self driving cars
Company behind Tokyo’s steampunk massage parlor goes even more old-school with beautiful and relaxing innovation.
Google’s self-driving cars have gone from being a quizzical project that only the geekiest of geeks cared about to a very real possible future. Of course, Google isn’t the only company making forays into automated transportation, so it’s hardly a surprise that Japanese companies are also working on such technology.
But where Google’s self-driving cars basically look like tiny adorable bugs, Japan’s Robot Taxi is looking to solve the various transportation issues facing Japan—both urban and rural—with one magic bullet. Will they be successful? We have no idea, but this touching commercial will definitely have you rooting for them!
Cars sure are great. They look cool, they go vroooom really loudly, and they can even get us around to different places much faster than just walking. But there are a few drawbacks, too, perhaps the chief of which is that they’re incredibly dangerous! Zipping around at high speeds reduces the amount of time we have to react to dangerous situations and this can turn even small mistakes into giant disasters.
Of course, that’s just a problem with everyone else, right? I mean, I know I’m a great driver–this wouldn’t be an issue without everyone else on the road. Fortunately, Nissan is working on just the thing to help keep me safe: autonomous cars!
MOST POPULAR
Now
Starbucks Japan releases new My Fruit³ Frappuccino at only 34 stores around the country
Nine amazing off-the-beaten-path cherry blossom spots in Japan for yaezakura and shidarezakura
Studio Ghibli adds new anime tumblers to its cool streetwear brand in Japan
Mister Donut wows matcha lovers in Japan with new Dora Matcha doughnuts
Stunning central Japan wisteria festival is like a purple fantasy straight out of a Ghibli movie
New cherry blossom party picnic essential: This super-handy folding cardboard table
Japanese onsen egg maker from 100-yen store Daiso needs to be on your shopping list
Japan’s Mos Burger discontinues old teriyaki burger and rolls out new recipe, but is it as good?
This Japanese vending machine doesn’t sell drinks, but you can buy drinks through it
Ghibli Park: Opening date, first photos, and a new promo video produced by Studio Ghibli!
Weekly
Train station platform ramen store closes its doors on half a century of history in Tokyo- Japanese onsen egg maker from 100-yen store Daiso needs to be on your shopping list
- Starbucks Japan releases new My Fruit³ Frappuccino at only 34 stores around the country
Cherry blossoms begin blooming in Japan with record-early starts for sakura season
Studio Ghibli adds new Mother’s Day gift sets to its anime collection in Japan
The next time you’re feeling stressed out, you could relax on a Pokémon Psyduck chair from Japan
Tokyo government organizes food truck event to clear out delinquent/homeless teen gathering area
Virtual idol Hatsune Miku redesigned with look that adds new elements and brings back old ones
When will the cherry blossoms reach full bloom in Japan this year?[Forecast]
7-Eleven Japan’s giant fried chicken skewer would be too big to eat, so it’s really for cuddling
Monthly
Starbucks Japan unveils new sakura cherry blossom collection for hanami season 2026- Train station platform ramen store closes its doors on half a century of history in Tokyo
Studio Ghibli releases Catbus pullback keychain that runs like the anime character- Japanese onsen egg maker from 100-yen store Daiso needs to be on your shopping list
Nine great places to see spring flowers in Japan, as chosen by travelers (with almost no sakura)
The 10 most annoying things foreign tourists do on Japanese trains, according to locals- Starbucks Japan releases new My Fruit³ Frappuccino at only 34 stores around the country
Starbucks Japan releases first-ever Hinamatsuri Girls’ Day Frappuccino- Cherry blossoms begin blooming in Japan with record-early starts for sakura season
- Studio Ghibli adds new Mother’s Day gift sets to its anime collection in Japan
Yearly
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
Studio Ghibli releases Kodama forest spirits from Princess Mononoke to light up your home
Starbucks Japan releases new sakura goods and drinkware for cherry blossom season 2026
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
RECOMMENDED STORIES
New cherry blossom party picnic essential: This super-handy folding cardboard table
Japanese onsen egg maker from 100-yen store Daiso needs to be on your shopping list
Japan’s Mos Burger discontinues old teriyaki burger and rolls out new recipe, but is it as good?
This Japanese vending machine doesn’t sell drinks, but you can buy drinks through it
Ghibli Park: Opening date, first photos, and a new promo video produced by Studio Ghibli!
Studio Ghibli unveils new Rollbahn notebook in honour of Howl’s Moving Castle
From Tokyo to Hokkaido for under 50 bucks in train tickets–Part 2 of our Japanese rail voyage
How to properly eat a traditional Japanese tonkatsu meal
Visiting Japan’s one-and-only, and only-for-a-limited-time, Dragon Ball noodle restaurant[Photos]
Pokémon Tokyo Banana’s latest offering is adorable Pikachu and Eevee chocolate cookie sandwiches
Universal Studios’ Sailor Moon theme park attraction is finally coming to America
Studio Ghibli lets you cosplay as Howl from Howl’s Moving Castle with cosy anime fashion range
-
