Gakken Analog Synthesizer SX-150

Written by: Michael Keferl on July 28, 2008 at 8:33 pm | In DIGITAL LIFE | 3 Comments

When it comes to retro gadgets that make us DIY-happy, Gakken’s Otonanokagaku (Science for Adults) never disappoints. Just last week we showed off their still-unannounced 8mm Camera and Projector, which captures the essence of what the retro trends in Japan are all about: Simplicity.

After years of being bombarded with the newest and greatest, 20-30 somethings are yearning for the simpler days, and simplicity is what Gakken is all about.

From vacuum tube cars and amps to Tokyo Tower models (soon to be retro?), Gakken is always coming out with fun gadgets that teach as well.

This week they’re debuting a cool little Analog Synthesizer SX-150 that is battery-powered and stylus driven, and would look really cool next to my Intellivision. Hook it up to the Mini Theremin kit to make your simple gadget life even weirder.

Of course, the best thing about Gakken is that they’re a publisher, not just a fun gadget maker. Each item they sell is part of a kit that is sold like a magazine, so you can pick these up at bookstores for decent prices. This one runs for about $30, which isn’t all the much more than buying a CD in Japan!

Tags: DIY, Gakken, Retro
Category: DIGITAL LIFE
Other categories: MARKETING IDEAS, LIFESTYLE / FASHION, PRODUCT INNOVATIONS

Gakken 8mm Camera and Projector Set

Written by: Michael Keferl on July 22, 2008 at 9:48 pm | In DIGITAL LIFE | 5 Comments

Earlier this year, toy and hobby kit maker Gakken released it’s 8mm Film Projector kit as a modern and economical way to experience retro 8mm film without the classic heavy, overheating machinery from the old days.

Now, coming soon, Gakken will be releasing an 8mm Film Camera as a companion to the projector. This is as simple as it gets, but is a great option for aspiring filmmakers to have a low-cost and lightweight camera with no frills. It runs on regular batteries, takes normal 8mm film, and records in all the glory of 8mm with the ease of a disposable 35mm.

While the 8mm Film Projector is available online (product page), the camera is yet to even be announced. Being film nerds ourselves, we’ll be keeping tabs on this one for sure.

Tags: Gakken, Photography, Retro, Toys
Category: DIGITAL LIFE
Other categories: MARKETING IDEAS, LIFESTYLE / FASHION, PRODUCT INNOVATIONS

New Block Tokyo Tower from Gakken Toys

Written by: Michael Keferl on October 14, 2007 at 11:07 pm | In DIGITAL LIFE | 3 Comments

There have been a few offerings this year Tokyo Tower models, the most intricate of which being the Tokyo Tower 2007 from Sega Toys.

While not as cool as the Sega model, Gakken Toys is now offering a Tokyo Tower model you can build yourself called the New Block Tokyo Tower.

The New Block Tokyo Tower lights up, but can also be modified to become a hot-air balloon, bridge, or skyscraper. While not as tall as the massive tower in the background of our photo, this model is quite large and seems to be aimed more at kids. Either way, if I actually had the space in my place (and I’ll never get rid of the Beerbot) I might consider getting one just for the cool box.

New Block Tokyo Tower homepage

Tags: DIY, Gakken, Tokyo Tower
Category: DIGITAL LIFE
Other categories: MARKETING IDEAS, LIFESTYLE / FASHION, PRODUCT INNOVATIONS

DIY vacuum tube iPod amp kit from Otona no Kagaku

Written by: Michael Keferl on July 18, 2007 at 10:43 pm | In DIGITAL LIFE | 1 Comment

With a brand name that means “Science for Adults”, Otona no Kagaku (大人の科学) comes out with a lot of cool DIY project kits for everything from telescopes to kaleidoscope projectors in magazine-style editions with parts and instructions…kind of like Robozak, but you get all of the parts at once. Coming sometime this year is a DIY vacuum tube amp kit for your iPod or other DAP. Of course, for flashy vacuum-powered music, the iBlueTube is the standard from Japan.

We aren’t sure about the specs or how complicated it is, but the fact that it looks like it’s straight out of an army surplus catalog makes it completely appropriate to be paired with the laptop Command Center.

The vacuum tube amp will be released at an undisclosed date this year.

Picture taken at the Tokyo Toy Show
More at Otona no Kagaku

Tags: A/V, DIY, Gakken, iPod
Category: DIGITAL LIFE
Other categories: MARKETING IDEAS, LIFESTYLE / FASHION, PRODUCT INNOVATIONS