Changing communication needs usher in technology, typefaces

That communication must evolve to meet the changing needs of the Japanese population is a given, how it does so with technology is the interesting part.

On August 26, the popular Casio series of Ex-word electronic dictionaries will be the first of its kind to offer a Russian-Japanese dictionary, the Ex-word XD-SP7700.

In Japan, owning an English-Japanese electronic dictionary is like owning a calculator, an occasionally useful relic from one’s school days or a crucial business tool. Throw in the extra usage of overseas travel and you can imagine that most households have one of these lying around.

Of course English is not the only useful foreign language (even if it is the most studied one) and new languages are added to the line up of electronic dictionaries to reflect the growing interest in travel or business to a particular country. The Ex-word is already available in Chinese, Korean, French, German, Italian, and Spanish.

We aren’t sure whether the perceived demand for the new language is indicative of the growth of Japanese-Russian business relations, but, needless to say, the dictionary makes use of all the latest features, like handwriting and touch screen panels and native pronunciation recordings of 10,000 words and 2,100 conversational phrases. There is also a Russian-English dictionary included.

On a different note, but still on the “changing communication needs” theme, Dai Nippon Printing has developed a new typeface that promises to be easier on the eyes of the growing elderly population. Shueiyokobuto Mincho, based on Dai Nippon’s original Shuetai Mincho typeface, will feature thicker horizontal lines while promising the maintain the flavor of the Ming-style font.

Dai Nippon intends the new typeface to be used for headlines and large-type books, and has 9,000 kanji characters already with 20,000 planned by the end of the year.

Tags: Aging Society, Electronics, Language, Travel
Category: Fashion & Lifestyle Trends, Technology & Gadget Trends
Other categories: Marketing & Ad Trends, Press coverage

Japanese graves use technology for limited space

Now that the Bon Festival week of holidays is wrapping up, millions of Japanese are returning from some much needed rest and relaxation back in their hometowns. Since O-Bon is traditionally for ancestor worship, many also take the time to visit the graves of their dead family members and tend to burial plots like the one below.

Previously we broke the story about Japanese gravestones integrating QR Codes into their burial plots, but most Japanese in the cities cannot afford the $20k (or more) it would take to buy a plot of land.

To solve this problem, Nichiryoku has created an interactive family plot that fuses technology with the traditional. The cremated remains of your loved ones are stored in a personal sealed box which is kept in an underground vault. When you wish to access the box you scan an RFID card which then tells the system to bring up your box and place it in the prayer area.

Check out the videos for a better idea. Sorry for not translating, but the visuals should give you the idea. In the video on the right, the woman is visiting her father (speaking from beyond the grave) who is surprised that she came. However, since he’s “close to the train station” she said it’s no problem!

Judging from Nichoryoku’s site, building construction is an important factor for those seeking to inter themselves for the afterlife. You can see detailed plans and photos of this concrete and steel ancestral bunker to put your mind at ease. Perhaps ironically, it’s built far stronger than most homes where the living wait for the next big earthquake!

With Japan’s aging society there are more and more funerals every day, and limited space options are bring out lots of creative solutions to this problem. As depressing as it is, death is a big business these days in Japan. Again, the innovative Japanese spirit shines, albeit in a way that only works in Japan (for now).

Tags: Aging Society, Graves, Innovations, QR Codes, RFID
Category: Technology & Gadget Trends
Other categories: Marketing & Ad Trends, Fashion & Lifestyle Trends, Press coverage

Ekipedia highlights train station accessibility

During our Tokyo Trend Tours, one of the most inevitable questions that arises has to do with train stations. Specifically, “How do elderly and handicapped people get around in Tokyo?!”. It’s not exactly a secret that Tokyo’s train stations can be a bewildering maze of tunnels, escalators, gates, and hordes of people rushing around. It’s also true that very few elderly and handicapped individuals can be seen using public transport in these busy areas due to such hectic conditions.

Of course, Japan’s public transport systems all have easy access, but it’s often difficult to know where you’re going (despite the ubiquitous yellow lines to follow). To combat this problem, an online and mobile service called Ekipedia has been developed as a user-generated information source. Created by the Town Guidance Support Network NPO, Ekipedia clearly outlines the routes, elevators, toilets, changing rooms, and other useful facilities for 704 train stations throughout Japan.

With interactive maps and photos, users can easily know exactly where to go before they get to their destinations, and avoid the chaos that comes with trying to find the best (only?) accessible route. Information can be accessed via mobile phones for planning before arrival, but it can also be updated by users in the same way.

After all, unless they need it, most riders pay little attention to station accessibility, but users of the service are now adding their own insights and information to make the best service for them.

Tags: Accessibility, Aging Society, Ekipedia, Train Stations, Transportation
Category: Fashion & Lifestyle Trends, Technology & Gadget Trends
Other categories: Marketing & Ad Trends, Press coverage

Mobile industry targets greying market

Since mobile phone providers in Japan tend to have music downloading services, many phones double as portable music players. But don’t assume that everyone is listening to the latest pop songs. Mobile contents provider Radio Days has just announced that they will offer downloads of traditional Rakugo story telling, as performed by famous story-tellers.

Rakugo is form of comic solo performance that was popularized during the Edo period. While it would seem that Radio Days is after older users nostalgic for a more traditional Japan, there is a segment of the younger generation that is picking up an interest in these bygone forms of entertainment. And surely the best way to reach them would be through their mobile phones.

That is not to say, however, that the mobile industry isn’t going out of its way to target older users. NTT Docomo announced the release of the Raku Raku Phone Basic S, specifically intended for Japan’s graying market.

In addition to basic mail and call functions, the phone has some pretty neat features like voice activated address book, a large selection of situation specific mail templates, and, oddly enough, a built in pedometer.

The promotional campaign for the Raku Raku Phone (¥28,560), which means “easy easy” phone, is planned to coincide with Fathers’ Day.

Tags: Aging Society, Docomo, Mobile, RakuRaku
Category: Fashion & Lifestyle Trends, Technology & Gadget Trends
Other categories: Marketing & Ad Trends, Press coverage