Tag: Japan

Japan Continues to Invest in Earthquake Ready Bike Parking

Back in 20011 Japan was hit with a devastating earthquake and it took months to recover. This was only the most recent earthquake of this magnitude as the country is located in the epicenter of such events. Since the country can’t move from the earthquake to another region the next best thing has been to prepare for the worst and hope for the best.

This includes earthquake proof bicycle parking, which is being developed by Giken and actually solves two problems. First it provides off the street parking for bicycles and ensures that in the event of a disaster the bicycles should survive. The latter isn’t just about protecting a bicycle but ensuring that a viable means of transportation following a disaster – as indicated by reliance of bicycles post-Sandy in the east coast of the United States. Video after the jump

Pepsi Pours High-Fiber Drink in Japan

Dieters in Japan looking to add fiber to their diets don’t have to give up Pepsi. The soda bottler is marketing a drink with dextrin to Pepsi Special, and marketing it as a “fat blocking soda.” The Atlantic looked into the new drink and other companies doing the same thing including Kirin, a beer company that recently released Mets Cola, which also contains dextrin. Continue reading Pepsi Pours High-Fiber Drink in Japan

Bike Desk?

Apparently bike parking is so bad in Japan that a designer has crafted this “Bicycle Desk.” Dubbed the “PIT IN,” it is designed as a way of parking the bike and using it as a chair as well.

We’ve seen some strange innovations, like desk chairs that double as workout machines, and even a treadmill desk. What makes this questionable is that it is only for parking. Perhaps if it could be used with a trainer we’d see it as being more than just a tall table. Maybe there is a shortage of chairs in Japan as well, but really we see this a solution to a problem that doesn’t exist.

PIT IN Official Website

Pedal Power to Purify Water

Over the years we’ve heard of how bicycles can generate power for lights (on the bike and off), but how about purifying the liquid needed to cool down the rider? That’s the idea of a new bicycle that could soon be mass produced for the developing world. Nippon Basic Company announced a new bike system called Cycloclean that needs only manpower to help run a motor to pump water through a series of filters, purifying five liters (1.3 gallons) of water in about a minute.

So far the company has sold about 300 bikes since launching the system in 2005, and soon the bikes could be mass-produced in Bangladesh, where demand for the cycles has increased. The only drawback could be the cost – currently the bikes sell for about $6,600 – making this a rather expensive glass of water. But if costs can come down, this could be a way to have clean, safe drinking water for those long rides.

[Via Bangkok Post: Japan touts pedal-powered water purifier]

Clothes That Make the (Super) Man

In the comic books super heroes are always wearing tight spandex type clothing, and what is really amazing is that the attire can hold up to all sorts of mayhem. The fabric must be a super duper as the heroes. But that’s the comic books, and in real life about the only thing super about most guy’s gym shorts is the smell after a workout!

The real life super fashion statement might just be the Uniqlo calorie-burning underwear, which was developed with Toray Industries and the University of Tokyo. The idea behind it is that it gets a little snug down there, which in turn applies resistance to the wearer’s muscles, thus forcing him to put a bit more strut into each step. It makes us think that maybe it is Superman’s tight red shorts that helped him stay so buff? Either way, the concept certainly has us intrigued.

Currently the product is only sold in Japan, but could arrive in the United States soon, which should be good news to fitness addicts looking for an extra edge, as well as hipster with their skinny jeans.

Miura Looks to Make Grind Permanent and Iron Things Out

In ancient to medieval times Japan was famous for the craftsmanship that went into making its famous “samurai swords” and this level of skill and craftsmanship is alive and well today, but for those hitting the greens not to do battle but to play a round of golf.

After receiving rave reviews for its Yoshitaka Grind wedges and C-Grind wedges and positive response during a soft launch of the products last year, Japanese golf-club maker Miura Golf will make these part of its Series 1957 special edition product line. The two new wedges models will join four iron models. The Yoshitaka is the result of its namesake, master craftsman Yoshitaka Miura. He trained under this father, and company founder Katsuhiro Miura at the family’s forging facility in Himeji, Japan.

The new mild-steel wedges are crafted through the company’s famous Precision Forging Finish process that ensures the clubs are consistent in terms of impact and feel. The Yoshitaka (also known as the Y-Grind) wedge will be available in lofts of 49, 51 and 53, while a 60-degree model will eventually be offered. The wedges, which only be available for right-handed, will feature W nickel (satin) chrome/black finish and will come with a stiff-flex steel shaft and Velvet Full Cord grip. The “Y” on the wedge’s sole not only represents Yoshitaka’s mark – much the way the sword makers of old would sign a blade – but it also signifies the special and limited production of the wedge. Continue reading Miura Looks to Make Grind Permanent and Iron Things Out