Yesterday, we ran an article telling the story of a dentist in Japan who was arrested for “massaging” a female patient’s chest while claiming that doing so would help fix her misaligned teeth. In it, we included a photo of what appeared to be a young woman in a dentist’s chair with her mouth wide open.
We received plenty of comments on Facebook and Twitter about the news story itself, but many people also took a profound interest in the model in the photo, some feeling quite uneasy about the way she looked yet not knowing why, asking, “What’s wrong with her eyes!?”
The answer to that question is simple, but also kind of creepy: the woman in the photo is an ultra-lifelike doll used in dentistry.
Showa Hanako 2, the second version of a lifelike “android” designed by Japan’s Showa University in 2011, is intended to help dental students practice in a safe environment while receiving the kind of feedback they might from a real, human, patient.
The robot is programmed with a number of lifelike head and facial movements and can even respond to a set number of questions. Viewed in the right light, her skin, hair and eyes look almost like the real thing, with responses such as coughing and a gag reflex also kicking in when certain areas of the mouth are probed.
Oh, and if you think this all sounds a little bit creepy but you just can’t put your finger on the reason why, you might not be too surprised to learn that the robot’s lifelike silicone skin, mouth, and even tongue, were produced by Orient Industry, a company that specialises in love dolls for men.
We’ll leave you with a video from tech experts Diginfo which introduces the doll and outlines its many facets and capabilities. The robot really is quite remarkable, and given that this model has been around for two years now, we can only begin to imagine what the next model will look like. Massively creepy, no doubt!
Source/images: Diginfo
Japanese convenience store releases Japanese convenience store-flavor fried chicken
Cup Noodle releases cold-water instant ramen in Japan, but can it really be made with just cold water?
Hatsune Miku collaborates with Hokusai’s art in new Vocaloid ukiyo-e illustration series [Pics]
Japan’s “edible fireworks” wagashi sweets return, but only for a limited time [Photos]
Studio Ghibli releases anime T-shirts that pay homage to one of Hayao Miyazaki’s most personal films
Japanese convenience store releases Japanese convenience store-flavor fried chicken
Cup Noodle releases cold-water instant ramen in Japan, but can it really be made with just cold water?
Hatsune Miku collaborates with Hokusai’s art in new Vocaloid ukiyo-e illustration series [Pics]
Japan’s “edible fireworks” wagashi sweets return, but only for a limited time [Photos]
Studio Ghibli releases anime T-shirts that pay homage to one of Hayao Miyazaki’s most personal films
Japan now has human refrigerators inspired by Japanese vending machines
Giant Snorlax, other snoozing Pokémon appear in Yokohama for Pokémon Sleeping Faces Research [Pics]
Japan’s popular curry chain Cocoichi has an elusive delivery-only noodle menu
Family Mart’s new Tokyo flagship convenience store doesn’t feel convenient, but is that a problem?
Teen girl in Japan refuses to be victim, personally escorts train pervert to police for arrest
Cup Noodle unveils first-ever cold-water instant ramen in Japan
Starbucks Japan releases new Discovery Series collection celebrating local regions and traditions
Japanese government ID card and app to be required for certain Pokémon card purchases next month
Is Japan’s tourism boom slowing down? Foreign visitor numbers fall for first time in five years
Japan announces sudden 400-percent increase in visa fees for foreigners entering the country
Studio Ghibli has a new anime out, and there’s only one place in the world where you can see it
Salomon releases Japan-exclusive Mt. Fuji hiking gear that doubles as an amazing souvenir
Japanese ninja certification exam attracts 131 candidates from Japan and abroad
Japan triples departure tax, foreign tourists and locals now must pay more to leave country
Japan launches first overnight Shinkansen bullet train between Tokyo and Osaka this summer
Family Mart opens new “Famima” flagship store in Tokyo that’s like a tourist attraction
Japan’s human washing machines will go on sale to general public, demos to be held in Tokyo
Starbucks Japan releases new drinkware and goods for Valentine’s Day
Starbucks Japan releases new sakura goods and drinkware for cherry blossom season 2026
Japan’s newest Shinkansen has no seats…or passengers [Video]
Put sesame oil in your coffee? Japanese maker says it’s the best way to start your day【Taste test】
Japan reportedly adding Japanese language skill requirement to most common foreigner work visa
Japan now has human refrigerators inspired by Japanese vending machines
Giant Snorlax, other snoozing Pokémon appear in Yokohama for Pokémon Sleeping Faces Research [Pics]
Japan’s popular curry chain Cocoichi has an elusive delivery-only noodle menu
Family Mart’s new Tokyo flagship convenience store doesn’t feel convenient, but is that a problem?
Teen girl in Japan refuses to be victim, personally escorts train pervert to police for arrest
Mos Burger opens Mosh Burger ＆ Bar in Ginza, but is it fated to be a short-lived sensation?
Japan’s favorite quasi-local curry launches convenience store version – Does it match the real deal?
Starbucks Japan releases exclusive new Bearista collection…with beary cute details
Starbucks Japan releases new fireworks collection that captures the beauty of a summer festival
We found the world’s first Yakult 1000 soft serve, and it’s hidden away in Nara
Tokyo’s viral 90-yen cafe pop-up returns to Harajuku with yogurt coffee
Starbucks Japan releases new Discovery Series collection celebrating local regions and traditions
Japan’s ultracompact kei car taxis are now ready for travelers to ride, if you know where to find them
Cup Noodle unveils first-ever cold-water instant ramen in Japan