I remember on my first day of computer programming class the first thing the teacher said was, “Computers are stupid.” It was a valuable fact that has served me well in my relationships with these ubiquitous machines.
For instance, if I show a four year old a can of Coke, they can quickly tell me what it is. Whereas for a computer, we have to print a series of lines and numbers on it just so the dumbass box can get up to speed.
It makes you wonder why we have to go through all the trouble of making up barcodes just so a machine can understand what you and I plainly see. It’s enough to make you think the barcode industry is some sort of insidious freemason plot. Recently, though, Toshiba has announced a scanner for supermarkets and other shops that will bring this evil syndicate of barcode charlatans to their knees.
Station of despair: What to do if you get stuck at the end of Tokyo’s Chuo Rapid Line
Japanese government will check and judge new baby name pronunciations, presents guidelines
This downtown Tokyo cafe is like a time machine that takes you back 50 years into the past
Japanese train station vending machine has the best souvenirs for rail otaku
Starbucks Japan releases a new Frappuccino that looks and tastes like a floral bouquet
Totoro towels gently glow in the dark to set the Ghibli nighttime mood in your home【Photos】
Evangelion and McDonald’s Japan launch first-ever collaboration with transforming figures【Video】
“Not paying any dating expenses at all” listed as domestic violence by Japanese government agency
Japanese company develops classy heavy metal band frames for glasses
Line of foreign tourists leads us to Akihabara’s meatiest fatty ramen【Taste test】
One of Japan’s rarest sweets is a sell-out hit that looks and tastes like frost
Studio Ghibli showcases traditional craftsmanship with new wallet range
Mysterious light-up rainy night-sound Totoro figure doesn’t actually show a scene from the anime
Major Japanese city is abolishing extracurricular activities at all of its middle schools
Spirited Away and Princess Mononoke plushies show a softer side of formidable Ghibli characters
Shakey’s is back! All-you-can-eat pizza chain returns to downtown Tokyo’s Shinjuku
Possessing Harry Potter’s Sword of Godric Gryffindor is now illegal in Japan
Uniqlo announces first-ever collaboration with horror manga master Junji Ito【Photos】
J-pop mega star Ado reveals she’s been living in the U.S., may not understand language acquisition
Starbucks Japan is calling it quits with paper straws
Studio Ghibli releases new range of cardigans for anime fans
Japan’s most popular castle raising ticket prices by up to 200 percent for non-local tourists
Furikake rice seasoning sales are soaring, which is bad news for Japan as a whole
Studio Ghibli heroine cardigans give you warmth and strength to face everyday challenges
Eight unforgettable hot springs, as recommended by Japan’s “Professor Bath”
McDonald’s new Happy Meals offer up cute and practical Sanrio lifestyle goods
Foreign tourists on Shinkansen bullet train break suitcase etiquette, angering local passengers
[Deleted] Article written for April Fool’s Day 2018
Japanese government to make first change to romanization spelling rules since the 1950s
Foreigner’s request for help in Tokyo makes us sad for the state of society
Japanese convenience store Family Mart announces abolishment of eat-in spaces
Life-size vibrating Legend of Zelda Master Sword for sale from Nintendo【Photos】
Princesses, fruits, and blacksmiths: Study reveals the 30 most unusual family names in Japan
Studio Ghibli releases free-download board game — Here’s how to play it without reading Japanese
Totoro towels gently glow in the dark to set the Ghibli nighttime mood in your home【Photos】
Evangelion and McDonald’s Japan launch first-ever collaboration with transforming figures【Video】
“Not paying any dating expenses at all” listed as domestic violence by Japanese government agency
Japanese company develops classy heavy metal band frames for glasses
Line of foreign tourists leads us to Akihabara’s meatiest fatty ramen【Taste test】
Dove ad slams Japanese beauty ideals, backfires with complaints from public instead
Starbucks Japan reveals new holiday goods for the 2024 festive season
An overnight trip on the Sunrise Izumo, Japan’s awesome Tokyo-Shimane sleeper train【Photos】
World’s first real ramen in a can now available at Japanese vending machines
“You’re an otaku!” Defining Japan’s nerdiest word
We track down rare Ramen Pringles, sold only at special vending machines in Japan
Japan’s Best Home Senbero: Don Quijote sells booze and surprisingly good “sushi” for under US$10
Ghibli’s Hayao Miyazaki says the anime industry’s problem is that it’s full of anime fans
New heater-less pet kotatsu is a safe way to keep your furry friends warm this winter
