technology | One Map by FROM JAPAN

7 Most Popular Japanese Vocaloid Characters

Do you dream of having your original songs performed by internationally famous pop idols? Then welcome to the world of Vocaloid: computer software that allows anyone to compose songs through synthesized voices paired with anime-like avatars! Although originally intended for the professional music industry, Vocaloid has gained a devout otaku following since its initial 2004 release in Japan. Today, companies around the world are jumping on the bandwagon, localizing Vocaloid software and creating unique Vocaloid characters; but as with all things anime, none do it better than Japan. Keep reading for our list of Japan’s 7 most popular idols and where to get your hands on the best of Japan’s Vocaloid merchandise!

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Thanko: 10 Cool Japanese Gadgets That Redefine Your USB

If there’s a company that knows how to capitalize on Japan’s reputation for bewilderingly unusual—but super convenient—gadgets, it’s Thanko. Since 2003, Thanko’s “RARE-MONO” (or “extraordinarily unusual products”) have been the talk of TV, radio, and the Internet. Once you try these weirdly cool Japanese USB gadgets, you’ll want to tell everyone about them, too! So keep reading to find out FROM JAPAN’S top 10 picks courtesy of Thanko.

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5 Cute Japanese Robot Toys to Spice Up Your Life

Robots: those mysterious technologies from the future with A.I. for brains. Whether they cause a worldwide cyber-dominion, or become our best friends and trusted allies, we’re all secretly excited about owning a robot of our own. Perhaps the days of Mobile Suit Gundam and Evangelion are still a few decades (or even centuries) away, but Japanese robots are actually head and shoulders above those of most nations. The country has made huge strides in bringing the mechanical beings of the future into the home and workplace of today—as humanoid helpers and even toys!

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Top 10 Anime Phone Cases for iPhone

Admit it: you’re obsessed with your iPhone. And why shouldn’t you be? It’s an all-in-one gadget that keeps you current with your friends and family, the latest trends, and newest releases. It’s your camera, your calculator, your instant messenger, your planner, and a home to all the apps you need in life.

Your phone is important. It’s a part of you. And that’s why you don’t have to settle for a bland case like everyone else’s. Go beyond protecting your phone, and diversify it with your favorite anime and Japanese pop culture characters! Next to setting your ringtone to the likes of “World is Mine” or “Tank!”, snazzing up your tech with an anime phone case is the best way to show the world your otaku love and which anime characters define your unique personality.

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Japanese Incense Evolution: Traditional Scents & Trendy Twists

Incense burning in Japan is not just a way to relax and freshen the air; it is also one of the oldest traditional Japanese arts. Japanese incense is made with high quality natural ingredients such as herbs, spices, resins, and aromatic woods. Historically, it has been used in Buddhist rituals to purify a sacred space or make a spiritual offering. Incense appreciation (Kodo) even developed into an art form like that of tea ceremony or flower arranging in the Heian Period. Today seen mostly in the form of Japanese incense sticks, incense is another example of Japan’s success in creating traditional-meets-modern culture: Time-honored production are still used, but innovative scents and stylish displays bring incense into the modern day.

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6 Must-Have Japanese Kitchen Gadgets

Intro to Japanese Kitchen Gadgets

Japanese Kitchen Gadgets

The man arm pillows, heated toilet seats, sushi bag covers … we’ve all heard of these bizarre, yet actually (kind of) useful items. And we secretly want all of them. Well, if Japan can make ingenious inventions for the bedroom and bathroom, there’s no reason why it can’t for the kitchen—and it did. Here are some top must-have gadgets!

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