Gadling http://www.gadling.com Gadling http://www.blogsmithmedia.com/www.gadling.com/media/feedlogo.gif Gadling http://www.gadling.com en-us Copyright 2009 Weblogs, Inc. The contents of this feed are available for non-commercial use only. Blogsmith http://www.blogsmith.com/<![CDATA[Big in Japan: Bye-bye, but not sayonara]]>http://www.gadling.com/2009/02/03/big-in-japan-bye-bye-but-not-sayonara/http://www.gadling.com/2009/02/03/big-in-japan-bye-bye-but-not-sayonara/http://www.gadling.com/2009/02/03/big-in-japan-bye-bye-but-not-sayonara/#commentsFiled under:

This is a difficult post for me to write...

After more than 18 months of blogging from the Land of the Rising Sun, I have unfortunately decided to retire my Big in Japan series.

First and foremost, and I have immensely enjoyed writing about all of the weird, the wacky and the wonderful randomness that comes out of Japan.

On that note, a big domo arigatou is in order for all of the readers who followed my postings, left comments, and encouraged me to keep on writing.

I would also like to thank the wonderful staff at Gadling - you all know who you are - for putting together the best damn travel blog on the web.

So, what's next? Good question (^_^)

I'm going to be retuning to southern Africa for a few months to work on some guidebooks for Lonely Planet. But, as they say in Japanese, this is merely bye-bye and not sayonara.

What's the difference you ask? Great question (^_^)

Sayonara translates to 'farewell,' and this is hopefully anything but. So, stay tuned, as there is a good chance I might make a return in the not too distant future...

Big in Japan: Bye-bye, but not sayonara originally appeared on Gadling on Tue, 03 Feb 2009 12:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>fniTue, 03 Feb 2009 12:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Big in Japan: We're on vacation...]]>http://www.gadling.com/2008/12/23/big-in-japan-were-on-vacation/http://www.gadling.com/2008/12/23/big-in-japan-were-on-vacation/http://www.gadling.com/2008/12/23/big-in-japan-were-on-vacation/#commentsFiled under: , ,

If you're stopping by to check on the latest installment of Big in Japan, we're sorry to say that we're on vacation...

What do travel writers do when they're on vacation?

Simple.

They travel - just travel - and take a break from writing.

In January, we'll be heading to India for a little R&R, and we hope to take a much-needed break from all forms electronic communication.

Call it technological fasting if you will!

However, we'll be back and hopefully feeling refreshed in February, and we will definitely be continuing our weekly updates from the Land of the Rising Sun.

In the meantime, be sure to check out all of the wonderful news stories going on at Gadling.

And of course, have a very happy and healthy 2009 (^_^)

** Image courtesy of the Wikimedia Commons Project **

Big in Japan: We're on vacation... originally appeared on Gadling on Tue, 23 Dec 2008 14:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>japanTue, 23 Dec 2008 14:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Big in Japan: Why your next ski holiday should be at Niseko]]>http://www.gadling.com/2008/12/22/big-in-japan-why-your-next-ski-holiday-should-be-at-niseko/http://www.gadling.com/2008/12/22/big-in-japan-why-your-next-ski-holiday-should-be-at-niseko/http://www.gadling.com/2008/12/22/big-in-japan-why-your-next-ski-holiday-should-be-at-niseko/#commentsFiled under: , ,

All this month, Big in Japan is on the road in Hokkaid?, Japan's northernmost island. Join us as we take a look at the rugged wilderness, world-class skiing and remote hot springs that make this winter wonderland so justifiably famous...

The island of Hokkaid? (???, literally North Sea Circuit) gets some serious snow in the winters, though the reigning prince of powder is a small village by the name of Niseko (???).

While few North Americans have heard of Niseko, Japanese skiers and snowboarders alongside Australians and New Zealanders pack the slopes of this winter wonderland.

Because of its blessed location, Niseko experiences northwest to southeast Siberian fronts every winter. Translation: a whole lot of snow!

In fact, Niseko was recently named the world's second snowiest ski resort, boasting an annual average snow fall of 595 inches.

As you might imagine, that is some serious, serious powder!

Despite its village status, Niseko boasts four interconnected resorts, namely Hirafu, Higashiyama, Annupuri and Hanazono, which together form 2000+ skiable acres.

Still think there isn't any good skiing in Japan?

Continue reading Big in Japan: Why your next ski holiday should be at Niseko

Big in Japan: Why your next ski holiday should be at Niseko originally appeared on Gadling on Mon, 22 Dec 2008 11:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>fnijapanMon, 22 Dec 2008 11:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Big in Japan: Advanced dishes for true sushi aficionados]]>http://www.gadling.com/2008/12/19/big-in-japan-advanced-dishes-for-true-sushi-aficionados/http://www.gadling.com/2008/12/19/big-in-japan-advanced-dishes-for-true-sushi-aficionados/http://www.gadling.com/2008/12/19/big-in-japan-advanced-dishes-for-true-sushi-aficionados/#commentsFiled under: , ,

All this month, Big in Japan is on the road in Hokkaid?, Japan's northernmost island. Join us as we take a look at the rugged wilderness, world-class skiing and remote hot springs that make this winter wonderland so justifiably famous...

The island of Hokkaid? (???, literally North Sea Circuit) arguably produces the finest quality sushi in all of Japan.

Before the economic bubble burst, back in the glory days of the Japanese economic machine, rich Tokyoites were known to fly back and forth to the island in a single day, just to indulge in fresh Hokkaid? sushi.

Clearly, we're not talking about your average California roll here!

In particular, Hokkaid? is famous for a few rare delicacies, which are something along the lines of advanced dishes for true sushi aficionados.

Think you got what it takes to move beyond spicy tuna maki? Keep reading!

Continue reading Big in Japan: Advanced dishes for true sushi aficionados

Big in Japan: Advanced dishes for true sushi aficionados originally appeared on Gadling on Fri, 19 Dec 2008 11:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>fnijapanFri, 19 Dec 2008 11:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Big in Japan: Hokkaido's best national parks]]>http://www.gadling.com/2008/12/15/big-in-japan-hokkaidos-best-national-parks/http://www.gadling.com/2008/12/15/big-in-japan-hokkaidos-best-national-parks/http://www.gadling.com/2008/12/15/big-in-japan-hokkaidos-best-national-parks/#commentsFiled under: , ,

All this month, Big in Japan is on the road in Hokkaid?, Japan's northernmost island. Join us as we take a look at the rugged wilderness, world-class skiing and remote hot springs that make this winter wonderland so justifiably famous...

The island of Hokkaid? (???, literally North Sea Circuit) may have wonderful cities, gourmet foods and a rich sense of history.

However, the real charms of the island are most often found far away human crowds, usually in the absolute middle of nowhere.

Indeed, much of Hokkaid? consists of national park land, and - if you have enough time, the right kind of gear and a true spirit of adventure - you can access some truly wild nature and wide-open space.

In our continuing series on the wonders of Hokkaid?, today's post is a brief run down of the best national parks on the island.

Since we don't have enough room to list them all, you'll have to keep reading to see which ones made the cut...

Continue reading Big in Japan: Hokkaido's best national parks

Big in Japan: Hokkaido's best national parks originally appeared on Gadling on Mon, 15 Dec 2008 10:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>japanMon, 15 Dec 2008 10:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Big in Japan: Sapporo isn't just about beer!]]>http://www.gadling.com/2008/12/12/big-in-japan-sapporo-isnt-just-about-beer/http://www.gadling.com/2008/12/12/big-in-japan-sapporo-isnt-just-about-beer/http://www.gadling.com/2008/12/12/big-in-japan-sapporo-isnt-just-about-beer/#commentsFiled under: , ,

All this month, Big in Japan is on the road in Hokkaid?, Japan's northernmost island. Join us as we take a look at the rugged wilderness, world-class skiing and remote hot springs that make this winter wonderland so justifiably famous...

The island of Hokkaid? (???, literally North Sea Circuit) is firmly centered on the capital city of Sapporo (??).

Famous for liquid lager, miso ramen, the 1972 Winter Olympics and the annual Snow Festival, Sapporo is just as much a destination as it is a springboard for Hokkaid?'s vast wilds.

Voted one of Japan's most livable cities, Sapporo was designed by European and American architects in the late 19th century, and proudly boasts a wide grid of tree-lined streets and plenty of public parks.

You've got to be able to withstand the cold if you want to make through the Siberian winters up here, though fortunately Sapporites have plenty of tricks for staying warm, most of which involve copious amount of frothy brew.

Of course, Sapporo isn't just about beer, and there are a surprising number of tourist sights in the city.

Keep reading to find out...

Continue reading Big in Japan: Sapporo isn't just about beer!

Big in Japan: Sapporo isn't just about beer! originally appeared on Gadling on Fri, 12 Dec 2008 11:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>fnijapanFri, 12 Dec 2008 11:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Big in Japan: Hakodate, the gateway to Hokkaido]]>http://www.gadling.com/2008/12/10/big-in-japan-hakodate-the-gateway-to-hokkaido/http://www.gadling.com/2008/12/10/big-in-japan-hakodate-the-gateway-to-hokkaido/http://www.gadling.com/2008/12/10/big-in-japan-hakodate-the-gateway-to-hokkaido/#commentsFiled under: , ,

All this month, Big in Japan is on the road in Hokkaid?, Japan's northernmost island. Join us as we take a look at the rugged wilderness, world-class skiing and remote hot springs that make this winter wonderland so justifiably famous...

The island of Hokkaid? (???, literally North Sea Circuit) is connected to the Japanese mainland through the modern marvel of engineering that is the Seikan Tunnel.

At length of 33.5 miles, with a 200 yard-deep and 14.5 mile-long undersea portion, the Seikan Tunnel is the deepest and longest undersea tunnel in the world.

While the journey underneath the Tsugaru Channel can be a bit claustrophobic at times, you soon emerge in Hakodate (??), the gateway to Hokkaid?.

Following the Kanagawa Treaty of 1854, Hakodate was one of the first ports to open up to foreign trade. As a result of this early internationalization, the city is a veritable living museum of late 18th and early 19th century European architecture.

Something akin to the San Francisco of Japan's far north, Hakodate is best explored by riding nostalgia-inducing trams though the hilly streets.

Keep on reading...

Continue reading Big in Japan: Hakodate, the gateway to Hokkaido

Big in Japan: Hakodate, the gateway to Hokkaido originally appeared on Gadling on Wed, 10 Dec 2008 10:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>japanWed, 10 Dec 2008 10:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Big in Japan: A foodie's guide to the far north]]>http://www.gadling.com/2008/12/08/big-in-japan-a-foodies-guide-to-the-far-north/http://www.gadling.com/2008/12/08/big-in-japan-a-foodies-guide-to-the-far-north/http://www.gadling.com/2008/12/08/big-in-japan-a-foodies-guide-to-the-far-north/#commentsFiled under: , ,

All this month, Big in Japan is on the road in Hokkaid?, Japan's northernmost island. Join us as we take a look at the rugged wilderness, world-class skiing and remote hot springs that make this winter wonderland so justifiably famous...

The island of Hokkaid? (???, literally North Sea Circuit) is certainly a world apart from mainland Japan. Of course, if you happen to need a bit of convincing, just look at the menu!

Eating out in Japan is always a treat, though Hokkaid? is something of a paradise for aspiring gourmands. On that note, here is a quick (and delicious) foodie's guide to the far north.

Be sure to try the following:

A traditional dish of the Ainu, Japan's northerly indigenous population, ruibe (???) is a salmon that has been left out in snow, frozen solid, sliced up sashimi style, and served with the highest available grade of soy sauce.

While it's something akin to a fish popsicle, true chefs will only slice this delicacy with an abalone shell in fear of contaminating the flesh with a metallic taste.

Getting hungry? The list continues...

Continue reading Big in Japan: A foodie's guide to the far north

Big in Japan: A foodie's guide to the far north originally appeared on Gadling on Mon, 08 Dec 2008 11:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>fnijapanMon, 08 Dec 2008 11:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Big in Japan: Gadling goes to Hokkaido]]>http://www.gadling.com/2008/12/05/big-in-japan-gadling-goes-to-hokkaido/http://www.gadling.com/2008/12/05/big-in-japan-gadling-goes-to-hokkaido/http://www.gadling.com/2008/12/05/big-in-japan-gadling-goes-to-hokkaido/#commentsFiled under: , ,

All this month, we're on the road in Hokkaid?, Japan's northernmost island. Join us as we take a look at the rugged wilderness, world-class skiing and remote hot springs that make this winter wonderland so justifiably famous...

Let's start off with a quick geography lesson, shall we?

Hokkaid? (???, literally North Sea Circuit) is Japan's second largest and northernmost island. If you're not Japanese, you might have trouble identifying this landmass, though you've most certainly heard of its most famous export.

Indeed, Hokkaid?'s capital is the production center for the delicious amber nectar that is Sapporo beer, though the island offers much, much more than mere alcoholic delights.

First settled by the Ainu, Japan's northerly indigenous population, Hokkaid? has been strongly influenced by Russia, Europe, America and - of course - Japanese mainlanders. Today, the island is thoroughly integrated into the modern nation, though it's largely unlike anything you might expect to find in places like Tokyo and Kyoto.

So, without further adieu, let's kick off our special series by taking a closer look at Japan's winter wonderland.

Continue reading Big in Japan: Gadling goes to Hokkaido

Big in Japan: Gadling goes to Hokkaido originally appeared on Gadling on Fri, 05 Dec 2008 11:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>fnijapanFri, 05 Dec 2008 11:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Big in Japan: FIFA Club World Cup is coming to Japan]]>http://www.gadling.com/2008/12/03/big-in-japan-fifa-club-world-cup-is-coming-to-japan/http://www.gadling.com/2008/12/03/big-in-japan-fifa-club-world-cup-is-coming-to-japan/http://www.gadling.com/2008/12/03/big-in-japan-fifa-club-world-cup-is-coming-to-japan/#commentsFiled under: , ,

On Monday, Big in Japan brought you news about the first female baseball player to be drafted into the big leagues....

In keeping with the sports theme, today's post is aimed at spreading the word about the upcoming FIFA Club World Cup tournament in Tokyo and neighboring Yokohama.

Somewhere along the way, America missed out on the soccer memo that seems to have been given priority status in just about every other country. In fact, we're pretty much the only people in the world that think football is played with elongated pigskins and not spherical black and white balls.

But there is time to get on the real 'football' bandwagon, and to perhaps do a bit of sightseeing in Japan while you're at it. In case you've been looking for yet another reason to visit this side of the Pacific pond, why not check out a bit of world-class footie in between shrines and sushi?

That's right - the FIFA Club World Cup is coming to Japan this December!!

Keep reading to find out more!

Continue reading Big in Japan: FIFA Club World Cup is coming to Japan

Big in Japan: FIFA Club World Cup is coming to Japan originally appeared on Gadling on Wed, 03 Dec 2008 08:09:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>japanWed, 03 Dec 2008 08:09:00 EST<![CDATA[Big in Japan: The cutest pitcher you've ever seen!]]>http://www.gadling.com/2008/12/01/big-in-japan-the-cutest-pitcher-youve-ever-seen/http://www.gadling.com/2008/12/01/big-in-japan-the-cutest-pitcher-youve-ever-seen/http://www.gadling.com/2008/12/01/big-in-japan-the-cutest-pitcher-youve-ever-seen/#commentsFiled under: , ,

In a classic scene from the film A League of their Own, coach Jimmy Dugan (played by Tom Hanks) screams at his female players: 'There's no crying in baseball!'

Of course, while there may have been a Hollywood ending for Madonna and Geena Davis, there is still very much a prominent glass ceiling in real-life baseball.

However, there is a chance that the sport as we know it may one day change, especially following the recent draft pick of a female Japanese high school student by the minor league team Kobe 9 Cruise.

On that note, allow me to introduce you to the cutest pitcher you've ever seen, namely 16-year old Eri Yoshida (????). Weighing in at a mere 114 pounds, and standing just over give feet tall, Eri is now the first woman ever to play in Japan's all-male professional baseball league.

How did she do it you ask? Simple.

Eri has mastered the knuckleball, an infamous baseball pitch characterized by its wild and unpredictable motion.

Keep reading as the story goes on..

Continue reading Big in Japan: The cutest pitcher you've ever seen!

Big in Japan: The cutest pitcher you've ever seen! originally appeared on Gadling on Mon, 01 Dec 2008 11:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>fnijapanMon, 01 Dec 2008 11:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Big in Japan: 5 tips for eating veggie in Japan]]>http://www.gadling.com/2008/11/26/big-in-japan-5-tips-for-eating-veggie-in-japan/http://www.gadling.com/2008/11/26/big-in-japan-5-tips-for-eating-veggie-in-japan/http://www.gadling.com/2008/11/26/big-in-japan-5-tips-for-eating-veggie-in-japan/#commentsFiled under: , ,

From beef, chicken and fish to horse, jellyfish and whale, the Japanese are fierce carnivores that love their meat raw, red and occasionally bloody...

Of course, this can present something of a problem for vegetarians in Japan, especially since fish stock is a classic cooking staple that can appear in the most seemingly meat-free dishes - we're looking at you, miso soup!!

Fret not however as it is in fact possible to eat cruelty-free meals in Japan. And, you can still enjoy the high level of quality that makes Japanese cuisine justifiably famous the world over.

So, without any further adieu, here are some author-tested tips for eating veggie in Japan:

1) Learn to love the convenience store. You don't have to look very far in Japan to find a convenience store, which is a good thing as these one-stop shops are packed with non-meat goodies. You'll certainly want to stay away from the pre-packaged dinners, though salads are decidedly meat free, along with most chips, cookies, crackers and candies. With that said, shrimp-flavored snacks are popular with Japanese kids, so give a product a pass if it's got smiling crustaceans on the packaging.

Keep reading as the list goes on...

Continue reading Big in Japan: 5 tips for eating veggie in Japan

Big in Japan: 5 tips for eating veggie in Japan originally appeared on Gadling on Wed, 26 Nov 2008 11:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>japanWed, 26 Nov 2008 11:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Big in Japan: Japan's best medieval castles ]]>http://www.gadling.com/2008/11/21/big-in-japan-japans-best-medieval-castles/http://www.gadling.com/2008/11/21/big-in-japan-japans-best-medieval-castles/http://www.gadling.com/2008/11/21/big-in-japan-japans-best-medieval-castles/#commentsFiled under: , ,

Modern Japan may be an über peaceful place of happy shiny people, but it certainly wasn't always like this...

On the contrary, medieval Japan was at times a conflict-stricken land of warring clans and spirit-breaking feudalism, which gave rise to some truly monolithic castles.

Sadly, most of Japan's medieval structures were either burnt to the ground during the Meiji era of 'enlightenment,' or destroyed during WWII by Allied bombing.

However, there are still a few places in Japan where you can stand in awe before imposing castles that look as if they've jumped straight out of a Miyazaki anime.

On that note today's post is all about Japan's best medieval castles. While our list certainly isn't comprehensive - and may in fact leave out some of your favorites - keep reading to check out which ones made the cut.

Continue reading Big in Japan: Japan's best medieval castles

Big in Japan: Japan's best medieval castles originally appeared on Gadling on Fri, 21 Nov 2008 10:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>fnijapanFri, 21 Nov 2008 10:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Big in Japan: Want younger looking skin? Try bird poo!]]>http://www.gadling.com/2008/11/19/big-in-japan-want-younger-looking-skin-try-bird-poo/http://www.gadling.com/2008/11/19/big-in-japan-want-younger-looking-skin-try-bird-poo/http://www.gadling.com/2008/11/19/big-in-japan-want-younger-looking-skin-try-bird-poo/#commentsFiled under: , ,

Disclaimer: I'm not a doctor. In fact, the closest I ever got to medical school was a failed campus visit that drove me to Japan in the first place. With that said, I am merely reporting here today on the purported merits of bird poo, rather than endorsing it as a safe and effective beauty product.

Besides, I'm sure you're beautiful just the way you are, so why change a thing? (^_^)

In the olden days of Japan, geisha were - and still are - known for their painted white skin, which was believed to be a sign of beauty, grace and social refinement.

As you might have guessed, the look seems to have some tough competition, especially from the dark-tanned and bleached-haired urban youth of hip neighborhoods such as Tokyo's Harajuku.

But, old traditions die hard, which is why bird poo is making a comeback amongst Japan's female fashionistas.

Yup. You definitely read that correctly. Bird poo.

Before you run outside and start rubbing your face against all that pigeon poo on your car's windshield, keep reading as there are definitely a few things you should know!

Continue reading Big in Japan: Want younger looking skin? Try bird poo!

Big in Japan: Want younger looking skin? Try bird poo! originally appeared on Gadling on Wed, 19 Nov 2008 11:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>fnijapanWed, 19 Nov 2008 11:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Big in Japan: Kyoto plans to open hidden treasures to public]]>http://www.gadling.com/2008/11/17/big-in-japan-kyoto-plans-to-open-hidden-treasures-to-public/http://www.gadling.com/2008/11/17/big-in-japan-kyoto-plans-to-open-hidden-treasures-to-public/http://www.gadling.com/2008/11/17/big-in-japan-kyoto-plans-to-open-hidden-treasures-to-public/#commentsFiled under: , ,

Few tourists and resident foreigners in Japan need to find a reason to visit Kyoto (??)...

Established in 794 AD as the official seat of the imperial court, Kyoto truly is one of the last places in modern Japan where you can sip and savor a cup of green tree while mediating on the finer points of a centuries-old Zen rock garden.

Of course, like any tourist destination the world over, Kyoto has its seasons, which is why the city is jam-packed when the sakura bloom in the springtime, and when the leaves fall in the autumn.

Indeed, Kyoto can be stiflingly hot in the summer, and frigidly cold in the winter. However, if you can get over your sensitivity to the harsh elements, there are some serious deals out there to be had.

For the second year in a row, the city is sponsoring the "Kyoto Winter Special" to lure in foreign tourist dollars. Although the global economy is dropping, and the value of the yen is rising, it's worth parting with some cash this winter, especially if you want to catch a glimpse of Kyoto's hidden national treasures.

Keep reading...

Continue reading Big in Japan: Kyoto plans to open hidden treasures to public

Big in Japan: Kyoto plans to open hidden treasures to public originally appeared on Gadling on Mon, 17 Nov 2008 11:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>japanMon, 17 Nov 2008 11:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Big in Japan: How to clone a woolly mammoth]]>http://www.gadling.com/2008/11/14/big-in-japan-how-to-clone-a-woolly-mammoth/http://www.gadling.com/2008/11/14/big-in-japan-how-to-clone-a-woolly-mammoth/http://www.gadling.com/2008/11/14/big-in-japan-how-to-clone-a-woolly-mammoth/#commentsFiled under: , ,

In honor of the recent passing of Michael Crichton, today's posting is all about cloning...

Believe it or not, Jurassic Park may in fact be a reality sometime in the near future. Of course, we're talking about the cloning parts of the books and films, not the Hollywood parts where the dinosaurs rampage, and eat pesky humans in equally horrific and amusing ways!

Last week in Japan, healthy mice were cloned from the cells of dead mice that had been frozen for 16 years. This groundbreaking scientific research raises the possibility that endangered - or even extinct - species could be cloned from old carcasses that have been tossed in freezers or found in permafrost, rather than from living cells.

When asked about the possibility of one day resurrecting a woolly mammoth, Teruhiko Wakayama of the RIKEN Center for Developmental Biology in Kobe, who led the research, elegantly stated: "It would be very difficult, but our work suggests that it is no longer science fiction."

How awesome is that?

Continue reading Big in Japan: How to clone a woolly mammoth

Big in Japan: How to clone a woolly mammoth originally appeared on Gadling on Fri, 14 Nov 2008 10:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>japanFri, 14 Nov 2008 10:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Big in Japan: Do video games make kids aggressive?]]>http://www.gadling.com/2008/11/12/big-in-japan-do-video-games-make-kids-aggressive/http://www.gadling.com/2008/11/12/big-in-japan-do-video-games-make-kids-aggressive/http://www.gadling.com/2008/11/12/big-in-japan-do-video-games-make-kids-aggressive/#commentsFiled under: , ,

Disclaimer: I grew up playing horrifically violent video games such Mortal Kombat and Doom, and I certainly turned out fine (at least I think so!). On that note, today's column is all about whether or not violent video games make kids aggressive...

I'm certainly not one of those archconservative types who thinks that Grand Theft Auto is the harbinger of the apocalypse, and that the Nintendo Wii remote is too phallic for young girls to play with.

Feel free to disagree with me, but I really believe that it's the job of parents and not Playstation to raise the next generation, which is why I'm hesitant to wag my finger at the video game manufacturers for the increasingly violent content in video games.

Furthermore, everything in my opinion is alright in moderation, and so long as children are taught the difference between real and virtual, a few splashes of blood across the hi-def TV screen really isn't all that bad.

Of course, there are people who disagree with me, and they've got a few things that I don't have, namely doctorate degrees!

Keep reading as you might be surprised by what you learn...

Continue reading Big in Japan: Do video games make kids aggressive?

Big in Japan: Do video games make kids aggressive? originally appeared on Gadling on Wed, 12 Nov 2008 11:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>japanWed, 12 Nov 2008 11:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Big in Japan: Obama the city loves Obama the President-elect]]>http://www.gadling.com/2008/11/10/big-in-japan-obama-the-city-loves-obama-the-president/http://www.gadling.com/2008/11/10/big-in-japan-obama-the-city-loves-obama-the-president/http://www.gadling.com/2008/11/10/big-in-japan-obama-the-city-loves-obama-the-president/#commentsFiled under: , ,

Americans abroad haven't had an easy time these past eight years, though all of that is about to change...

America might be divided between Obama and McCain supporters, though most of our foreign allies are turning green (or blue?) with envy. Indeed, Obama's historic election might just be the first step in repairing America's tarnished image abroad, both amongst our allies and perhaps even our enemies.

One of the most peculiar election celebrations last week took place in the city of Obama (??, literally Little Beach), a sleepy little town in the middle of the Japanese countryside. In honor of the US President-elect, local women performed the hula dance, a tribute to Obama's early years as a child in Hawaii.

Dubbed 'The Obama Girls,' the hula troop told reporters that they now have plans to travel to Washington for the inauguration in January, and are hoping that they will have the opportunity to perform in front of Obama himself.

Hilarious...sometimes you really can't help but love the Japanese (^_^)

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Big in Japan: Obama the city loves Obama the President-elect originally appeared on Gadling on Mon, 10 Nov 2008 11:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>japanMon, 10 Nov 2008 11:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Big in Japan: Woman arrested for murdering [virtual] husband]]>http://www.gadling.com/2008/11/07/big-in-japan-woman-arrested-for-murdering-virtual-husband/http://www.gadling.com/2008/11/07/big-in-japan-woman-arrested-for-murdering-virtual-husband/http://www.gadling.com/2008/11/07/big-in-japan-woman-arrested-for-murdering-virtual-husband/#commentsFiled under: , ,

Not sure if you caught this random bit of news last week, but a Japanese woman was arrested for the alleged [virtual] murder of her [virtual] husband...

Apparently, a 43-year old piano teacher from Japan's northern island of Hokkaido was jailed after allegedly killing her virtual husband in a popular video game, and may face charges of illegally accessing a computer and manipulating data.

According to police officers, the woman was furious at finding herself suddenly divorced in the online game MapleStory. She then proceeded to illegally access the log-in details of the man playing her husband, and killed off his character.

The woman was subsequently arrested at her home in Miyazaki, and then driven in a police car 620 miles (1,000 km) to Sapporo, where her [virtual] husband, a 33-year-old office worker, lives.

Believe it or not, the woman, if convicted, could face up to five years in prison, and a fine of up to $5,000. While Japan might look shiny and happy on the surface, the view is decidedly different in prison where forced labor and overcrowding are the norm rather than the exception.

Think about that the next time you try log-in to your friend's account in World of Warcraft!

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Big in Japan: Woman arrested for murdering [virtual] husband originally appeared on Gadling on Fri, 07 Nov 2008 10:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>japanFri, 07 Nov 2008 10:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Big in Japan: Can't get skinny? Eat slower!]]>http://www.gadling.com/2008/11/05/big-in-japan-cant-get-skinny-eat-slower/http://www.gadling.com/2008/11/05/big-in-japan-cant-get-skinny-eat-slower/http://www.gadling.com/2008/11/05/big-in-japan-cant-get-skinny-eat-slower/#commentsFiled under: , ,

Your mother was right - it actually might be a good idea to chew your food 20 times before swallowing...

In a recently published study from Osaka University, researchers examined the eating habits of around 3,000 Japanese people, and found that eating too quickly may be enough to double your risk of being overweight.

On Monday, Big in Japan reported about the Morning Banana Diet, which has catapulted the humble banana into the latest ranks of fad foods. Of course, if you're not particularly partial to this phallic fruit, fear not as deliberately slowing down at mealtimes might be enough to get your weight down.

According to the Osaka study, which was published in the venerable British Medical Journal (BMJ), obesity is partially caused by problems in signaling systems that tell the body when to stop eating. Furthermore, there appears to be a strong and measureable relationship between eating speed, feelings of fullness and obesity.

The study reported that just under half of the 3,000 volunteers told researchers that they tended to eat quickly or eat until they felt full. In this sample set, fast-eating men were 84% more likely to be overweight, while fast-eating women were twice as likely.

Food for thought, huh?

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Big in Japan: Can't get skinny? Eat slower! originally appeared on Gadling on Wed, 05 Nov 2008 11:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>japanWed, 05 Nov 2008 11:00:00 EST