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Silence! Japanese researchers build speech-jamming gun: Ever wish you could shut somebody up – with science? Thanks to Japan’s seemingly endless wealth of wacky inventions, now you can! Researchers in Japan have invented a device that, using a technique called Delayed Auditory Feedback, causes somebody talking to completely lose their train of thought and stop talking. I only pray that this is never available to the general public. [via Reddit][/threecol_two] [threecol_one_last]Tokyo Sky Tree construction work finished: Construction is finally done on the colossal Tokyo Sky Tree; but before the tallest tower in the world opens to the public in May, it will have to have a few finishing touches added on to the interior. Click the link to see some great time-lapse pictures of the Sky Tree’s construction. [via News On Japan]
The History of the Gyaru – Part One: If you’ve ever been fascinated by the spray-tanned, bleached blonde gyaru girls of Japan, then you should check out the first installment of Néojaponisme’s history of the gyaru. Marxy does a great write up of the genesis of this Japanese cultural trend, starting with their beginnings in the early 90s. [via Néojaponisme][/threecol_one_last]
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[twocol_one]Gov’t enlists AKB48 as ‘gatekeepers’ for suicide prevention: The Japanese government has launched an ad campaign that tackles two big problems in Japan: the high suicide rate, and AKB48′s severe lack of publicity. By leveraging AKB48′s enormous popularity in this ad campaign, the government hopes to encourage its citizens to recognize symptoms of depression in others and advise them to seek help. [via Japan Today]
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Ridley Scott to join Japan quake project: The legendary Ridley Scott, the force behind movies like Alien, Gladiator, and Blade Runner, is bringing his talents to a Japanese documentary on the 3/11 disaster. Scott’s production company, Scott Free, will help Fuji TV piece together amateur footage from victims of the disaster. [as seen on News On Japan, Reddit, and CrunchyRoll][/twocol_one_last]
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[threecol_one]‘Epic Meal’ on Japanese plate: YouTube sensation and leading cause of heart disease Epic Meal Time is being adapted for Japanese audiences. What can we expect from a Japanese Epic Meal Time? I’m going to go out on a limb here and guess “bacon.” [via Reddit]
Ben & Jerry’s to return to Japan with Omotesando Hills store: After nearly 10 years since its first, unsuccessful foray into the Japanese market, ice cream giant Ben & Jerry’s is returning to Japan. At last, Japan gets a taste of delicious, delicious Schweddy Balls. [via @survivingnjapan][/threecol_one] [threecol_two_last]
Japan phones built to survive showers, toilet-drops: People always say that we’re getting too dependent on technology, but this is ridiculous. I never thought that a smartphone was necessary shower accessory, but apparently there’s a big enough market that Japanese phone makers Panasonic and Fujitsu are pushing waterproof phones. Although in my opinion, if you need a waterproof smartphone, you should probably just take a break. [via News On Japan][/threecol_two_last]
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That’s it for this week in news. Did I miss anything? Which story was your favorite? Let me know in the comments!
Every Sunday we gather the week’s weird Japanese news and present it to you in our Sunday News column. It might not be the hardest hitting news out there, but we hope that it still informs and entertains you. Enjoy!