Ever since visiting the TOTO showroom in Tokyo (hi-tech toilets recommended in our guide book!), we’ve been noticing the brand in practically all the toilets in East Asia. Well, it seems TOTO marketing knows no bounds resulting in a toilet robot action figure, created to promote their latest product.

Apparently, it’s capable of pre-programmed speech. We’ve wondering if that comes gurgle-accented..

Via Ubergizmo

Technorati Tags: gadgets, Japan, toilet robot action figure, TOTO, toys

The Big Picture posts a series of photos depicting Chinese New Year celebrations around the world. Since its the Year of the Tiger, conservationists are hoping to call attention to the plight of the endangered big cats, whose population has dropped from 100,000 at the beginning of the 20th century, to less than 3,000 today.

Welcoming the Year of the Tiger

Technorati Tags: Chinese New Year, photography, Year of the Tiger

For the cheapest path to ninjadom, check this Ninja Wisdom Deck, a portable guide containing 50 deadly meditations for the non-ninja.

The Ninja Wisdom Deck on Amazon

Via The Awesomer

Technorati Tags: cards, martial arts, ninja, Ninja Wisdom Deck

The Selby shoots Tatsuhiko “Ryu” Akashi at the Medicom Toy Office in Tokyo. Check the link below for a visual insight into the life of a Japanese toy company.

Medicom Toy Office by The Selby

Technorati Tags: Medicom, photography, Tatsuhiko “Ryu” Akashi, Tokyo, toys

This kid is going to have a cool future…

Technorati Tags: China, Chinese, hip hop, music

CHOP STICK is a wardrobe by swiss Andreas Saxer, inspired by traditional Japanese wood joinery methods and chop sticks. Four wooden sticks are loosely connected with an aluminum profile. The loose system becomes very stable by the weight of the clothes.

We love this for many reasons, one being how elegant it is to look at and use. Another is because we now have something to use with this supersize Chinese New Year hot pot in Chengdu.

Via Swiss Miss

Technorati Tags: Chopstick Wardrobe, chopsticks, Andreas Saxer

OneInchPunch wishes all our readers and visitors a Happy Chinese New Year and Valentines Day!

The pot above came from a visit to Hong Kong’s Flower Market in Victoria Park. Below is a split plate of candies and nuts, traditional for Chinese New Year.

Thanks for your support in the last 3 years so far!

Technorati Tags: Chinese New Year, Hong Kong, Year of the Tiger

For a look at some of the Chinese New Year lanterns up in Hong Kong at the moment, check out these cartoon themed ones at Shatin Central Park in the New Territories.

More on Chinese New Year Cartoon Lanterns in Hong Kong

Technorati Tags: cartoon lanterns, Chinese lanterns, Chinese New Year, Chinese New Year lanterns, Hong Kong, New Territories, Year of the Tiger

Director Joe Douglass sent us his latest, Take Out, a perhaps NSFW but quirky short about the horrors of leftover take out. Try at your peril!

Technorati Tags: entertainment, film, Take Out, short, take out food, takeaway leftovers

Super-skilled as they are, the traditional “Shaolin Monks show” has really gotten around now, but we’ve only just heard about Sutra, which has been across the globe and back since 2008.

Sutra is a critically-acclaimed production that marks a collaboration between Sidi Larbi Cherkaoui, Antony Gormley and 17 Shaolin Monks!

Winner of the prestigious Ballettanz Production of the Year award, Sutra is a fascinating exploration of the philosophy and faith behind the Shaolin tradition, its relationship with Kung-Fu, and its position within a contemporary context.

It looks different to the usual Shaolin show and with a touch of modernism, looks amazing! I’m envious of anyone who’s in London during March 2010, when the show hits Sadler’s Wells, as I’d love to see it. However, for anyone like me, there’s a beefy video clip that’s over 3 minutes long that gives you a sizeable taste of the show.

Visit Sutra on the Sadler’s Wells website for more information and to book

Performance times
Sat 13 – Wed 17 March & Mon 22 – Fri 26 March at 7.30pm
Running time : 1 hr
Tickets : £10 – £35

Thanks David!

Technorati Tags: dance film, entertainment, London, martial arts, Antony Gormley, Sadler’s Wells, Shaolin, Shaolin Monks, Sidi Larbi Cherkaoui, Sutra, United Kingdom