Cogy, the wheelchair for those who can pedal, but not walk.

With a little re-branding and a helping “leg” from technology, this wheelchair is ready for the 21^st century.

Profhand, the company behind the wheelchair that encourages people to use their legs, has been around since 2009, but you won’t be able to find much information about them since as of June 21, the company renamed itself. Now called Cogy, pronounced like “corgi” but without the “r”, the company hopes to harness the emerging virtual reality boom and combine the technology with their inspiring wheel chair design.

▼ Their chair in action. It’s quite inspirational.

The chair designed by Tohoku University Professor Emeritus, Yasunobu Handa and his graduate team, is the world’s first wheelchair that “requires” the use of your legs. Rather than depending on signals from your brain to move your legs, which paralysis victims often can’t do, the Cogy promotes a reaction from the spine. It might look like you are pedaling non-stop, but braking only requires a quick squeeze on the brake lever, much like a bicycle.

▼ This handle can also instantly turn the wheelchair.

▼ Color options. Excellent!

The Cogy VR System is another important part of the re-branding and will utilize the latest technology to provide fun and helpful rehabilitation to the users.  By adding a sensor in the pedals that sends data to the app, it can measure foot pressure which will allow a user to get a better sense of balance and achieve a smooth center of gravity.

▼ Just going for a pedal down the street.

▼ How the app looks

The psychological effects of losing the mobility of your legs can be absolutely devastating to people with paralysis and many people who suffer from it dream of a day when they can use their legs again. While this isn’t exactly walking, the Cogy wheelchair does provide a way to move your body with the power of your “legs”, and just the idea of doing that can be incredibly uplifting to victims and their friends and family. You only need to see the smiles on people’s faces to know that this new wheelchair is doing exactly what Cogy wants it to do.

M 329,000円 / L 370,000円

Weight 14.8 kg (medium) , 17.3Kg (large)

They also have some extra options to go with it:

 

 

assist handle

run flat tires

Stand to use indoors, turn your wheels into a home trainer

Source: Cogy via Kai-You

Written by rocketnews 24 edited by JWS

Cat’s eye contacts are cute AND creepy…

Cosmetics company Eye Style teams with popular Japanese cosplayer Nekomu Otogi to release these cute but disturbing cat’s eye contact lenses.

There’s no question that cats have superior night vision and possibly possess a Terminator-style HUD that allows them to quickly triangulate the trajectory of their natural prey and/or laser pointer dots, allowing them to pounce at lightning speeds and in low light conditions. It’s an amazing super power, but it comes with the trade-off that their pupils wind up being creepy vertical slits that are disconcerting to look at whenever you catch your feline “friend” staring at you from the corner of the room.

Of course, super vision is far out of reach for mankind, but now, thanks to popular cosplayer Nekomu Otogi and cosmetics retailer Eye Style, you can at least borrow the feline’s amazing powers of creeping people out with these cat’s eye color contacts.

It isn’t that Nekomu Otogi cosplays much as a cat (well, outside of the purposes of promoting these contacts, as you can see below), but according to the product’s official website, Otogi volunteered to produce the contacts because, she claims, she’s always wanted something like them but could never find a suitable substitute on the market.

 

The contacts come in yellow, red, two shades of blue, purple, pink, brown and gray, and may just help you add that special flare to any cosplay, regardless of your costume’s relationship to felines. Or, you could just wear them daily as normal and revel in the spit takes of passersby as you stroll around (most likely) Akihabara.

The contacts retail for 4,212 yen (US$40) for a pair that Eye Style says will last for around a month of on-and-off wear and you can order from Eye Style’s official website. As with most cool Japanese stuff, shipping is domestic only, but you have JWS  to get the contacts sent to you.

Source and Images: Eye Style

Written Rocketnews 24, edited by JWS

 

Furoshiki Shoes from Vibram designed to literally wrap around your feet are now available in new colo(u)rs!

Back in 2015 we wrote about these fresh newly designed sneakers from “five toe”sneaker maker Vibram and how we all would get rich shipping these shoes  to fashion keen, sports minded folks all over the world. Well our optimism about being popular was right on the spot, the part about us getting rich and being able to put our kids through college….not so much. If our accountant really had been to college than he would have been able to calculate that in order to get a zillion yen we needed to ship at least a million shoes…the man forgot that we only charge 10% of the original price which was 17,064 yen….No we didn’t fire him since he’s the only one who actually knows how to use a calculator, in the world of the blind, one eye is……

Anyways back to those awesome Furoshiki Shoes, they introduced new colors:

Blue

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Red/blue

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And White

There’s good news for my US readers as they are sold in the US now, but for other countries it might be harder to get your hands on them….no worries though, we are here for you.

Serge Roso JWS

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Star Wars circuit board phone and train pass cases light up without batteries

See this, you must!

Daily life for many people in Japan involves taking the train, be it to school, work, or just into town for some shopping. Instead of buying a ticket every time, a lot of train commuters opt for an IC card – an electronic, rechargeable train pass which allows you to simply tap in and out of your departure and destination stations, automatically withdrawing the correct fare. But undoubtedly the coolest thing about having a train pass is getting a pass case for it.

There are pass cases for every taste and style, but we’re pretty sure this is the first time you’ve seen one that lights up when it’s tapped.

Osaka-based company, Denshi Gihan, has released a line of Star Wars themed pass cases, as well as cases for the iPhone 6/6s, featuring a blueprint design of the X-Wing in the style of a computer circuit board. Actually, the cases are real circuit boards, finished with gold plating and a super transparent resin to cover the electronic parts. The red LED light flashes when the case with card is tapped at the ticket gate. So far, it has not been tested for use with passes outside of Japan, except for with FeliCa cards in Hong Kong. The pass cases come in slack white, green, and even black, and come packaged in a gift box with its strap, for 11,000 yen (US$105.95).

The iPhone6/6s cases come with the same unique design, but these use the phone’s electrical signal to convert to electricity, making the LED light up when the signal is strong enough. You can purchase the standard case (size 138 by 68 by 10 millimeters), containing 55 electric components, for 15,000 yen ($143.88)…

…or the iPhone6/6s Plus (size 158 by 80 by 10.5 millimeters) with 67 electronic components for 16,000 yen ($153.48).

Not quite with the Force? Not to worry- you can choose the Tokyo train map train map design, which looks just as awesome, for 12,000 yen ($115.10).

You can purchase these (and many more!) items from the PCB ART moeco site here, but as they appear to only ship within Japan, if you’re living overseas you’ll need to use a reshipping service like JWS , or rely on the help of a kind friend. While it is important to remember that the train pass case hasn’t been tested for overseas compatibility, the iPhone case at least should be universal. And there’s sure to be no one who can match your style!

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Rocketnews 24 edited by JWS

Source and images: Denshi Gihan

New line of ball-jointed dolls include conveniently situated USB hub

This doll is hiding more than just boobies under her shirt.

Danny Choo turned heads last year when he introduced his line of Smart Dolls, first modeled off the mascot of Culture Japan, Mirai Suenaga.

These dolls fuse Japanese ball-jointed craftsmanship with useful functions like the ability to hold game controllers and other objects up to 700 grams (about 1.5 pounds), to tell time, and, with his latest addition to the series, to even charge your mobile accessories with a built-in USB hub.

The female doll line-up comes with a well-crafted body and two conveniently located USB slots for all your gadgets.

But for those of you concerned that Choo has literally objectified the female physique, don’t worry- there’s also a male version that comes with a nice six-pack and an extra slot.

▼ I guess even in doll form, boobs still get in the way

The USB is situated inside the doll with a soft foam protection, but it can be easily removed or replaced with other things. Just take her top off (again, literally) and pop it back on.

At a 14,000 yen (US$130) for a torso piece (other body parts sold separately), it might be a little difficult to collect them all, but just imagine the hours of fun you could have if you did!

Of course, a few people, and maybe some of our readers, may be disappointed that Choo missed the opportunity to model the new line off of the anime Hand Maid May by putting the USB hub at the back. But now he has an idea for the next line!

rocketnews24 edited by JWS

Source: Danny Choo/Smart Doll
Feature/insert images: Danny Choo/Smart Doll

Converse sneakers go Ultra!

For the 50th anniversary of Ultraman, Converse has created some awesome kicks, two based on their best selling AllSTAR HI model and one on their SLIP OX.

First up is the ALL STAR ULTRAMAN R HI

Now look at the soles….no one will complain when you sit with your feet up..ever again!

 

Next up is the ALL STAR ELEKING R HI .

Like the monster in the movies, these glow in the dark!

Look at these soles..sugoi (wow in Japanese)

And last is the BALTANSEIJIN R SLIP OX.

To be worn without or…..

with shoestrings..

And of course good old Baltan is featured on the soles too.

The shoes will go up for sale in July with prices ranging from 8,500 yen for the Elekings to 9,500 yen for both the others.

Why not combine them with a MAN OF ULTRAxROEN layered pullover parka? (43,200 yen)

 

 

Or keep it simple with this MAN OF ULTRA logo t-shirt. (black and white)￥6,372

Funny how things turn out, I admit that I’ve never been a great fan of the early Ultra Man series, but when it comes to fashion, no other superhero has it beat….maybe it’s the simple yet strong name “Ultra Man”, it’s a logo which never looks cheesy but tasteful and can be worn with all outfits. Call me a fan and when I prance around in my new Ultra yukata I know that fashion is on my side and the geek in me will be allowed to walk hand in hand with my better half.

for more info on the sneakers click here, and for the THE MAN OF ULTRA FASHION click here.

Serge Roso JWS

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Get ready to meet the new sheriff in town..Super Mecha Toy Story Robot Sheriff.

We’ve seen some strange Toy Story merchandise before, but this one takes it to a whole new level. Get ready to meet the new sheriff in town: “Super Mecha Toy Story Robot Sheriff.”

▼ Andy got a new toy for Christmas…
and it’s gonna kick all the other toys’ butts.

This is no fan creation – it’s an official toy recently announced by BANDAI for release this upcoming fall. It stands a full 230 millimeters (9 inches) tall, and it is packed with as much awesome as plastically possible.

But, there’s still the question: what exactly is it? Well, for starters, it’s not just one thing – it’s five separate toys joined together into one magnificent mecha. Here’s the cast of characters:

▼ We start off with Woody,
who’s looking spiffy with some rocket boots.

▼ Next is the horse Bullseye, who now has a…missile-launcher??

▼ Then there’s Slinky with tank-feet…

▼ …Hamm the hover-pig…

▼ …and Rex, who looks like he’s finally the laser-shooting
dinosaur we’ve always dreamed of.

▼ And with their forces combined, they become…

Twitter/@Kyukimasa

▼ Super Mecha Toy Story Robot Sheriff! Awww yeahhhh!

▼ Not sure how effective it would be to punch with a slinky,
but we’re not going to argue with awesome!

This creation story behind this Toy Story mecha was recently unveiled by Bandai in a short video. You can watch it here:

Personally I have no idea why the characters from Toy Story have basically turned into the Power Rangers, but hey, major creativity points to whoever at BANDAI came up with this thing!

If you want to get your own Toy Story mecha, it will be available starting November 25. The price is a steep 18,900 yen (US$177), but you’ve got six full months to get your piggy bank (or Godzilla bank) ready.

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Source: BANDAI via IT media

rocketnews24 edited by JWS

Neckties for the “otaku” businessman

Being an otaku in the corporate world isn’t always easy, strict fashion guidelines prevent you from expressing the real you. Sure you can wear some  anime printed underwear, but it’s not ..well how to say this….cheeky….it’s a bit cowardice like putting Coke in a Pepsi bottle during a Pepsi fan meeting.

Now though, you can hide in plain sight, looking quite dashing in a conservative way, but still wearing your heart on your sleeve, with these Girls&Panzer neckties.

Worn beneath a suit they look like ordinary striped ties….

When you take off your jacket they still won’t reveal a thing..no worries you still look like a “serious” corporate worker.

 

Then when you turn over your tie a smile spreads over your face…knowing that they can take the otaku out of the otaku world, but you can never take the otaku out of the otaku!

They come in two colors, the one above with Nishisumu Miho in blue and Akiyama Yukasato in green.

 

They are now up for pre-order(delivery in July) and the cheapest option (various sites are selling them) was the one we found here ¥ 4,860 at Gee!Store.

(dimensions width 7cm / stiletto width 4cm / total length 145cm  )

Serge Roso JWS

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After a post-meal cup of green tea, now you can brush your teeth with some green tea toothpaste

After a nice dinner, it’s hard to top a cup of green tea. But as you sit there, sipping and digesting, it’s important to remember not to linger too long, because while a relaxing beverage is a pleasant way to close out the meal, you really should be brushing your teeth sooner rather than later after eating.

Thankfully, there’s now a way to satisfy both your love of green tea and your responsibilities to your pearly whites with a new toothpaste made from green tea.

Most of Japanese company Brooks’ catalogue consists of coffees and teas meant to be used in the usual way: for drinking. The company has also branched out into other fields, though, such as diet supplements and even a line of green tea beauty goods.

The newest addition to the latter is the Green Tea Dental Paste. The toothpaste, which itself is white, comes in a 100-gram (3.5-ounce) tube and is made from naturally derived components, with green tea leaf extract getting top billing. You’ll also find fluorine and vitamin C on the ingredient list, but what you won’t find are any preservatives or synthetic aromas, so Brooks boasts the toothpaste can be used by everyone from children to seniors with no concerns.

Like all toothpastes, the Green Tea Dental Paste is designed to help prevent tartar buildup, staining, and cavities while fighting bad breath. Brooks also describes it as being less foamy than other toothpastes, and thus recommends it for people who’re using electric toothbrushes.

In addition to the traditional paste-style Green Tea Dental Paste, Brooks is also offering a liquid Green Tea Oral Cleaner, seen below and sold in 50-mililiter (1.7-ounce) bottles. Splash five or six drops onto the bristles of your toothbrush, and brush as you would with ordinary toothpaste.

Both the Green Tea Dental Paste and Oral Cleaner can be purchased directly from Brooks here for 1,200 yen (US$10) and 1,600 yen.

Rocketnews 24 edited by JWS

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Morinaga releases Attack on Titan ChocoBalls — packages feature mascot bird Kyurochan in cosplay!

Who doesn’t love light, crunchy chocolate snacks that you can pop easily into your mouth, right? The Chocoball chocolates, from major Japanese snack maker Morinaga, have long been a popular snack in Japan and available in a wide range of flavors over the years. And what do you get when you cross over a well-loved snack like that with one of the biggest manga/anime hits in recent years? You get an awesomely cool snack, like these Attack on Titan ChocoBalls that have just been released this week!

Yes, this chocolate and manga collaboration comes in three exciting flavors for a limited time, and we have to say Kyuro-chan, the mascot bird for the ChocoBall brand, definitely looks dashing and ready to take on some Titans as he appears on the packages cosplaying as the main characters from the manga! So, ready to take a look at the special collaborative ChocoBall products?

The three flavors are each available in five different packages, which when lined up together form a connecting picture.

▼Here are the five packages the peanut flavored Attack on Titan Chocoballs come in, priced at 70 yen (US$0.70) for a 24g (0.85oz) pack. They have a peanut and crisp center covered with chocolate — a classic combination. Four of the package designs feature Kyuro-chan as Eren, the manga’s protagonist, and one as Levi, the powerful warrior.

▼One of the four Eren designs:

▼And this is Kyuro-chan as Levi:

▼These are the five caramel flavored packages, with a sweet caramel center again covered in chocolate, sold at 70 yen for a 27g (0.95 oz) pack. Now, caramel and chocolate –that has to taste good together!

▼Four  of the deigns depict Kuro-chan as Armin, one of which is shown below.

▼The other package design shows Kuro-chan as Elwin:

▼And there’s also the strawberry flavored ChocoBalls, once again priced at 70 yen (US$0.70) for a 24g (0.85 oz) pack. This fruity flavor contains a white chocolate and rice puff center covered with strawberry chocolate. Yum … strawberry and white chocolate, that’s also a proven combination! 

▼Here’s one of the four designs for Kyuro-chan as Mikasa:

▼And this is Kyuro-chan as Zoë, the fifth design:

▼Oh, and when you open the small retractable lid  on the packets, you’ll be greeted by the face of the Colossus Titan!

▼And while the product below isn’t an Attack on Titan contribution, Morinaga announced at the same time that they are also selling this new ChocoBall flavor — the Shiratama Anmitsu (70 yen for a 25g [0.88oz] pack), which is a Japanese dessert made with agar jelly and  served with red bean paste, various fruits and small white mochi (rice cake) balls called shiratama. While certainly not a conventional flavor for a chocolate snack, Shiratama Anmitsu is a long-time favorite dessert with the Japanese and may be worth a try if you’re looking for something a little different.

All of these products will be available  until the end of August, so there’s still a bit of time to buy them if you’re going to be in Japan during that period　or you can have us send them, as a matter of fact, we can send you all the food you want from Japan…and as usual, for the lowest prices available.

As for us, you can be sure we’re quite happy to see one of our favorite snacks combined with one of our favorite manga. Go kyuro-chan, and fight the Titans for us, but make sure to leave us with plenty of sweet treats!

Source and photos: Morinaga & Co., Ltd. press release