Season 6
11 episodes · Jan 28, 2023
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S6E1Automatic Ticket Gates / Tool Setters
Jan 28, 202328mThe fascinating stories and secrets behind hit Japanese products, plus parts and machines that boast the top share of niche markets. In the first half: the story behind automatic ticket gates, developed by a Japanese company in the 1960s and installed at train stations throughout Japan. In the second half: tool setters that can accurately measure the length of drill bits for precision machining to within one thousandth of a millimeter.
S6E2Automatic Door Sensors / Banknote Printing Machines
Feb 25, 202328mThe fascinating stories and secrets behind hit Japanese products, plus parts and machines that boast the top share of niche markets. In the first half: the story behind automatic door sensors which detect people using the far-infrared radiation they emit. In the second half: banknote printing machines used in Japan and around the world, in places like the UK and India.
S6E3Online Karaoke Services / Umbrella Bagging Machines
Mar 25, 202328mThe fascinating stories and secrets behind hit Japanese products, plus parts and machines that boast the top share of niche markets. In the first half: the story behind online karaoke services which allow the latest songs to be transmitted over the net and sparked a karaoke boom in Japan. In the second half: umbrella bagging machines which allow people to easily cover a wet umbrella with a plastic bag.
S6E4Imitation Crab / Monorail Transporters
Apr 29, 202328mThe fascinating stories and secrets behind hit Japanese products, plus parts and machines that boast the top share of niche markets. In the first half: the story behind imitation crab, invented over 50 years ago and now enjoyed around the world. In the second half: monorail transporters installed on inclines on farmland which help farmers carry their produce.
S6E5Piano with Silent System / Plastic Food Models
May 27, 202328mThe fascinating stories and secrets behind hit Japanese products, plus parts and machines that boast the top share of niche markets. In the first half: the story behind the piano with silent system, developed for people with a need to practice quietly, which created a new category of silent instruments. In the second half: plastic food models displayed at restaurants which look like real food.
S6E6Cockroach Traps / Residential Maps
Jul 8, 202328mThe fascinating stories and secrets behind hit Japanese products, plus parts and machines that boast the top share of niche markets. In the first half: the story behind cockroach traps with sticky sheets that trap bugs inside. In the second half: residential maps which help emergency vehicles like ambulances, fire trucks and police cars get to the scene quickly.
S6E7Ultra-High-Speed Elevators / Carton Filling Machines
Jul 29, 202328mThe fascinating stories and secrets behind hit Japanese products, plus parts and machines that boast the top share of niche markets. In the first half: the story behind an ultra-high-speed elevator capable of traveling 1,260 meters per minute, the fastest in the world. In the second half: carton-filling machines used for juice boxes and milk cartons.
S6E8Stand-Up Personal Watercrafts / Rice Crackers with Peanuts
Aug 26, 202328mThe fascinating stories and secrets behind hit Japanese products, plus parts and machines that boast the top share of niche markets. In the first half: the story behind highly maneuverable stand-up personal watercrafts. In the second half: rice crackers with peanuts, an ever-popular snack in Japan.
S6E9Lint Rollers / Rotating Beacon Lights
Sep 30, 202328mThe fascinating stories and secrets behind hit Japanese products, plus parts and machines that boast the top share of niche markets. In the first half: the story behind lint rollers which can be used to clean floors. In the second half: rotating beacon lights found on police cars, made by a company with 80% of the Japanese market share.
S6E10Car Navigation Systems / Vapor Heat Treatment Systems
Oct 28, 202328mThe fascinating stories and secrets behind hit Japanese products, plus parts and machines that boast the top share of niche markets. In the first half: the story behind car navigation systems, developed by a major Japanese car manufacturer in 1981. In the second half: vapor heat treatment systems which remove pests from fruit.
S6E11Home Water Purifiers / Plastic Valves
Nov 25, 202328mThe fascinating stories and secrets behind hit Japanese products, plus parts and machines that boast the top share of niche markets. This time: home water purifiers & plastic valves.