TOP 10

After traveling to different countries and looking at their ideas, services and innovations. It gets me thinking of how these little and big ideas can affect our lives and our habitat. From a bottle of coke which will change to ice to cool us down in the Summer heat, to switching off our lights for an hour to support Global Warming. These ideas can make our lives easier and better. Going through the different ideas and innovations, I've put together a list of the Top 10 ideas I've found, researched and analyzed. I hope this list can go on and encourage people from the countries who haven't yet have these ideas to take on them, as I believe they can only make our lives for the better.

1. Earth Hour

2. Children Museums

3. Exhibits involving the public

4. Multilingual Signs for the London 2012

5. Womens only Carriage

6. No eating or drinking in Tube

7. Innovative products/Extended Food Menus

8. Vending machines

9. Themed Restaurants

10. Tube Tunes

Earth Hour

The most talked about global issue in recent years has to be the effect of Global Warming among us. It is something which we really should be concerned about and learn about it. With films like 'The 11th Hour' and 'The Day after tomorrow', they educate and show us what will happen if we keep doing harmful things to our planet. Many countries have started campaigns, actions and to be more globally aware, some examples would be 'No Straw Day' as mentioned in a previous post, 'No Plastic Bag' and evena new scheme in Ghent, Belgium, where they are going vegetarian for one day a week.

On the 31st of March, 2007. Sydney was city who started the Campaign as 2.2 million people in the city turned off the lights. This simple action caught the attention of the world and in 2008, the whole campaign went global. And now in 2009, more than 3,943 cities from 88 countries have signed up. In addition, a great number of iconic buildings will be plunged into darkness, including Nelson's Column, the Eiffel Tower and Sydney Opera House.

The WWF's Earth Hour became a massive global phenomenon, which sent a dramatic visual signal to world leaders that they myst take urgent action on climate change.

However, why only once per year? Why not make it once every month? every week? every day? I'm sure theres many implications of why it can't happen more regularly, but step aside from the campaign? Why can't we do our own part? maybe choosing a time more suitable to us, and participate in this action whenever, but more frequently.

Earth Hour is only a start to tackle Global Warming, as we should continue this action by changing our habits every day, save energy, save water and of course recycle.

"It is totally indiscriminate of race, culture and religion. It affects every human being on the planet. Earth Hour is an opportunity for every man, woman and child from all corners of the globe to come together with a united voice and make a loud and powerful statement on the issue of climate change. If we all perform this one
simple act together, it will send a message to our governments too powerful for them to ignore. They will know the eyes of the world are watching."

More info at:

http://earthhour.wwf.org.uk/what_we_do/aboutearthhour/

http://blogs.mirror.co.uk/science/2009/03/one-billion-to-switch-off-ligh.html

Please Touch!

From the same website, I've discovered an article about Children's museums. It is interesting to know that it is among the fastest growing cultural institutions in the United States. Back in 1975, there were only around 38 children's museums. By now, there are almost 400 institutions dotted around the country.

So why has it become so successful and popular? The reason is that it is unique and fills up a niche market in communities. These museums provide a safe and enriching environment for families, who can play and learn at the same time. In the US, children's museums have become family favourite destinations that have support of local community leaders, teachers and parents who supports the power of learning through play.

I've been working in an indoor children's activity centre for around three years, and it is great to see parents and children interact with each other using all the equipments and activities provided by the centre. However, if it introduces the idea of learning through playing, then it would be a more enriching experience for both the children and parents. For example, the last time I've visited the Science Museum in London. They have an area dedicated to this function where children and parents can explore and experiment together to gain knowledge on different aspects of the Science field.

I believe the learning from a young age is very important to the growth of a child, by applying this strategy and practice. It would improve the quality of live and boost their confidence. This practice is not something this country is not doing, but there should be more and have more museums which is solely designed for this function.

More info at:

http://culturalinnovations.com/views02.html

http://www.childrensmuseums.org/index.htm

Involving visitors in exhibit creation

Stepping away from the services and innovations from Hong Kong and Japan. I came across this idea from www.culturalinnovations.com. It talks about how museums and exhibits are beginning to adapt a new way in their format, which is encouraging the public to exhibit and even to design their own exhibits and then work with the museum from the basic draft to the final outcome of the exhibit.

For example, the Brooklyn Museum and Minnesota History Centre from the States have recently hosted public exhibitions which only consists of stories, objects and photos which were submitted by the general public. This simple idea of involving visitors is crucial as it truly engages the visitors, reflect their interests and the way they live.

As London consists of many museums and exhibits running 365 days of the year, it would be very interesting to involve the diverse cultural community to submit, design and work with organizations to create what they want to see and do within these exhibits.

Sometimes when we look at a particular piece of artwork, we always say: 'I can do that.' If more and more museums and exhibits re encouraging the public to participate, I'm sure one of us can be the next Andy Warhol and Jackson Pollock.

Everyone will be famous for 15 minutes - Andy Warhol

More info at:

http://culturalinnovations.com/views03.html

Womens only carriage

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Dessert sucking

Another great product I found within one of thousands of convenience stores dotted around Tokyo. Ice Cream in a sachet, where you have to suck to get it out. It doesn't come out liquid, but very very soft ice cream, very delicious indeed.

Why don't UK import something like these little great things?

Noodles in a can

I've mentioned earlier about the amazing products and services which Japanese vending machines provides, here is another interesting one I've found while I was in Shinjuku, noodles in a can. I didn't try this particular machine so I don't know if its cold or hot, however costing only around £1.50, it sure its a good option as a snack. Maybe the UK should have something like...'Chips in a can'? 'Potato N Mash in a can'?

Compact size restaurant

With the limited space Japan has in terms of flat land, designers and architects have to think of ways to maximize the space within each plot of land. A restaurant within the Tokyo Tower, call 'Tokyo Curry Lab' is a great example. The rectangular restaurant consists of seating area, serving area and kitchen all in this small space, but yet, it feels spacious and comfortable. The format and layout is similar to a typical sushi bar, where the kitchen is in the middle. This way, the food can be served fast and gives the customers a feel of authenticity and freshness in the food.

Although normal restaurants and shops in the UK have a bigger floor space. But the examples of Japanese designs are excellent examples for smaller shops/restaurants.

More info at:

http://www.orange-p.co.jp/currylab/

24 Hours

24 hours shops and restaurants are quite popular and common in the Asian market. More 24 hours McDonald's can be seen in London, which could be seen as 'fast food after clubbing' in the central district or for the late diners around the city. However, back in Hong Kong and Japan, one of the major reasons is purely not targeting late diners, but is a solution to teens who hang around street corners dealing drugs and smoking at night. From an article I read while I was in HK, the service is really solving this problem and working really well according to statistics and social workers. On another note, it is also attracting wifi gamers (especially playing the game 'Monster Hunter') who uses the free wifi service to have regular meetings late at night. Something which you probably wouldn't see in UK, as people like them are seen as weirdos and geeky.

I'm not actually sure if it would have the same effect in the UK, especially probably doesn't apply to UK as McDonald's are not in every street corner, unlike in Hong Kong. And also with Teens in the UK are getting more and more obese I doubt that alone will encourage more 24 hours branches.

Also, there seems to be another crowd coming into McDonald's late at night:

No longer just a restaurant for people to munch a burger, McDonald's in Hong Kong has recently become a shelter for some down on their luck, a local paper reported this week.

People who cannot afford high rents or who want to save a few dollars on late-night transportation have opted to sleep in some of the fast food restaurants which operate around the clock, the mass-market Apple Daily said Monday.

A picture taken by the newspaper at 4 a.m. in a downtown McDonald's in Tsim Sha Tsui, a popular tourist district, showed at least eight men resting on their arms and occupying a table each.

The paper called these people "McRefugees" — a term imported from Japan, where a growing number of working poor have been spending the night at McDonald's.

A man the paper identified only by his surname, Lo, was among some 10 people sleeping recently in one of the McDonald's in Hong Kong.

Source from:

http://www.usatoday.com/news/world/2007-05-01-mcrefugees_N.htm

More info at:

http://www.psfk.com/2008/05/gamers-gather-at-24-hour-mcdonalds-in-hong-kong.html

No phone calls please

Sick of people blasting their music on the bus? Tired of people speaking about X Factor on the Tube? Then maybe Japan is the best country for you. Most known about its manner (eg. bowing).

I always known about how Japanese people are well mannered but I was surprised how far they go when I bought my first item in a small boutique shop in Tokyo. A staff gift wrapped my item in about three layers of tissue paper, place it into the bag, tied a ribbon between the handles, then carried the shopping bag to the front of the shop, invited me to follow her, then bowed before giving me my shopping. The whole process made me feel some sort of celebrity, it certainly is too much, however it is their customs. And by the end of the trip, I got used to the way they treat their customers.

This practice of manners also apply to different areas of daily lives in Japan. One thing you'll notice the most is that people on public transports are prohibited to make calls on their mobiles. If you choose to do so, you'll get ice cold stares from other passengers. (Which I once experienced when picking up a call in a bullet train) I believe it is a very good practice as people respected each other so they can all travel without any disruptions to their personal space and the journey.

Could this apply to the UK? I actually don't think the UK need to apply but on the other hand, they need to bring back what UK is also known for or have (English Gentlemen). It used to be a country full of manners, but look at what it has become? I believe young children from this country are learning less about manners and how they should interact with one another. The system is totally not working, as it is hard to educate people when they are older, therefore the government should concentrate from a young age.

When will we see these signs on the tube?

Metro Melody

Traveling around the Tokyo Metro systems is quite a nightmare and worst if you don't know the language. However, I've noticed that each station has its own melody/jingle when the train departs and leaves. This could be a good way to help people recognize the station or people could notice they've arrived while they are having a nap. Although the melodies might seem the same at first, but a few visits to the same station and you will begin to memorize the tune.

This could work in London as many tube stations or regions have a distinct personality. For example, Leicester Square Station could play some form of Chinese tune as it's the nearest station to China Town. I believe it also adds a bit of fun into the old and boring system. However, sometimes the old should be left untouched, as it won't be the same anymore.

More info at:

http://hisaai-hp.hp.infoseek.co.jp/JREast/Yamanote/Yt_s_eg.html

Choose, Cook and Packaged

Vending machines are in every street corner in Japan, they are convenient, cheap and provide a whole variety of products. They are great self service machines which save costs and very handy at times. Especially when you just want a bottle of drink, which saves you a trip to find the nearest super market or corner shop.
It is very fascinating that the first vending machine is found in the work of Hero of Alexandria, a first-century engineer and mathematician. His machine accepted a coin and then dispensed a fixed amount of holy water.
In Japan, with a high population density, limited space, a preference for shopping on foot or by bicycle, and low rates of vandalism and petty crime, there seems to be no limit to what is sold by vending machines. While the majority of machines in Japan are stocked with drinks, snacks, and cigarettes, one occasionally finds vending machines selling items such as bottles of liquor, cans of beer, fried food, underwear, iPods, porn magazines, sexual lubricants, live lobsters, fresh meat, eggs and potted plants. Japan has the highest number of vending machines per capita, with about one machine for every 23 people.
The most interesting vending machine I've come across is one which I can choose between rice, hot dog, meatballs, noodles, rice cake and chips. I chose meatballs at the end, and unexpectedly, it cooked and packaged in a box in under 60 seconds. I think vending machines should be in more places in the UK and Western countries. With London also have a high population density and limited space, it would be perfect for the City. And one of the most popular choices in vending machine would definitely be coffee and tea.

No Smoking Stalls

While walking in the Shibuya district in Tokyo, I heard a loud announcement in Japanese. When I turned my attention to where it was coming from, I came across a stand with about 8 people standing there and handing out tissues. It was a stand which was calling attention to pedestrians about the new law, no smoking in public areas. It was a strange experience due to the fact they were handing out tissues and some staff were just standing there. Could this make people take notice of them? To a tourist, definitely, but the local people probably are used to it now. Secondly, why tissues? This is a common advertising strategy used in Hong Kong, China and Japan. Normally a piece of card is placed within the pack which itself has information on it regarding about the product/service/announcement.
Back in London, the most 'freebie' given out is water/flavoured water, new companies in the drinks industry give them out to gain exposure and often it is popular with passers by and the company gets more awareness. Maybe UK can learn from the stalls in Japan and use it to promote 'Smokefree England'.

Cartoon City

During a trip to Tokyo last year, I've noticed there was a lot of cartoons around. They were not because of manga and anime advertising, but it was in the form of signs. From Police, transport to car park and normal 'no smoking' signs. Little characters were everywhere, some are seen to be iconic as they have been around for years and are regonized by citizens and tourists.

So why are cartoons everywhere? One explanation is due to the second world war and the Hiroshima atomic bombing, also know as 'The Little Boy'. After the war, many Japanese wanted to find a relief and sense of comfort, many turned to manga/anime. And this lead to artists like Takashi Murakami who appropriated these scenes and created new imagery based on the form of manga.

Example below is the original image of the bombing, and Murakami's appropriated imagery:

Would this cartoon imgery work in London? I highly doubt so. If it did, it would be a huge change to the City's landscape and definitely won't suit the classical buildings and feel of the City, which is a huge contrast to Tokyo's fast pace electronic image.

Umbrella Bags

During the rain season in Hong Kong, you can see a lot of these Umbrella bag stands at the entrance of most shops and buildings. Due to the crowded space of every corner of Hong Kong, for safety precautions. Although it is very useful and probably prevented a lot of accidents (slippery floors), but is it environmentally friendly?

In a poll done by an environmental group in Hong Kong, it found that 77% of citizens uses umbrella bags given by shops and shopping centres, 34% will reuse the bags, and 93% believes it is a major environmental issue. The group also estimated the rain season will use up 1,800,000 umbrella bags in Hong Kong's 554 shopping centres.

Although people knows it is not environmentally friendly, but the cost of umbrella bags is significant lower than cost of accidents and cleaners, this is why they aren't doing anything much about this issue. However, if shop and shopping centres simply place recycle bins at the entrance, then people can dispose the bags and recycle them. (It is something that the Japanese are introducing)

Something I notice about the people in UK, is that they don't really use umbrellas. Maybe because the rain levels is nothing like Hong Kong, or because people use cars a lot more frequently than people in Hong Kong while traveling from A to B. This issue does not really apply to Western countries, but it is something which Easter countries really should look into and change.

Twinkle Twinkle Little Charger

Is a common knowledge that the Asian market always comes up with unique and ground breaking electronic products. When I borrowed a phone charger from a Hotel in China, I began to think it is going a bit too far.

Maid Cafe

When we think of Victorian Maid Costumes, it normally leads us to the Victorian Times in England. However, is not the case anymore. In 2000, theme restaurants began to erect in the Akihabara District of Tokyo, Japan. They include maid cafes, where the waitresses are dressed as elegant maids, normally taking its inspirations from the Victorian Era. Such restaurants and cafes have quickly become a staple of the Japanese Otaku culture, also known as the 'Geek' culture, where people are obsessed with video games and anime. One of the big differences, is that the waitresses treats customers as masters and mistresses.

I have the opportunity of visiting one of the most famous cafe in Tokyo last year. I have to say is a very strange experience indeed. The staff really see themselves as maid and will serve you in very polite and friendly way. However, sometimes you would feel is too much and too patronizing. For example, I asked for ketchup on my omelet, and then the maid came and sat next to me and asked me what pattern I want on it. I was bit shocked, so I said anything. She then quickly drew the infamous Pikachu character and smiled. You could say is a bit much when I just asked for ketchup, but many of the Otaku community love this kinda service and would make daily trips to such restaurants and cafe.

The popularity of these services has spread to other districts of Japan as well as other countries, such as Hong Kong, Taiwan and Canada.

This summer, I went and try out the new Cosplay restaurant in Hong Kong with fellow classmate Leo. Have to say it doesn't feel the same as the language is different and the staff are less sincere, which makes the whole experience less authentic.

So, would this work in London? I certainly believe so. This is because the whole experience and costumes originate from London itself. I believe it would certainly make the whole experiece a lot more authentic. However, would the same 'otaku' community like the idea of original costumes? ie. the more dull looking longer version of traditional Maids costume, or the now more 'acceptable' shorter and modern version of it? It is open for debate.

More info at:

http://www.japaneselifestyle.com.au/tokyo/maid_cafe.htm

Extra More Lost in Translations

I remember this English description of 'massage oils' caused a long conversation within the family. This and a few condoms were on the bedside table while we were in a Chinese Hotel. The translations are properly came straight out of a Chinese-English Dictionary, without much consideration. It is time for the Chinese Government to hire a highly trained Translator....

Designed for the climate

During the summer season of Hong Kong, temperature can rise to around 38 degrees Celsius. Although there are air con everywhere you go in HK, but what if you are stranded in the streets, walking from A to B? Recently, drinks manufacturers like Lipton have invented drinks which could actually cool you down, not the sudden cold rush you get while drinking it, but drinks which you could feel during the whole progress, a chilling sensation from throat to your stomach, which lasts about 5 seconds. Although is might seem as a gimmick, but this stuff does actually work and definitely a much welcome product in a hot location like HK.

While flickering through a magazine, I found out an advert about a new type of Coca Cola which will turn 'Slush Puppy' when you open and shake it. The stock is extra limited and only available in a few selected places. Therefore I went to one of the shopping centres and try out this new product. To my amazement, this stuff works like magic. 'Open, Close and Shake' is the tag-line, and ice actually forms in the container, which makes it a longer 'Best Served Chill' effect, and also cools you down from the heat.

If HK has these special products to cope with the heat, then why can't UK introduce similar products in the Cold winter months, but work in the opposite way? Starbucks Coffee cans which turn hot when you open them? Let the imaginations run free.

Extended Menu

As I mentioned in a previous entry, that people in Hong Kong likes fresh ideas in every aspect of their daily life. This trait can be seen clearly at the amount of new restaurants and shopping centers that sprung up in these few years.

One thing I look forward to when I go back is the extensive menus in every fast food outlet. Big firms like McDonalds and KFC regularly have new products and theses products would usually stay on the menu for a long time. For example, in the pictures above, there is the banana pie and the KFC 'Cheeeeeeeesy' Burger. Ironically Hong Kong people being smaller than Western countries, the portions are usually bigger and greater value.

The thing I don't understand about the UK market is why they only get a very small choices of products within each fast food restaurant. It seems to me that everyone is stuck with a good old Big Mac Meal or a Bargain Bucket. While other markets around the world can have the choice of a 'Samurai' Burger or a 'McLobster' roll. Are people in the UK less fussy with new products and services? or is there something nostalgic about a Big Mac?

More info at:

http://trifter.com/practical-travel/budget-travel/mcdonald’s-strange-menu-around-the-world/

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/McDonald's_products_(international)