Coolest New Inventions from Japan(1)

(Image courtesy of BusinessWeek)

Coolest New Inventions from Japan

Japan's 'Idea Products'
In Japan they are called aidea shohin ("idea products" ), unusual gadgets that would be convenient to own but not practical enough for most retailers to sell in Japanese stores. Although some people might call them pointless, these idea products are popular among Japanese consumers shopping online or via catalogs and TV. And that's a big business: According to the daily Nikkei newspaper, home shopping grew 10 percent last year, to $86 billion. That's bigger than the sales at either convenience stores or department stores. Here are some examples of the latest idea products.

1.)

Mattress with a Built-In Fan (Image courtesy of BusinessWeek)

Mattress With a Built-In Fan
Manufacturer: Kuchofuku
Price: $300
http://www.9229.co.jp or http://www.rakuten.co.jp/pc2b

A good night's sleep during the Japanese summer often means using the air conditioner. The Fumin is a low-cost, more environmentally sound alternative. Produced by a clothing maker Kuchofuku, the $300 Fumin ("wind-sleep") includes a built-in fan at the foot of the mattress. Running it eight hours every night costs about 30 cents a month.

2.)

Computer-Heated Lunch Box (Image courtesy of BusinessWeek)

Computer-Heated Lunch Box
Manufacturer: Thanko
Price: $20
http://www.thanko.jp

Many Japanese workers take a prepared bento (lunch box) with them to the office. Typically consisting of steamed rice and side dishes, bento can be economical and appetizing. One challenge, though, is keeping the food warm. Thanko, an innovative gadget shop in Akihabara, Tokyo's premier electronics district, may have the answer: a heated lunch box that plugs into a PC's USB port.

3.)

Security-Enhanced Personalized Stamp (Image courtesy of BusinessWeek)


Security-Enhanced Personalized Stamp

Manufacturer: Mitsubishi Pencil
Price: $220
http://www.mpuni.co.jp/product/category/stamps/dialbank/index.html

Westerners usually sign contracts or other important documents in ink, but Japanese traditionally prefer an engraved stamp called a hanko. One concern, though, is that the stamped signature, usually the owner's name, can be easily forged. Mitsubishi Pencil's Dial Bank Seal alleviates the risk of fraud by adding a two-digit dial that creates a series of marks around the printed name, making it difficult for an unauthorized person to copy someone's stamp. It also wards against theft by requiring a code to be entered before use.

4.)

Safety Socks (Image courtesy of BusinessWeek)

Safety Socks
Manufacturer: Pearl Star
Price: $17
http://corporation-pearlstar.com/

Developed by sock manufacturer Pearl Star and Hiroshima University, Tento Boshi ("Fall Prevention") socks help keep you on your feet by encouraging the toes to point upwards. The socks won an outstanding performance award in a 2007 competition sponsored by the Japan Rehabilitation Engineering Association.

5.)


Tap-Controlled Touch Screen Camera (Image courtesy of BusinessWeek)

Tap-Controlled Touch-Screen Camera
Manufacturer: Olympus
Price: $461
http://www.olympusamerica.com/cpg_section/product.asp?product=1448

Camera maker Olympus markets its tap-controlled Stylus Tough-8000 camera as a tool for extreme conditions. Shockproof, waterproof and freezeproof, it is "virtually indestructible," the maker claims. In Japan, though, where it is sold as the mju-Tough 8000, its tap-control system (the camera's functions are controlled by tapping or tipping the camera body) is winning plaudits for enabling people with long nails to use the camera easily.

original link: http://tech.msn.com/products/slideshow.aspx?cp-documentid=22549460