[NJARC] Technology tour in Japan May 2012

[Alex Magoun]

Hey all,

A couple of years ago I had the opportunity to tour a number of commercial
and public museums of technology in Japan on behalf of the IEEE History
Center.  I was so enthusiastic about the experience that my hosts have
organized a tour of many of those museums for May (cherry blossom time)
2012:
www.ieee.org/societies_communities/geo_activities/life_members/tech_tour_japan.html
.

Of most direct interest to people on this list, the tour includes visits to
museums at Sharp/Panasonic, Toshiba, NHK network, and JVC, all of which
played major roles in the innovation of radio and TV technologies in Japan
and the world.  Also included are visits to one of the last standing
radiotelegraphy stations (with 400-foot tower), in Yosami, with its
dedicated and enthusiastic volunteers, Toyota's spectacular auto and
textile production museum, and the Akihabara electronics district, which is
becoming dominated by software but still retains some amazing small
retailers of electronic components.

Anyone with an appreciation for high or electrical technology, much less
the subset of radio and TV, will enjoy this tour thoroughly, and the food,
hospitality, and general beauty of the country are all commended.

Although this is an IEEE-sponsored tour, IEEE is allowing non-members to
register, space (50) permitting.  Save the date of January 1 for
registration.

best, Alex