O-No Sushi brand sushi figures, based off of Andrew Bell's popular Never Look Back print has recently been released after a year in development. First version was a special International Comic-Con released in blue, an edition of 150 for $30 a set. Standard red edition is available at toy and culture retailers for around $25. Link

Anyone can be a hero with the Eco Warrior Bag by Tokyo design brand, Rezon. The Eco Warrior is a eco-bag that represents that you are an environment activist. When you see someone exhibiting ungreen behavior such as dumping a cigarette butt on the street or not separating garbage by type, transform into the Eco Warrior and give them a warning! Link

PicTranslator, an amazing new iPhone application which turns the camera into a point-and-shoot pocket translator. PicTranslator automatically recognizes text, translates it, and even reads the text in the pictures out loud. Perfect for translating restaurant menus while traveling abroad. Application is 99 cents with the option of purchasing additional language packs for another 99 cents.

Promoting the new operating system Windows 7, Microsoft is teaming up with Burger King in Japan for the Windows 7 Whopper. Incredible seven beef patties hamburger available only for a week only (seven days). Cost is 777 yen ($8.50)

Domo, the japanese stop-action critter who hit the American shores last year during Target's Halloween promo is now getting a new job at 7-Eleven this fall season. From collectible Slurpee cups filled with Fuji Frost by Fanta, and Slurpee character straws to hot dog containers, coffee cups and exclusive Domo Attack Energy drink.

The goal by 7-Eleven is to attract character fans between the ages of 16 and 24 years old with collectible Slurpee cups and straws. The promotion marks a new direction for 7-Eleven stores, which typically tags its campaigns with big summer movies. Domo campaign is unique because it is underground and you have to be in the know.

Domo character, created by Japanese illustrator and director Tsueno Goda began in 1998 as a mascot for the Japanese public television station NHK and was supposed to run as a six-month campaign, but his popularity with viewers kept Domo going. Domo achieved pop culture super-status through user-generated content and thousands of viral videos on popular websites such as YouTube, Facebook and Flickr. Link , Link

Different, a film by Alchemy in Toronto for the Girl Guides of Canada and agency John St.. Stop-motion animation of paper-cut out characters with innovative transitions between scene-to-scene. Noted character design and illustrations by Nathan Jurevicius and Andrea Kang.

Directed by Ruairi Robinson, a live action version of Katshurio Otomo's manga will be split into two parts, each based on three volumes of Otomo's six-volume series about a teenager's attempt to save a fellow biker gang member from his involvement in Akira, a secret government project. While doing so, the bikers battle with anti-government activits, shady politicians and reckless scientists. Leonardo DiCaprio is rumored to be starring as biker gang leader Kaneda. Release date 2011.

Red Cliff, a Chinese epic film based on the Battle of Red Cliffs during the end of the Han Dynasty. Film directed by John Woo, Red Cliff is the most expensive Asian-financed film to date. Asian release was split into two parts, totaling over 4 hours in length. The first part grossed US $124 million in Asia and broke the box office record previously held by Titanic in mainland China.

Releasing in the United States Novemnber 20, 2009.

Mysteriously in early November 2008, a fast-food restaurant appears in two locations in Tokyo called Quarter Pounder. With a minimalistic decor; stark black and red interior color and all fixtures and furniture removed, giving a lounge atmosphere. As word got out, curious customers lined up in long lines to get a try of this mysterious menu. Only two choices were offered: Quarter Pounder with Cheese or a Double Quarter Pounder with Cheese, both as a value meal with a Coke and fries.

Interestingly, this marketing strategy was for McDonald's Japan re-introduction of the Quarter Pounder burger back into the regular menu. The two specially located restaurants in Tokyo were only around for just two weeks before being transformed into the easily recognized McDonalds. The Quarter Pounder has not been available in the Japanese McDonald's restaurants for almost 30 years.

In continuation to Pepsi's Shiso soda flavor this summer, Pepsi will release it's new flavor this coming October 20 for the fall season. Pepsi Azuki is a "sweet, mellow and refined" flavor derived from the Japanese traditional food, red azuki beans.


Red azuki beans boiled with sugar is a common in many Japanese sweets such as anmitsu, taiyaki and daifuku. Azuki beans are also commonly eaten sprouted, boiled in a hot tea, or boiled with sugar, lotus seeds and orange peel, making a sweet red bean soup.