CEATEC JAPAN 2013

For this "On-Site" segment, we head to CEATEC, Japan's largest consumer electronics exhibition. Among the amazing array of exciting new products and future concepts, our Great Gear gadget geek, Brian Hughes takes a look at the best of the best from this year's show.

Report

Schedule: Oct. 1 - 5, 2013
Location: Makuhari Messe

On display at this year's edition was a variety of 4K TVs, such as stunning organic LED models equipped with 60P input and video editing-use monitors, as well as TVs that offer early alternatives to 4K technology. Other 4K-related products included handheld 4K video cameras, a twenty-inch 4K tablet PC and much more. But the show also featured many non-4K-related developments including a new thin-film speaker, a chair that can perform health checks and a portable DNA analyzer. There was even a test-ride area where Brian tried two new concept models for personal mobility - one called "Winglet" that lets you ride around in a standing position by holding onto handles, and another called "Uni-Cub" that is operated in a seated position by simply shifting your bodyweight. Another product of note was the "Lens Style Camera" that uses a smartphone as a display.

• 
• 
• 
• 
• 
• 

Further Info:

Please note that some of the products or services featured in this program may be prototypes and not be sold at stores. NHK is not responsible for any damages, losses or injuries caused by the usage of these products or services.

- CEATEC JAPAN Management Office
http://www.ceatec.com/en/
Management Office +81-3-6212-5233

- SONY Corporation
http://www.sony-asia.com/productcategory/bravia-lcd-tv
PR Department +81-3-6748-2200

- Panasonic Corporation
http://panasonic.net/avc/viera/
Tokyo PR Office +81-3-3574-5664

- TOSHIBA CORPORATION
http://www.toshiba.com/us/4k-tvs
Public Relations +81-3-3457-4511

- Mitsubishi Electric Corporation
http://www.mitsubishielectric.com/bu/hometheater/
Public Relations +81-3-3218-2111

- Sharp Corporation
http://www.aquos-world.com/en/index.html
Public Relations +81-3-5446-8205

- Kyocera Corporation
http://global.kyocera.com/news/2013/1002_iynb.html
Corporate Communications Section +81-75-604-3514

- NEC Corporation
http://www.nec.com/en/global/solutions/security/products/portable_dna_analyzer.html
CRM Department +81-3-3798-8667

- TOYOTA MOTOR CORPORATION
http://www.toyota.com.hk/innovation/personal_mobility/winglet.aspx
Partner Robot Division +81-565-98-6473

- Honda Motor Co., Ltd.
http://world.honda.com/UNI-CUB/
Corporate Communications Division +81-3-5412-1203

A Big Name in Cutting Pliers

In our "Gadgets" segment, we introduce a particular pair of cutting pliers from a product line called "Keiba" that's the favorite of craftsmen around the world. These may look like normal cutting pliers, but to those in the know, they're highly sought after masterpieces of the toolmaker's art.

Report

Maruto Hasegawa Kosakujo is one of the top manufacturers of nippers, cutters and pliers in Japan. Their tools are highly durable and many repeating customers choose their products by name. One of the key elements in producing tools with a constant level of quality is the company's unique machine processing method. One worker is in charge of several machines, and thus follows each product as it goes through the manufacturing process. A seasoned worker also makes adjustments on every blade by hand. This further sharpens the edge and improves the blade's durability. The company has won over 50 design awards for products from their "Keiba" line. They aim to create more tools for use in a variety of fields and optimize benefits for their customers in the future.

• 
• 
• 
• 
• 

Further Info:

Please note that some of the products or services featured in this program may be prototypes and not be sold at stores. NHK is not responsible for any damages, losses or injuries caused by the usage of these products or services.

- Maruto Hasegawa Kosakujo Inc.
http://www.keiba-tool.com/keiba/en/
Public Relations +81-256-33-3010

Wood that Can Take the Heat

When you think of the fire-safety requirements of modern urban structures, wood isn't usually first on the list. But we found a new way to use wood that's surprisingly high-tech and tough enough to withstand fires. Let's take a closer look in our "Special Report".

Report

"Moen-Wood", which literally means "wood that does not burn" is the product of Takenaka Corporation. It is fire-resistant lumber that can be used for the construction of large buildings. When the three-layered "Moen-Wood" burns, its external layer turns into carbon and becomes heat-resistant. The middle layer is mortar, which absorbs heat. These two layers together protect the wooden core, which maintains the degree of strength needed to support a structure. Amid the dwindling Japanese forestry industry and calls for revitalization of forests and forestry, Takenaka really wanted the project to use domestic materials. So all of their wood is grown in Japan.

• 
• 
• 
• 
• 

Further Info:

Please note that some of the products or services featured in this program may be prototypes and not be sold at stores. NHK is not responsible for any damages, losses or injuries caused by the usage of these products or services.

- Takenaka Corporation
http://www.takenaka.co.jp/takenaka_e/about/news/2013/m1001_04.html
Public Relations +81-3-6810-5000