Japan's Soccer Robots Wear Cleats This Year

This was the main improvement demonstrated by the kid-sized humanoid robots playing at this year's RoboCup in Nagoya.

According to the first place U of Bordeaux team, Rhoban Football Club,

"The main innovation of the robot is located in its feet. The feet are no longer flat but are put on the ground on top of 4 cleats at each foot corner. Only these cleats are in contact with the ground and 'sink' into the artificial grass. This greatly improve the stability of the robot walking on the ”soft” turf."

The Invention of Square Watermelon Bread

Yes, it's Japan.

Yes, it tastes like watermelon. It's made out of watermelon juice in addition to more bread-like baking ingredients.

It's called "Suika Pan" (literally “Watermelon Bread”). It costs 2,592 yen (US$23). No idea what shipping would be.

Tokyo Shut Down Entire Metro System in Response to N Korea Missile Test

For the first time in Japan, the country responded to a North Korean test by shutting down the rails for 10 minutes, effecting 13,000 passengers.

Japan: High Sales of Nuclear Shelters as North Korea Tension Mounts

Nuclear shelters and radiation-blocking and chemical gas air filters have seen higher sales in recent weeks as North Korea continues its nuclear program, including nuclear and missile tests, and America and China take a tougher stance on the nation's military activities. Some stores have sold out.

Three North Korean missiles landed in Japan's waters, 300-350 kilometres from shore, last month.

Japan is also urging local governments to hold evacuation drills.