Photos: International Robot Exhibition 2009
Hundreds of robots have gathered at the International Robot Exhibition (IREX) now underway at Tokyo Big Sight. Here are a few photos from the event, which runs until November 28. [+] [+]

Video: 8-bit ‘Thriller’
As a tribute to Michael Jackson, Japanese chiptune pioneer Saitone has released an 8-bit version of “Thriller.” + Video Watch the full live version here. [Link: Hear Japan]

Mechani-Kong and Dr. Who’s secret pyramid base
In 1967, Shōnen Magazine published a set of illustrations detailing the secret weapons of Dr. Who, an evil scientist bent on capturing King Kong who regularly appeared in “The King Kong Show,” a popular animated series on Japanese and US television at the time (not related to the British “Doctor Who”). [View full image] “Death Battle with Robot Kong,” an illustration by Takashi Minamimura, fea

Top 60 Japanese words/phrases of 2009
Publisher Jiyu Kokuminsha has released its annual list of the 60 most popular Japanese expressions of the year. The words and phrases (listed below in no particular order) reflect some of the major trends, events, and people that captured the attention of the Japanese mass media in 2009. Included are plenty of references to Japan’s recent political shake-up, the ailing economy, and the blurring of traditional gender roles. From this list, a panel of judges will select the 10 trendiest Japanese expressions of 2009 and announce the results in early December. * * * * * 1. Regime change [seiken k�

Bra doubles as golf putting mat
Lingerie maker Triumph International Japan has unveiled a new concept bra designed to appeal to the hardcore female golfing enthusiast. Called the “Nice Cup In Bra,” the lingerie consists of a grass-green top that, when removed, conveniently unfurls into a 1.5-meter-long putting mat. When the user sinks a putt into one of the cups, a built-in speaker pumps out a cry of “Nice shot.” (Watch a short video.)