Grenge [J] has released the communication application “Group Talk” for mixi and Android.  Download is free.
“Group Talk” is a group chat application which allows you to choose your close friends from “My miku” (friends on mixi) and have a chat just with them.  You can enjoy communication secretly with friends across three different platforms: cell phone, smart phone, and on the web.  It is also possible to use it in tandem with the “Where am I now” location service, for sending messages and photos.

mixi version app “Group Talk” [J]
Android version app “Group Talk” [J]

Translation authorized by VsMedia

Tags: Japan by Chiho Komoriya
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This is something I was expecting to read.

Konami has launched an arcade machine linked with one of its social games [JP]. The arcade game it's called Baseball Heroes 2011 Shine Star [JP], and it's complemented with the social game Professional Baseball Dream Nine (which have about 1 million users at GREE). There is no so much details about how the connection works, but probably it will be possible to get exclusive virtual items and other elements to exchange for cards and points. The integration will take place next October 12th.

I'm a passionate of arcade games; one of the main issues of this sector is how to innovate. Memory cards, card games, connection to the internet are some of the last iterations, for sure integration with social games is the next one. I hope other developers (like Sega or Bandai Namco) can continue on this way with some of their big hits.

Via: Serkan Toto

Tags: Social game, Trend by Daniel Alías
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Nikkei Business Online is reporting [J], according to people familiar with the matter, the nation's second carrier KDDI has an arrangement with Apple on selling iPhone in Japan.

In Japan, iPhone has been exclusively provided by the 3rd carrier Softbank Mobile. It is not officially disclosed but Nikkei speculates that Softbank has been selling 7.5 million units. Half of Softbank's new subscribers are said to purchase iPhone, which push them up to the close third position despite its rather weak network.

Tags: Japan, News by Akky Akimoto
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A certain (of course anonymous, as usual) 2-channeller wrote that the shape of Great Britain islands looks for him like a girl worrying her bust size. The first reaction was "you are sick" but some followed and drew it.

The reason Manchester is emphasized is... ahem, it sounds similar with a certain body part of female in Japanese language.

via hiko2*blog [J]

Tags: Japan, Joke by Akky Akimoto
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(Tokyo Amesh - rainfall amount map)

Huge typhoon No.15 is hitting Tokyo area now. Several photo reports are circulated on Japanese Twitter.

In Shibuya, fallen tree hit a taxi.

Ginza street is also dangerous.

Twitter Japanese trending topics are all typhoon related. Many companies seemed to encourage their workers to head their home earlier. The number of refugees who are unable to go back to their home may be reduced if compare with the March earthquake. However, there are still many remaining in the central Tokyo, as most train lines have to stop or get delayed.

Public transportation information service Navitime site [J] is showing how many train lines are reported delay/stop.

Yahoo! Japan's top 20 hot keywords [J] are all occupied by train line names except 13th "blackout", which is happening in few area around Tokyo.

Tags: Japan by Akky Akimoto
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