These art pieces by Korean artist Jin Young Yu seem part designer toy, part figure sculpture (what’s the difference?). But they’re all-amazing, giving a new perspective on potential designer toy releases. Reminds me of the Korean film Hansel and Gretel.

See more on the Union website

Via Josh Spear

Technorati Tags: art, Jin Young Yu, Korea, Korean artist

What do you do with Nikon’s new digital camera with a built in projector? How about the following:

The projector in the new COOLPIX s1000pj allows users to project their images onto the nearest wall. Naoki Ito (whose work also includes Sony Walkman REC YOU and Uniqlo March) strapped several of the cameras to the bodies of the Helicopter Boyz, a Japanese pop act, during a live performance at Tokyo’s Yomiuri Land theme park.

Via Creative Review

Thanks Stefan

Technorati Tags: camera projectors, COOLPIX s1000pj, Helicopter Boyz, Japan, Japanese pop act, Naoki Ito, Nikon, Yomiuri Land theme park, Tokyo

If you want to take the concept of dolls to the *next* level, you could marry yourself to a robot bride. Seriously, this robot bride is a female humanoid robot created by Japan’s National Institute of Advanced Industrial Science and Technology (AIST). It made “her” first professional runway appearance at a fashion show in Osaka dressed as a bride.

The bride stands 158 centimetres tall and weighs 43 kg (with her batteries installed). She strolled smoothly up and down the 10-meter runway, struck various poses, and gazed sidelong at the delighted audience.

Apparently, the robot’s “realistic looks” had the potential to draw crowds at amusement parks and promotional events. However, I do think she looks a little bit creepy. Or maybe the bride outfit was just the wrong choice for the day.

Via Pink Tentacle

Technorati Tags: female humanoid robot, Japan, National Institute of Advanced Industrial Science and Technology, robot, robot bride

Associated Press photographer Elizabeth Dalziel, who is based in Beijing, has been documenting the people, places and events in China for the past several years. The Big Picture showcases a series of her photos.

China, as seen by Elizabeth Dalziel on The Big Picture

Technorati Tags: Beijing, China, photography, Elizabeth Dalziel

I can’t help think that Ping Pong Fighter has been inspired by the Nokia N96 Bruce Lee Ping Pong clip, but full marks for effort in adding the Street Fighter element.

Via The Awesomer

Technorati Tags: entertainment, martial arts, ping pong, Ping Pong Fighter, Street Fighter

Bone-crunching martial arts sensation Tony Jaa is back with his new film release Ong Bak 2. To celebrate, we have an official Tony Jaa signed poster giveaway contest (open to our US visitors only unfortunately).

*CONTEST NOW CLOSED*

ONG BAK 2 is available now on VOD, XBOX Live and Amazon and theatrically on Friday, October 23.

To enter the draw, simply send an email to ongbak2@oneinchpunch.net. Remember, this contest is open to US entrants only.

*CONTEST NOW CLOSED*
The contest will close on Friday October 23rd where a winner will be chosen at random and notified via email. Note: Submitted email addresses will not be used for any other purpose and will be deleted once the contest is over.

For a taste of Ong Bak, check out the clips below for the official trailer and a fight scene from the movie:

Technorati Tags: film, martial arts, Ong Bak 2, Tony Jaa

These shuriken coasters come in black acrylic or aluminium. Perfect for your ninja brew after a night’s mission.

Buy them at Ponoko

Via The Awesomer

Technorati Tags: ninja, shuriken accessories, shuriken coasters

Chinese illustrator and comic artist Xiao Bai has a superb portrait illustration style as shown in the following samples.

She has studied traditional Chinese painting since a young age and also works as a tattoo artist – with many of her female portraits brandishing tattoos.

Via LostAtEMinor

Technorati Tags: China, comic artist, comics, illustration, Xiao Bai

Cute poses abound in east-asian portrait photos and this mockumentary charts the evolution of the peace sign…

Via Irish Born Chinese

Technorati Tags: culture, cute poses, mockumentary, photo posing

Pimp My Ride has nothing on these cars. The Japanese show us how far they can go with customised rides.

Via Ubergizmo

Technorati Tags: culture, customised cars, Japan