It may look like sci-fi, but in Japan, this is reality. Often Japanese technology offers a glimpse into the future, and in the futuristic world of Japanese tech, just about anything is possible.<br /><br />At this aquarium in Tokyo -- the EPSON Aqua Park Shinagawa -- touch panel exhibits, neon lights and audiovisual displays transform the encounter with sea creatures into a psychedelic, multi-sensory experience.<br />
High-tech aquarium —
It may look like sci-fi, but in Japan, this is reality. Often Japanese technology offers a glimpse into the future, and in the futuristic world of Japanese tech, just about anything is possible.

At this aquarium in Tokyo -- the EPSON Aqua Park Shinagawa -- touch panel exhibits, neon lights and audiovisual displays transform the encounter with sea creatures into a psychedelic, multi-sensory experience.
Chris McGrath/Getty Images AsiaPac/Getty Images
Currently, only three auto manufacturers in the world sell hydrogen-powered cars -- and they're all Japanese. In 2016 Honda launched the world's first commercially available hydrogen powered car -- called Clarity -- for the Japanese market.
Hydrogen cars —
Currently, only three auto manufacturers in the world sell hydrogen-powered cars -- and they're all Japanese. In 2016 Honda launched the world's first commercially available hydrogen powered car -- called Clarity -- for the Japanese market.
KAZUHIRO NOGI/AFP/AFP/Getty Images
A Buddhist burial building in downtown Tokyo houses over 2,000 neon glass Buddha statues. Each statue corresponds to a drawer containing the cremated remains of the deceased. <br /><br />When a visitor enters the building they swipe an electronic pass card, which makes a single Buddha glow a different color, guiding the visitor to their loved one's statue.
Futuristic cemetery —
A Buddhist burial building in downtown Tokyo houses over 2,000 neon glass Buddha statues. Each statue corresponds to a drawer containing the cremated remains of the deceased.

When a visitor enters the building they swipe an electronic pass card, which makes a single Buddha glow a different color, guiding the visitor to their loved one's statue.
Chris McGrath/Getty Images AsiaPac/Getty Images
Looking like something out of Star Wars, Japan's high-speed bullet trains run on the Shinkansen network, which stretches across 2,740 km. They can hit speeds of 320 km/h.
Bullet train —
Looking like something out of Star Wars, Japan's high-speed bullet trains run on the Shinkansen network, which stretches across 2,740 km. They can hit speeds of 320 km/h.
Carl Court/Getty Images AsiaPac
Even faster is Japan's maglev train. In 2015 it hit 603 km/h on an experimental track -- a new world record. Maglev trains use magnets to float above the tracks and move forward. However, Japan's won't actually open to passengers for another decade.
Maglev train —
Even faster is Japan's maglev train. In 2015 it hit 603 km/h on an experimental track -- a new world record. Maglev trains use magnets to float above the tracks and move forward. However, Japan's won't actually open to passengers for another decade.
AFP/Getty Images
High-tech toilets in Japan can check your blood pressure, urine, protein, weight and body fat. That's over and above offering the standard front and rear spray features.<br /><br />All of these options can be found on the control panel of the "Intelligence toilet," pictured, designed by Japan's largest toilet maker, Toto.
Smart toilets —
High-tech toilets in Japan can check your blood pressure, urine, protein, weight and body fat. That's over and above offering the standard front and rear spray features.

All of these options can be found on the control panel of the "Intelligence toilet," pictured, designed by Japan's largest toilet maker, Toto.
YOSHIKAZU TSUNO/AFP/Getty Images
Not your ordinary looking glass -- this mirror detects wrinkles, redness, pores and sun damage, and offers a range of suitable products to address them. <br /><br />This Panasonic device also lets you virtually try out a variety of makeup looks -- and mustaches -- in the mirror. You can event print out the makeup, set on a sheet like a temporary tattoo, from a 3-D printer and stick it on your face.<br /><br />The Smart Mirror debuted in October 2016 at the Combined Exhibition of Advanced Technologies in Japan. <br />
Smart Mirror —
Not your ordinary looking glass -- this mirror detects wrinkles, redness, pores and sun damage, and offers a range of suitable products to address them.

This Panasonic device also lets you virtually try out a variety of makeup looks -- and mustaches -- in the mirror. You can event print out the makeup, set on a sheet like a temporary tattoo, from a 3-D printer and stick it on your face.

The Smart Mirror debuted in October 2016 at the Combined Exhibition of Advanced Technologies in Japan.
Courtesy Panasonic
In order to keep track of senior citizens with dementia, Iruma, a Japanese city north of Tokyo, has tagged tagged the fingers and toes of the elderly with scannable barcodes. <br /><br />Each nail sticker carries a unique identity number to help families find loved ones who are prone to getting lost.
Dementia tagging —
In order to keep track of senior citizens with dementia, Iruma, a Japanese city north of Tokyo, has tagged tagged the fingers and toes of the elderly with scannable barcodes.

Each nail sticker carries a unique identity number to help families find loved ones who are prone to getting lost.
TOSHIFUMI KITAMURA/AFP/Getty Images
Many countries have winter fairs. Many countries have light shows. But they don't look like this. Huge light shows have become a winter institution in Japan and the Huis Ten Bosch theme park in Nagasaki has particularly eye-catching illuminations, featuring millions of light bulbs ...
Winter light shows —
Many countries have winter fairs. Many countries have light shows. But they don't look like this. Huge light shows have become a winter institution in Japan and the Huis Ten Bosch theme park in Nagasaki has particularly eye-catching illuminations, featuring millions of light bulbs ...
courtesy huis ten bosch
... it even has a neon boat that sails over Technicolor water.
Winter light shows —
... it even has a neon boat that sails over Technicolor water.
courtesy huis ten bosch
Walk down the street in Tokyo's Akihabara district and you may spot people dressed like it's the 22nd century, decked out as future retro sci-fi steam punks. And also maids.
Future fashion —
Walk down the street in Tokyo's Akihabara district and you may spot people dressed like it's the 22nd century, decked out as future retro sci-fi steam punks. And also maids.
Getty Images/File
Japan is the home of robotics, and there more than anywhere else, robots have found a place in society. <br /><br />Toyota's Kirobo Mini companion robot is small enough to be carried around or sit in a car's cup holder. It is able to strike up a conversation encourages safe driving by saying "Oops" when the driver brakes suddenly.
Kirobo Mini —
Japan is the home of robotics, and there more than anywhere else, robots have found a place in society.

Toyota's Kirobo Mini companion robot is small enough to be carried around or sit in a car's cup holder. It is able to strike up a conversation encourages safe driving by saying "Oops" when the driver brakes suddenly.
TOSHIFUMI KITAMURA/AFP/Getty Images
In Japan, robots turn up in unexpected places. At the five-star Henn-na Hotel in Nagasaki Prefecture, humanoid robots greet Japanese-speaking guests at reception, while English-speaking guests are met by a robotic dinosaur. Naturally.<br /><br />Droids cart luggage to the hotel's 72 rooms and clean up after you.
Robot Hotel —
In Japan, robots turn up in unexpected places. At the five-star Henn-na Hotel in Nagasaki Prefecture, humanoid robots greet Japanese-speaking guests at reception, while English-speaking guests are met by a robotic dinosaur. Naturally.

Droids cart luggage to the hotel's 72 rooms and clean up after you.
Courtesy Henn-na Hotel
Humanoid robot Pepper has taken over from human front of house staff at Hamazushi, a chain of sushi restaurants in Japan. Pepper handles your seating, escorts you to your table and lets you order from a touch screen menu on its chest.
Robot front of house —
Humanoid robot Pepper has taken over from human front of house staff at Hamazushi, a chain of sushi restaurants in Japan. Pepper handles your seating, escorts you to your table and lets you order from a touch screen menu on its chest.
KAZUHIRO NOGI/AFP/Getty Images
But the robots at Tokyo's famous "Robot Restaurant" aren't quite what they seem. Here, dancers in robot suits stage mock battles. Performances have included fembots with Thor hammers, dinosaurs battling robots and a giant neon tank.<br />
Robot Restaurant —
But the robots at Tokyo's famous "Robot Restaurant" aren't quite what they seem. Here, dancers in robot suits stage mock battles. Performances have included fembots with Thor hammers, dinosaurs battling robots and a giant neon tank.
Chris McGrath/Getty Images AsiaPac/Getty Images
At Tokyo's Madame Tussauds wax museum, a special exhibit allows visitors, or rather, their holograms, to dance with the likes of Leonardo DiCaprio, Marilyn Monroe or Beyoncé. Visitors get a 3D face scan, which is transposed onto a hologram dancer for the 90-second dance performance.
Dancing holograms —
At Tokyo's Madame Tussauds wax museum, a special exhibit allows visitors, or rather, their holograms, to dance with the likes of Leonardo DiCaprio, Marilyn Monroe or Beyoncé. Visitors get a 3D face scan, which is transposed onto a hologram dancer for the 90-second dance performance.
Takashi Aoyama/Getty Images AsiaPac/Getty Images
Vending machines aren't uniquely Japanese -- but Japan's vending machines are definitely unique. From draft beer to batteries, bras to fishing bait, just about anything can be found in them.<br /><br />A growing number of restaurants use vending machines as ordering systems. Customers can browse through photos of the meals on offer before making a selection, paying at the machine, taking a ticket and choosing a seat.
Vending machines —
Vending machines aren't uniquely Japanese -- but Japan's vending machines are definitely unique. From draft beer to batteries, bras to fishing bait, just about anything can be found in them.

A growing number of restaurants use vending machines as ordering systems. Customers can browse through photos of the meals on offer before making a selection, paying at the machine, taking a ticket and choosing a seat.
Chris McGrath/Getty Images AsiaPac/Getty Images
The Toyota i-Road is a three-wheeled, two-seat (driver and passenger sit in tandem) electric "personal mobility vehicle."<br /><br />The little car has a 37-mile range and is able to squeeze into tiny parking slots and weave through traffic, while reducing congestion and carbon emissions. Test drive pilots at the Toyota Tokyo Design Research Laboratory are in the process of trying out the technology.
Three-wheeled vehicles —
The Toyota i-Road is a three-wheeled, two-seat (driver and passenger sit in tandem) electric "personal mobility vehicle."

The little car has a 37-mile range and is able to squeeze into tiny parking slots and weave through traffic, while reducing congestion and carbon emissions. Test drive pilots at the Toyota Tokyo Design Research Laboratory are in the process of trying out the technology.
YOSHIKAZU TSUNO/AFP/AFP/Getty Images
Wearable tech is big in Japan -- these smart shoes incorporate 100 LED lights and smart motion sensors in sneaker soles so the wearer can create patterns just by moving their feet. The idea is to give dancers and performers another level of artistic expression.
Orphe smart shoes —
Wearable tech is big in Japan -- these smart shoes incorporate 100 LED lights and smart motion sensors in sneaker soles so the wearer can create patterns just by moving their feet. The idea is to give dancers and performers another level of artistic expression.
Orphe
The Archelis chair is a wearable seat specially designed to provide surgeons with support during long surgeries. The chair wraps around the legs and buttocks and is designed to support pressure points in the back, feet and legs without limiting range of motion.
Archelis wearable chair —
The Archelis chair is a wearable seat specially designed to provide surgeons with support during long surgeries. The chair wraps around the legs and buttocks and is designed to support pressure points in the back, feet and legs without limiting range of motion.
Archelis
As well as the technology already on the market, Japan has a bunch of game-changing innovations waiting for commercial release.<br />At the flick of a switch, Panasonic's OLED television turns into a transparent pane of glass. The OLED display doesn't need a backlight to give it a picture as each pixel lights itself .<br />
Transparent TV —
As well as the technology already on the market, Japan has a bunch of game-changing innovations waiting for commercial release.
At the flick of a switch, Panasonic's OLED television turns into a transparent pane of glass. The OLED display doesn't need a backlight to give it a picture as each pixel lights itself .
Courtesy Panasonic
... and the TV can serve as a glass pane of a cabinet. You can slide it to access the shelves behind it, or adjust the height of the display.<br />The transparent television was first unveiled in Japan at the Consumer Electronics Show in 2016.
Transparent TV —
... and the TV can serve as a glass pane of a cabinet. You can slide it to access the shelves behind it, or adjust the height of the display.
The transparent television was first unveiled in Japan at the Consumer Electronics Show in 2016.
Courtesy Panasonic/Kohji Arai
Japanese space start-up ALE is getting ready to deploy a satellite into orbit, which will enable the company to paint the sky with artificial meteors. <br /><br />Still undergoing research and development, the company plans to launch its first meteor show in 2018.
Artificial meteor showers —
Japanese space start-up ALE is getting ready to deploy a satellite into orbit, which will enable the company to paint the sky with artificial meteors.

Still undergoing research and development, the company plans to launch its first meteor show in 2018.
ALE Co., Ltd.
In the future this bendable lithium ion battery could be used in smart clothing, watches and fitness bands. It can bend and twist up to 25 degrees without damaging the battery.<br /><br />Unveiled at Japanese technology fair Ceatec in 2016, Panasonic's bendable battery could further provide scope for curved designs and foldable smartphones.<br />
Bendy batteries —
In the future this bendable lithium ion battery could be used in smart clothing, watches and fitness bands. It can bend and twist up to 25 degrees without damaging the battery.

Unveiled at Japanese technology fair Ceatec in 2016, Panasonic's bendable battery could further provide scope for curved designs and foldable smartphones.
Courtesy Panasonic/Kohji Arai
Unveiled at tech show CES 2017, Toyota's super intelligent car will be tested on the streets of Japan in the next few years. While the car has autonomous driving features, it still needs a human in the driving seat. Its built-in artificial intelligence is designed to grow with the driver.<br /> <br />The front of the vehicle displays whether the Concept-i is in automated or manual drive. The rear of the vehicle shows messages to let trailing cars know about upcoming turns ...<br />
Concept-i —
Unveiled at tech show CES 2017, Toyota's super intelligent car will be tested on the streets of Japan in the next few years. While the car has autonomous driving features, it still needs a human in the driving seat. Its built-in artificial intelligence is designed to grow with the driver.

The front of the vehicle displays whether the Concept-i is in automated or manual drive. The rear of the vehicle shows messages to let trailing cars know about upcoming turns ...
Toyota
... The doors are made almost entirely of glass to give passengers a better view of the road beneath them. The rear wheels are built into the car's sleek white frame.
Concept-i —
... The doors are made almost entirely of glass to give passengers a better view of the road beneath them. The rear wheels are built into the car's sleek white frame.
Toyota