Re.KIMURAS — Shin Kimura KeLiving with tech in a 50-year-old Tokyo apartment complex. I only write about stuff I’ve actually used myself — what I learned and how it felt.https://www.kimuras.jp/Is a Flip Phone Worth It? What a Year with the motorola razr 50 Taught Mehttps://www.kimuras.jp/en/journal/20261015-motorola-razr-50/https://www.kimuras.jp/en/journal/20261015-motorola-razr-50/For anyone who wants a phone that’s fun to carry, not just fast — this one’s for you.Thu, 15 Oct 2026 00:00:00 GMTWhy Is Mazda So Obsessed with “Jinba Ittai”? What an EV Taught Me About the Ultimate Gadgethttps://www.kimuras.jp/en/journal/20261014-ev/https://www.kimuras.jp/en/journal/20261014-ev/After a year with the Mazda MX-30 Rotary-EV, what stuck with me was how much it’s designed around feeling natural to use. The dial at your fingertips, driver assist that just feels right to me, and a rotary engine that only makes electricity — it has the same appeal as a great gadget that quietly extends what you can do.Wed, 14 Oct 2026 00:00:00 GMTA Campfire That Makes Electricity? The BioLite CampStove 2 PLUS Is Also Great for Emergencieshttps://www.kimuras.jp/en/journal/20261013-biolite-2-plus/https://www.kimuras.jp/en/journal/20261013-biolite-2-plus/The BioLite CampStove 2 PLUS is a compact stove that burns wood to make electricity — and uses that power to blow air into the fire. With the optional grill you can even cook a huge bone-in steak. You do need to keep feeding it wood, but it’s packed with the fun of cooking over fire.Tue, 13 Oct 2026 00:00:00 GMTDo You Really Need Thunderbolt 5? This Thunderbolt 4 Hub Is Still Excellenthttps://www.kimuras.jp/en/journal/20261012-thunderbolt-5-thunderbolt-4/https://www.kimuras.jp/en/journal/20261012-thunderbolt-5-thunderbolt-4/Connect three Thunderbolt 4 devices, with a GaN power supply built right in. No bulky power brick means a cleaner desk, and it’s easy to take on trips. Especially great if you edit video.Mon, 12 Oct 2026 00:00:00 GMTShould Japanese Carmakers Be Worried? How Polished the BYD ATTO 3 Is as a Gadgethttps://www.kimuras.jp/en/journal/20261011-byd-atto-3/https://www.kimuras.jp/en/journal/20261011-byd-atto-3/I took BYD’s electric ATTO 3 for a spin. Bottom line: this isn’t just an electric car — it’s a giant gadget on wheels.Sun, 11 Oct 2026 00:00:00 GMTIt’s Almost the Holidays — Why I Want to Install a SwitchBot Curtain at My Parents’ Place (Even If They Say No)https://www.kimuras.jp/en/journal/20261009-switchbot/https://www.kimuras.jp/en/journal/20261009-switchbot/The SwitchBot Curtain 3 opens and closes your curtains automatically. After using it for a long time, here’s what I think: this is something I really want to set up at my parents’ house.Fri, 09 Oct 2026 00:00:00 GMTStill Wearing Shoes at Camp? Flame-Resistant Tech Meets Supreme Comfort — SUBU NANNEN Is the Answerhttps://www.kimuras.jp/en/journal/20261008-subu-nannen/https://www.kimuras.jp/en/journal/20261008-subu-nannen/One surprisingly annoying thing about camping is taking your shoes on and off. But wearing sneakers or boots all day is tiring too.Thu, 08 Oct 2026 00:00:00 GMTEven Store-Bought Pizza Transforms — Could This High-Heat Electric Pizza Oven Beat the Chains?https://www.kimuras.jp/en/journal/20261006-03a06a92/https://www.kimuras.jp/en/journal/20261006-03a06a92/I didn’t expect a store-bought pizza to get this much better just by changing what you bake it in. ENRO’s electric pizza oven is surprisingly powerful for an electric unit, giving you a puffy crust and a close-to-wood-fired result at home.Tue, 06 Oct 2026 00:00:00 GMTEveryone Should Use a Phone Strap. We’re in the “Don’t Put Your Phone Away” Erahttps://www.kimuras.jp/en/journal/20261005-40e73d2c/https://www.kimuras.jp/en/journal/20261005-40e73d2c/Honestly, I never really saw the point of phone straps.Mon, 05 Oct 2026 00:00:00 GMTStill Thinking “Vacuum = Dyson”? You’re Missing Out If You Haven’t Tried Sharkhttps://www.kimuras.jp/en/journal/20261004-shark/https://www.kimuras.jp/en/journal/20261004-shark/For years, when it came to cordless vacuums, I was a Dyson guy.Sun, 04 Oct 2026 00:00:00 GMTThe OPPO Reno11 A Made Me Think “Maybe Last Year’s Phone Is Enough”https://www.kimuras.jp/en/journal/20261003-oppo-reno11-a/https://www.kimuras.jp/en/journal/20261003-oppo-reno11-a/Phones have gotten expensive, haven’t they?Sat, 03 Oct 2026 00:00:00 GMT“Copy Us If You Can” — The Incredible Robotics Behind Robosen’s Self-Transforming Transformershttps://www.kimuras.jp/en/journal/20261002-robosen/https://www.kimuras.jp/en/journal/20261002-robosen/“What if a Transformer could actually transform by itself?” Robosen took that childhood dream and made it real with serious robotics tech.Fri, 02 Oct 2026 00:00:00 GMTGreat News for Work-from-Home Folks! The nwm ONE Lets You Hear Your Family — and It’s Kid-Friendly Toohttps://www.kimuras.jp/en/journal/20261001-nwm-one/https://www.kimuras.jp/en/journal/20261001-nwm-one/Working from home, headphones are surprisingly tricky. You want music to focus, but you also don’t want to miss it when your family talks to you.Thu, 01 Oct 2026 00:00:00 GMTAre Japanese Homes Careless About Lighting? JDI’s LumiFree Shows How Much Better Life Gets When You Carehttps://www.kimuras.jp/en/journal/20260930-jdi-lumifree/https://www.kimuras.jp/en/journal/20260930-jdi-lumifree/Japanese homes obsess over natural light, but for some reason lighting often ends up as “as long as the whole room is bright, it’s fine.”Wed, 30 Sep 2026 00:00:00 GMTThis Year’s Coffee Is the UCC DRIP POD YOUBI — Tasting Differences Nespresso Never Showed Mehttps://www.kimuras.jp/en/journal/20260930-ucc-drip-pod-youbi/https://www.kimuras.jp/en/journal/20260930-ucc-drip-pod-youbi/It’s finally getting cooler, which means coffee season is here.Wed, 30 Sep 2026 00:00:00 GMTIs “More Blades = Better” a Myth? Why I Switched from a Premium 6-Blade to a Rotary Shaverhttps://www.kimuras.jp/en/journal/20260929-dea0b5d8/https://www.kimuras.jp/en/journal/20260929-dea0b5d8/“The more blades, the closer the shave.” I kind of believed that too, and used to use a Panasonic 6-blade shaver.Tue, 29 Sep 2026 00:00:00 GMTI Finally Found the Perfect Cat Water Fountain — the PETKIT EVERSWEET Is Ridiculously Easy to Cleanhttps://www.kimuras.jp/en/journal/20260928-petkit-eversweet/https://www.kimuras.jp/en/journal/20260928-petkit-eversweet/I’ve used a few automatic cat water fountains, and I finally found one that made me think, “Okay, this is the one.”Mon, 28 Sep 2026 00:00:00 GMTSo Quiet You Won’t Notice!? My Trusty CATLINK Self-Cleaning Litter Box Quietly Got Betterhttps://www.kimuras.jp/en/journal/20260926-catlink/https://www.kimuras.jp/en/journal/20260926-catlink/I’ve been using the CATLINK SCOOPER PRO-X self-cleaning litter box for a long time. Since mine was getting old, I replaced it with a brand-new unit of the exact same SCOOPER PRO-X.Sat, 26 Sep 2026 00:00:00 GMTLost in Deodorizers? Gadgets + Deodorizer Make Your Home Truly Odor-Freehttps://www.kimuras.jp/en/journal/20260925-014f64e1/https://www.kimuras.jp/en/journal/20260925-014f64e1/Bottom line: after trying all kinds of deodorizers, I think HAL Industry might be all you need for home odors.Fri, 25 Sep 2026 00:00:00 GMTNot the Newest or the Fastest — Why I Still Recommend the Prusa MINI+ to 3D Printing Beginnershttps://www.kimuras.jp/en/journal/20260923-prusa-mini-3d/https://www.kimuras.jp/en/journal/20260923-prusa-mini-3d/3D printers have come a long way in just a few years. Faster speeds, more automation, multicolor printing — on specs alone, there are plenty of newer, flashier machines than the Prusa MINI+.Wed, 23 Sep 2026 00:00:00 GMTA Printer That Cuts A4 Paper in Half Automatically!? What 20+ Years of Brother Printers Taught Mehttps://www.kimuras.jp/en/journal/20260922-a4-20-brother/https://www.kimuras.jp/en/journal/20260922-a4-20-brother/Did you know there’s a home printer that automatically cuts A4 sheets down to A5?Tue, 22 Sep 2026 00:00:00 GMTBefore You Replace Your 3D Printer, Try This! A Sub-¥10,000 Filament Dryer Totally Transformed My Print Qualityhttps://www.kimuras.jp/en/journal/20260921-3d-1/https://www.kimuras.jp/en/journal/20260921-3d-1/Ever since I started 3D printing, I’d obsessed over printer performance and settings. Then I tried SUNLU’s FilaDryer S2, and it changed my thinking.Mon, 21 Sep 2026 00:00:00 GMTBath Time Sounds This Good?! True Stereo with Two KREAFUNK aJAZZ+ Speakers Is Amazinghttps://www.kimuras.jp/en/journal/20260920-kreafunk-ajazz-2/https://www.kimuras.jp/en/journal/20260920-kreafunk-ajazz-2/I’ve tried lots of waterproof Bluetooth speakers for listening to music in the bath. KREAFUNK is in a league of its own — perfect for classical and jazz.Sun, 20 Sep 2026 00:00:00 GMTAI Writes Your Meeting Notes and Daily Reports — Reviewing the Business-Focused AINOTE 2 E-Notehttps://www.kimuras.jp/en/journal/20250930-ai-ainote-2/https://www.kimuras.jp/en/journal/20250930-ai-ainote-2/In the e-note world, staples like the iPad and reMarkable already rule. iFLYTEK’s AINOTE series stands out with AI transcription, translation, and summaries — and the AINOTE 2 leans even harder into work.Tue, 30 Sep 2025 00:00:00 GMTThe $210 UMAMI Sauce That Transforms Any Dishhttps://www.kimuras.jp/en/journal/20250830-bbq-itadaki-yaiba/https://www.kimuras.jp/en/journal/20250830-bbq-itadaki-yaiba/Official websiteitadaki YAIBA - Official Website Official shopitadaki YAIBASat, 30 Aug 2025 00:00:00 GMTGreat for Parks and Camping — The Wind-Proof Matador Pocket Blanket 4.0 Is the Ultimate Picnic Blankethttps://www.kimuras.jp/en/journal/20250830-ok-matador-4-0/https://www.kimuras.jp/en/journal/20250830-ok-matador-4-0/Made for the outdoors, the Matador Pocket Blanket 4.0 seats four adults, is highly water-resistant, and is tough enough to last practically forever — great for parks and everyday picnics too.Sat, 30 Aug 2025 00:00:00 GMTNow I’d Recommend It to Moms — Direct Cool Is What Helps Parents Walking with Kids in the Blazing Sunhttps://www.kimuras.jp/en/journal/20250828-direct-cool/https://www.kimuras.jp/en/journal/20250828-direct-cool/Bottom line: YAMAZEN’s Direct Cool cools so well it’s practically a summer lifeline. It’s a simple setup of cold water and a battery, yet it kept me cool through recent brutal heat waves.Thu, 28 Aug 2025 00:00:00 GMTEven a Peeler!? The Zenlet Tool Card Puts 14 Tools in Your Wallethttps://www.kimuras.jp/en/journal/20250827-zenlet-tool-card/https://www.kimuras.jp/en/journal/20250827-zenlet-tool-card/Open your wallet and there’s a peeler, a bottle opener, even a SIM pin. The Zenlet Tool Card makes that unbelievable convenience real — with rounded edges so you can leave it in your wallet and grab it whenever you need it.Wed, 27 Aug 2025 00:00:00 GMTA Long Road Trip Singing with My Kids — The Comfort of the Nissan ARIYA’s Hands-Off Drivinghttps://www.kimuras.jp/en/journal/20250825-ariya/https://www.kimuras.jp/en/journal/20250825-ariya/We were singing along with the kids, and before we knew it we’d made it from Tokyo to Toyohashi. I took a long trip in Nissan’s ARIYA EV — and right now, it’s the car in Japan that changes the driving experience the most.Mon, 25 Aug 2025 00:00:00 GMTA “Just Right” Office Chair the Whole Family Can Share — at a Third the Price of That Famous Premium Model?https://www.kimuras.jp/en/journal/20250823-1f00a470/https://www.kimuras.jp/en/journal/20250823-1f00a470/Hi to everyone who spends half their day in a chair — I’m Hide, tech journalist and part-time house-husband.Sat, 23 Aug 2025 00:00:00 GMTA New Take on Japan’s Umbrella Culture! A Stackable Umbrella Stand That Transforms Your Entrywayhttps://www.kimuras.jp/en/journal/20250114-2b3a9fca/https://www.kimuras.jp/en/journal/20250114-2b3a9fca/Hi, I’m Hide — tech journalist and part-time house-husband. This time I’m introducing something a little unusual for a gadget column: an umbrella stand.Tue, 14 Jan 2025 00:00:00 GMTNever Miss a Task Again — HiDock Takes Total Control of Your Online Meetingshttps://www.kimuras.jp/en/journal/20250105-hidock/https://www.kimuras.jp/en/journal/20250105-hidock/Hi, I’m Hide — tech journalist and part-time house-husband. HiDock felt completely different from other AI summary gadgets.Sun, 05 Jan 2025 00:00:00 GMTPet Hair Made Easy! The Neakasa P0 Pro Lite Brings Salon-Level Grooming Homehttps://www.kimuras.jp/en/journal/20241231-neakasa-p0-pro-lite/https://www.kimuras.jp/en/journal/20241231-neakasa-p0-pro-lite/Hi, I’m Hide — tech journalist and part-time house-husband. Here’s a must-see gadget for cat owners.Tue, 31 Dec 2024 00:00:00 GMTThe Future Has Arrived at Your Feet! The Electric Raku GoWagon Is Seriously Impressivehttps://www.kimuras.jp/en/journal/20241219-gowagon/https://www.kimuras.jp/en/journal/20241219-gowagon/Hi, I’m Hide — tech journalist and part-time house-husband. This might be the definitive electric wagon.Thu, 19 Dec 2024 00:00:00 GMTA Game-Changer for Phone Stands! Once You Try MOFT, You Won’t Let Gohttps://www.kimuras.jp/en/journal/20241204-moft/https://www.kimuras.jp/en/journal/20241204-moft/Hi, I’m Hide — tech journalist and part-time house-husband. I hadn’t used MOFT in a while, and it’s evolved — it’s great.Wed, 04 Dec 2024 00:00:00 GMTWinter Is When You Really Need to Kill Sweat Odor! Save Big on Dry Cleaning with the ESTILO Steam Ion Refresherhttps://www.kimuras.jp/en/journal/20241203-estilo/https://www.kimuras.jp/en/journal/20241203-estilo/Hi, I’m Hide — tech journalist and part-time house-husband. It folds down this compact, and the price is surprisingly friendly too.Tue, 03 Dec 2024 00:00:00 GMTGreat for Business — the Zenlet Cache 3.0, a Genuine Leather Phone Stand with NFChttps://www.kimuras.jp/en/journal/20241128-nfc-zenlet-cache-3-0/https://www.kimuras.jp/en/journal/20241128-nfc-zenlet-cache-3-0/Hi, I’m Hide — tech journalist and part-time house-husband. Real leather really is different.Thu, 28 Nov 2024 00:00:00 GMTA Real-Life Translation Gadget Gets an Upgrade — the Timekettle W4 Pro Interprets in Real Timehttps://www.kimuras.jp/en/journal/20241128-timekettle-w4-pro/https://www.kimuras.jp/en/journal/20241128-timekettle-w4-pro/Hi, I’m Hide — tech journalist and part-time house-husband. Those real-time translation earbuds are back, and better.Thu, 28 Nov 2024 00:00:00 GMTLike a Book of Spells?! The Book Teaches You How to Rebuild Civilization in One Volumehttps://www.kimuras.jp/en/journal/20241122-the-book/https://www.kimuras.jp/en/journal/20241122-the-book/Hi, I’m Hide — tech journalist and part-time house-husband. It reminded me how much fun encyclopedias were when I was a kid.Fri, 22 Nov 2024 00:00:00 GMTBeaujolais Nouveau 2024 Is Here! The LUSCIOUZ Sommelier Knife Makes Year-End Wine Even More Funhttps://www.kimuras.jp/en/journal/20241121-lusciouz/https://www.kimuras.jp/en/journal/20241121-lusciouz/Hi, I’m Hide — tech journalist and part-time house-husband. If I’d known a corkscrew like this existed, I’d have gotten one ages ago…Thu, 21 Nov 2024 00:00:00 GMTThe VELO Suitcase Expands to Double Its Size — Comfier Travel and Easier Storagehttps://www.kimuras.jp/en/journal/20241121-velo/https://www.kimuras.jp/en/journal/20241121-velo/Hi, I’m Hide — tech journalist and part-time house-husband. A shape-shifting suitcase was not something I saw coming.Thu, 21 Nov 2024 00:00:00 GMTNo More Scattered Litter! The Quiet PetSnowy Is Practical Even for Multi-Cat Homeshttps://www.kimuras.jp/en/journal/20241031-petsnowy/https://www.kimuras.jp/en/journal/20241031-petsnowy/Hi, I’m Hide — tech journalist and part-time house-husband. I don’t think anyone’s had this idea for a cat litter box before.Thu, 31 Oct 2024 00:00:00 GMTDyson-Level Airflow, but This Light?! The Upgraded Dreame Pocket Pro Dries Hair Super Fast Without Tiring Your Armhttps://www.kimuras.jp/en/journal/20241005-dreame-pocket-pro/https://www.kimuras.jp/en/journal/20241005-dreame-pocket-pro/Hi, I’m Hide — tech journalist and part-time house-husband. Hair dryers are evolving crazy fast.Sat, 05 Oct 2024 00:00:00 GMTOnly Clean Your Windows at Year-End? The HOBOT-S6 Pro Keeps Them Spotless with Weekly Auto-Cleaninghttps://www.kimuras.jp/en/journal/20240920-hobot-s6-pro/https://www.kimuras.jp/en/journal/20240920-hobot-s6-pro/Hi, I’m Hide — tech journalist and part-time house-husband. Especially recommended for readers in houses.Fri, 20 Sep 2024 00:00:00 GMT3D Printing This Fast?! The Kid-Friendly Kidoodle Printer Is Surprisingly Easy to Usehttps://www.kimuras.jp/en/journal/20240913-3d-kidoodle/https://www.kimuras.jp/en/journal/20240913-3d-kidoodle/Hi, I’m Hide — tech journalist and part-time house-husband. This 3D printer turned out to be incredibly well made.Fri, 13 Sep 2024 00:00:00 GMTQuiet and Powerful — the Outisan e-Wagon Ultra Is a Camping MVPhttps://www.kimuras.jp/en/journal/20240830-outisan-e-wagon-ultra/https://www.kimuras.jp/en/journal/20240830-outisan-e-wagon-ultra/Hi, I’m Hide — tech journalist and part-time house-husband. E-wagons just keep getting better.Fri, 30 Aug 2024 00:00:00 GMTMulti-Function, Phone Included! The ZENLET Neck Strap Carries Everything You Needhttps://www.kimuras.jp/en/journal/20240828-zenlet/https://www.kimuras.jp/en/journal/20240828-zenlet/Hi, I’m Hide — tech journalist and part-time house-husband. Another interesting product from ZENLET, which I featured last time.Wed, 28 Aug 2024 00:00:00 GMTA 99 g Drone You Can Fly Almost Anywhere — the HOVER Air X1 Smart Is a Lifesaver for Aerial Shotshttps://www.kimuras.jp/en/journal/20240823-99g-hover-air-x1-smart/https://www.kimuras.jp/en/journal/20240823-99g-hover-air-x1-smart/Hi, I’m Hide — tech journalist and part-time house-husband. Here’s an amazing drone that’s easy to use even under Japan’s super-strict drone rules.Fri, 23 Aug 2024 00:00:00 GMTThe Best EV for Disaster Prep! eCamping with the Hyundai KONA Was Super Comfortablehttps://www.kimuras.jp/en/journal/20240821-ev-kona-ecamp/https://www.kimuras.jp/en/journal/20240821-ev-kona-ecamp/Hi, I’m Hide — tech journalist and part-time house-husband. I went camping in the Hyundai KONA, which is really practical for car camping and as a power source — and it was super comfortable.Wed, 21 Aug 2024 00:00:00 GMTThe Ultimate Water Gun! With the SpyraThree, the Grown-Ups Ended Up in a Soaking-Wet Brawlhttps://www.kimuras.jp/en/journal/20240818-spyrathree/https://www.kimuras.jp/en/journal/20240818-spyrathree/Hi, I’m Hide — tech journalist and part-time house-husband. A follow-up on water guns: the kids’ SpyraGO was great, but for adults, the SpyraThree turned out to be the best.Sun, 18 Aug 2024 00:00:00 GMTIt Even Freezes on Battery! EENOUR’s Portable Fridge Is Seriously Goodhttps://www.kimuras.jp/en/journal/20240817-eenour/https://www.kimuras.jp/en/journal/20240817-eenour/Hi, I’m Hide — tech journalist and part-time house-husband. An incredible portable fridge has arrived.Sat, 17 Aug 2024 00:00:00 GMTKids Go Wild for the SpyraGO, the Original High-Tech Water Gun!https://www.kimuras.jp/en/journal/20240814-spyrago/https://www.kimuras.jp/en/journal/20240814-spyrago/Hi, I’m Hide — tech journalist and part-time house-husband. The original high-tech water gun really is different.Wed, 14 Aug 2024 00:00:00 GMTA Mic That Plays Nice with AI! GODOX’s Magic XT1 Packs Amazing Specs for ¥15,000https://www.kimuras.jp/en/journal/20240803-ai-godox-magic-xt1-15/https://www.kimuras.jp/en/journal/20240803-ai-godox-magic-xt1-15/Hi, I’m Hide — tech journalist and part-time house-husband. Wireless mics this good at this price — and the receiver even charges the transmitters.Sat, 03 Aug 2024 00:00:00 GMTZenlet3: The Next-Gen Smart Wallet Revolutionhttps://www.kimuras.jp/en/journal/20240801-zenlet3/https://www.kimuras.jp/en/journal/20240801-zenlet3/Hi, I’m Hide, a tech journalist and part-time stay-at-home dad.Thu, 01 Aug 2024 00:00:00 GMTAR Binoculars: Telescope Maker Launches 'Envision'https://www.kimuras.jp/en/journal/20240716-ar-envision/https://www.kimuras.jp/en/journal/20240716-ar-envision/Exciting new products are emerging, and while I haven't had the chance to try this one out yet, I've decided to write about it. It's being developed by UNISTELLTue, 16 Jul 2024 00:00:00 GMTThe Better You Get, the More Fun It Is — the Smart Guitar “LAVA” Is Changing Guitar Historyhttps://www.kimuras.jp/en/journal/20240715-lava/https://www.kimuras.jp/en/journal/20240715-lava/An amazing guitar that handles everything from practice to recording in one instrument: that’s LAVA. It’s an electro-acoustic, so it keeps the acoustic feel while effects and rhythms let you cover all kinds of genres.Mon, 15 Jul 2024 00:00:00 GMTLIT DUO1: A Revolutionary Light Meter for Everyonehttps://www.kimuras.jp/en/journal/20240711-lit-duo-1/https://www.kimuras.jp/en/journal/20240711-lit-duo-1/The LIT DUO 1 is revolutionizing the world of light meters, making it an essential gadget not just for photographers but for anyone interested in accurately meaThu, 11 Jul 2024 00:00:00 GMTA Neck Pillow Built by a Silicon Valley CEO — Is the Vesta Loop the Perfect Answer?https://www.kimuras.jp/en/journal/20240705-ceo-vesta-loop/https://www.kimuras.jp/en/journal/20240705-ceo-vesta-loop/Good news for everyone still searching for a neck pillow that works: here’s one that fits however you sleep. Its creator, a Vesta founder with years of robotics R&D in Silicon Valley, flies a lot and could never rest well on planes.Fri, 05 Jul 2024 00:00:00 GMTThe Freo X Ultra Robot Vacuum Evolved Differently from Everyone Else — and I Can’t Wait to See What’s Nexthttps://www.kimuras.jp/en/journal/20240613-freo-x-ultra/https://www.kimuras.jp/en/journal/20240613-freo-x-ultra/A new era for robot vacuums. Having tried all kinds — iRobot, ECOVACS, and more — Freo’s new model is packed with features no other company offers.Thu, 13 Jun 2024 00:00:00 GMTJOYSOUND × Philips Hue: A Luxurious Light-Synced Room You Can Now Enjoy at Karaoke!https://www.kimuras.jp/en/journal/20240130-88291fb1/https://www.kimuras.jp/en/journal/20240130-88291fb1/A dream room is now easy to experience.Tue, 30 Jan 2024 00:00:00 GMTDid You Know Self-Cleaning Litter Boxes Have Gotten So Good They’re the Only Choice for Cat Owners?https://www.kimuras.jp/en/journal/20231202-535d8170/https://www.kimuras.jp/en/journal/20231202-535d8170/If you live with cats, I think a self-cleaning litter box is the only way to go.Sat, 02 Dec 2023 00:00:00 GMTWhy Not Mop While You Vacuum? With Dyson Joining In, Wet Cleaning Is Now a Must for Vacuumshttps://www.kimuras.jp/en/journal/20231120-c094e4bd/https://www.kimuras.jp/en/journal/20231120-c094e4bd/A vacuum that mops turned out to be way more comfortable than I expected.Mon, 20 Nov 2023 00:00:00 GMTA World-First Certified Gaming Projector: 100 Inches from 1.5 m, and a Lot More That’s Seriously Impressivehttps://www.kimuras.jp/en/journal/20231116-5m-100/https://www.kimuras.jp/en/journal/20231116-5m-100/100 inches from 1.5 m, up to 120 inches, with response times and refresh rates up to 4.2 ms and 240 Hz?!Thu, 16 Nov 2023 00:00:00 GMTA White Screen Is a Mistake for Projectors? This Motorized Screen Keeps Blacks Deep Even in Bright Roomshttps://www.kimuras.jp/en/journal/20231113-ng/https://www.kimuras.jp/en/journal/20231113-ng/Turns out “the whiter and cleaner the projector screen, the better” was just an assumption.Mon, 13 Nov 2023 00:00:00 GMTI Tried a Head-Mounted Display for the First Time in Ages — It’s So Sharp I Couldn’t Stop Staringhttps://www.kimuras.jp/en/journal/20231102-83271100/https://www.kimuras.jp/en/journal/20231102-83271100/Honestly, I never really trusted products like this.Thu, 02 Nov 2023 00:00:00 GMTWhat I Learned Comparing Two Up-and-Coming Work Chairs: Cofo and NEWTRALhttps://www.kimuras.jp/en/journal/20231009-cofo-newtral/https://www.kimuras.jp/en/journal/20231009-cofo-newtral/Hi to everyone sitting more than ever thanks to remote work — I’m Hide, tech journalist and part-time house-husband.Mon, 09 Oct 2023 00:00:00 GMT8K ProRes RAW in a Rig This Small: Why the R5 and PolarPro Recon Are Unbeatablehttps://www.kimuras.jp/en/journal/20230930-8k-prores-raw-r5-polarpro/https://www.kimuras.jp/en/journal/20230930-8k-prores-raw-r5-polarpro/I finally built the ultimate everyday video camera.Sat, 30 Sep 2023 00:00:00 GMTGetting a New iPhone? You Need Filters — POLARPRO Turns Everyday Shots into Arthttps://www.kimuras.jp/en/journal/20230930-iphone-polarpro/https://www.kimuras.jp/en/journal/20230930-iphone-polarpro/Combined with the iPhone 15 Pro’s upgrades, POLARPRO’s camera filters are getting seriously impressive.Sat, 30 Sep 2023 00:00:00 GMTI Tried MindLax, the Buzzworthy Sleep Tech — a 20-Minute Nap Left Me Dramatically Refreshedhttps://www.kimuras.jp/en/journal/20230926-mindlax-20/https://www.kimuras.jp/en/journal/20230926-mindlax-20/Hi to everyone who values sleep above all else — I’m Hide, tech journalist and part-time house-husband.Tue, 26 Sep 2023 00:00:00 GMTEven Carts Have Gone Electric — Litheli’s Powered Wagon Makes Uphill Easyhttps://www.kimuras.jp/en/journal/20230921-litheli/https://www.kimuras.jp/en/journal/20230921-litheli/Hi, fellow camping lovers — I’m Hide, tech journalist and part-time house-husband. Now even folding wagons are electric.Thu, 21 Sep 2023 00:00:00 GMTKaraoke Isn’t Just for Singing Anymore — Watching Your Faves in the Philips Hue Super Immersive Room Is Amazinghttps://www.kimuras.jp/en/journal/20230905-philips-hue/https://www.kimuras.jp/en/journal/20230905-philips-hue/The ultimate room for fan activities has arrived.Tue, 05 Sep 2023 00:00:00 GMTSleeping Under 100% Silk Cocoons Is a Whole New Feeling — One Comforter for Summer and Winterhttps://www.kimuras.jp/en/journal/20230901-f79838f0/https://www.kimuras.jp/en/journal/20230901-f79838f0/Not the outside — the filling is 100% silk. Hi to everyone whose comforter ends up who-knows-where by morning — I’m Hide, tech journalist and part-time house-husband. I found a comforter better than any luxury one I’ve tried.Fri, 01 Sep 2023 00:00:00 GMTWho Knew Getting Soaked Could Be This Fun! I Enjoyed LEGOLAND® Japan Even More Than the Kidshttps://www.kimuras.jp/en/journal/20230811-r/https://www.kimuras.jp/en/journal/20230811-r/The castle LEGO® set with the glow-in-the-dark ghost — a lot of you probably wanted one as a kid, right? Hi, I’m Hide, tech journalist and part-time house-husband.Fri, 11 Aug 2023 00:00:00 GMTA Robot That Remembers Faces and Comes to Remind You — EBO X Even Takes Photos for Youhttps://www.kimuras.jp/en/journal/20230727-ebo-x/https://www.kimuras.jp/en/journal/20230727-ebo-x/Hi to everyone who’s been opening the fridge and going “…why am I here?” more often lately — I’m Hide, tech journalist and part-time house-husband. Another amazing robot has arrived. EBO X is a new “watch over people and home” robot from Enabot, the maker of the ebo Pro pet camera robot I love.Thu, 27 Jul 2023 00:00:00 GMTIsn’t “Watching Only When You’re Away” the Most Reassuring? SwitchBot Turned My Home into a Spy-Movie Househttps://www.kimuras.jp/en/journal/20230709-switchbot/https://www.kimuras.jp/en/journal/20230709-switchbot/Hi to everyone who can’t stop wondering what the cat’s up to while you’re out — I’m Hide, tech journalist and part-time house-husband. Want to know how to guard your home like a secret base? This Indoor Cam 3MP checks all three boxes: crisp 2K video, free-ranging movement, and physical privacy.Sun, 09 Jul 2023 00:00:00 GMTLate to the Party, but Isn’t Luna Display — Which Turns Your iPad into a Second Screen — More Useful Than Apple’s Own?https://www.kimuras.jp/en/journal/20230621-ipad-luna-display/https://www.kimuras.jp/en/journal/20230621-ipad-luna-display/Hi to everyone who doesn’t really need multiple monitors but thinks they look cool — I’m Hide, tech journalist and part-time house-husband. I remembered this one: Luna Display, a gadget that turns your iPad into a second monitor for your Mac.Wed, 21 Jun 2023 00:00:00 GMTNo More “Where Did That Go!?” — Artty Station Turned My Desk into a Gunpla Paradisehttps://www.kimuras.jp/en/journal/20230620-artty-station/https://www.kimuras.jp/en/journal/20230620-artty-station/Hi to everyone with a mountain of unbuilt model kits — I’m Hide, tech journalist and part-time house-husband. My efficiency went up about tenfold. Artty Station, which I just set up, is a really excellent storage system that makes efficient use of the vertical space on a small desk.Tue, 20 Jun 2023 00:00:00 GMTWait, You Can Use It in the Entryway or Upstairs? SwitchBot Just Created a “Portable Robot Vacuum”https://www.kimuras.jp/en/journal/20230615-switchbot/https://www.kimuras.jp/en/journal/20230615-switchbot/Hi to everyone who spends their days cleaning up after their robot vacuums — I’m Hide, tech journalist and part-time house-husband. I brought home the SwitchBot K10+, the one everyone’s talking about for being tiny. My main robot is a NARWAL Freo, so this is my backup.Thu, 15 Jun 2023 00:00:00 GMTI Doubted Food Waste Processors — Here’s What I Learned After Actually Using Onehttps://www.kimuras.jp/en/journal/20230614-b21bd858/https://www.kimuras.jp/en/journal/20230614-b21bd858/Hi to everyone determined to wipe out fruit flies this year — I’m Hide, part-time house-husband and tech journalist. I used to wonder, “Do we really need a food waste processor?”Wed, 14 Jun 2023 00:00:00 GMTDo They Really Wear Out? The Latest Portable Power Stations for Disasters Are Actually Meant for Everyday Usehttps://www.kimuras.jp/en/journal/20230526-74a8e605/https://www.kimuras.jp/en/journal/20230526-74a8e605/Hi to everyone who turns helpless without power in a disaster — I’m Hide, tech journalist and part-time house-husband. My home is usually super convenient, packed with gadgets that automate the housework, but the moment the power goes out, it’s back to primitive living.Fri, 26 May 2023 00:00:00 GMTI Meant to Set an Example as a Dad — Instead, DIY Got My Kid to Love Tidying Uphttps://www.kimuras.jp/en/journal/20230517-diy/https://www.kimuras.jp/en/journal/20230517-diy/Hi to everyone so overrun with stuff at home that you’re tempted to just throw it all out — I’m Hide, tech journalist and part-time house-husband. This time it’s about laser engravers.Wed, 17 May 2023 00:00:00 GMTWhat I Found After Splurging: 2022 Gadgets That Dramatically Changed My Life (4/6)https://www.kimuras.jp/en/journal/20230514-180d40ce/https://www.kimuras.jp/en/journal/20230514-180d40ce/Hi, I’m Hide, tech journalist and part-time house-husband. In the second half of 2022, I reviewed things beyond gadgets — power, cars, and more.Sun, 14 May 2023 00:00:00 GMTIs a Robot Better Than a Kärcher? I Put Window-Cleaning Options to the Testhttps://www.kimuras.jp/en/journal/20230425-c1c9fe19/https://www.kimuras.jp/en/journal/20230425-c1c9fe19/Hi to everyone who just can’t rest unless they do the housework themselves — I’m Hide, tech journalist and part-time house-husband. Homemakers out there, have you taken on so much that it’s become too much?Tue, 25 Apr 2023 00:00:00 GMTThe Ultimate Companion Robot Is Here! Loona Feels More Alive Than Pepper or aibohttps://www.kimuras.jp/en/journal/20230308-loona/https://www.kimuras.jp/en/journal/20230308-loona/Hi to everyone quietly living in no-pets-allowed apartments — I’m Hide, tech journalist and part-time house-husband. I’m genuinely moved. Truly amazed. That you can just go out and buy a robot like this now.Wed, 08 Mar 2023 00:00:00 GMTA Virtual Window That Becomes a Daily Essential! After 3 Years of Heavy Use, Here’s Why It’s Worth It Even at That Pricehttps://www.kimuras.jp/en/journal/20230304-2b803bb3/https://www.kimuras.jp/en/journal/20230304-2b803bb3/Hi to everyone who has windows but keeps the curtains closed all year — I’m Hide, tech journalist and part-time house-husband. Don’t you think windows in Japanese homes are full of things that make no sense?Sat, 04 Mar 2023 00:00:00 GMTA Tent That Goes Up in 16 Seconds! I Love Germany’s Inflatable Heimplanet Cave So Much I Bought Threehttps://www.kimuras.jp/en/journal/20230228-heimplanet-cave-3/https://www.kimuras.jp/en/journal/20230228-heimplanet-cave-3/Hi to everyone saying “This year I’m finally going camping!” — I’m Hide, tech journalist and part-time house-husband. I have a habit of buying anything I’ve never seen before, but this one was worth it! (Not a fail!) It’s an inflatable-frame tent called the Heimplanet Cave.Tue, 28 Feb 2023 00:00:00 GMTWhich Appliances Should You Cut Back On? I Measured the Electricity Cost of 10 Appliances at Homehttps://www.kimuras.jp/en/journal/20230227-818b32a2/https://www.kimuras.jp/en/journal/20230227-818b32a2/Hi to everyone starting to wonder if you could just generate your own power — I’m Hide, tech journalist and part-time house-husband. Electricity prices just keep climbing...Mon, 27 Feb 2023 00:00:00 GMTUseful for the Metaverse and Making Things? Someone Who Once Gave Up on 3D Scanning Tries the Latest 3D Scannerhttps://www.kimuras.jp/en/journal/20230224-3d/https://www.kimuras.jp/en/journal/20230224-3d/Hi to everyone who dreams of making a figure of themselves someday — I’m Hide, tech journalist and part-time house-husband. Eight years ago, I jumped the gun and bought an expensive 3D scanner, used it once, and shelved it.Fri, 24 Feb 2023 00:00:00 GMTI Thought They Were Real Flowers — They’re Bricks! So Realistic That for a Lazy Guy Like Me, They Might Beat the Real Thinghttps://www.kimuras.jp/en/journal/20230208-2f486133/https://www.kimuras.jp/en/journal/20230208-2f486133/Hi to everyone who gets a bouquet and then doesn’t know what to do with it at home — I’m Hide, tech journalist and part-time house-husband. This time, from a house-husband’s point of view, I found a piece of decor that’s “perfect for the home!”Wed, 08 Feb 2023 00:00:00 GMTThe Smallest and Lightest! If You Want a Medium-Format Mirrorless Camera You’ll Actually Use, Get the Hasselblad 907Xhttps://www.kimuras.jp/en/journal/20230121-hasselblad-907x/https://www.kimuras.jp/en/journal/20230121-hasselblad-907x/Hi to everyone who bought a nice camera, felt satisfied, and hasn’t really been shooting lately — I’m Hide, tech journalist and part-time house-husband. I wasn’t taking my EOS R5 out much either (wry smile), but buying this changed my camera life completely.Sat, 21 Jan 2023 00:00:00 GMTA Legendary Texture That Beats Donut Shops! Yamazaki’s Supermarket “Nama Donut” Is So Good It Gave Me Chillshttps://www.kimuras.jp/en/journal/20230119-0fae896d/https://www.kimuras.jp/en/journal/20230119-0fae896d/Hi to everyone across the country who hates foods that suck all the moisture out of your mouth — I’m Hide, tech journalist and part-time house-husband. Today, from a house-husband’s point of view, I’m introducing a sweet bun that made me go “I have to buy this!”Thu, 19 Jan 2023 00:00:00 GMTWhat I Found After Splurging: 2022 Gadgets That Dramatically Changed My Life (3/6)https://www.kimuras.jp/en/journal/20230118-fe1070f1/https://www.kimuras.jp/en/journal/20230118-fe1070f1/Hi, I’m Hide, tech journalist and part-time house-husband. This one wraps up the first half of 2022. I’ve made it fun even just to look at the photos, so check out the previous article too.Wed, 18 Jan 2023 00:00:00 GMTWhat I Found After Splurging: 2022 Gadgets That Dramatically Changed My Life (2/6)https://www.kimuras.jp/en/journal/20230117-8c050f33/https://www.kimuras.jp/en/journal/20230117-8c050f33/Hi, I’m Hide, tech journalist and part-time house-husband. Picking up where I left off last time.Tue, 17 Jan 2023 00:00:00 GMTAfter Trying One Premium Coffee Maker After Another, the Best Answer Was a Machine That’s “Not” Fully Automatichttps://www.kimuras.jp/en/journal/20230112-69b16ba0/https://www.kimuras.jp/en/journal/20230112-69b16ba0/Hi to everyone across the country who can’t get through work without coffee — I’m Hide, tech journalist and part-time house-husband. Coffee is something you drink every day, so you want to get it right. After being obsessed since my early twenties, where I finally landed was an espresso machine that’s “not fully automatic.”Thu, 12 Jan 2023 00:00:00 GMTWireless Without Bluetooth? CYBERBLADE Delivers Amazing Sound with No Laghttps://www.kimuras.jp/en/journal/20230109-bluetooth-cyberblade/https://www.kimuras.jp/en/journal/20230109-bluetooth-cyberblade/Hi to everyone who says “Headphones flatten my hair, so I’ll keep using true wireless earbuds even if I lose one!” — I’m Hide, tech journalist and part-time house-husband. I’d lost interest in true wireless earbuds, figuring AirPods had it settled.Mon, 09 Jan 2023 00:00:00 GMTWhat I Found After Splurging: 2022 Gadgets That Dramatically Changed My Life (1/6)https://www.kimuras.jp/en/journal/20230108-2c89bf80/https://www.kimuras.jp/en/journal/20230108-2c89bf80/Hi, I’m Hide, tech journalist and part-time house-husband. In 2022, I reviewed even more gadgets than the year before. I’ve been buying the latest stuff ever since I was little, so getting to do this job now feels pretty special...Sun, 08 Jan 2023 00:00:00 GMTI Turned VANMOOF, the “Tesla of E-Bikes,” into a Dad Bike — and It’s Way More Convenient Than a Carhttps://www.kimuras.jp/en/journal/20230106-vanmoof/https://www.kimuras.jp/en/journal/20230106-vanmoof/Hi, I’m Hide, tech journalist and part-time house-husband. 2022 was truly the first year of personal mobility, with trials of electric kick scooters getting underway. I tried all sorts of things, and my top pick is still this: the e-bike.Fri, 06 Jan 2023 00:00:00 GMT