10,000 RFID tags to blanket Tokyo's Ginza neighborhood

Now they're just making us look bad. Japan was already doing just fine making the US and A look like a technological backwater, what with the crazy phones, 1Seg, and speedy internets, but now they're running a bunch of RFID trials to further wire their cities and leave us in the dust. Most interesting is a new project in Tokyo's Ginza shopping district, which is getting blanketed with 10,000 RFID tags, along with other "beacons" to help out tourists and shoppers make their way around the area. The system includes a handheld device, featuring a 3.5-inch OLED touchscreen, RFID, infrared, 429MHz wireless (for hooking up with the beacons), WiFi and Bluetooth. After nabbing location data from RFID, the handheld can look up info on the area via the internet for helping the user with directions, store specials and restaurant menus. According to Tokyo Governor Shintaro Ishihara, "In every building there are many shops, bars and clubs and it can be difficult to find the one you want. With this you can just push a button and find the where you want to go even if you're drunk!" So there you have it. Even If You're Drunk navigation is headed for its trial in Ginza starting January 21st and will run until March.

[armelo @ Dec 27th 2006 8:07AM]

Even when I'm drunk I can navigate home, courtesy of New York's Yellow cab, which mind you even with the fair increase is still cheaper than the taxis in Tokyo. On the other hand you can fall asleep on the gutter in Tokyo and you'll be fine when you wake up. Don't try that in NY.

[3rdsun @ Dec 27th 2006 5:37AM]

I wonder if some - not so morally inclined person, who just happened to read that last Engadget article decided he could disable all those RFID tags. that would be hilarious

[slyecho @ Dec 26th 2006 6:20PM]

Does it work with hammers?

[c0de @ Dec 26th 2006 6:37PM]

and how is that any different from normal, GPS navigation ? can't they do the same with windows mobile gps programs with updates to newer locationthat open up in the future ?

[Eric @ Dec 26th 2006 7:22PM]

Sure, it can be done with good ol' GPS. While we're at it, why have rubber tires? Wooden wheels do the same right? Down with new stuff!

[Adam @ Dec 26th 2006 6:33PM]

Ishihara is the devil reborn (not to mention a moron), as any 'foreigner' who has lived in Japan can testify to.

[seb @ Dec 27th 2006 3:51AM]

Nice thing for walking in this aera !!

But you forgot to mention that Tokyo Governor Shintaro Ishihara is silly racist/facist asshole… 

[Mcsurfer3393 @ Dec 27th 2006 10:22AM]

This is the dumbest idea I've ever heard, they should take some of the money their pissing out and try to, oh I don't know, curb world hunger? They may have more cool electronics but they also have TONS of superfluous stupid crap. Every single piece of japanese electronics I have that isn't exorbitantly expensive breaks or just feels cheap. And their tech support SUCKS.

Oh ya... and Sony. Hahaha. Sony.

Wait. Nintendo. Damn.

[euge @ Feb 4th 2007 8:20PM]

This is an interesting project combining Wi Fi, Bluetooth, Internet and RFID technologies in a lifestyle application for the general public in with multi-lingual support for tourists. It's a bold effort to push the envelope and test knowledge from lab to a real life scenario outside of normal supply chain and manufacturing environments. Worth a look at. The trial ends in March. If you're serious about RFID and would like to find out about the results and meet the man heading the project, Professor Ken Sakamura from Tokyo University will be presenting this case as a distinguished speaker at the RFID World Asia 2007 executive conference. RFID World Asia 2007 is the region's largest gathering of RFID practitioners and related professionals coming together to promote responsible RFID adoption and development with an emphasis on achieving quick ROI and sustainable business value. This premier conference and expo will be held in Singapore - April 25 - 27.

To find out more visit:
http://www.terrapinn.com/2007/rfidwa_SG/