163882234
submission
ThinkPad760 writes:
How is this not news everywhere?
KDDI, Japan's 2nd largest mobile phone provider and carrier to multiple critical government agencies, including the weather service failed for 86 hours. After failing to inform users and the government about the problems, questions are starting to be asked.
21281220
submission
ThinkPad760 writes:
The Japanese government has finally given approval to build the long awaited MagLev train linking Tokyo and Osaka via Nagoya.
But don't hold your breath. Construction will start in 2014. The Tokyo Nagoya section will be completed in 2027 with the final section to Osaka complete by 2045.
I was hoping my wife could buy me a ticket as my retirement present, but looks like I have a wait a couple of years after that.
272311
submission
ThinkPad760 writes:
ANA (All Nippon Airways) of Japan will on September 4 complete their rollout of a completely ticketless checkin and boarding pass called SKiP! That's right. You book the ticket online thru either a computer or your mobile phone and then use your ANA Mileage card that has a IC chip or have the booking dowloaded into your IC enabled phone (most phones in Japan have wireless IC chips in them now). When you get to the airport, you go straight to security, place you mobile or IC card on the reader. It confirms your booking, the light turns green and off you go to the gate. At the gate the same thing. 2 peeps and you are in your seat!
I've been using this service out of Haneda to Osaka for the past year. It is fantastic. Since I never have to checkin bags, I turn up to the airport 15 minutes before my flight, walk straight thru security and on board.
From the article.
"Passengers who wish to SKiP, choose their seat after booking and paying for their ticket, in advance of going to the airport. Through mobile Internet technology, seats can even be chosen or changed on the way to the airport. On arrival, they bypass check-in and simply touch one of the following to a reader at security, and then again at their boarding gate: an IC-chip equipped ANA credit card or mileage club card, IC-enabled mobile phone, or printed 2D barcode. The process of buying to flying is thus made very simple and convenient."
See the full story here. http://www.japantoday.com/jp/news/416706
