Japanese Startup Culture

In FastCompany: Never involved with Japan startup culture, but have a number of times worked with their innovation world. Which I thought was strong, but had a difficult time marketing its own successes.  Also rarely funded fringe innovations that did not have support by industry or universities. Their innovation also can be very focused on areas their are known for, like robotics. Good survey article about the nature of their startups.  But also how things are changing:

" ... When Americans hear "entrepreneur," we think visionary young techie out to change the world. When Japanese hear it, they think "selfish, greedy, untrustworthy criminal." Why? And how can Japanese young people get back the creative spirit of the '50s? Terra Motors, maker of the iPhone-compatible electric scooters which are out to replace gas motorcycles all over Asia, says times are changing. ... " 

Has the Office Started to Look Like the Home?

The home office has not killed the office,  But is mobile starting to kill the office?  Further has the office started to look like the home?  This article from the BBC, and that perhaps is the case in the UK.  But have not noticed that in the US. We seem to be moving towards elevated cubicles like in Japan.  At least when we are not being mobile.  Often in the coffee shop.

Stickers Sell in Japan

In Nextweb: A phenomenon that I had not heard of.  And based on my experience it is hard to see how blocks of emoticons could sell as a service.  But it is selling very well in Asia, and particularly in Japan.  " ... Stickers are larger-scale emoticons which are primarily used for instant messaging (IM) chats. They are popular among some, particularly in Asia, because they help convey emotion, and are more visual than blocks of text. Stickers typically come in packs of up to a dozen, most of which are free to download and use, but some services charge $1/$2 for premium packs — which may be customized for brands, products or limited edition events. ... " . The article linked to gives a good demonstration.

Smart Digital Diapers go Mobile

In the NYT: A Digital Diaper that tracks infants health.   Reminds me of the 'smart toilet' idea pioneered in Japan.  Had not heard this specifically talked about in R&D in the diaper space.  The connection to a smartphone App makes it an example of a remote heath monitor.    " .... A New York start-up called Pixie Scientific has developed a diaper that the company says can detect possible urinary tract infections, kidney dysfunctions, and dehydration, accompanied by a smartphone app that can transmit the information to a physician. ... "  Also in Venturebeat.