Top 10 Japanese Gadgets
Japanese companies are known the world over for manufacturing those big-ticket electronic items: TVs, stereo systems, game consoles, and appliances. Not everything has to have such an obvious purpose, though. This is a peek into the sometimes wonderful, and often weird world of Japanese gadgets.
10. Fridgeezoo
One of the latest gadgets from Japan is this line of Fridgeezoo “refrigerator companions.” Available in a variety of lovable arctic animal shapes, they sit in your fridge and speak up whenever you open it. They’ll also remind you to close the door if you leave it open too long.
9. Thanko Silent Mouse EX
Inspired by everything that made the ninja great, Thanko has created a mouse, complete with scroll wheel, that makes no sound at all. This is the perfect mouse for when you’re, er… doing whatever it is you do on the computer at night that you don’t want anyone to hear. A wireless version is also available, for those times when even the sound of the cord gives away too much.
8. Eco-Otome
These days many of Japan’s lauded high-tech toilets are equipped with a background noise function, which serves to spare the embarrassment of the user. When you’re out roughing it, though, you may have to take along the Eco-Otome, an electronic keychain device that emits a flushing sound at the touch of a button. There’s no word as of yet on a possible “now with perfume” version.
7. PuchiPuchi bubble wrap toy
Toy manufacturing giants Bandai truly outdid themselves with this marvellous creation. PuchiPuchi, named for the Japanese onomatopoeia for the sound of bubbles popping, is a keychain toy that allows you to pop bubbles endlessly. Every 100 pops, the toy will even emit a random, crazy sound effect.
6. Robotic pets
Robotic pets are big in Japan, where living space is often too limited to accommodate old fashioned, live animals. Some simply wander around, or maybe bark or meow every so often. Others provide a service, such as the super-cute Choken Bako doggie bank, which consists of a bowl, a box, and a robotic dog. When you put change in the bowl, the dog eats it up, and the change ends up in the box. Fun and functional!
5. USB gadgets
Japanese manufacturers have come up with all sorts of interesting ways to occupy those empty USB ports on your PC or laptop. If you’re experiencing temperature-related problems of any sort, the good people at Thanko have got you covered, with a range of USB gadgets including a cooling seat cushion, heated gloves, an air-conditioned shirt, and a tie with a fan in it. If a mindless diversion’s all you’re after, there are plenty of USB toys to choose from, including a replica of the titular creature from the 1979 film Alien.
4. Hello Kitty gadgets
What gadget wouldn’t benefit from having Hello Kitty on it? None, apparently, as Sanrio’s flagship character has been incorporated into just about every sort of gadget you can imagine over the years. In addition to several warehouses worth of cellular phones, alarm clocks, cameras and MP3 players, Hello Kitty has brought her special charm to a toaster (which makes toast with Kitty-chan’s face on it), a Fender Stratocaster, and even a fire extinguisher.
3. Game & Watch
The Game & Watch collection was a series of digital watches that could also play video games. Mario and Donkey Kong, among others, made early appearances on the Game & Watch. In addition to being a classic in its own right, this is the most historically significant gadget on the list in that it paved the way for Nintendo’s other portable gaming devices, from the Game Boy, to the forthcoming 3DS.
2. Bowlingual
Bowlingual, made by Takara, is a toy which analyzes a dog’s bark and translates it (or, more accurately, the emotional state it represents) into human language. It may not quite be clinically accurate, but Bowlingual is nevertheless plenty of fun. Although it’s been available for a while now, and has even been made available in other countries, Bowlingual makes the list for not only its ingenuity, but also for having inspired the adorable talking dogs in the film Up.
1. Shouting Vase
For the ultimate in stress relief, consider the Shouting Vase. This incredible invention fits over your mouth, allowing you to yell as loud as you like. What’s more, your cries are reproduced and emitted in a softer tone from the other end of the vase. Now this is what modern civilization is all about.
