Daily Archives: Friday, April 5, 2024

More delays are in store for the new Linear Shinkansen

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JR Shinkansen | Photo: Fikri Rasyid



Construction for the new Linear Chuo Shinkansen has more hiccups as estimates for its completion gets pushed back to 2031 or later.

The construction project on the new Linear Chuo Shinkansen has been plagued by multiple setbacks and now it’s been announced that construction will likely be extended to 2031, a full 4 years longer than the original plan to open in 2027.

This comes on the heels of Shizuoka Prefecture Governor Heita Kawakatsu’s hesitation to allow construction along a narrow section through the prefecture. In lieu of essentially bring construction to a standstill in the region, Kawakatsu was quoted as saying he will be stepping down from his position after the June legislative season.

Photo: The Asia-Pacific Journal

The announcement of the extended construction period to 2031 has disappointed local residents, who have voiced concerns regarding a lack of explanation. The project’s stance on disclosing information to local residence has often been question. The longer construction is delayed, the more pressure will put on local residents; therefore, it is necessary to be as open as possible with information, including the nondisclosure of work-related accidents as well.

JR Tokai President Shunsuke Niwa stated, “A delay with starting construction in Shizuoka will directly lead to a delay in the opening in Nagoya.”

Once the new Chuo Shinkansen is completed, it will connect Tokyo with Osaka in a little over an hour traveling at a maximum speed of 314 mph (505 km/h).

▲ The trip on the current Shinkansen takes roughly 2 hours and 45 minutes.

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Check out this fan book for the cat-shaped delivery robot, BellaBot

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The very cute cat-shaped delivery robot, BellaBot | Photo: Livedoor News


Step into a family restaurant like GUSTO or Jonathan’s in Japan and you’re likely to find these serving robots slowly making their way down the aisles. And now BellaBot is getting its own fan book!

The hot topic appears to be the Cat-shaped Premium Delivery Robot BellaBot Appendix 4-piece Set (1,265 yen), which features a paper craft of BellaBot, and is set to be released from Takarajimasha on April 15th. This will be the first time an official fan book of BellaBot has been released.

Alongside newly drawn manga like Teach Me! BellaBot and Super Amazing Bella-chan’s Secret, the magazine promises to be a treasure trove of fun, including a Nekorobo cosplay course and a sneak peek into the latest robot trends.

The 4-piece set includes a paper craft replica, 6 types of face monitors, 7 types of interactive food crafts, and 9 adorable Bella-chan facial expression stickers, all of which will be irresistible for fans.

The paper craft body, which is about 29cm, has a notable presence for the craft medium. All parts are easily hand-cut, making it a delightful activity to enjoy with your children.

Paying attention even to the smallest details, this fan book recreates familiar food items like fries and parfaits and even includes a receipt holder and intricate machine details.

Even before its release, social media buzzed with comments such as:

  • Oh, how cute lol I need to get it!!
  • This is just too adorable!!
  • That food-serving robot is too cute!! I’m thrilled about this
  • I’ve already made a reservation too!

Be sure to check it out if you’re interested!
Reading this fan book might just make you fall in love with BellaBot, too!

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Kiiroitori Kama-meshi: A cute collaboration with Rilakkuma, available now from Awajiya

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Kiiroitori Kamameshi x Rilakkuma lunchboxes from Awajiya | Photo: Livedoor News


Getting into the spring season, you can now find this cute collaborative item between Kiiroitori Kama-meshi and Rilakkuma from the Awajiya line of station bento (ekiben) lunchboxes.

In collaboration with Rilakkuma, Awajiya has launched a new Rilakkuma Ekiben series called Kiiroitori Kama-meshi. Check out how cute it is!

Kiiroitori Kama-meshi marks the latest collaboration Kama-meshi, the first in about 8 years since the fall of 2016 when Rilakkuma Dararan Kama-meshi (currently sold out) debuted.

Rilakkuma Dararan Kama-meshi Bowl Ekiben | japanesestuffchannel

This new series showcases the beloved Kiiroitori from Rilakkuma. The kama-meshi containers, depicting the characters, are incredibly charming!

The ingredients incorporate unique ideas from the collaboration. Along with Kiiroitori-shaped kamaboko, there are sweet potatoes and chestnuts inspired by Kiiroitori’s hobby of coin collecting, which encapsulates the Rilakkuma universe.

What’s even better is that the containers can be reused after enjoying the meal. This collaboration product is simply irresistible for Rilakkuma fans.

Kiiroitori Kama-meshi will be available for purchase from April 1, 2024, both in stores and online!

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