South Korea is an unsurprising addition to the list, but we’re still a little surprised by some of these figures.

You can see an easy-to-understand infographic with all of this data on the GfK website here. Where does your country rank?

Source: Livedoor News via Hachima Kikou, Yahoo! Finance UK, GfK
Main image: Flickr – istolethetv

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Japanese people aren’t happy with their looks, ranked world’s lowest in self-confidence

June 04, 2015 at 12:30AM

Ever wonder what type of bait you should use when hunting for your very own Pikachu? Apparently the answer is ketchup, at least if we’re going by what Japanese food and beverage company Kagome is telling us about the preferences of the most famous of all Pokémon.

Kagome just kicked off its Pikachu Loves Ketchup promotion, and shoppers who buy the company’s sauces can redeem proofs of purchase for adorable Pikachu ketchup bottle toppers plus a chance to win an exclusive Pikachu plate or stuffed animal.

To get your hands on these unique Pikachu specimens, you won’t have to wander the country or go tossing Poké balls around. Instead, you’ll need to hunt down applicable Kagome products, remove their bar codes, and mail them in to the company.

Kagome actually has a ton of different ketchup varieties, but it looks like they’re all part of this special offer. Specifically, bar codes from Kagome’s tomato ketchup, tomato ketchup half, organic tomato ketchup, tomato ketchup for adults, and tomato ketchup premium can all be used, as well as those from the company’s Worcester, tonkatsu, Chinese-style, and fragrant stir-fry sauces.

Sending in three bar codes automatically gets you one of four Pikachu Kagome ketchup squeeze bottle caps, selected at random.

▼ Unfortunately, unlike the Pokémon games, you can’t just go back and save scum if you don’t get the exact one you want.

In addition, you can apply for one of two other prizes which Kagome will be holding drawings for, giving away 1,000 of each. Those who send in one bar code will have a chance at being randomly selected for a Pikachu rice omelet plate, which is appropriate since the egg-wrapped dish is usually as bright yellow as Pikachu himself and seasoned with ketchup.

▼ Kagome’s website even gives instructions on how to draw the little guy’s face.

Or, if you’re sending in three bar codes, you can apply for the exclusive Kagome Pikachu stuffed animal.

▼ The plate (left) and stuffed animal (right), which proves that Pikachu is heart-meltingly cute even when doing something as mundane as holding condiments.

Would-be Pokémon Masters of the dinner table can download the entry card to be mailed in with the bar codes here. The promotion runs from now until August 31, meaning that if you make Kagome your go-to brand for your summer barbeques, you should have a nice little stable of Pocket Monsters to show for it.

Sources: Kagome (1, 2) via Inside Games, Jin
Top image: Kagome
Insert images: Kagome

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Gotta catsup ‘em all! Japanese condiment maker giving away exclusive Pikachus this summer

June 03, 2015 at 11:30PM

We know you’ve kept you waiting, but it’s finally time to announce the winner of the RocketNews24 competition!

Join us after the jump to find out who we’ll be flying over to Japan to fulfil their Japan dream experience!

Back at the end of March we asked you to send in your one minute videos telling us the wishes you wanted to have granted in Japan. We here at the office were then faced with the extremely difficult task of looking through the many, many wonderful entries we had and whittling them down to just a few who would go through to the Skype interview round. Everyone who got through to this stage was a real pleasure to talk with and worthy of winning, but of course there could only be one person whose dream we could help make come true.

And that winner is… Ashley “Zayane” Lovings!

Ashley is a 26-year-old from the USA, and her wish involves traveling from Tokyo to Kyoto via the shinkansen to experience the famous Gion Matsuri, with a few other things along the way. She won us over with her enthusiasm, humor, and passion for enka music.

Here’s Ashley’s original entry video:

After finally deciding on her as our winner, we decided to surprise Ashley with the good news over Skype, under the guise that we needed to clarify a few things from the previous interview. Her reaction was absolutely priceless:

We can’t wait to bring Ashley over here and have her share her experience with our readers! Thank you again to everyone who took the time to enter. We’re sorry we couldn’t make more of your dreams come true, but we look forward to having many more opportunities to give back to our fabulous readers in the future.

Top Image: Seu

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Announcing the winner of the RocketNews24 Japan Wish competition!

June 03, 2015 at 11:00PM

It must be a proud moment in any parent’s life when his or her children start learning how to write. Still, you can only expect so much in terms of penmanship, clever phrasing, or even actual meaning when a preschooler puts pen (or more likely pencil) to paper.

Nevertheless, this Japanese Twitter user was probably moved when he found out his young daughter had written a letter just for him. He was also probably a little puzzled, though, that she specifically instructed him to read it while in the bathroom, and believe it or not, the story gets weirder from there.

Nukaimura Soncho’s daughter seems to just be getting the hang of writing, as evidenced by the fact that her note to her father is written all in phonetic hiragana and katakana script, with none of the more complicated kanji characters that would be mixed in with an adult’s writing.

トイレにあった手紙が斬新過ぎる… http://t.co/LhuG0dF4Nx

—
ぬ界村村長 (@nukamasa0617) May 31, 2015

The finer points of composition structure are also still a little beyond her grasp, as the note’s envelope reads:

“Look at this when you’re in the bathroom.
To Papa
When you’re in the bathroom, Papa, you have to read this, OK?”

▼ Nukaimura Soncho’s daughter makes up for her meandering writing style with pure enthusiasm and a helpful illustration of a toilet, which seems to be some sort of deluxe model that sits atop extended legs.

To make doubly sure her dad would read the letter in the correct place, the girl even left it lying in the bathroom, instead of hand-delivering it. So when Nukaimura Soncho stepped into the room to do his business, he complied with the instructions and read it right then and there.

So what exactly was his daughter so adamant about telling him in that specific room of the house?

“Don’t poop!”

We have no idea what the impetus was for the mischievous missive, and Nukaimura Soncho seems to have been equally baffled by it. “The letter I found in the bathroom is just too out there…” he quipped while sharing the photos with his followers.

It also must have put him in a tough position, too, because what is a father supposed to do? Heed the call of nature, or spite his own flesh and blood?

Truly, parenting is filled with difficult decisions.

Source: Curazy
Top image: Housing Works
Insert images: Twitter

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“Papa, read this in the bathroom!” – Daughter’s letter manages to get stranger from there

June 03, 2015 at 10:00PM

You have to hand it to one-party systems. Despite their many flaws, one positive point is that they can get things done quickly. Over the past decade or so, Japan has been gradually reducing the number of public places where smoking is permitted, and raising the price of tobacco in baby steps in an effort to curb the once rampant smoking culture in the country.

In Beijing, meanwhile, from 1 June the entire city has been put on lockdown for smokers. From now on, anyone caught smoking inside any enclosed place of business will be fined. Just like that.

Beijing’s no-smoking ordinance will apply to all restaurants, office buildings, airports, and train stations. Not only that, smoking outside designated areas can also net you a fine of 200 yuan (US$32).

Sale of tobacco within 100 meters (328 feet) of schools is also now prohibited. In addition, smokeasies – bars or restaurants with illegal smoking sections – may be fined up to 30,000 yuan ($4,800). The move has already attracted recognition by the World Health Organization.

It is said that the ban is an effort for the city to improve its soft-on-smoking image as it bids to host the 2022 Winter Olympic Games. However, some in China are skeptical of the plan, with one commenter writing: “Why don’t they just shut down the tobacco factories if they are really serious?”

The answer to that question probably lies in the fact that China is by far the largest producer of tobacco in the world. Despite improving their image, the government certainly isn’t ready to part with all that income just yet.

In business news, something tells us that now might be a great time to invest in a Beijing-based e-cigarette company.

Source: Sankei News via Toychan
Video: NewChinaTV

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Beijing enacts sweeping non-smoking law

June 03, 2015 at 09:00PM

Those of you who enjoy scholarly debates in the intrinsically linked twin fields of semantics and hot pants may recall how a few months ago one Twitter user claimed a scandalously skimpy pair of the garments should be worn as commonly as “regular shorts” because they were being sold through mainstream online retailer Yahoo! Japan. We’re still not sure whether place of purchase is the be-all, end-all deciding factor in determining such things, but everyone looking for broader validation of obviously fetish-based fashion will be happy to know that the front zipper swimsuit that had tongues wagging earlier this year is now available from the online shop of one of Japan’s most popular novelty good stores.

We’re not sure why it took its name from the famed New York jazz club, but Japanese chain Village Vanguard, with branches scattered across the country’s urban centers, is a great shop to kill some time in. Village Vanguard bills itself as an “exciting book store,” and it’s just the place to go if you want to pick up a quirky photo album, offbeat interior item, or pack of Attack on Titan curry.

The chain also has an online store, which might be the better option if you’d feel self-conscious buying one of manufacturer Realise’s front zipper swimsuits in person.

And for the record, no, we don’t have any idea what’s going on with this girl’s face. Maybe it’s an experiment to see if anyone is looking at anything other than her chest.

▼ Sexy and versatile-how can you afford not to have this in your wardrobe?

▼ The backside is zipper-less.

The daringly designed swimsuit is available in black or white for 12,960 yen (US$109), in sizes medium to extra-extra-large.

Due to its extremely form-fitting nature, customers are encouraged to purchase theirs in one or two sizes larger than they ordinarily wear, which begs the question of why Realise doesn’t just call them small, medium, large, and extra-large instead.

▼ Although if you’re confident enough in your figure to slip into this number, odds are you’re not the type to get embarrassed over the size printed on the label.

The front zipper swimsuit can be ordered here, with delivery expected by the end of June.

Source: IT Media
Top image: Village Vanguard (edited by RocketNews24)
Insert images: Village Vanguard (1, 2) (edited by RocketNews24)

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Front zipper swimsuit opens up a new market as more mainstream online store starts selling it

June 03, 2015 at 08:00PM

One thing foreign visitors to Japan immediately notice is the ubiquitous vending machines. Particularly in big cities, you can’t swing a tanuki without hitting a machine selling something. Mostly it’s soft drinks, but there are also vending machines for beer, cigarettes, hamburgers, used panties, weird toys, curry, fresh eggs, and pretty much anything under the sun. Now you can even get a good deed done with your canned coffee purchase at this vending machine accepting charitable donations.

We spotted this rather unusual vending machine option on the approach to Kompira-san shrine in Kagawa Prefecture.

As you can see in the picture, users have a choice of donating 100 yen (about US$0.80) or even as little as 10 yen. Simply put your money into the machine and when the button lights up, press it just like you were buying a soda. Not a bad way to lighten your pockets of those pesky 10-yen coins, particularly on the steep climb up to the shrine.

▼ “This button is a donation button. Your good will is going to reach a lot of people.”

The donations go to Central Community Chest of Japan, also called the Red Feather Organization, which is a well-known and respected charity in Japan and part of the international United Way network. They use money collected for the public good, for example by assisting victims of natural disasters and supporting orphanages and welfare homes.

It’s nice to see the same vending technology that allows pervy old men to anonymously buy dirty schoolgirl panties being used for something a little loftier.

© RocketNews24

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Get a soda and good karma with this donation-accepting vending machine

June 03, 2015 at 06:30PM

Leave it to Japan to introduce all things cute to the world. Without Japan, no one would be able to enjoy the likes of sweet little characters such as Hello Kitty, Pikachu, Rilakkuma, Totoro… and now, these precious little Tabineko (traveling cats) figures, which can be found relaxing in a hot onsen bath, enjoying a nice cup of tea, or waiting at the bus stop to travel to his next destination.

The Tabineko figurine series, available from wholesale miscellaneous goods marketer DECOLE, features a black and a calico cat on their travels of Japan. In one “scene”, we see the black cat kicking back in an outdoor hot spring pool, and the calico cat sprawled out on the tatami mat floor.

But more than just cute figurines, these are actually clever smartphone stands which, when in use, make it appear as if the cats themselves are watching whatever video is playing on the screen!

We can also find them kneeling on the floor and enjoying a cut of tea together, waiting for the bus to their next destination, peering around the bus stop sign, or taking a nap on the edge of a coffee mug.

The Tabineko series also features some more practical items that are great as small gifts and souvenirs, such as these adorable clothespin clips…

…a little storage cup for jewelry or other tiny sundries…

…a hanko name stamp holder…

…a pen, sticky notes, and more!

Unfortunately, the Tabineko aren’t available for purchase directly from DECOLE, but are sold through specially designated shops only. So if you happen to find any of these traveling cats on your own journey, be sure to snatch them up!

Source: Nekorabo
Images: DECOLE

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“Traveling cats” hold your phones, take your notes, and are all around just plain cute

June 03, 2015 at 04:00PM

Calling all anime enthusiasts and obsessive collectors! Today we have a very special announcement that will put a big smile on your face and have you doing flappy hands like a sugar-rushing toddler in a toy shop. Thanks to the good people at Stone Bridge Press, we have one hardback and three electronic copies of the incredible The Anime Encyclopedia 3rd Revised Edition to give away!

Join us after the jump to find out how to make this book your own.

It’s been called “impressive”, “exhaustive”, and even “labyrinthine”, but when our copy of The Anime Encyclopedia 3rd Revised Edition arrived in the office, the first words to come out of our mouths were: “That’s frickin’ huge.”

Think we’re exaggerating? Here’s the book alongside a previous edition:

▼ Ahem.

▼ Brain-addling levels of information – all cross-referenced and lovingly written.

Containing over a millions words spanning 1,160 pages and with a street value of US$120, The Anime Encyclopedia 3rd Revised Edition does not cut any corners. By far the most exhaustive collection of anime listings we’ve ever seen, all presented in a style that makes other reference books feel like a field trip to the box factory, this compendium is as informative as it is impressive to behold.

And, because we love you, we begged the folks at Stone Bridge Press to give us four copies (one hardback, three electronic) to give away for free. That’s right, gratis. A grand total of zero yennies to pay.

To be in with a chance of winning either the hardback book or an electronic copy, follow these four simple steps:

– Step 1. This is a big – nay, gargantuan – book, so show us how deserving of it you are by taking a photo of yourself surrounded by your equally epic anime and merch collection. Don’t be afraid to get creative – size matters to a point, but we also want to see some ingenuity here so show us what you’ve got! (Unless it’s your junk – no one wants to see that.) If you’re especially shy then it’s OK to disguise yourself somehow or hide your face with something anime-related like in the example pic below, but make sure you’re in the photo too.

– Step 2. Like and follow RocketNews24 on Facebook. (Why you wouldn’t have done this already, we don’t know. Maybe you hate us?)

– Step 3. Send us a message via our Facebook page and attach your entry photo. Clearly label your message “Anime Encyclopedia Giveaway” so we can spot it amidst all the spam and Mr Sato fan mail we get.

– Step 4. Think happy thoughts, send Stone Bridge Press some good vibes, and await the announcement of the winners at the end of next week.

Wait! Before you run off to shape your eyebrows and arrange your various anime goods in an aesthetically pleasing manner, take a minute to read the rules.

 – The Rules –

1. Only one entry per person.
2. Feel free to write us a little message along with your photo, but please attach only one pic with your message. Multiple pics will go in the bin.
3. Contest closes at 09:00am (JST) on Thursday, June 11. Any entries arriving after that won’t be eligible, sorry.
4. By submitting a photo, you are also giving RocketNews24 permission to publish it, along with your name, on our website and social media platforms when announcing the winners.
5. To be in with a chance of winning a hardback copy of the book, you MUST live in the US, or at the very least have a US postal address to which the book can be mailed. Sorry, guys and girls, but this book is just so huge that it’d cost a small fortune to ship it overseas.
6. No cash alternatives, be kind to animals, yada yada yada.

The winners will be contacted directly via Facebook, at which point we’ll need to ask for a contact email address (for winners of the digital copies) and/or a postal address (for the winner of the hardback book).

OK, you’ve read the rules and know what to do, so get cracking! Good luck!

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It’s huge!! Win a copy of The Anime Encyclopedia 3rd Revised Edition!

June 03, 2015 at 02:00PM

Nuclear disasters, noxious gas emissions filling the air, and with no way for major corporations to make obscene amounts of money from any of the other sources of power, it would seem the world still can’t find a great way for clean and renewable energy sources to change our lives for the better.

“But then I thought, hey look at all these little electric mice we got running around,” remembers Kanto Power’s head-engineer and former pokémon breeder Buraku Takeshi. “Why, I bet if we’d slap some jumper cables on just one, we could light up 10 square blocks.”

And so, a new way to power our lives have been born. But at what cost?

충격!전기노예 착취현장 http://t.co/gjhQMXfNag

—
Who.K (@kolt_k) December 04, 2014

Takeshi would first like to calm animal rights activists by saying that despite the frightening appearance of the pikachu power plants, the generator pokémon feel no pain. “Besides, are these things really animals anyway? I always thought they were some kind of robotic monsters of something,” he adds.

Takeshi also explains that through the cable we see plugged directly into pikachu’s brain, its consciousness is placed inside a computer matrix in which it thinks it is living a regular life and not being used to power homes. “It’s just like in that movie…um you know, Bill and Ted’s Bogus Journey,” he said.

Okay, jokes aside, we actually have no idea what this thing is. The photo seems to have been floating around the internet since late last year at least. It could be an amp of some sort as those look to be audio jacks plugging into old pika’s abdomen. And then we have what appears to be either power cable or S-video sockets in his head. The earliest references to it appear to be in Korean as well suggesting it may have started there.

Online reaction in Japan was mixed regarding this new technology.

“Hey! Stop it!”
“On the bright side, pikachu’s third eye appears to be opening.”
“I dunno…he is smiling.”
“This is terrible.”
“This is just like that dream I had…”

Our best three guesses are a work of modern art, someone’s customized home theatre component, or the greatest shop class project ever.

Source: Egloos Breaker Center, Twitter (Korean), Hamusoku (Japanese)

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World’s energy problems solved! Pikachu’s problems just beginning