Deeply rooted in a culture of kaizen (continuous improvement), Japanese firms carve a name for themselves on the world stage by infusing time-honored traditions with novel innovations. Just about every spectra of Japanese society is continually spearheading new advancements and products. You name it, Japan has got it covered! From high-tech paper and vending machines to plastic scale models and robots, Japan sends your pulse racing and keeps your attention riveted on her latest developments. Why don’t we check out these groundbreaking developments now?

⸻ High-tech paper Ever wondered why Japanese fruits look so bright and juicy? These fruits’ vibrant appearance is obtained thanks to the bags placed over them so as to keep out wind, rain and excess sunlight; these bags are made of – you guessed it right – washi paper that are coated with persimmon tannin. Apart from agriculture, washi paper is also used creatively in other aspects. For instance, during elections, a special kind of paper called YUPO Synthetic Papers is used to make the ballots. What’s truly fascinating (and a bit out of this world) about these ballots is that they will open up automatically inside the ballot box, thus quickening the ballot counting process! The inexorable draw of paper continues. Would you like to up the ante of your house by using novel paper products? With “air vases” launched by the company Fukynaga-Print Co., now you can! An “air vase” is actually made out of just one sheet of paper using advanced punch cutting techniques, thus imbuing your room with a clean-cut, elegant look. All these examples really go to show how high-tech paper really enhances the lives of consumers in terms of convenience and aesthetic appreciation! ⸻ Plastic scale models When you step into stores like Tokyu Hands, you will be bowled over by the wide array of authentic-looking plastic scale models ranging from the immensely popular Mobile Suit Gundam and Godzilla series to sleek racecars and trains that will delight any otaku enthusiast. These days, the latest cutting-edge technology has been used to great effect to enhance the quality of such scale models. Case in point: 3D printers. Now that 3D printing is in vogue, many mold manufacturers use 3D printers to make prototypes, after which they will engage machinery to cut out the metal pieces that will become the molds. This helps to transform the images envisioned by the mold designers on their computers into reality with great precision. If you consider yourself spellbound by the magnificent speed of Japanese bullet trains, you must simply get your hands on the Linear Liner, a Maglev toy train produced by toy company Tomy. Using circular magnets embedded on the rail system as well as sensors on the train itself that detect the magnets, the Linear Liner is operated via magnetic levitation. Yes, it will seem to be “floating” above the tracks! Just how cool is that? ⸻ Robots Japan’s prowess in robotics technology is unparalleled, and I’m sure you have heard of Pepper, the humanoid robot that has taken the world by storm. An intelligent robot that not only differentiates between male and female voices but also converses with people in English, French, Japanese and Spanish, it proves itself to be an invaluable staff as it functions capably, be it as a sales assistant at Softbank outlets in Japan or a receptionist in Belgian hospitals! Another groundbreaking robot is Kirobo which actually achieved a feat that most humans won’t be able to accomplish in their lifetime: go to space. That’s right. Between August 2013 to February 2015, Kirobo spent a stint at the International Space Station (ISS). Armed with language processing technology, it was instrumental in keeping ISS Wakata Koichi company. Check out heartwarming videos of them talking on the Internet! ⸻ Vending machines Ubiquitous in Japan, vending machines used to serve the purpose of providing a ready source of food and beverages in the event of an emergency. Of course, with novel advancements in technology, vending machines offer more than just an utilitarian function; they offer consumers a fun, interactive experience. If you patronize the main JR train stations around Tokyo, you will be able to find next-generation vending machines that will take the initiative to recommend you drinks. How do they do so, I hear you ask. Well, stand close to one of these machines, and the face recognition sensor inside it will estimate your gender and age. These machines usually come with touch-panel displays and even helpfully inform you about temperature and weather conditions on their screen! ⸻ Do you feel a sense of exhilaration and excitement after learning about all these inspiring technologies? Be sure to keep your eyes peeled and your ears skinned during your next trip to Japan so that you can have up-close-and-personal encounters with these technologies.