Illuminated Geo-Cosmos globe at the Museum of Emerging Science and Innovation (Miraikan) in Tokyo, Japan. Photo: Miraikan.

Miraikan, the Museum of Emerging Science and Innovation in Tokyo — which was closed for nearly three months following the March 11 earthquake — has last month unveiled its new gigantic Geo-Cosmos globe, the symbol exhibit of the museum.

Rock: Wanko No Shima (ロック ～わんこの島～), a new movie directed by Isamu Nakae, started playing in Japanese cinemas this weekend.

The touching drama is based on a true story about a family from the small island of Miyakejima where a massive volcanic eruption in August of 2000 forced all residents to evacuate the island and move to Tokyo for several years. During the evacuation, the family must abandon their beloved dog named Rock. Despite being confronted with various problems and struggling to adapt to life in the city, they never lose hope of being reunited with Rock someday.

The film stars Ryota Sato, Kumiko Aso, Mitsuko Baisho and Ryunosuke Hashino.

Watch the trailer here:

The official movie website: Rock: Wanko no Shima

Do you see anything unusual on this picture? Nothing? Read on!

NHK unveils the twin cam system for better coverage of water sports, smaller broadcasting vehicles and the sky map system that can overlay Google Earth-like labels onto live views from news helicopters.

Japan’s national broadcaster NHK this year unveiled some of their new broadcasting technology that might change what you see on TV.

Folk music band Edelweiss Kapelle from Tokyo.

Previously we’ve been listening to singing parrots, and now something equally fascinating.

In Japan, there is a band called Edelweiss Kapelle (エーデルワイスカペレ) that plays oberkrainer/polka music from Austria, Germany and Switzerland, as well as famous songs by the Avsenik brothers in Slovenian language.