Beer Vending Machines Japan
Best and Worst of the Decade of Japan (recovering from a hangover)
In Japan, the land where love flows like an endless river and lubricates the awkward social interaction between men and women, as well as business transactions between the cement of a flock of black suits, it is easy to think past, present and future in terms of drinking. It is instructive period of postwar reconstruction and economic infrastructure longest call Japan day. Then came the exuberant 80s, which were the pyramids Crystal overflow time and purchase and sale of the treasures of the world as Bolivia beat both in the bathroom, known as the Days drunk. The current recession sobering 15 + years can be called The Hangover. Rain for our headaches and blurred vision, it is difficult to see what can happen in the future without some help, once I will refer to as?? (The hair of the dog). From January First, insurance is technically 2010, but 2010 is the same Arthur C. Clarke announced in his science fiction classic 2010: Odyssey two? even close? Is not Japan supposed to save the world with a super robot now? Are they crazy or suspended pending until they buy more Toyotas? What is the problem? For those of you Nippon-o-Files that have never set foot in Japan, and have only heard of Moe But have not yet experienced in all its sticky glory Akihabara, let me guide you through the last decade intoxicated whirlwind of technological development, Delirium Tremens the current economic shakedown and what is the future and the sociological implications of living side by side with high-functioning alcoholics an archipelago of over 2,000 islands formed by both the first and third worlds might look like a population decline by approximately 30 million by 2050.
We all know that Toyota, Honda, Nissan, Mazda, Mitsubishi and Subaru reign in the world of car while Sony, Panasonic, Canon, Fujitsu, Sharp, Epson and Toshiba are developing some of the most advanced technologies in electronics, optics, robotics, semiconductors, and more, so what who is next? Although Japan 16 hours into the future of the morning (LA PST), and the alleged technological mecca of the world, so the day after tomorrow brings will be an evening of interactive 4D equal footing in the international deadline.
What Japan does well:
- Digital Digital (you can think of doing that kind of more?)
- Mobile phones (How much does the iPhone in your country?)
- Flat Panel Televisions
- Video Games
- Cars
- Bullet train
- Robotics
What Japan does not do so:
- Web Design / Use
- Connectivity Handsfree
- Debit Cards
- Wi-Fi
- Recycling (more than 10 million pairs of disposable chopsticks everyday)
It seems simple that different societies put emphasis on different aspects of technology. In the U.S., Europe and elsewhere, the Internet's development in terms of electronic commerce has been a priority. Despite its convenience, relative safety and lack of a multitude of online shopping has not taken hold in Japan, where trade face to face is still the king, or rather, emperor. This is mainly because Japan still remains a cash-based society, which has worked well at this point due to low violent crime across the country. In fact, after the Second World War was the infamous Japanese organized crime syndicate who first met food black neighborhood markets. Although theoretically the strangers, called Yakuza ("no value" in Japanese), was considered an important and necessary part of society, and according to the number of full-and part-time employees on the payroll of Yamaguchi-gumi (over 80,000), various government agencies do not seem to disagree. When the government finally got its act together after Douglas MacArthur oversaw the occupation of Japan surrendered power in 1952 that Emperor Hirohito asked his people to rebuild the remains of the past shake a different kind of world domination in mind for the future was to sacrifice their savings specifically for hard won in the same government, in stocks and bonds and do not ask for any payment of dividends in order to improve the economy and ensure Japan's future eminence in world stage.
He seemed to have worked, up to 90 anyway, resulting in the Japan Post, which was also a bank, to become the largest holder of personal savings in the world: 224000000000000 ¥ (2.1 billion), despite the vast holdings of insurance and government bonds on the books. The Post Bank also became the largest foreign lender in the world, the extremely low levels of charge to anyone willing to borrow in order to increase spending. What this encourages spending is not so much as it was the non-payment of credit when the economy went bankrupt after the biggest housing bubble in the history of pop. Thus, while the role of the Post Office is cash rich, in terms of liquidity, as 45 of the 47 prefectures, which are in bankruptcy. Sounds familiar? Fortunately, the town is well trained in the placement of nationals before their own personal needs, and therefore while the rest of the world Western has been investing in several future, as Internet providers, from the 80's and investor speculation in new markets provided enough capital to installing the infrastructure for the popular use of the Internet (despite the collapse of the dot-com in the late 90s), it was not until the 2000s that the Internet caught on Japan, but more on that later.
In terms of personal savings, Japan is by far the world leader, and since the use of credit cards only becoming widely available (and only in big cities centers), the use of cash was the only show in town. Stop the typical businessman on the street and may have a few thousand yen in the wallet, but stop his wife from the day of payment and are likely to find a few thousand dollars bills, she probably does not think twice about carrying around. After all, in a society that prefers not mean confrontation in resolving conflicts who is going to steal? Despite the relative safety of carrying large amounts of cash on his person, Japanese firms are now being developed, such as smart cards Pasmo Suica and although not connected to the banking system is generally used to facilitate their journey on the transport network mass audience, but also being used more and more to pay for goods in many supermarkets and electronics stores, convenience and vending machines.
In recent announcements in several trains around the Tokyo metropolitan area to announce that the system has recently joined with Visa, anime cute penguin uses Suica card (permanently attached to its fin) to A) travel on the Shinkansen (Bullet Train) to airport in which he (she?), B) buy a ticket to the snowy mountains and then C) buy skis, a ski pass and go every day, before retiring the fire hot ski lodge (sometime between those who wear a headscarf …). Suica Obviously people want to impart to their customers that the automated system payment is no longer so easy to use that even a small flightless bird, without (much) to clothing or opposable thumbs can do it, so they have a chance decent. Speaking of opposable thumbs, Japan's vending machine industry took a major hit over TASP card, which, in a concerted effort seems finally to curb underage smoking, requires buyers to sign snuff dispenser with Japan Tobacco and swipe your card to use the machines. The third largest company of snuff, a 50% of which belongs to the Japanese Finance Ministry, ie the government takes the money from their cancer that causes addiction to drugs, I want to lead a new Smart ID card in this regard. Even beer vending machines are starting to persons card. The Buddha said that the world is a sad place, but is this what you meant?
Even better to carry a boring card is the option Suica connecting your mobile phone to the almighty, the must-have for every single citizen regardless of age. It is old news to say that even a 40-50% primary age children to carry around, but what is not well known is that apart from calling people (but it does already?), you can do with your mobile: board the train, any train, playing the smart card RFID sensor electronic window turnstiles and buy almost any goods in any of the stores mentioned and shops. The mobile phone is as essential to give a lot of people buy a home computer (cost and lack of space small apartments) and the use of "portable" (direct translation?) as their only means of connectivity to the Internet, hence the popularity of. mobi here (also why. jp run more than $ 100 just to register a domain? Low prices, increased consumption is not necessarily economy mode practiced in Japan).
Due to the strict code of public morals and standards that are followed to the letter by most citizens, mobile phone usage is frowned on trains and in most public places, where the "shape mode" is de rigueur. However, beyond the surf, check the weather and the train times, no text messaging, which is simple and quietly done everywhere, both for people now are writing books in their phones, the first of which was published last year in an amount of 400,000 copies sold in hardback so far. What about the TV, video and DVD capabilities and visibly in use during the trip home every night by businessmen and office ladies alike? Even with all these high powered features already available, sponsored Softbank iPhone continues to grab more market share, despite its price ¥ 80,000 (about U.S. $ 920). Expect more of this as industry grows and portable touch screen people understand that the common practice of hiding her books from fellow train passengers is covered with paper strange at a level that I do not care to explore, but also very Wreckless the environment.
The problem with this is that the Japanese people do not trust really on the Internet, which means in Japanese companies also do not trust the Internet and thus not pushing the industry through the promotion of their companies through the media attacks on several fronts. Despite a handful of individuals with vision (for an idea Joichi Ito) Japan remains in Web 1.5 circa 1995. Not that the friendship networking is the gold standard for Internet experts, but Mixi, Facebook eastern is a seriously underused and untapped avatar site where everyone is his dog, a pop or a porn star of some kind, and has basically become an excessively Flash-and slow loading of Craig List. People are afraid to put your private information, including the face, out there, I agree with something, but has begun stagnation Internet growth. As the lack of accessibility: ask any laptop user in any of the ten major Japanese cities that bothers him or more and it will more than likely say, "No Wi-Fi! There is no place to plug!" Wi-Fi depends on public investment and a relaxation of regulations on public access to the construction of electricity, which is now strictly limited. In order to stimulate investment and promote public spending foresee a jolt in the branches with buds young Internet start popping up everywhere in spring (the new fiscal year in Japan) 2010 grows as interactivity.
As this happens, we can see a bigger, broader ranges from hands-free culture so popular in the west. It was three years ago that driving while talking on the phone was banned, however, the only change that has occurred is that now (if they do at all) people just stopped in traffic on narrow roads blocking Japan and create new risks, when making a call. Automakers need include hands-free functions in the design of automobiles in order to make a questionable choice. As this industry grows with Tele-conference (Not realizing that has erupted due to business trips to all points of expected due to financial difficulties) we could see a new paradigm in which work from home or in the cafeteria foothold in the century old tradition of 14-hour days at the office. Alleluia.
This could also help a (finally) in the automobile industry crisis. When workers stay home, car use is cut. By forcing automakers to rethink their approach to stay relevant in the 21st century we will see major advances in environmentally friendly technologies. It was early this year that Japan Post tried Mitsubishi to bring order to replace its current fleet of 21,000 vehicles for mail delivery trucks, cars and electric scooters, not hybrids, the technology of 2012. Mitsubishi said it had to many cars available. JP told them to get moving. We are also seeking to sponsor a plan that would free shops electricity in post offices and convenience stores across the country, available for use by couriers and customers with the means of transmission of electricity, which could encourage the private sector to participate in the power game quickly. This is a great example of how the industry can push the change of consumers, because while the post office was at one time ostensibly a part of the government, JP is now a private company and the largest employer in the country.
The fact is we need to see beyond the temporary electric hybrid technology to the full and / or hydrogen-powered vehicles. As electricity continues to grow as a viable solution to the gas guzzling, we must be sure that there is coal that is producing the electricity used to run everything. The grid in which we operate should also function as renewable resources as possible, something that the newly elected Yukio Hatoyama of the Democratic Party the administration of Japan, which has eclipsed more rapidly than the Obama administration in terms of the implementation of "change" the serious problems facing both governments, could sanction the analysis of feed rates, a regulation that allows fruitful "greener" energy sources equal opportunities for access to the network and a guaranteed price to sell their energy. The only way to reduce the use of coal is to be more expensive renewable sources, or rather to produce, deliver and use energy more profitable for investors and consumers, that Japan has a lot now (but not in twenty years). As a side note, it would be beneficial for the safety of children recently were passed stronger measures implemented by the authorities, like watching a baby in the lap of the mother and the doctors not to prescribe audience using a seat belt for pregnant mothers, is the rule than the exception.
To move forward in this regard, Japan may be one of the countries at the forefront of the energy revolution. Just because they have no natural oil reserves, totally dependent on imports and therefore should have already begun the search for a better way, such geothermal, hydro, tidal, wave and wind, which could mean big changes after the UN Conference on Climate Change Change in Copenhagen mandate replaces the outdated Kyoto Protocol (ha!). We have to see the thrust of the economy greener environment Hatoyama's new administration. The fact is that this is basically a trendy consumerist society, reinforced by the store first and ask questions later mentality American since the Second World War. People will follow what the market dictates, in droves.
With 50 + years of Liberal Democratic Party, whose waning insipidus popularity and aptly summarized the law with five different ministers first five years, culminating in the administration of castrated and Aso clown-like, we have many policies to PDJ Hatoyama, to overturn. Environmentally speaking, the country that gave us the Kyoto Protocol is also the country that has two types garbage (at least in Tokyo): burnable and nonburnable. Even if there is an icon of recyclables in one of many plastic parts used in excess unnecessary packaging by supermarkets here (to the onions and bananas need another container?), it is likely that your local garbage collector differentiate. It will be burned in one of many incinerators Tokyo giving the nickname "The Big Smoke." Many so-called Shogyo Chiki "(business areas), such as Shibuya, Shinjuku, Ginza and many but do not provide any type of recycling, despite the Mt. Fuji mountain size cardboard and other debris that accumulate throughout the week. And that's just trash ending in the country. There are reports of ships have left the port of Yokohama and has been at sea for years, can not call at any port, due to its stack of liberation of more and more toxic carbon and methane into the atmosphere every day. It is also a documented fact that Japan sent a large percentage of their waste to plants it has funded through infrastructure development programs in Southeast Asia intended to relieve the internal pressure of the plants can not process the thousands of million pounds of garbage mounting steadily.
But this is Japan. When there is amazing too drunk after year-end-all you can make the parts, the Japanese are frugal and environmentally-conscious, right? The inventors of sushi wabi-sabi can not be so, so, so … American they can? Yes they can and are better for it. Its more efficient trains almost never late for the thousands of stations across the country access to what is a public network very intelligent transportation, so more easily reap the hard-earned yen of potential buyers, both far and wide. There must be a technology developed sexy new you put into the common use of this isolated island nation a more universal view. I hope that the new JR Maglev bullet train (Superconducting magnetic levitation train), due to be in full service in the mid-2020s, the continued advances in mobile phones (and culture generated there) and PDAs, as well as advanced robotics behind Honda's Asimo (and the burgeoning sexual robot (Baby fembots, yeahhhh!) from industry), we see a leveling of the playing field, from high technology R & D laboratories to dream of these gadgets to something all on mom and dad-san can apply in their local coffee shop (a nice view, easy access main page, perhaps?) in (increasingly) a vain attempt to compete with the ever Starbuckification smaller, but more and more pixilated and lonely, world.
As Michael Moore summed up his recent visit to Japan: "Stop being like us (Americans). I know Japan has created since 1945, a Japan who valued education, in a Japan that you do not pull the work. A Japan that never invade another country and would not support a country to invade another country … It Sorry to say this. Please do not personally offended, but you asked me what to say to the Japanese people, a society believe that good of a structured society on peace and respect, and has started to go down the other road. And my humble request is to go down that road with its new prime minister and return to the road you used to be en. "
Viva collective support for individual rights! (Hopefully Apple puts into the development as soon as possible …)
About the Author
Manny Santiago is a freelance Writer / Photographer based in Tokyo, Japan.
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Tokyo Draft Beer Machine