Yes, Japan has a strong association with robots, whether its through Manga and Anime, or in real-life like Toyota’s Asimo. But did you know that Japan’s fascination with them actually goes back to before modern technology was even invented? Ok, before you get your tinfoil hats out and think that Toyota’s ASIMO is a time-traveling robot sent from the future to change the … [Read more...] about Ancient Japanese Robots from Nagoya
Yana: Fishing with Your Hands
Ayu, sometimes translated as “sweetfish” is a small freshwater fish that is prized for it’s sweet and savory flesh. In the summer months it is so highly sought after that regional festivals and traditions have developed around it. In fact Ayu is the official fish for two different prefectures. Ayu can only live in exceptionally clean rivers and streams, and as a result it … [Read more...] about Yana: Fishing with Your Hands
Are Fax Machines Inseparable from Japanese Society?
When you think of Japan, you think of big, modern cities, advanced technology, robots that serve you Ramen, some of the fastest broadband services in the world …and Fax machines??? Wait, what?? As hard as it is to believe, these ancient bastions of pre-digital communication are still holding strong in Japanese businesses and especially government offices. Illustration by … [Read more...] about Are Fax Machines Inseparable from Japanese Society?
Getting an International Driver’s License
A few years ago, I was hired to translate for an engineer who was being sent to the US to meet with customers. I imagined it would more or less consist of sitting in boring meetings and looking up a lot of scientific mumbo jumbo in the dictionary. I later found out that, at least in this particular instance, being his translator meant being his guide everywhere he went. That … [Read more...] about Getting an International Driver’s License
Exploring the art of Sumo (相撲)
The sport of wrestling has been around throughout various cultures since time immemorial. It is usually a friendly competition, traditionally between males, to measure their fighting prowess. In Japan, this is called Sumo and has very deep historical, religious, cultural, and even mythological roots. Sumo is pretty much synonymous with Japan’s history, and there’s a lot more to … [Read more...] about Exploring the art of Sumo (相撲)