I came across this article about how the Japanese space agency is creating a robot to assist the Japanese astronaut who will soon be going to the International Space Station. But this isn't some utilitarian machine to do esoteric technical work. No, it's a cute, human shaped robot whose primary task is to make conversation and keep the astronauts company.
That's what love about Japan: I don't think there's any other country on earth that is as gloriously, unapologetically reaffirming of its own stereotypes. The Americans didn't put gun racks on the shuttle. The Russians didn't put a little spacecraft inside a bigger one inside a bigger one. And the Chinese spacecraft, to my knowledge, was both expensive and made of non-toxic materials.
Here in Canada, our greatest contribution to space exploration has been the Canadarm. I suppose that's a little stereotypical: it's practical, it's not flamboyant, in a pinch it can be used as a bottle opener.
That's what love about Japan: I don't think there's any other country on earth that is as gloriously, unapologetically reaffirming of its own stereotypes. The Americans didn't put gun racks on the shuttle. The Russians didn't put a little spacecraft inside a bigger one inside a bigger one. And the Chinese spacecraft, to my knowledge, was both expensive and made of non-toxic materials.
Here in Canada, our greatest contribution to space exploration has been the Canadarm. I suppose that's a little stereotypical: it's practical, it's not flamboyant, in a pinch it can be used as a bottle opener.
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