futuristic
The only problem is that it looks like a killing machine compared to domestic robot Pepper.
Japan is well-known for its packed commuter trains. For decades, smartly dressed men and women have shuffled wordlessly into train cars each morning, all painfully aware that they will soon be getting up-close and personal with total strangers and have nowhere to run, hide, or even breathe freely until their stop. Glove-wearing station staff pack passengers in as tightly as they’ll go without them popping out the other side, each firm shove accompanied by a polite word or phrase thanking passengers for moving all the way inside the car or warning them to keep their various appendages clear of the (just barely) closing doors.
But earlier today, Japan was given a glimpse of a much more civilised, luxuriant commuting experience that may soon put an end to these sardine-can shenanigans. Better yet, this logistical revolution is coming soon: not twelve months from now, commuters will be able to zip into Tokyo in style, lying back in comfortable faux-leather chairs inside sleek, aerodynamic private pods that resemble something out of Minority Report.
This, ladies and gentlemen, is the next generation of luxury travel, and its name is Kosoku.











Japan’s 5.3 million beautiful Hitachi Nemophila flowers are now in full bloom[Photos]
Immerse yourself in TeamLab Yoro Valley’s outdoor nighttime art exhibition in Chiba’s wilderness
Silicone testicle covers banned from Japanese sauna following cups being left behind and on shelves
Studio Ghibli croquettes not to eat, but to keep your stuff in, going on sale in Japan[Photos]
Pokémon hot spring footbath opening in Japan this spring
Japanese-style afternoon tea in this Japanese manor house outside downtown Tokyo is something special
We put the internet’s “techniques for emptying your bladder with morning wood” to the test
Studio Ghibli announces first new short anime film in 8 years, exclusive to Ghibli Park
Temple with 600-year-old tree near busy Tokyo station is like a tranquil pocket dimension
New Japanese KitKats come in sakura flavour, with poetic symbolism for success
Brand-new Pokémon manhole covers coming to help the recovery of a disaster-stricken part of Japan
Japan’s awesomely beautiful Alpen Route snow corridor is now open
Injuries on stairs in Tokyo highlight an overlooked design flaw
Move aside, convenience store egg sando – there’s a better version of the iconic sandwich in Japan
Japan’s popular bead bonsai kit is as beautiful as it is gruelling to make
Wisteria season starts early with blooming of Japan’s Great Wisteria in its beautiful garden
Pikachu to cuddle with kimono-clad beauty on Tokyo street as part of flower art event
Japan reportedly adding Japanese language skill requirement to most common foreigner work visa
Pokémon and Ikea Japan cross over into each other’s worlds with collaboration events
Japan now has a special desk for people who work at home with a pet cat[Photos]
Japan’s best conveyor belt sushi restaurant of seven years ago has now, finally, come to Tokyo
Famous Tokyo cherry blossom spot installs view-blocking screens to fight overcrowding[Video]
Uniqlo announces new T-shirts for One Piece, Naruto and more for manga publisher’s 100th birthday
Survey asks foreign tourists what bothered them in Japan, more than half gave same answer
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
We deeply regret going into this tunnel on our walk in the mountains of Japan
Starbucks Japan releases new sakura goods and drinkware for cherry blossom season 2026
Studio Ghibli releases Kodama forest spirits from Princess Mononoke to light up your home
Japan’s newest Shinkansen has no seats…or passengers [Video]
Major Japanese hotel chain says reservations via overseas booking sites may not be valid
Put sesame oil in your coffee? Japanese maker says it’s the best way to start your day【Taste test】
No more using real katana for tourism activities, Japan’s National Police Agency says
Japanese-style afternoon tea in this Japanese manor house outside downtown Tokyo is something special
We put the internet’s “techniques for emptying your bladder with morning wood” to the test
Studio Ghibli announces first new short anime film in 8 years, exclusive to Ghibli Park
Temple with 600-year-old tree near busy Tokyo station is like a tranquil pocket dimension
New Japanese KitKats come in sakura flavour, with poetic symbolism for success
“Denki Anma”: The Japanese traditional torment that you’ll be glad stays in Japan
This Japanese vending machine doesn’t sell drinks, but you can buy drinks through it
Learn Japanese through ridiculous manga: Two Piece 【Episode #1】
7-Eleven Japan releases Uji matcha smoothies… but only at select locations
Learn Japanese through ridiculous manga: Death Vote 【Episode #6】
Tokyo has an all-you-can-eat cookie cafe, and the amazing deal costs less than 10 bucks
Takoyaki makers surprisingly good at grilling meat for yakiniku too
Nintendo bringing real-life Zelda Zonai Device capsule toy machines to Japan【Photos】
Mr. Sato shares his own secret Ministop hack to help save the ailing convenience store