JIC: Japan Infomation Communication

the ink painting 2

The information of " ink painting" is from

http://www.asia-art.net/chinese_brush.html

http://search.japantimes.co.jp/cgi-bin/fa20071011a3.html

http://web-japan.org/museum/suiboku/suiboku.html

http://www.aisf.or.jp/~jaanus/deta/s/suibokuga.htm

posted by Shiho Kuwahara

The Meaning Of Samurai

I will explain the meaning of samurai.

The word of "Samurai" came from the word of "Saburau". "Saburau" means to serve people. In other words,"Samurai = A government official". They needed to have military arts and military science, and they obeyed their master being based on an idea of Bushido. They could kill themselves for their master. In the age of civil strife, regardless of weather they serve people or not, they were called "Bushi = Samurai".

history

By the end of the eighth century, the Japanese warrior fighting in the northern extents of Honshu essentially fit the historical model of the classical Japanese warrior. By this time, the government had come to depend on the men of the Kanto to such an extent that courtiers no longer personally took up arms. The term "samurai", meaning "those who serve" came into use (although with derogatory meaning when used by pretentious courtiers). Warriors continued to fight on horseback, with bow and arrows as their primary weapon, but also with a newly designed sword. The Emishi had been found to be fighting with curved swords. These seemed much better suited to slicing cuts inflicted from horseback, and so the Japanese tachi, which had previously been modeled on the continental sword, was revised for the same effect.

photo and material by http://www.judoinfo.com/samurai.htm

Etymology

The word samurai has origins in the pre-Heian period, being derived from the classical Japanese verb saburau, meaning to serve and attend. It was not until the early modern period, namely the Azuchi-Momoyama period and early Edo period of the late 16th and early 17th centuries that the word saburai became replaced with samurai. However, by then, the meaning had already long before changed.

During the era of the rule of the samurai, the earlier term yumitori ("bowman") was also used as an honorary title of an accomplished warrior even when swordsmanship had become more important. Japanese archery (kyujutsu) , is still strongly associated with the war god Hachiman.

this material :http://www.jref.com/glossary/samurai.shtml#Etymology

◎yumitori movie◎

◎kyujutsu movie◎

posted by Reiko Sato

Rating

Rating

Rating is the one of barometer that shows how much household and people watch TV programs. Rating has an individual rating and a family rating, but generally it shows family rating.

Rating is measured by the exclusive machinery which is provided to test user. Depending on an area and investigation contents, there is the investigation by the diary-style questionnaire.

Video Research

In Japan, Video Research is the most famous company which investigates rating. Everyday this company investigates rating in main 11 districts, Kanto, Kansai, Nagoya, Sapporo, Sendai, Fukushima, Niigata, Shizuoka, Okayama-Kanagawa, Hiroshima, and the north of Kyushu.

Purpose

1. To know about what people are interested in.

2. To know about social movement by audience rating.

3. To show a vogue of the TV program clearly.

                     

This ranking shows that dramas which Takuya Kimura plays a main character in are very popular in Japan. Takuya Kimura is a member of SMAP and is not only the most famous musician but also the most famous actor in Japan. He is called 'KimuTaku' by almost all Japanese and he is very popular among japanese, especially young people.

         Ranking of the TV drama

    1 積木くずし・親と子の200日戦争・最終回 ＴＢＳ 45.3
    2 日曜劇場 ビューティフルライフ・最終回 41.3
     3 金曜劇場 熱中時代 日本テレビ 40.0
     4 ３年Ｂ組金八先生・最終回 ＴＢＳ 39.9
     5 ひとつ屋根の下 フジテレビ 37.8
     6 日曜劇場 ＧＯＯＤ ＬＵＣＫ！！・最終回ＴＢＳ 37.6
     7 赤い激流・最終回 ＴＢＳ 37.2
     7 土曜グランド劇場 家なき子・最終回 日本テレビ 37.2
     9 ＨＥＲＯ フジテレビ 36.8
     9 ＨＥＲＯ・最終回 フジテレビ 36.8
    10 １０１回目のプロポーズ・最終回 フジテレビ 36.7

Reference

http://www.dramasia.com/

http://docs.yahoo.co.jp/docs/event/bfree/b_life/life1_2.html

Posted by Chiaki Shimada

             

SHARP

TV's history

1973   Japan's first TV - the TV 3-14T

The era of television in Japan began with the mass-production of a Sharp TV in 1953. Sharp began research into television way back in 1931, at a time when the radio was just starting to infiltrate life in Japan. Short-wave radio technology developed in the 1940s contributed to develop TVs. In 1951, Sharp built Japan's first TV prototype and in 1953 released the country's first TV. This TV retailed for 175,000 yen, at a time when new high school graduates were earning 5,400 yen a month at the average company. 1978   CT-1804X TV with Inset Screen In 1978, Sharp released another world first, the TV-in-TV, which allowed viewers to watch both the main screen and a smaller inset screen. Consumers loved the way the product allowed them to keep up on the progress of a baseball game on the inset screen while watching another TV program on the main screen. 1987   3C-E1 3-inch Color LCD TV In 1987, Sharp developed the industry's most detailed TFT LCD, with a resolution of 92,160 pixels, and incorporated this into the Crystaltron LCD TV. With bright, colorful, highly-detailed images rivaling those of a CRT TV, the product caused quite a stir.

1991   LCD Wall-Mount TV In 1991, Sharp released the world's first wall-mount TV, which boasted an 8.6-inch TFT color LCD, at that time the industry's largest. With high-quality images and a choice of cabinets to match a home's interior, the product was heralded by the media as the wall-mount TV people had dreamed about. 1999   LC-20V1/2/3 20-inch LCD TV In 1999, Sharp released the Window LCD TV, at 20 inches the largest in the industry. Despite its large screen size, the TV measured just 49.5 millimeters in depth. It also used 43% less power than a CRT TV of the same size. With three different designs to match any interior and the ability to mount it on a wall or move it from room to room, this TV offered a totally new kind of viewing freedom. 2000   LC-28HD1 28-inch Wide LCD TV compatible with BS digital HDTV In 2000, Sharp released a 28-inch LCD TV that was the world's first TV compatible with digital HDTV broadcasts. Equivalent in screen size to a 30-inch CRT, this TV was just 60 millimeters in depth and could also be used as a PC monitor. The LC-28HD1 employed a newly-developed black TFT with a 2.95-million-pixel resolution and an industry-leading (at that time) brightness of 450 cd/m2. 2001   LC-20C1/15C1/13C1 AQUOS LCD Color TV On January 1, 2001, Sharp released the AQUOS LCD color TV, the home TV of the 21st century. The AQUOS boasted beautiful images with an industry-leading (at that time) brightness of 450 cd/m2 and an interior-friendly design by world-renowned industrial designer Toshiyuki Kita. Sharp has continued to offer lifestyles for a new millennium with evolution of the AQUOS that includes PC-card-slot models and a 30V-inch HDTV-compatible model that's perfect as a home's main TV.           LC-30BV3 AQUOS LCD TV with BS digital HDTV Tuner Equivalent in screen size to a 32-inch CRT TV, the LC-30BV3 "AQUOS" was the industry’s first large-screen LCD TV to employ a 30V-inch, wide XGA LCD panel to reproduce the high-definition pictures of digital HDTV. The built-in tuner let users easily enjoy multi-channel BS digital broadcasts and was integrated into the TV’s main unit, allowing for easy installation. This model was released as the primary TV for the living room, under Sharp’s strategy of turning all home TVs into LCD TVs. 2003   LC-37AD1/37AD2/30AD1/30AD2 Terrestrial/BS/CS110 digital high-definition AQUOS LCD TV These AQUOS were the first flat-panel TVs in the industry to have a built-in terrestrial digital HDTV tuner. They were highly rated in the market as the LCD TVs that allowed users to enjoy three types of digital TV broadcasts: terrestrial, BS, and CS110°. These TVs were developed under Sharp’s AQUOS Platform concept, effectively combining the proprietary Advanced Super View LCD panel with features such as high picture and audio quality, environmental-performance factors like energy efficiency and long service life, and networkability as in memory-card compatibility to meet the various needs of users. The Advanced Super View low-reflection black TFT LCD provided clear, high-contrast pictures regardless of viewing angle. And Sharp’s original 1-Bit digital amp, highly regarded in the audio field, delivered powerful lower range sounds and impressive upper range sounds. 2004   LC-45GD1 45V-inch Terrestrial/BS/CS110 digital high-definition AQUOS LCD TV In August 2004, Sharp released 45V-inch AQUOS LCD TV, the world's largest digital high-definition LCD TV (at the world). It was developed under Sharp’s New AQUOS Platform, combining a full-HD LCD panel (1,920H x 1,080V pixels: one of the best resolutions at the time of release) and technologies, such as a new panel driver for the high-efficiency LCD drive engine and a one-chip digital high-image-quality LSI for the digital image processing engine, designed to maximize the performance of the LCD panel. This resulted in highly detailed digital HD pictures on an impressively large screen. This TV also gained attention for coming from Sharp’s Kameyama Plant, the world’s first production facility for the integrated production of LCD TVs, handling everything from panel production to final assembly. 2005   LC-65GE1 65V-inch Terreserial/BS/CS digital high-definition AQUOS LCD TV This 65V-inch AQUOS created a sensation as the largest LCD TV in the world at the time of its release. A full-HD LCD panel (1,920H x 1,080V pixels) that could display 1080i high-definition signals exactly as broadcast and Quick Shoot technology that improved video responsiveness provided clear, easy-to-view images even in fast-moving sports programs. In addition, a newly developed four-wavelength backlight, which added the crimson wavelength to blue, green, and red, achieved what had previously been impossible—the faithful reproduction of pure red. 2006   LC-52GX1W/46GX1W/42GX1W/52GX2W/46GX2W/42GX2W Terrestrial/BS/CS digital high-definition AQUOS LCD TV Sharp released six AQUOS LCD TVs featuring the Black Advanced Super View full-HD LCD panel, an LCD with the world’s highest contrast ratio of 2000:1, the world’s fastest video response rate of 4 msec, and the world’s highest living room contrast ratio of 900:1. These TVs, boasting clear, vivid images and crisp, rich blacks, attracted considerable attention as the first LCD TVs to use full-HD panels made at Sharp’s Kameyama Plant No. 2, which became operational in August 2006.        TV's history --- From "SHARP history" 1953-1954 First Japan Made TV   more detail.. 1960-1961 Begins Mass Production of colar TV   more detail.. 1999 Creating Demand for LCD TV   more detail.. 2001 Debut of the AQUOS --- the TV for the 21st century   more detail..

2004 Integrated Production of "Kameyama Brand" Large Screen LCD TV   more detail..

2006 Stimultaneous Worldwide Introduction of AQUOS Models from Kameyama Plant NO.2   more detail..

Latest products --- AQUOS

Once again, Sharp, a leader in LCD technology, establishes a new design standard for LCD TVs. With a screen size class of 65", the AQUOS LC-65D64U raises the bar by fitting a large screen size into an incredibly small footprint. By changing the layout of circuits inside the LCD panel and by reducing the number of parts, Sharp engineers developed the Slim-line design which reduces depth by 25%, allowing placement of the LC-65D64U in virtually any setting. The LC-65D64U utilizes Sharp's proprietary Advanced Super View / Black TFT Panel with multi-pixel technology, providing 10,000:1 Dynamic Contrast Ratio with Enhanced Picture Contrast Technology and 4ms response time. The LC-65D64U features built-in ATSC/QAM/NTSC tuners and includes 3 HDMI・(version 1.3) inputs, compatible with 1080p signals, X.V. Color, a PC input and 2 HD component video inputs. Side terminals are included for wall-mounting convenience as well as RS-232C input for control.

Learn more about AQUOS's Vision

---reference--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

http://www.sharpusa.com/

http://sharp-world.com/

                                                                                                                  posted by Akiyo Tominaga

Broadcasting stations in Japan

About Japanese Broadcasting

 

Watching television is very popular in Japan and probably almost as integrated into everyday life as in the United States.In Tokyo one can receive about five private and two national NHKchannels with a room antenna. The number of channels may be a little bit lower in other areas of the country. Satellite and cable television are nowadays gaining in popularity. Dramas, news, sport programs and shows are the most popular program types. The concepts of many Japanese shows are very original. Furthermore, many shows contain an educational component concerning nature, history, science, or other cultures. It is not uncommon that the most popular entertainers appear during prime time in rather scientific programs on commercial channels. "Wide Shows" are programs for housewives and are broadcasted during the whole morning and afternoon on various channels. They offer a variety of topics like fashion, celebrity news, etc. Imported movies and series are mostly broadcasted on pay TV channels. Many of them can be watched in either Japanese or the original language. A few news programs, too, are broadcasted in two languages. Some older television models, however, are not equipped with the bilingual mode which is needed to watch the programs in English.  Posted by japan guide.com

About Japanese Broardcasting Stations

The broadcasting system in Japan is divided into the public sector, represented solely by NHK (Nippon Hoso Kyokai, or the Japan Broadcasting Corporation), and the commercial sector.NHK collects the mandatory viewing fees from households which own TV sets and makes it the source of fund for its wide activities. It operates a nationwide network with 2 MW radio, 1 FM radio, 2 VHF television and 2 BS televison channels. Also, it has a shortwave overseas radio Radio Japan.As of 1992, there are 177 commercial broadcasting companies, 36 of which operate both TV and radio, 82 only TV and 59 only radio. Local TV stations form tie-up networks with major key companies in Tokyo, i.e. NTV, TBS, Fuji-TV (CX), TV-Asahi and TV-Tokyo. Majority (roughly 80%) of programs are provided by these dominating stations. Those commercial broadcasting companies rely on advertising revenue. As you can imagine, sponsors are very sensitive to the audience ratings, hence TV stations tend to make junky programs which only aim at raitings.  Posted by Guide to Broadcastings in Japan

NHK(日本放送協会)

 

Public Broadcaster Financed by Receiving Fees NHK (Japan Broadcasting Corporation), Japan’s sole public broadcaster, introduced a radio service in 1925 and a television service in 1953. NHK is financed by the receiving fee paid by each household that owns a television set. This system enables the Corporation to maintain independence from any governmental and private organization, and ensures that the opinions of viewers and listeners are assigned top priority. NHK Governors The Board of Governors is the decision-making body for every important matter concerning NHK’s management policy and operation, including the annual budget, operational plan and basic programming policy. There are twelve board members, appointed by the prime minister and approved by both Houses of the Diet on behalf of the Japanese public. They bring a broad range of experience and expertise to NHK. Television, Radio, Online To serve Japan, NHK operates five television channels and three radio services. General TV and Educational TV are broadcast terrestrially, and with the three radio channels they provide a diverse range of programs, including news, education, and family entertainment. The three satellite channels also offer a varied and versatile program mix. Internationally, NHK offers three TV and radio services under the NHK WORLD umbrella. News is provided in 22 languages on the radio and over the internet via the website www.nhk.or.jp/english/. NHK has 54 stations across Japan and correspondents in 29 locations around the world. A Leader in Broadcasting Technology In Japan, the launch of digital satellite TV broadcasting in December 2000 was followed by the first digital terrestrial broadcasts in December 2003. The core technology is Hi-Vision (HDTV), which delivers clear, vivid pictures and CD-quality sound. More than 90% of the programming on General TV is produced and aired in Hi-Vision. NHK has been conducting research on even more advanced technology. One example is Super Hi-Vision, an ultrahigh-definition widescreen system with 4,000 scanning lines. Its picture resolution is 16 times better than the current HDTV system. NHK is also developing special-needs broadcasting services for the elderly and physically challenged. International Cooperation NHK promotes intercultural dialogue, and continually undertakes new co-production projects with broadcasting stations, production companies and distributors around the world. Between April 2006 and March 2007, NHK broadcast 61 co-productions under 36 titles, of which 35 were produced in Hi-Vision. Other Japanese Broadcasting Stations NTV(日本テレビ)    NTV Profile  here NTV is a commercial broadcasting which has a cooperative relationship with Yomiuri Shinbun Newspaper. It is the first private station in Japan. It has very popular variety shows, for example, "Live broadcast of Giants' baseball game","Road show on Friday". TBS（東京放送） TBS profile here TBS is one of main broadcasting stations in Japanese Television network. TBS means "Tokyo Broadcasting Station". It was established with capital of Dentsu and news paper company. But now it is indeoendent of these companies,and now the relationship between TBS and these sponsors is not so deep. Fuji-TV(フジテレビ) Fuji-TV Profile  here Fuji-TV is the most popular station of Tokyo TV stations. It broadcasts dramas, anime, variety, sports,news freely. Its business makes use of stockholder TOHO and shoot a film. Moreover, it promotes various events,for example, The BOHKENOH. TV-asahi(テレビ朝日) TV-asahi  Profile  here TV-asahi is spported by Asahi newspaper company.The main office is located in Roppongi,where is famous for Roppongi Hills and many pepole visit here. TV-tokyo(テレビ東京) TV-tokyo  Profile here TV-tokyo is famous for anime. It has many popular anime for children.TV-tokyo is a commercial broadcasting which has a cooperative relationship with Nikkei Shinbun Newspaper.

Posted by Satomi Oshima

Japanese Liquor

Sake

According to a Web site which URL is http://www.japansake.or.jp/sake/english/types_sake.html, there are ten types of sake: Ginjoshu 吟醸酒, Dai-ginjoshu 大吟醸酒, Junmaishu 純米酒, Honjozoshu 本醸造酒, Namazake 生酒, Genshu 原酒, Koshu (Aged sake) 古酒, Taruzake (Cask sake) 樽酒, Nigorizake にごり酒 and Sparkling sake 発泡酒.

Ginjoshu 吟醸酒 contains rice koji and water, and may contain all of these ingredients plus brewing alcohol. It is characterized by a fruity, somewhat floral bouquet and a clear, crisp flavor.

Dai-ginjoshu 大吟醸酒 is a sake that rice is polished down to 50% or less.

Junmaishu 純米酒 is a sake made only from white rice, rice koji, and water. It tends to have a mellow bouquet and a rich, smooth flavor.

Honjozoshu 本醸造酒 is a sake made using white rice which has been milled so that 70% or less of the grain remains, along with rice koji, brewing alcohol, and water. It is known for its mild, unobtrusive bouquet, and a crisp flavor.

Namazake 生酒 is a sake that is not heated for pasteurization after the final mash is pressed. It is characterized by a light, fresh flavor.

Genshu 原酒 is a sake with a higher alcohol content because it has been pressed but not diluted with added water. It has a deep, rich flavor and an alcohol content of from 17% to 20%.

Koshu (Aged sake) 古酒 is a sake that has been aged for a couple of years, or for upwards of five years or longer. It has a bouquet like sherry, with a flavor profile that includes spices and nuts.

Taruzake (Cask sake) 樽酒 is a sake that is aged in casks and thus takes on the fragrance of the wood from which the cask is made.

Nigorizake にごり酒 is a sake that is milky white, since the mash is only lightly filtered using a coarse-textured cloth.

Sparkling sake 発泡酒 is Carbonated sake, with a mouth feel reminiscent of champagne.

There are three sake cups, like sakazuki 盃, otyoko お猪口 and masu 枡. sakazuki 盃 is also used as a trophy and the emperor's cup. otyoko お猪口 is originally used for serving a meal, but from the middle of the Edo era, it is used for pouring sake. masu 枡 is continuously used for measuring the cube volume.

Shochu & Awamori

According to a Web site which URL is http://www.jal.com/en/shochu/whats/jshochu.html, Shochu has two types. Type1 is KORUI SHOCHU. It is distilled continuously in order to produce a high level of alcohol purity. This shochu is suitable for use in the cocktails. Type2 is OTSURUI SHOCHU. It is produced using the traditional single distillation method. The aroma and taste of this shochu both reflect the ingredient, allowing the drinker to enjoy unique flavor.

There are seven types in Honkaku shochu: rice (Kome Shochu) such as Shiro しろ, wheat or barley (Mugi Shochu) such as iichiko いいちこ, potato （Imo shochu) such as Kirishima 霧島, malted rice or Koji (Awamori) such as Donan どなん, buckwheat (Soba Shochu) such as Towari 十割, black sugar (Kokuto Shochu) such as Kurochu 喜界島 and others.

Kumamoto Prefecture is famous for producing Kome Shochu. Ooita Prefecture and Nagasaki Prefecture are famous for producing Mugi Shochu. Kagoshima Prefecture, Miyazaki Prefecture and Izu Island of Tokyo are famous for producing Imo Shochu. Okinawa Prefecture, Nagasaki Prefecture and Miyazaki Prefecture and Nagano Prefecture are famous for producing Awamori. Miyazaki Prefecture and Nagano Prefecture are famous for producing Soba Shochu. The part of Amami Island in Okinawa Prefecture is famous for producing Kokuto Shochu.

Posted by Yusuke Akaishi

Canon

History of Canon

More than 60 years of experience and know-how,
From cameras to multimedia - Canon.

Canon started out as a company with a handful of employees and a burning passion. That company soon became a world-renowned camera maker and is now a global multimedia corporation. However, the origins of our success remain unchanged: the passion of our early years and technological expertise amassed over more than 60 years. Canon will continue using its technologies to benefit people as it pursues its objective of becoming a company that is loved by people throughout the world.

more information..here

Camera's history

1934 Prototype-version "Kwanon", Japan's First 35mm Focal-Plane Shutter Camera.

Having set up the Precision Optical Instruments Laboratory, Yoshida devoted himself to making cameras. He faced many significant obstacles, because not only making exact replicas of Leica and Contax cameras, two major brands on the market at the time, which was difficult with the technique at the time, he strove to incorporate original ideas into the mechanical workings of cameras. Since the laboratory was not a factory, all parts were sourced externally. Processing precision did not match the level of overseas countries at the time, but lathe machining, milling, pressing, casting, plating, lens grinding and other processes necessary for making camera parts could be handled in a small suburban factory. However, while it was not difficult to get the parts required, cameras involved a concentration of several unique technologies despite their small size. Yoshida's task, therefore, was not an easy one. Nevertheless, armed with the passion of a pioneer, he continued development of Japan's first high-grade 35mm camera. In 1934, Yoshida succeeded in producing a prototype of the first domestically made 35mm focal-plane shutter camera. A believer of the Buddhist faith, he named it "Kwanon" after the Goddess of Mercy, and placed an advertisement for "Kwanon Cameras" in the June 1934 issue of Asahi Camera magazine. 1935 Launching the "Hansa Canon" 35mm Focal-Plane Shutter Camera. Production of Canon cameras was proceeding smoothly. Meanwhile, an advertisement for Hansa Canon Cameras appeared in the October 1935 issue of Asahi Camera. This was an announcement of the intention to sell cameras, and in the December 1935 issue an advertisement for sales of Hansa Canon Cameras appeared. Both advertisements were placed by a company called Omiya Shashin Yohin Co., Ltd., and in neither case was Precision Optical Instruments Laboratory mentioned. This was because the laboratory was still not a prominent name and did not have strong sales channels. Exclusive sales rights were proffered to Omiya, and the name of the cameras included the word "Hansa," which was Omiya's trademark. The Hansa Canon was priced at 275 yen, around half the price of a Leica. The commercialization of a high-grade 35mm camera by an unknown entity had a major impact on the camera industry in Japan. Moreover, the launch of the new product enabled the laboratory to meet its management objectives and set itself on the road to success. New staff were hired, and the Takekawaya Building in Roppongi became increasingly cramped. For this reason, the company leased a plot of land in Nakane-cho, Meguro Ward, and built a new production facility, shifting its operations there in June 1936. Coinciding with the move, the company changed its name to Japan Precision Optical Instruments Laboratory, Co., Ltd. 1945-1954 1957 The L1 still camera is selected to receive the first "Good Design Product" awards in Japan. The L1 used an original Canon design that aimed at completely breaking away from the Leica-type design while emulating the traditional orderly proportions of Japanese aesthetics. The 8T was Canon's first 8mm camera and was designed to be easy to operate so as to eliminate camera shake. 1961 The Canonet is released, sparking a boom for EE cameras. The development of the Canonet, a major hit camera incorporating the world's newest automatic exposure mechanism, was motivated by the desire of a young staff member to "create a camera that people everywhere can buy." However, just after the pre-launch announcement in August 1960 that its price would be below 20,000 yen, vigorous objections to this price, which was against accepted thinking at the time, were raised within the industry. Nevertheless, the Canonet was released in January 1961 at a price of 19,800 yen, which was considered affordable to new college graduates on the starting salaries paid by most companies. On the day of the launch, Canonet units stocked for sale at Mitsukoshi's Nihonbashi department store in central Tokyo sold out in two hours. This sensation was covered in an article entitled "Knock Over Canonet" in the Shukan Bunshun (popular weekly magazine) on February 6, 1961. The appearance of the Canonet as an EE ("electric-eye") camera affordable to everyone and easy enough to use for beginners to shoot without exposure errors, was a major event that completely changed the way cameras were enjoyed. By November 1961, more than 210,000 Canonet cameras had been produced, and the one million mark was reached in July 1963. The era of the EE camera had arrived. 1962-1970 1971 The Canon F-1, a top-of-the-line 35mm SLR camera, debuts. From around 1964, there were growing calls for Canon, as a comprehensive camera manufacturer, to develop a top-class model suitable for professional use. This prompted camera makers to focus on systemizing the single-lens reflex (SLR) system for professionals. The fundamental prerequisite was that such a camera must prove "reliable under the most strenuous conditions." Canon set to work to develop a camera to meet this prerequisite. "Reliability" meant a number of things, namely that the camera be motor-driven, and have automatic exposure and expanded photometric functions. It also had to be durable enough to take 100,000 consecutive frames, allow instant interchange of all systems without adjustment, perform in temperatures from -30 degrees to 60 degrees Celsius, and come with a multitude of attachments to suit specific photography needs. To achieve such reliability, Canon not only mobilized its Camera Division but also got technical experts from its Optical Equipment Division involved. In this effort, Canon was said to have expended sufficient energy to develop 10 conventional cameras. In March 1971, we launched the Canon F-1 following five years of product development. This camera was nicknamed the "heavy tank" by news-related companies and professional photographers, whose abiding confidence it earned. The Canon F-1 firmly positioned Canon as the leader in 35mm SLR cameras and served as the starting point for other mainstay models released later. 1976 The AE-1 microcomputer-embedded camera is unveiled, sparking a boom for AE SLR cameras. In April 1976, Canon launched the AE-1, the world's first camera with an embedded microcomputer. It was priced at an exceptionally low 85,000 yen with standard F1.4 lens and case, and was a major market hit. "AE" stood for "Automatic Exposure Control," and "AE-1" meant "No. 1 electronically controlled fully automatic SLR camera." The AE-1 was Canon's first fully composite-technology product. Canon successfully combined electronic, precision mechanical, optical and computer-related design technologies with ultraprecise-processing, production, and other basic technologies to create an automatic-exposure, 35mm shutter-priority, TTL SLR camera. In the planning stages, engineers from various departments were mobilized to form the largest product development team since the company was founded. To ensure that it could be competently used by anyone, Canon cited three main objectives for the new camera: safe and reliable photometry, automatic exposure and other automated functions, and a technologically supported low price. The realization of these three objectives was the reason this camera became such a huge hit. In recognition of its "development of an SLR camera integrating advanced electronics technologies," Canon was awarded the 1977 Ohkoshi Memorial Prize in October 1977. The AE-1 was also chosen 1976 European Camera of the Year in the SLR category by Photo Magazine of Germany. In September 1979, it received the 1979 Good Design Award from the Ministry of International Trade and Industry, and in April 1985, Torakiyo Yamanaka, head of Canon's Camera Development Division when the AE-1 was being developed, received the 27th Science and Technology Agency Director's Award in recognition of his contribution to progress in the camera industry. The AE-1, embraced by both amateur and professional photographers, provided the impetus for a major leap forward for the company. 1979 The AF35M (Autoboy) fully automatic auto-focus compact camera is launched. November 1979 saw the release of Canon's first auto-focus 35mm lens-shutter camera, the AF35M. This product's official name was "AF-Plus Motor-Drive Camera." However, Canon Sales Co., Inc.(at the time), our domestic sales subsidiary, nicknamed it the Autoboy, while Canon USA dubbed it the SureShot. Both nicknames became more famous than the camera's official name. The initial idea for an auto-focus function was proposed a half-century earlier. It took a full 14 years to bring the Canon AF, the world's first auto-focus prototype, to practical use. With the Autoboy, anybody could easily take photographs, thanks to a host of features, including an auto-focus function that worked regardless of brightness, contrast, or distance; and automated film-forward, film-rewind, and flash operation. In addition to these multiple functions, the Autoboy was priced at around the same level as auto-focus models of other companies, positioning it prominently as a compact auto-focus camera. It received the Ministry of International Trade and Industry's 1980 Good Design Award in September 1980. In the second half of 1981, monthly production was 110,000 units. Canon then unveiled the AF35ML (Autoboy Super), a top-class version mounted with the 40mm F1.9 lens, the brightest lens among compact auto-focus cameras. This and subsequent models were market hits, making the Autoboy series long-lasting bestsellers for Canon. 1982-1986 1987 Canon releases the EOS650 auto-focus SLR camera. In 1985, Canon relinquished its position at the top of the SLR camera market when Minolta Camera Co., Ltd., unveiled the world's first fully auto-focus (AF) SLR camera. Aware that AF SLR models would dominate the market, Canon decided that it should enter the market with a highly refined "Canon-style" AF SLR camera. The company decided to spend two years in development, to ensure that the final product would be perfect in every way. Charged with this mandate, a large organization was set up to undertake the development project. The name of the project was EOS, and its task was to distance itself from Canon's existing SLR cameras to develop a totally new system that would become a prelude of cameras of the future. To assure high functionality, the team actively introduced leading-edge elemental technologies that could be practically applied, and made all signal transmission and control functions fully electronic. It pursued the vision of creating a camera that would enable amateurs to competently take photographs comfortably and enjoyably. The EOS650, Canon's first AF SLR camera, was released in March 1987, the 50th anniversary of the company's founding. Two months later, the EOS650 seized the top market share in Japan and Europe. Canon had regained the position it lost to Minolta two years earlier. 1996 Canon launches the ELPH/IXUS 2x-zoom compact camera for the Advanced Photo System. The Advanced Photo System is a new photographic system developed jointly by five companies: Canon, Eastman Kodak, Fuji Photo Film, Minolta, and Nikon. Film for this system comes in cartridges 30% smaller than conventional 35mm film rolls, allowing the production of lighter, more compact cameras. In addition, film-loading mistakes have been eliminated, and users can select between three types of prints. Moreover, image data magnetically recorded on the film can be used to make high-quality prints or enlarged to suit various media. Canon released the ELPH/IXUS, an Advanced Photo System camera, in 1996. In order to best exploit the advantages of the small film size, Canon introduced the latest miniaturization technologies and achieved an ultracompact body small enough to be carried or stored anywhere. In fact, it was the smallest camera in the world to incorporate a zoom lens. In addition to a 24-48mm 2-x zoom lens, it also featured such superb technologies as a newly developed hybrid auto-focus mechanism, in which the camera would automatically shift between active and passive mode depending on photographic conditions. In addition to being the world's smallest compact camera, the ELPH/IXUS became renowned for its high-class design, which rejuvenated the image of traditional cameras. The ELPH/IXUS helped ignite the Advanced Photo System boom. 2000 The IXY DIGITAL, an ultracompact digital camera, is released. In May 2000, Canon released the IXY DIGITAL (PowerShot S100 DIGITAL ELPH/DIGITAL IXUS in other regions), the world's smallest and lightest 2-megapixel-class digital camera with an optical zoom lens (as of May 8, 2000). In the digital camera market in general, higher numbers of pixels means higher resolutions, and lead to better quality images. For this reason, the number of pixels has been a prime issue in new product marketing, as well as an emphasis in product development. The IXY DIGITAL has gone a long way in changing this trend, providing all of the basic functions of a digital camera. However, the most notable facet of this new digital camera is its design. The IXY DIGITAL inherits the ultracompact, stylish body design of the IXY (ELPH/IXUS in other regions) series, Canon's popular cameras for the Advanced Photo System, and has succeeded in greatly changing the image of digital cameras as personal computer (PC) peripheral products. High-quality stainless steel was adopted for the exterior body of this camera to provide a luxurious exterior. In addition, the camera's full flat body fits easily into the user's pocket, creating a feeling of stylishness and the mobility of a fashion accessory. Advanced miniaturization and high-density mounting technologies have been incorporated in the IXY DIGITAL to reduce camera size, such as an ultracompact optical system that makes the lens a slight 20 mm in diameter (the size of a small coin) when not in use, and an ultrathin liquid crystal display (LCD). As a result, the IXY DIGITAL has been highly praised in the marketplace not only for its design, but also for its advanced technologies. Reflecting the strong evaluations Canon has received in the digital camera field for its technologies and product design, the IXY DIGITAL has won numerous awards, including the U.S. magazine Popular Science's Best of What's New Award, around the globe. 2001- more detail..canon camera museum

Latest digital camera

EOS 40D

Welcome to the next generation of digital SLR photography-the Canon EOS 40D. The EOS 40D combines  Canon's tremendous know-how in both the digital and photographic worlds, creating a camera that not only does everything one would expect of a traditional digital SLR, but one that incorporates staggering leaps forward in technological innovation. With new features like Canon's EOS Integrated Cleaning System, Live View Function, a more powerful DIGIC III Image Processor, plus a 10.1-megapixel CMOS sensor, a 3.0-inch LCD monitor and more, the EOS 40D elevates digital photography to new heights, enhancing the shooting experience, and delivering images one could only expect from a Canon.

Feature

＊Superb image quality: 10.1 Megapixel CMOS Sensor, extensive noise reduction technology, and 14-bit conversion for outstanding color tones and gradations.     more detail..

＊Outstanding performance: 6.5 fps, burst rate up to 75 consecutive JPEGs or 17 RAW images and DIGIC III Image Processor.     more detail..

＊Strong, rugged build quality: magnesium-alloy exterior, shutter durability-tested to 100,000 cycles, top speed 1/8000, top x-sync speed 1/250.     more detail..

＊New AF system with 9 cross-type sensors, and world's first diagonal high-precision cross-type AF at center point with f/2.8 and faster lenses.     more detail..

＊EOS Integrated Cleaning System, Picture Style settings, Spot metering, and Highlight Tone Priority for advanced in-camera image control.     more detail..

＊Large 3.0-inch LCD monitor and advanced Live View Function with new options for reduced shutter time lag and quiet operation.     more detail..

＊Wide range of accessories, including interchangeable focusing screens, extensive remote control options, new battery grip BG-E2N, and new dedicated wireless file transmitter WFT-E3A.     more detail..

photo gallery : It's very beautiful!!

more detail about EOS digital..here

Reference

http://www.usa.canon.com/consumer/controller?act=ConsumerHomePageAct

http://web.canon.jp/imaging/eos/index-e.html

http://www.canon.com/

posted by Akiyo Tominaga

Bridge

                                            Seto Ohashi

                             The route via the Seto-ohashi Bridge  was the first of the three routes linking Honshu and Shikoku opened to traffic. In an area studded with many islands, this route hops from one island to another across the Seto Inland Sea. Joining the Kurashiki City in Okayama Prefecture on the Honshu side with Sakaide City in Kagawa Prefecture on the Shikoku side, the complete route was opened in 1988. Stretching across a total distance of 9.4 kilometers (5.8 miles) there are six bridge sections that span the gaps between islands that lie between the two cities, as well as four viaducts on the islands themselves. The whole route is a double-decker construction, with an expressway running above a railway. In terms of scale, it is the largest combined road and rail bridge system in the world. Among all, the 1100-meter (3,609-foot) central span of the 1,723-meter (5,653-foot) long Minami Bisan Seto Ohashi Bridge at the southernmost end is on its own the world's longest combined road and rail bridge.   

Construction began in October, 1978. A total of over 1 trillion yen (7,692 million dollars; $1=\130) was spent on this huge project, and it took ten years to be completed in April 1988. At present only normal trains are accommodated, but for future integration into the national high-speed railway network, the railway section is also designed to accommodate Shinkansen "bullet" trains. Due consideration has been given to the forces of nature, and the structure can withstand winds of up to 65 meters per second (146.25 m.p.h.) and earthquakes of magnitude 8.5. 

                  

  The six bridges consist of three suspension bridges, two oblique suspension bridges and one truss bridge. They are the essence of all available bridge building technologies, and the beauty of their forms is also splendid. The silhouette glowing in the setting sun is particularly beautiful. It is illuminated after sunset.
You can see the entire bridges from the top of Mt. Washu-zan that juts out at the southwestern edge of the Kojima-hanto Peninsula. Pleasure boats cruise from Kojima Sightseeing Port and Yoshima Island to provide a view from the sea. It is a pleasure to compare the different angles for each course and boat.

Data:

Location: Between Kurashiki City, Okayama Pref. and Sakaide City, Kagawa Pref.

Construction Period: October 10, 1978 to April 10, 1988.

Total length of the bridges over the sea: 9.4 km (5.8 mi) 

Steel materials used: 700,000 ton

Cable for suspension bridges: 1.06 m (3.48 ft) in diameter. 

References: http://web-japan.org/atlas/architecture/arc22/html

                   http://iwe/kusa.ac.jp/SIGHT/SETO/seto_guide.html

                                                            Kintai Bridge

Kintai Bridge is located in Iwakuni City, Yamaguchi prefecture, in the western part of Japan. About 200 m long (220 yd.), the bridge spans the Nishiki River. The wooden structure consists of five arches, each 5 m (5.5 yd.) wide, 6.6 m (7.3 yd.) high, and spanning 40 m (44 yd.). The elegance of the form inspired the name Kintai, which means gold brocade sash, because of a similarity to the traditional Nishiki obi for kimono. Along with Nihonbashi bridge in Tokyo and Meganebashi bridge in Nagasaki, it is one of the three most famous bridges in Japan.

The challenge was to build a bridge that would not get washed away and the result was this beautiful bridge. Even by the standards of modern bridge building, Kintai Bridge is an example of brilliant engineering. Moreover, the arches were built using metal straps and clamps for a structure of incomparable workmanship.

Starting in the year 1600, time and time again, people had tried to build a bridge across the Nishiki River, but every time there was high water the bridge was washed away. They realized that the bridges washed away when driftwood pushed against the piers and broke them down. They studied how to build an arching bridge with no piers. Four stone-walled islands were built spaced across the river to support five spans. Piers were built at the two ends of the bridge, where the current was weaker, but in the middle, three arches were built without piers. From the time of its conception, it took almost a decade of research, experiment, and test construction before the bridge was completed during a period of three months in 1673.

One year later, this bridge was washed away because the footing of the stone piers was weak. Improvements were made and a stronger bridge was constructed. This one lasted 276 years until a large typhoon washed it away in 1950, but it was rebuilt in 1953.

  Today the bridge is illuminated at night, and it is a great spot for viewing the cherry blossoms in the spring, the changing leaves in the autumn, and cormorant fishing in the summer.

Data:

Location: Iwakuni City, Yamaguchi Prefecture

Length of the bridge itself: 210 m (231 yd.)

Width: 5 m (16 ft.)

Height: 6.6 m (22 ft.)

First built: in 1673    

References: http://www.japan-photo.de/e-brue1-03.htm

                   http://web-japan.org/atlas/historical/his18.html

                                                     Rainbow Bridge

So named for its changing colored lights in the evening, the Rainbow Bridge connects the Tokyo waterfront with Odaiba, the Odaiba area of reclaimed land in Tokyo Bay.

An easy way to get to the bridge on foot is from the Tamachi stop on the Yamanote line. Walk Southwest from the station and you will eventually end up at the Shibaura anchorage of rainbow bridge.

Note that even recent maps (such as google earth as of August 2005) do not show all of the bridges which now exist in this area. But the walk from the station to the bridge is quite direct and easy.

On the north side of the Shibaura anchorage you can enter and take an elevator to the pedestrian walkways. There is no fee. The walkways are on the lower level of the bridge, but they are not necessarily protected from sun or rain. You can walk on either the north or south sides of the bridge. The north side gives a view of dense inner Tokyo Harbour with many skyscrapers and the Tokyo Tower. The South side gives a view of many shipping yards and Mount Fuji (on a clear day). The walkways have several outcroppings which are ideal for photography. The walkways are approximately one and a half kilometres- stretching all the way to the shore on the Daiba side of the bridge.The bridge carries eight lanes of vehicular traffic, two sets of rails for the Yurikamome Line, and, best for the visitor, a pedestrian walkway (no bicycles, however).



From this vantage point, as you walk toward Odaiba, you can spot several Tokyo landmarks. Over your left shoulder are Tokyo Tower and the Hinode and Takeshiba piers, where ships and water buses depart for and return from points around the bay and the islands to the south. That glass pyramid to your left is the Harumi passenger ship terminal.

Straight ahead, those inverted pyramids are Tokyo Big Sight, the international exhibition center. Off your right bow is Odaiba, with its beach, shops, futuristic buildings and shops, and that ship-shaped white structure in the distance is the Museum of Maritime Science. The jumbos in the distance over Tokyo Bay are mostly domestic flights heading for or taking off from the airport at Haneda. The walk features rest stations equipped with toilets and vending machines.

    

  References: http://www.tcvb.or.jp/en/information/2area/11rinkai.html

                     http://www.jref.com/gallery/showgallery.php/cat/535

Posted by Chie Momma                                          

Products of Sony

SONY

Establishment

1946 May   Tokyo Tsushin Kogyo K.K. (Tokyo Telecommunications Engineering Corporation), also known as Totsuko, established in Nihonbashi, Tokyo with start-up capital of 190,000 yen for the research and manufacture of telecommunications and measuring equipment. More history...

PlayStation

After the release of the SNES in 1991, Nintendo started thinking of developing a CD-ROM version of their console because of the medium's advantages and in order to compete with rivals (Sega and NEC) who were all heading down this path.  They got together with Sony, which eventually came up with the PlayStation: A CD-ROM extension that sat beneath the SENS console and allowed 680MB CD games to be played.  After Nintendo realized that Sony had a cleverly-worded agreement that allowed them to license all SNES CD-based games, the two companies abandoned the deal.

In January 1999 PlayStation sales passed the 50 million mark and the development of its successor was almost finished. September, 1999 Sony

Playstation 2

In January 1999 PlayStation sales passed the 50 million mark and the development of its successor was almost finished. September, 1999 Sony announced that the PlayStation 2 would be released in 2000. The features of the PS2 included: USB ports, DVD playback and compatibility with all PlayStation games. When it was released in October 2000 500,000 units were sold in the first weekend alone. By January 2002 1.68 million consoles were sold in Europe alonne

PlayStation3

Cell BroEngineadband ™

The PLAYSTATION®3 is powered by the Cell Broadband Engine™, a revolutionary microprocessor that leapfrogs the performance of existing processors, giving the PLAYSTATION®3 system supercomputer-like power and performance that until now, game developers have only dreamt about.

Blu-ray Disc™

                          The built-in Blu-ray Disc™ player means you can enjoy next-generation high-definition entertainment, including games and movies.

PSP(PlayStation Portable)

All this in the palm of your hand

The PSP® (PlayStation® Portable) system is the first truly integrated portable entertainment system designed to handle multiple applications – music, video, photo, internet, and wireless connectivity, with games as its key feature. The PSP® system features an unmatched library of entertainment content, combining more than 135 games and more than 430 feature films, TV programs, and videos on UMD™ from major studios and record labels, as well as downloadable content from the internet.

・Games   ・Music    ・Photos   ・Network   ・Movies＆video

VAIO

Design    Just like the clothes you wear, your notebook PC can reflect your sense of style and taste. With slick lines, a slim design and five hip new colors to choose from, the VAIO® C Notebook is a functional fashion statement, helping you get the job done while separating you from the crowd.

Preformance          In addition to its eye-catching design, the VAIO® C Notebook also has the heart of a champion.  Backed by an Intel® Core™ 2 Duo processor, DVD burner² and energy-saving 13.3” widescreen3 LCD with XBRITE-ECO technology, this beautiful and powerful notebook has the latest and greatest technologies to get you through the day.                                    

                                                                                                  posted by  Akira Takamatsu

Belt-conveyor sushi

I'll introduce about Japanese specific business with two Japanese sushi restaurants.

"QR Code blog recently reported on the use of QR codes at Kura sushi, a belt-conveyor sushi restaurant chain."

"Kura Sushi uses a unique system called "dish pocket" that allows customers to immediately return finished plates by throwing them into a slot directly mounted on a dining table. Then the computer system detects the plates and calculates the total price."

"Akindo Sushiro, another belt-conveyor sushi chain, uses RFID. Akindo Sushiro is unique in that they use RFID tags not for calculating prices but for optimizing the production quantity of each type of Sushi based on predicted consumer demands.IT media has a rather detailed discussion (in Japanese...) on this system."

In recent years, some restaurants have been built all over the world. As you know, Sushi is a one of the Japanese traditional food. Perhaps, a lot of  sushi restaurants that used a belt-conveyor will be built in the future.

Links

Sushi travel report

Sushi Belt-conveyor Train by Infovision

Japan Crescent Co.,Ltd

The World's Thriving Sushi Business

Posted by Toshio Suzuki