Nintendo To Become Educational

I have long been a fan of video games and gaming consoles, and I strongly believe in the potential of these as tools to promote learning. While there are a LOT of people who will disagree with this idea, one of the most influential and most creative minds in the world of video games has made it his mission to incorporate Nintendo handheld consoles into the classroom.

Shigeru Miyamoto, the man behind Mario (the most recognizable video game to date – arguably, perhaps) says that he is devoting himself to this massive project. CBS reports:

Speaking through a translator, Miyamoto said that Nintendo’s DS console was already being used in Japanese museums, galleries, and aquariums, and that his company was beginning to roll out the Nintendo DS system “in junior high and elementary schools in Japan starting in the new school year.”

He framed the project as part of his company’s effort to broaden the audience for gaming consoles.

I think that it is but fitting that Japan, once again, take the lead in this kind of revolution. After all, they have always been at the head of the pack when it comes to new video games and gaming hardware. Why shouldn’t they be the first one to inject the use of video games in education? We cannot deny that technology has become so much more attractive to the young people of this day. With more modern tools, the whole learning experience can become much more effective. I look forward to the day that other countries will adopt this way of thinking.

Happy 35th Birthday, Hello Kitty

It was 35 years ago, in 1975, when a fictional cat was born. Little did she know that she would change the lives of countless people all over the world – or did she?

I am sure that you will recognize Hello Kitty anywhere – the ubiquitous face of a white/pink cat with a red bow on her left ear has been the obsession of one little girl too many. And even when these little girls grow up to become adults, their attachment to the cat doesn’t seem to go away. That’s the effect that Hello Kitty has had on people.

Sanrio, the company that started it all, thought of the concept in 1974. The very first product launched was a tiny coin purse with Hello Kitty’s face printed on it. As you and I very well know, Hello Kitty’s face has since then been associated with all sorts of products. From mobile phone cases to the mobile phone itself to bags to clothing – you can find anything with a Hello Kitty version!

Believe it or not, Hello Kitty has been spotted on some of the most unlikely items. You don’t think that there is an unlikely item for Hello Kitty? Well, how about an assault rifle? She may be cute, but she can be deadly as well!

How about this keyboard? It’s not as weird as the assault rifle, but I don’t really think I’d be caught dead with one.

Of course, that is not to say that there aren’t any cute Hello Kitty items. That’s why she is celebrating 35 years, and looks like she’ll keep on celebrating many more!

Wii Sports Resorts Make It Big In Japan

Japan is well known for their protectionist policy. From their language to their products, the nation always prioritizes their own over any foreign ideas and things. When it comes to video games, it is not much different. That is perhaps one reason that the Nintendo Wii has had unprecedented success since its original release.

No one can say, however, that the Wii is not worthy of its success. Anyone who has tried playing on this gaming console will certainly agree that the Wii is something else. The original game that came with the Wii was Wii Sports, which was meant to showcase what the revolutionary console could do.

Now, they have released a follow up to the game dubbed Wii Sports Resorts. It has only been out for a week in Japan and yet reports are already coming in – the new game is another smashing success! From June 22 to June 28, statistics show that the about 360,000 copies of the game were sold. This quickly propelled Wii Sports Resorts to the top of the charts.

The new game compilation has 12 different sports and comes bundled with the MotionPlus attachment. In fact, spokespersons for Nintendo have said before that the games are designed to make the most out of the new attachment.

As of now, the game is only available in Japan but for sure, foreign versions will be released soon. I think the US will be having its version by the 26th of this month.

Xbox360 Best Seller In Japan

This is NOT good news for PlayStation fanboys in Japan and the rest of the world. According to sales figures, the Xbox 360 is has outsold the PlayStation 3 and the Wii. This is according to Media Create, an analytics company.

According to Games Industry, the latest results in terms of hardware and software are:

The Square Enix title for the Xbox 360 displaced last week’s top seller, Mario & Luigi RPG 3 for the DS, pushing it into second place.

PlayStation Portable title Idolmaster Sp took three consecutive places with its iterations Perfect Sun, Missing Moon and Wandering Star at third, fourth and fifth place respectively.

Shining Force Feather on the DS also debuted during the week, taking sixth place, followed by Monster Hunter Portable 2nd G (PSP the Best) at number seven and, another debut title, Sacred Blaze on the PSP at eight.

Meanwhile, Street Fighter IV for the PS3 slipped from second place to ninth, and Demon’s Souls, also for the PS3, came in tenth.

The region saw the Nintendo DS platform dominates sales at 51,814 units, breaking down into 41,839 DSi sales and 9,975 DS Lite sales, while Sony’s PSP followed behind at 29,552 units.

Microsoft’s Xbox 360 led the home console sales with 25,334 units, beating out the Wii at 16,973 units and PS3 at 16,149 units, as well as the PlayStation 2 which lagged behind at 5029 units.

This is quite surprising, given the fact that the PlayStation and Wii consoles are both Japanese-made. There could be a variety of reasons why this has happened but that is quite beside the point right now. If Sony wants to make a comeback, they have to do something – and quick.

Lonely? Get Yourself A Pekoppa Toy

Do you live alone? Do you NOT relish the thought of coming home to an empty apartment without anyone to interact with? Or maybe, you live with other people who you do not really get along with, prompting you to go directly to your bedroom.

If so, then you might want to get yourself a Pekoppa toy, one of the newest hits in Japan. It is just like a small plant which is merely beginning to grow. Unlike any other plant, however, the Pekoppa toy can respond to the sound of your voice. Speak and you will be delighted to see its two leaves flutter or its stem bend towards you, as if acknowledging what you are saying.

The Pekoppa toy is the brainchild of Japanese company Sega Toys Co. Ltd. Since its release in September of last year, more than 50,000 units of the Pekoppa toy has been sold, attesting to its popularity. According to Minako Sakanoue, spokeswoman for Sega Toys, the Pekoppa toy serves as a psychological buffer for interaction for people of all ages. She is quoted as saying “If you have no subordinates who would listen to your grumbling in the office or no children who would talk with you, Pekoppa will be by your side, gently nodding.”

Though in truth, you know very well that the toy does not understand a thing you say, I can very well see how it can help some, psychologically. Later on, in June of this year, they will also be releasing a flower version dubbed Hanappa.

Kawaii For The Holidays?

Christmas is only a little more than a month away. Have you gotten started on your Christmas shopping yet? I know some people who are finished with their lists. In fact, they finished months ago. But if you are like me, then you are probably the type who waits till the last minute to get gifts for everyone. Good thing for us, there is such a thing as online shopping. Whoever first thought of online shopping should be awarded some great prize! I mean, I do not even have to go anywhere to get gifts. They will be delivered right to my doorstep – or the recipient’s doorstep!

Speaking of online shopping, did you know that there are great places online where you could find kawaii items? If you do not know what I am talking about, then you should read my previous post about kawaii, or cute things (loose translation). Kawaii has been around for decades and I am sure that most everyone is aware of it although perhaps not by name.

Anyhow, I found a great article on online stores featuring kawaii items.

Sweet Kitty the Anime Store is located in Kent, Washington. You can visit the store in person at 18111 E. Valley HWY S. #103; otherwise, you can purchase items directly from the store at: SweetKittyAnime.com. The store specializes in Japanese items, and it carries brands from Harajuku Lovers to Hello Kitty. The store has the best selection of Sanrio products in Washington State. The owners love their customers and encourage visitors to come to the store. Below are some of the hot items that are in-demand.

ShopKawaii.com is the web store for both Kawaii Gifts and Kawaii Avenue since April of 2006. However, ShopKawaii.com is dedicated to our imported gifts. You can visit the stores personally at Kawaii Gifts, located at 5413-B Walnut St. Pittsburgh, PA 15232. Kawaii Avenue is located at 5413-A Walnut St. Pittsburgh, PA 15232.

Thanks to Katrina-Kasey Wheeler for these wonderful pieces of information.

For Doll Lovers Only: Hinamatsuri

Japan is well known for its exotic festivals that attract people from all over the world. For the Japanese, though, these festivals hold much deeper meanings than merely showcasing what their culture has to offer. One of the longest running traditions in the Japanese culture is called the Hinamatsuri, or Japanese Doll Festival.

Hinamatsuri started way back in the Heian Period and has its origin in an old Japanese belief that dolls contained evil spirits. In the old days, dolls made of straw were sent floating down the river out to the sea. The goal was to send away the evil spirits.

Today, the festival takes on a different light and is celebrated on the 3rd of March. The festival is actually aimed at little girls, wherein the family prays for their happiness, safety, and prosperity. Those who take part in the celebrations display special dolls if they have girls in the family.

Another name for Hinamatsuri is Momo no Sekku, which translates to Peach Festival. The dolls which are displayed are called Hina dolls and they are placed on tiered platforms with following configuration:

• Sitting at the top center are Emperor and Empress. They are wearing the twelve-layered ceremonial robe called juhni-hitoe).
• On the next step stand three Court Ladies.
• On the 3rd step play five Musicians.
• On the lowest two steps are miniatures of tableware used to serve these people.
• Small set with Court house: two Warriors guard the Court people.
• On the right are peach blossoms.

This configuration actually follows the hierarchy of the Heian Period Imperial Court.

Doraemon copter

Doraemon is probably one of the most iconic characters in Japan. The cute character has become a staple of Japanese pop culture in much the same way Hello Kitty has. Everyone knows Doraemon and every product or item that has his unmistakeable visage always sells well.

One of the ardent dreams of children is being able to ride on Doraemon’s bamboo copter. They may not be able to do this in real life but they can do the next best thing — which is to actually play with a real flying copter. Epoch has released a radio controlled toy that depicts Doraemon that actually flies. The propellers of the toy even looks exactly like the Bamboo Copter’s blades, so authenticity is a big selling point.

Xbox 360 outsells PS3 in Japan

Microsoft’s Xbox 360 may be a success in the US, but go to Japan and the American made console lags behind both the Nintendo (the current blockbuster console) and Sony (whose PlayStation 3 is getting respectable number lately). Microsoft’ third place showing in Japan shows that the fiercely loyal Japanese are not that easily impressed by something that is American. In fact, even some of the games that are developed by American developers are not usually very popular among the Japanese.

It came as a surprise though this week when the Xbox 360 actually outsold both the PS3 and the PS2. According to the Media Create top 50 Sales Chart, the Xbox 360 sold 17,673 units in one week, effectively pushing total sales to 500,000. This is a figure that the original Xbox never managed to achieve.

The PS3’s sales numbers are actually very near the 360’s at 17,434. In fact, it may be likely that the PS3 beat the 360 in sales because Media Create only makes an estimation based on a sampling of stores. Thus, the 360’s triumph may be more of a moral one.

The true test for Microsoft is if it can continue the numbers for the following weeks. It will also be a gauge whether the Japanese has finally embraced a foreign console.

Build your own mini Tokyo Tower

Japan produces some of the niftiest, coolest toys on earth — and I’m not talking of just game consoles or those cool robots. Take for example this new product from Gakken Toys, almost industrial type Lego-like building blocks that you can form into the Tokyo Tower. The figure is very easy to assemble and will really give your mind a good workout. When you’ve finished building it, turn off the lights and light up the tower and what you’ll have is a very cool light fixture at home (or at the office) that will surely elicit many positive comments from visitors. It is a true conversation piece. When you’ve gotten tired of the Tokyo Tower just disassemble it and build it into any structure or figure you want. This means endless fun not only for the kids but for you as well.