Robots!

Did anyone see the female robot onthe news the other day?

Scientists in Japan keep developing new robots, and the seem to get more advanced all the time. Researchers at the National Institute of Advanced Industrail Science and Technology have created a female robot that can walk, talk, and even copy human facial expressions.

Japan has a long history with robots that seem friendly. Recently Honda and Sony have both made robots that might make good friends for humans. Sony unveiled a robot dog, Aibo, and Honda makes Asimov, who is meant to look cute so as not to scare people. Perhaps the most famous of all robots in Japan is Astro Boy (or Mighty Atom) who was made to replace his creator's dead son. Robots seem to have a long hisotry of being friends to people in Japan. The new robot shown off this week though goes further than ever before.

Japanese scientists hope that soemday human-like robots will be able to help out with household chores like cleaning and watching children and maybe even do simple jobs that humans do now, like secratary or receptionist work. This would be very useful, because with Japan's population declining, people will need all the help they can get to free up more people for more difficult work. Can you imagine, in twenty years, robots might be making our breakfast, driving our train, and greeting us when we come into work!

Sightseeing in Japan

Living in Japan is really wonderful because there are so many wonderful spots to visit and all within a reasonable commute. I recently took a trip to Ise, Nagoya, Takayama, Shirakawago and Kanazawa in 3 DAYS!!! Kanazawa was my absolute favorite. The fusion of traditional and modern really set it apart from the other areas. The 21st century contemporary art museum was stunning and just a few steps away were the famous Kenrokuen garden and Kanazawa castle park. The huts in Shirakawago and the old Edo private homes of Takayama were also a sight to see. For those who haven’t been, I highly recommend that you go.

So what’s next on my list of places to see? A trip to Kyoto and Nara in a week. Exciting!!

Hillary Clinton Does Asia

Recently, US Secratery of State Hillary Clinton visited Asia. On the agenda was Japan, Indonesia, South Korea, and of course, China. US president Barack Obama lived in Indonesia as a child, and he is currently very popular there. Also, the United States is trying to reach out to Muslims. Since Indonesia is a predominantly Muslim nation and an ally of the US, it made sense that Hillary Clinto would visit.
Recently North Korea has been making a lot of noise about a potential long range missile test. Relations between North and South Korea have also been worsening for around a year now. Many South Koreans say they are nervous about North Korea's recent behavior. It was important that Hillary Clinton visit the South to send a strong message of support for South Korea.
China is one of the United States' most important economic partners. Also, China will probably soon become the strongest power in Asia. Of course Hillary Clinton would have much to discuss with the Chinese.
But what about Japan? The Japanese economy is in recession, the political situation here is a mess. America seems to be paying more attention to other countries in Asia like China, India, and Indonesia. The US even failed to help Japan push North Korea for the return of the abductees. Why was it so important that Clinton visit Japan?
The answer is that to the US, Japan is still an important partner and friend. There have been many problems in the relationship recently, but US president Obama wants to reassure the Japanese people that they are still important to the US. That is also why Prime Minister Aso was the first foreign leader to vist the White House. Even though the US and Japan may have many disagreements and both countries face many problems, it is important for the two countries to work together. The US does not want Japan to forget this. That is why Hillary Clinton was sent to Japan first on her tour of Asia.