jsmap – US States selection library

New Javascript library jsmap is released on cognitom.com , which enables a new way of choosing regions from diagram map. Its Japan version seems welcomed favorably by Japanese web developers, as the Japan’s prefecture selection is always an usability headache. There are Japanese websites provides region selection by drilling down by links, usually implemented on… Continue reading jsmap – US States selection library

Japan’s Blockbuster Video wants to to become Japan’s Netflix

What Blockbuster Video is to the USA, Tsutaya is to Japan. The company is currently operating over 1,300 video rental stores in this country and boasts 27 million members. Now, Tsutaya finally came to realize their future is the web: The company now wants to transform into this country’s Netflix – at least kind of.… Continue reading Japan’s Blockbuster Video wants to to become Japan’s Netflix

Google Maps Japan hats off to Mixi

Mixi (on Asiajin), the biggest Social Network Site in Japan, announced that Google Maps Japan now has an specialized Mixi button for users who wants to embed Google Maps on their users diary (Mixi Nikki). “Embed this map to other service: mixi” Mixi has been having the “embed Google Maps” feature for a year which… Continue reading Google Maps Japan hats off to Mixi

Report: Mobile Monday Tokyo – Mobile Browsing

On Monday, a Mobile Monday Tokyo event themed “Mobile Browser UI Designs & Standards” took place in KDDI’s Designing Studio in Harajuku. The entrance fee was between 1,000 and 2,000 Yen and an impressive 150 people showed up. While the venue itself was really cool, I am not sure if letting guests sit on stairs… Continue reading Report: Mobile Monday Tokyo – Mobile Browsing

Mobile barcodes:Huge success in Japan so far.

In Japan, mobile barcodes(QR Codes:local version of the 2D barcodes) has been widespread and acquired a stable position as one of the familiar media to provide a direct access to customers these days. They are mainly targeting mobile-savvy group of twenties to mid-thirties leading them to sales promotion sites for products such as snacks and… Continue reading Mobile barcodes:Huge success in Japan so far.

Tokyo2point0 event: Recruit API and Marketing in virtual worlds

This Tuesday, the 9th Tokyo2point0 event in Harajuku/Tokyo was held. As always, the venue was totally crowded. More info can be found on the Tokyo2point0 site, the Facebook group or on Mixi. This month the event featured two presentations which left more time for networking. I had the feeling that the event was more fun… Continue reading Tokyo2point0 event: Recruit API and Marketing in virtual worlds

Web umbrella Pileus

Even hardcore geeks might have never dreamt of something like this: An umbrella which is connected to the Internet! This gadget was developed by researchers at Tokyo-based Keio University. The “Pileus” umbrella looks ordinary from the outside but actually is a quite clever piece of hardware. The umbrella is able to display web sites on… Continue reading Web umbrella Pileus

Yomiuri TV Uses Skype To Interview Candidates

Japanese television broadcaster Yomiuri TV has found a novel new way to recruit young new employees to their company. They utilize Skype chat and video to conduct the interview. The thinking behind the process is not to only demonstrate how “hip” they are to new technologies but also to provide an opportunity for many applicants… Continue reading Yomiuri TV Uses Skype To Interview Candidates