Imaginative and Ingenious Inventions
Compiled a list of interesting Japanese innovations from the BBC website
Japanese Men Lap Up New Comfort
http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/asia-pacific/4092345.stm
“Japanese men without a shoulder to cry on this Christmas are being offered a woman's lap - made out of foam - to rest on instead. The "lap pillow", shaped like the bottom half of a kneeling woman, is selling for about 9,429 yen ($90).”
Boyfriend Pillow for Japan Singles
http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/asia-pacific/3699516.stm
“Japan's single women are being offered the ultimate sleeping partner - a comfort to cuddle up to, but one which does not snore or make demands.”
Japan Marks Beloved Wives’ Day
http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/asia-pacific/4664734.stm
“A group of Japanese husbands keen to improve their marriages have declared Tuesday to be Beloved Wives Day. The Japan Doting Husbands Association is urging men to be home early - by eight o'clock - this evening and express their gratitude to their wives.
The group has also come up with five golden rules, like calling one's wife by her name rather than grunting, and looking into her eyes when talking.”
Japanese Bean Plants Sprout Messages
http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/asia-pacific/4209571.stm
“Ever wanted to say "I love you" and never found the words? Well now you can buy a plant that says it for you. Two Japanese manufacturers, toy makers Tomy and Takara, have both produced bean plants which sprout to reveal a special message.”
Japan Goes Barking Mad for Dog Toy
http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/business/2285509.stm
“A computerised gadget to help canine owners make more sense of doggy noises has been an immediate hit in Japan.”
Japan Invents “Cat Chat” Device
http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/asia-pacific/3395505.stm
“Ever wondered what your cat is trying to tell you? A Japanese company hopes to solve this conundrum with a new toy that seeks to interpret your pet's meows.”
Japanese Develop Female Android
http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/science/nature/4714135.stm
“Japanese scientists have unveiled the most human-looking robot yet - a "female" android named Repliee Q1Expo. She has flexible silicone for skin rather than hard plastic, and a number of sensors and motors to allow her to turn and react in a human-like manner.”
Japan Invents the Gadget of Your Dreams
http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/asia-pacific/3395505.stm
“A Japanese company has invented a product which, it says, allows owners to create their own dreams.”
Japan Laps Up “Lucky” Kit Kats
http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/asia-pacific/4230471.stm
“Students in Japan have reportedly caused sales of Kit Kat bars to soar, by adopting them as lucky charms.”
Spray-On Stocking Enthrall Japan
http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/asia-pacific/3043998.stm
“Japan's cash registers are being kept busy with sales of the latest wonder product - a spray-on silk stocking that could mean women will never again have to worry about runs in their stockings.”
