JAPAN Tech Blog

I'm making smartphone apps in Japan. Also I'm airbnb host in Tokyo. I provide some apartments in Tokyo. 

[techjapan]

Top 10 awesome cherry blossom viewing spots around Tokyo area

Cherry blossom season will start from end of march. I will introduce top 10 spots around Tokyo area!

10; Inokashira Onshi Park (Tokyo)

Inokashira Onshi Park is popular yearround. There is a big pond for people to paddle a boat. 500 cherry trees are in the park, 250 cherry trees are around the pond. Some breed variety of cherry trees are on the west side. They bloom from early March.Late blossoms are until end of April. Map

9; Mitsuike Park (Yokohama, Kanagawa)

Mitsuike park has 78 species and 1600 cherry trees bloom around 3 ponds.This park is ranked in Top 100 Japanese Cherry blossoms viewing place. End of March to Early of April is best time to see. Map

8; Odawara Castle Park (Odawara, Kanagawa)

Odawara Castle is located in Odawara city in Kanagawa Prefecture, 84km west of Tokyo. Though the present Odawara Castle is a modern, concrete reconstruction dating from the 1960. Odawara is now the gateway to the hot spring resorts of Hakone with trains and buses running to various parts of the Hakone scenic area.350 cherry trees are around the castle. Especially a row of cherry blossom trees from Manabi Bashi to the castle is beautiful. Map

7; Akagi Nanmen Senbon Sakura (Maebashi, Gunma)

Maebashi, Gunma is north of Tokyo. They are a 1km row of 1,000 magnificent cherry blossom trees, which are over 60 years old. Miyagi Senbon Sakura Forest is next door. There are 37 species 500 cherry trees and 6,000m2 Shibazakura (moss phlox) are available. Map

6; Yaesu Sakura Street (Tokyo)

Yaesu Sakura Street is in front of Tokyo Station Yaesu Exit. 150 cherry trees are along the street. Tokyo station is train hub so it's easy to access for visitor. Also there are lighting up in the night. Be sure to visit at night when the trees are lit up. Map

5; Roppongi Hills Mouri Teien (Tokyo)

Experience the four seasons of Japan at a gorgeous Japanese style garden. You will find waterfalls, streams, cherry-blossom trees around a center-pond. There are not many cherry trees but it's a beautiful contrast of nature and modern architecture. Map

4; Ueno Park (Tokyo)

Ueno Park is a large public park next to Ueno Station. There are over 1,000 cherry trees. Many people sit and enjoy eating and drinking under the trees. Lighting up is from 5pm to 8pm. Furthermore, zoo and some museums are in the park so you can enjoy 1 day trip. Map

3; Sumida Park (Tokyo)

The area between Azumabashi Bridge and Sakurabashi Bridge on the Sumida River has been a famous cherry blossom viewing spot since the Edo period. Approximately 1,000 cherry trees grow in Sumida Park.You can enjoy cherry trees with Tokyo Sky Tree. Map

2; Rikugien (Tokyo)

At Rikugien Garden, you can find the spectacular the shidare zakura (weeping cherry tree) is available. The weeping cherry tree is a symbol of the park, measuring around 15 meters high and 20 meters wide. Also they have lighting up in the night. Map

1; Meguro river (Tokyo)

Meguro river is the best cherry blossom viewing place! It is easy access from Naka Meguro station or Ebisu station. Amazing experience to walk along 4km Meguro river with 800 cherry trees. The trees are lit up in the evenings. However, there's not much picnic space. It's a good place for a walk. There are several trendy shops, cafes and restaurants in the area. Map

Cherry blossom season starts end of March in Tokyo! I lent some apartments via airbnb. When you will come to Tokyo, please visit!! https://www.airbnb.jp/rooms/4036426#host-profile

[techjapan]

3 must see cat cafes in Tokyo

Have you ever been to a cat cafe? It’s a theme cafe you can watch and play with cats. Many Japanese people love cats but it is difficult to have cat in Tokyo's apartment because  pets are not allowed in many apartments. However many people want to watch and play with cats, so such a interesting cafe, cat cafes are poplar in Tokyo. Many foreign travelers visit cat cafes and I will introduce the best cat cafes.

1. Temari no ouchi (Temari’s home)

http://www.temarinoouchi.com/

The design is like a Ghibli’s animation!  Ghibli, movie production studio is owned by academy award winner Hayao Miyazaki, created popular movies such as My neighbor Totoro, The wind rises, Ponyo and Sprited Away. It has a high ceiling and openness. Sun light shining down from roof window.

There are 17 cats, including Scottish Fold, Munchkin and Norwegian Forest cat etc in the cafe. Many cats relax anywhere. You can play with cat toys.

Also free wifi is available.

They charges entrance charge. If you are Ghibli fan, there is Ghibli's museum nearby. http://www.lawson.co.jp/ghibli/museum/ticket/english.html

Shop Information:

Address: 3F, 2-13-14, Kichojoji honmachi, Musashino-shi, Tokyo.

5 minutes on foot from Kichijoji station 

Shop hour: 10:00-21:00

Price: Weekday 1200JPY, Weekend 1600JPY, After 7:00PM 900JPY.

2. Cat Cafe Cateriam

http://cateriam.com/

Cateriam is 1 minute on foot from Shimokitazawa station.

The design is based on white and pink color,  tables and chairs are made with Okinawa’s wood. It’s comfortable design cafe. The owner is from Okinawa and he sells hand crafted products such as glasses and dishes.

There are 11 cats available. Cats are active in the morning but get sleepy in the afternoon. If you want to play, I recommend to go there in the morning.

Shop Information:

Monbran Bldg 2F, 2-26-6, Kitazawa, Setagayaku, Tokyo

Shop hour:  10:00-21:30

Price: 1000JPY / 1hour

3. Cat Cafe Nyankoto

http://nyankoto.com/

It’s a cozy, home-like atmosphere. You can buy snacks and feed 11 cats.

Also you can charge your PC and Smartphones. Free wifi is available. You can charge both your battery and your heart.

I provide some airbnb apartments. When you come to Tokyo, stay here!

https://www.airbnb.jp/rooms/4314390#host-profile

[techjapan]

10 impressive restaurants in Shibuya Tokyo! (2nd part)

Shibuya is a exciting town. There are many restaurants so it is difficult for travelers  to choose the restaurants. I introduce 10 impressive restaurants! Part 1 is here.

6. Whale restaurant Kujiraya

Kujiraya, which is next door to 109 fashion building has been in business since 1950.

Japan’s whale fishing is highly controversial, but this restaurant only provides the research whaling meat.

Hari hari nabe and Kujira Tataki are recommended. Also Hori kotatsu, small table with an electric heater underneath and covered by a quilt is provided. You can feel Japanese tradition and relax.

  http://www.timeout.jp/en/tokyo/venue/19181/Ganso-Kujiraya

  7. Torigin

Torigin provides Yakitori and Kamameshi.

“Kamameshi" is a popular Japanese cuisine prepared and served in a small pot. Rice and other ingredients are cooked in soup stock to create a harmony of tastes with toppings.

You can scoop hot Kamameshi with rice paddle and eat it.

They run from 11:30am to 10:30pm so you can eat anytime during the day.

  http://guinavi.com/gourmet/shibuya/torigin-shibuya/

    8. Streamer Coffee Company

If you want to have great latte, this cafe is recommended.

Hiroshi Sawada, who is latte art world winner, operates this cafe. The latte with latte art is in large cup.

If you get bored with national coffee chain, you can enjoy coffee in this restaurant. Also they provide free WIFI.

http://www.timeout.jp/en/tokyo/venue/10928/Streamer-Coffee-Company

  9. Goodbeer Faucets

If you want to have cruft beer, I recommend the bar, Goodbeer Faucets. It’s near by Shibuya Bunkamura.

They provide American, Belgian and Japanese local cruft beer. If you want to have a nice cruft beer in casual bar, it’s best.

Also Happy hour is 4pm to 7pm on weekdays.

http://www.timeout.jp/en/tokyo/venue/11401/Goodbeer-Faucets

10. Kamukura Ramen (soup noodle) restaurant

This is personal favorite! There is a vending machine outside where you can purchase your food ticket. The restaurant is very clean. They only provide counter seats.  

The Oishi ramen is soy based soup, clear cabbage, BBQ pork and noodle.

They say that when you eat for the 3rd times, you will be addicted to it. The price is just 650JPY! Why don’t you try it? http://www.sunnypages.jp/travel_guide/tokyo_restaurants/ramen/Kamukura+Ramen/4642 Author: I provide apartments via airbnb in Tokyo!  If you come, please check my listing! https://www.airbnb.jp/users/show/13808965

[techjapan]

10 impressive restaurant in Tokyo Shibuya! (1st part)

Shibuya, Tokyo is a energetic town. There are many restaurants so it is difficult for travelers to choose the best restaurants. I will introduce 10 impressive restaurants! Uobei; Leading edge sushi belt system

Uobei is sushi restaurant with leading edge system, which is located in Dogenzaka.

You will oder sushi on touch panel, then the sushi will be delivered specifically to your table by minuture bullet train. The touch panel is translated to English, Chinese and Korean. Also the sushi prices are reasonable, 100JPY. Be sure to order directly from the chef to get the freshest sushi. http://www.timeout.jp/en/tokyo/venue/19180 Tachinomi Fujiya; Japanese old fashioned standing bar

Fujiya is located in Sakuragaoka area.

This bar is old but clean. Many business guys enjoy to drink with colleagues. You can feel local atmosphere. There are Japanese local Izakaya foods. You must try the speciality,  Ham Cabbage. http://www.timeout.jp/en/tokyo/venue/11568 Kaikaya; Reasonable seafood & bilingual service

Kaikaya is located Shinsen area. They serve so many fishes and unique culinary creations.

You can eat fresh sliced raw fish, sparerib with tuna’s head and shrimp fried shrimp brain paste are fitted for foreign people. They provide Sake and wine with reasonable price. The price from 450 JPY. Also the owner can speak English. http://www.timeout.jp/en/tokyo/venue/289 Shunju; high quality Izakaya restaurant 

You can enjoy seasonable vegetables and seafood dishes in relaxed atmosphere. 

Dish plates are high quality and beautiful. You can pick any amount of vegetable dishes with basket. Also there are so many fish and meat dishes, Sake, Shochu, wine and domestic fruit liquor. Private dining room is available. http://www.timeout.jp/ja/tokyo/venue/19182 Maid Cafe; Maidreamin

Maid girls serves drinks and dishes with their own magic.

This is chain store, the original one is in Akihabara. If you want to go Maid cafe but you don’t have much time, this restaurant is good. They have some maid girl’s show. They provide free soft drink 980JPY. http://www.timeout.jp/en/tokyo/venue/11364    Source: http://www.timeout.jp/en/tokyo/venue/11364

[techjapan]

JASRAC may take authors fee from Drop Box

JASRAC(The Japanese Society for Rights of Authors, Composers and Publishers) is Japanese copyright collection society.  JASRAC manages the rights and authors fee for Japanese songs. In Japanese low, JASRAC take authors fee if someone plays music on public place. But if people play music personal, for example people listen music on iPod, they don’t charge the authors fee. They are reviewing that they take authors fee from cloud storage services. Their opinion is that cloud storage services are “Free Ride” because uploaded music files have possibilities to be copied unlimitedly, so cloud storage servicer should grant rights. They argue that a music  song on the cloud server is copied one. Master file is available on PC. Music files increase as 2 files so it is taken authors fee.  In addition, administration officer Mr. Asaishi nonsensical claimed  with showing the data center pictures that “Servers are taller than human. They save the huge data, so it is difficult to assume that they are personal use to play music on cloud storage service. This means that JASRAC will take authors fee from Drop Box, Google Drive, Box etc... Actually JASRAC takes authors fee from CD-R for music and cassette tape so they wants to take authors fee from cloud services. Many people react the news as below on internet. “Is JASRAC structured with crazy people?” “They cannot take the fee from the servers which smaller than human.” ”Freeloader” “They may take the fee from hum” “They must kill Japan music" I totally agree with them.

[techjapan]

Free WIFI spots in Japan

Tokyo is an exciting city! If you go to Tokyo, you will  take pictures and share them on Internet. However there are not enough WIFI spots in Tokyo. And tourists have trouble to finding them. They and up spending money on pocket WIFI and using sim cards or they give up or can't post photos. So I will introduce free WIFI spots!

Seven Spot

Convenience store, Seven Eleven provides Free WIFI. It’s free but you need to sign up for their service.  Also some of Ito Yokado(Super market), Seibu and Sogo (Department Store), Denny’s (restaurant) provide Seven Spot. You can sign up from below link. https://webapp.7spot.jp/internets/members/register_form?tmst=1415364974 at_Starbucks Wi2

Starbucks stores provide free WIFI, at_Starbucks Wi2.

You can use it with their ID or SNS login with Facebook, Twitter and  Google. If you choose SNS login, you can use for 1 hour. But if you login with at_Starbucks Wi2, you can use internet with no limit. at_Starbucks Wi2 is free to sign up. http://starbucks.wi2.co.jp/pc/index_en.html Japan Connected WIFI

Japan Clnnected  Free WIFI provides free WIFI around Marunouchi area, Sunshine City in Ikebukuro, Landmark Tower in Yokohama.

When you find “SSID：JAPAN-FREE-WIFI”, you can sign up for free. Additionally their app is available.

iOS https://itunes.apple.com/us/app//id810838196 Google Play https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.nttbp.jfw Fujisan Free Wifi project

Free WIFI is available around Mt.Fuji. For example, Kawaguchi lake, Yamanaka lake.You can use it when you see above logo image. More detail place of using, see below link. http://freewifijapan.com/

Actually, I provide free mobile wifi router for my airbnb guests to save them time and money. So they don’t need to buy a sim card or worry about WIFI. More and more tourists visit in Tokyo because it is an exciting vibrant city.  I provide 3 stylish airbnb apartments in convenient locations in Tokyo.  Check them out here: https://www.airbnb.jp/users/show/13808965

[techjapan]

4 prepaid sim cards in Tokyo Japan for tourist; which is best?

I provide some apartments with airbnb and many guests have mobile  internet problem. Everyone wants to use google map, Facebook and other apps with their smartphones. However there are few free wifi spots and mobile phone roaming is very expensive in Japan.

Recently, new mobile servicers provide reasonable sim cards for tourists. If you have sim free smartphone, you can use them. I will introduce them.  1. PAYG SIM (b-mobile) 7days, 3GB data, 60 minutes call, 9980JPY, 4G LTE

b-mobile is one of the famous mobile company in Japan. They provide  nano sim, micro sim. They provide 7days sim card. It is suitable for short stay traveler. You can buy it in Yodobashi camera (Big electronics shop) and airport. http://www.bmobile.ne.jp/payg_sim/ 2. Prepaid LTE SIM (So-net) Plan 100M: 30 days, 100MB, 3000JPY, 4G LTE Plan 500M: 60 days 500MB, 5000JPY, LTE Charge: 200MB/1500JPY, 500MB/2000JPY, 1GB/2838JPY

So-net is offered by Sony.  This sim card is for long stay travelers. If you need more data, you can charge it online with credit card. http://www.so-net.ne.jp/prepaid/en/index.html 3. OCN mobile ONE Prepaid SIM for VISITOR 14 days, 100MB/day, 3500JPY, 4G LTE

OCN is provided by NTT group. You can use high speed internet for 100MB. After 100MB, the speed will be slow, 200kbps. But you don’t need to mind the data limit. Next day, you can use high speed internet again. http://service.ocn.ne.jp/mobile/one/visitor/en/ 4. Japan Travel SIM powered by IIJmio (IIJ) 90 days, 2GB, 3790JPY, 4G LTE

IIJ is first internet provider in Japan.

2GB is enough data size for 90 days. This is suitable for all tourists. You can buy it in airport, Bic camera, Sofmap and Yodobashi camera. https://t.iijmio.jp/en/index.html

SIM NAMEPROVIDERDAYSDATAPRICEOTHERPAYG SIMb-mobile7days3GB9980JPY60minutes callPrepaid LTE SIMSo-net30days 60days 100MB 500MB 3000JPY 5000JPYOCN Mobile ONEOCN14days100MB3500JPYJapan Travel SIMIIJ90days2GB3790JPY

Summarize, comparing table is below.

Actually I recommend this sim card because the cost is reasonable and the network is strong. If you want to more detail, please go to the url. Actually, I provide free mobile wifi router for my airbnb guests. So they don't need to buy the sim card and can save time and money.

More and more tourists visit in Tokyo because it is an exciting vibrant city.  I provide 3 stylish airbnb apartments in convenient locations in Tokyo. 

Check them out here: https://www.airbnb.jp/users/show/13808965

[techjapan]

Can Russian bank make a good image with lending cat?

Sberbank, major Russian bank, started to lend cats to their customers with the home loan. Russian people believe cat brings happiness. There is a legend that if the cat enters the home first, the cat brings the fortune for house owner. Sberbank arranges 10 cats and customers can select favorite one.  And cats were trained to enter the door. The lending time is for 2 hours. The customer who want to lend a cat has to make a contract that customer never abuse the cat and bank accepts no responsibility for any damage because cat.  Sberbank was government-managed bank of the Soviet Union. People have a bad image for the bank so Sberbank tries to sweep it away. Additionally,  the bank is faced with economic sanctions about invading Ukraine. Such a loan business is important to get much customer's first contact. This service is expand as a news so they succeed to get first contact I think.    Source:  http://www.afpbb.com/articles/-/3024479

[techjapan]

40% Japanese smartphone game users have made In App Purchase

According to “Research for smartphone game in first half of 2014” from MMD lab, 40% of Japanese smartphone users have made an game In App Purchase.  

■ Do you have experience for In App Purchase?

The game genre which smartphone users have an experience for playing Puzzle(40.0%), Simulation(15.2%) and Quiz(12.4%). In addition, the game genre which smartphone game users have an experience for in app purchase are Puzzle (56.8%), Simulation(26.4%), Farming(20%). The most played smartphone game title are Puzzle & Dragons(18.7%), Disney Tsum Tsum(9.7%), Puyo Puyo Quest(8.3%), Candy Crush Saga (5.3%).

■ How many games do you play at same time?

About the question about how many games people play at same time, 32.0% people play 1-2 games, 20.3% people play 3-4 games, 7.0% people play 4-5 games.  By gender, Weman play more games at the same than men.

■ How often do you play games in a week?

About the question about how often people play game in a week, 38.0% people play game everyday, 9.7% people play 5-6 days/wk, 14.0% people play 3-4 days/wk. By gender, 33.1% men and 43.2% women play game every day.

[techjapan]

AIBO, I will prolong your life

Have you ever heard AIBO? I found interesting story about AIBO. I will introduce it. “I had expected it to live forever because it’s a robot.”  Owners are fighting to prolong AIBO’s life. “Hokuto" is 10 years old AIBO, ESR-10 which is dog type robot. He wakes up at 8:30 AM every morning. The owner, who is 60 years old woman, asks to him “How are you doing?”. Hokuto says “I was hazing. Pet me please.” It has been ordinary life since 10 years ago. In the past, he energetically run around the room, when she took him to travel over seas. Now a days, he just sits down in same place because he sometimes slips due to bad joints. He has gone to a “hospital” over 20 times. However the “hospital” closed this March because Sony has stopped support for AIBO. Sony released the first AIBO in 1999. Then 2006,  they announced to retire the robot business. Sony had shortage of parts, but they still kept to support until March 2014. An AIBO’s owner said “Generally a company doesn’t continue for support such a long time.” Hokuto’s owner sent thank-you note with him for his last repair. She said, “I cannot disconnect Hokuto from charge dock because of his injury. I can’t think about his death. He is a part of my family." 150,000 AIBOs have been sold. Many people still have it. An owner said “I had assumed that this would eventually happen.” Other owner said “Google has started robot business. Sony is blind to the potential of robot market.” “AIBO was last future vision Sony showed us.” Source: http://zasshi.news.yahoo.co.jp/article?a=20140728-00000008-sasahi-sci

[techjapan]

Why tablet device is losing speed?

Tablet sales highly increased in 2013 but it is losing speed in 2014. According to IDC Japan research, tablet sales are increasing by 3.9% on the same period last year.  Why tablet market remains restrained? At first, the tablet device's market is getting saturated. Many types of devices are available: iPad, Android tablet, Amazon tablet and Windows tablet. These companies offers range of devices, including reasonable priced tablets. People who want to buy a tablet device have already bought one.  Secondly, the latest devices are not much different from last year’s products. So the replacement demand is decreased.

Thirdly, some people choose “Phablet” devices. Phablet is Smartphone + Tablet. They are over 5 inch display devices. In 2013, many people bought 7inch tablet devices because the poplar  smartphone’s display size was 3 or 4 inches so people wanted more larger display devices. However many companies released Phablet devices in 2014. Most people don’t want to bring 2 devices, smartphone and tablet, so they have bought Phablet devices. Additionally Apple may release 5 inch iPhone this year.

However Windows tablet sales is increasing because of business demand. Windows tablet has Windows OS so people can use Microsoft Office in it. And Windows tablet's keyboard is removable. Uses can use as PC and tablet. And companies have cloud computing system so they don't need much memories for devices.  That's why companies don't need to buy 2 devices tablet and PC. I think Phablet and Windows tablet will lead the mobile device market.

[techjapan]

The number of mobile internet users increase is slow down in Japan

According to eMarketer’s forecast, the number of mobile internet users increase is slowing down in Japan. The above chart shows the forecast of mobile internet penetration in Asia-Pacific.  Developed counties, South Korea and Australia will reach over 70% but Japan will be 62.8%. It’s 10% behind. Developing countries, China, India and Indonesia will be quickly increasing. Their populations are huge, so these markets will be emerging. Why is Japanese penetration rate behind? At first, because of declining birth rate and a growing proportion of elderly people. The population of those over 65 is 25% while those under 14 is 13 in Japan. It is difficult elder people to use smartphones and infants do not use mobile phones. So the penetration rate will be about 60%. Secondly, feature phone is still popular for some people. Actually some smartphone users switched back to feature phone. Feature phone has been popular in Japan because Japanese feature phone has high functionality, is easy to use, the battery life is longer and cost is more reasonable than smartphone.  However, I believe the smartphone will have longer battery, reasonable price and more user friendly, elder people and feature phone users will use smartphones. So we can expect the penetration rate to increase in Japan.

[techjapan]

Japanese teens spend longer time on smartphone than TV

In May 2014, Just System researched how long people spend on TV, radio, news paper, magazine, PC internet and smartphone internet.  A new trend  that appeared is the amount of time 15-19 year olds spend on their smartphone. They spent 104.3 minutes on smartphone internet, 94.9 minutes on TV and 89.8 minutes on PC internet in May 2014 compared to 99.9 minutes, 121,3 minutes and 106.7 minutes respectively in May 2013. Teens are spending much more time on smartphone internet.

Additionally, 20-24 year old females and 25-29 year old males spend more time on smartphone than TV. How will this affect the internet market? At first, smartphone internet page views will increase. Now smartphones are becoming more common than feature phones and the replacement speed is slowing. Users spending longer time on smart phones, so internet page view and advertisement impressions will be increasing. Secondly, video ads will become more common. Now national advertisers don’t make budgets for video CM on smartphones in Japan. But TV power is weakening and if they want to reach teenagers, they need to spend money for smartphone video ads. Since high speed 4G network is expanding and smartphone performance is increasing so video advertisement will be a powerful tool for advertisers.

[techjapan]

Will Airbnb take root in Japan?

Airbnb users are increasing in Japan. Host provides his/her available room for the guest on Airbnb. Guest can stay at  a reasonable price. There are now 300,000 hosts, 192 countries and a total fo 6 million users on Airbnb. Airbnb entered into Japanese market in 2014. 2,000 people registered as hosts.  Actually I have registered as a host too.  However 70% of hosts are foreign residents in Japan.  Why are Japanese hosts only 30%?  Actually airbnb is not popular in Japan so users are mostly tourists from foreign countries. Many Japanese people are no good with speaking English so Japanese hosts are few. Secondly, airbnb may be officially illegal in many counties. Basically if someone rents out a room, he/she needs Hotel Business license. It makes someone reluctant to become a host. However the law is old, so the law is  behind the times. That’s why Japanese hosts are few but guests demand is high because guests can stay at a more reasonable price than many hotels. Actually Japanese hotels charge per person. Airbnb charges for the room. Additionally guests can get local information, such as cultural etiquette, how locals live, etc from hosts. Hotels cannot offer this type of personal communication. Japanese government is driving forward to increase foreign tourists. I think government should make new law for airbnb to increase more hosts. It will be good for Japanese national policy. My airbnb listings are here. Please visit when you will come to Tokyo! 100m2 apt in the heart of Tokyo https://www.airbnb.jp/rooms/2876325 Quiet, peaceful & affordable room http://www.airbnb.jp/rooms/2719906

[techjapan]

Can MEME penetrate new wearable market?

Japanese glasses maker JINS announced their wearable device, JINS MEME, on May15th. These glasses concept is “monitor myself”. The glasses monitors user’s line of sight, blinks and head tilts to determine user’s tiredness, sleepiness, number of steps and calorie's burned. MEME will alert users who are sleepy while driving. JINS will launch MEME next spring. 

MEME is different from Google glass.

With Google Glass, the computer device  is built into the glasses frame. Users can take pictures, see maps and make phone calls with Google glass. On the other hand, MEME doesn’t have such features. MEME has a sensor for user’s action and send the data to smartphone with bluetooth. So users can check his/her condition.  MEME’s weight is 36g, it’s the same as a normal pair of glasses. Will MEME get high sales? Key success factor is the price. Google Glass is 1,500 USD. NIKE Plus Fuel Band which is recorder for user’s steps and breathing capacity is160 USD. Now MEME price has not been released. However JINS CEO Tanaka said MEME will be affordable. They will open their API for app developers. If app developers will make interesting apps,  MEME has possibilities in the new wearable app market. SOURCE: http://toyokeizai.net/articles/-/38035

[techjapan]

Downloads will determine your AppStore ranking in Japan

Many users download apps based on its AppStore ranking.  If you want to get more sales, you have to promote your app and get high rank on AppStore ranking. In Japan, at last, the biggest mobile phone company, NTT Docomo has been selling iPhone5S since October, 2013. Users can buy iPhone from  top 3 mobile phone companies, NTT Docomo, au and Softbank. So, iPhone’s market share is expanding. It means that the number of iOS devices and required downloads to get high rank are increasing. How many downloads do you need if you want your app to be ranked in App Store ranking in Japan? Actually our app got ranked 1st in March 2014. I made the chart for downloads and rank in AppStore.

(Note) Number of downloads are per day (see above chart). Required downloads changes daily. Ranking changes every 3 hours.

1st rank requires over 75,000 downloads, and this number  is increasing because the number of iOS devices are expanding.

In addition, the reward advertisement price, where developers can buy downloads, is decreasing. 2 years ago, developers bought 1 download / 1USD(100JPY), but now, 1 download / 20-60 cents (20-60JPY). That’s why many developers do reward promotion, and apps on ranking are mostly provided by reward advertisement. So it is difficult to get high rank with no promotion cost. However some apps are ranked without promotion cost, actually, our app too.  Depending on how one approaches things, you can get high rank.

[techjapan]

Why WhatsApp success in Europe and the United States?

Facebook bought chat app, WhatsApp. In just 5 years, WhatsApp got 450 million users. Why is WhatsApp successful in Europe and the United States? Since 2008, many people communicate with SMS. Mobile phone companies sell the unlimited SMS plan as $10 or $20 USD / Month. Then Apple launched App Store in July 2008.  And in 2009, WhatsApp launched their app for $0.99. At first, their app had many bugs and few users were active. But when WhatsApp 2.0 was launched with push notification, it got 250,000 active users. Generally developers have difficulty getting users in paid app category, but WhatsApp could. Because users realized if they join WhatsApp, they could cancel their unlimited SMS plan and save a lot of money. Simply, WhatsApp replaced SMS of mobile phone companies. So, WhatsApp added the feature that easily find friends, for example, connecting to Facebook and load user’s address book and automatically connect with friends on WhatsApp.  More importantly, WhatsApp improved the simplicity and speed of sending messages.  In Japan, many people used Email on iPhone and it’s free, so they didn’t buy WhatsApp. Group chat, LINE provided chat with sticker, many Japanese people love it and users expanded. Now LINE has 50 million Japanese users and 300 million users globally.  To summarize, WhatsApp replaced SMS, and they launched faster than competitors, and WhatsApp provides simple and fast communication.