Created in 1980, the Namennayo Cats (Nameneko), took Japan by storm. 2 years, 500 promotional items and 100 billion yen in revenue later, it was all over. Don’t worry though; the dressed-up cats are back to celebrate their 25th anniversary (not the same cats I assume), with a whole bunch of new nonsense to sell (see Strap-Ya for an example). Read more about them on the amazing official Nameneko site. Here’s a video of them back in their heyday.

Pics from The Pelorian Cat Project.

I was lucky enough to see ASIMO in the robot flesh at CES today. The demo was going great until he was about to descend the little staircase that he took a fall from recently. Don’t worry ASIMO, one day you’ll be better than us all.

When you’ve gotta go, you gotta go. Although, when you go, why not try making things more fun by throwing your fist in the air afterward?

Via the humorous Dump Blog

Who doesn’t love ASIMO, Honda’s Advanced Step in Innovative MObility robot? The little guy isn’t perfect though. Here are a couple of videos of him having a rough time.

Via Technabob

PB reader, Myles, was kind enough to send me a great video he shot in Tokyo. The music is by unsigned band Ambulance. Enjoy!

Sony’s pink PlayStation Portable hits Japan on Wednesday, and what better way to sell a product than to advertise it. Anyone know who does the music?

Also, if you’re a girl gamer you should check out GamingAngels, a new website for the female gaming community.

Via Japan Probe

Well, slight chaos. Sony’s PS3 was released in Japan today, and Kotaku reader Dirk ‘Faceman’ Benedict sent them his account of the console’s debut. He also posted the above video. I like the guy with the coffee who’s so shaken that he has to calmly put out his cigarette.

Thinking of stealing something from a shop in Japan? Don’t! This is what you’ll get…

Via Boing Boing

If you ever happen to find yourself in the Northwest Worldclubs lounge at Narita Airport, then check out the impressive beer dispensing machines. If that’s not going to happen anytime soon, then you’re probably better just watching this video.

Via Gizmodo

The first advert for Nintendo’s new Wii console was aired in Japan yesterday. Luckily, someone recorded it and stuck it up on YouTube. Here we go…

Translation:
What is this?
A new remote control.
A Nintendo Wii remote control.

Ok, not really news but probably the best thing on Google’s YouTube at the moment.

Japan Rail is carrying out various test and trials in order to add Maglev (magnetic levitation) trains to their already excellent Shinkansen service. Here’s a little documentary about it to satisfy your inquisitive mind!

More from Thanko now - the movable armrest. It’s basically a twirly thing on a hinge, with elements of Bobby De Niro’s automatic ‘gun dispenser’ from Taxi Driver. Give me a trackball any day!

The next single from Cornelius’ Sensuous album, Breezin‘, has been put on YouTube by some lovely person.

Denn? Senshi Porigon, or Computer Soldier Polygon, was an ‘episode’ of Pokemon that caused a total of 685 children in Japan to be taken to hospital by ambulance. The scene in question featured flashing lights that triggered “photosensitive seizures”. Watch at your own risk!

Read more about the incident here.