Category — Japan

Is this a salary man looking to work off some pressure? Who cares, he’s working those arms and legs off to bring you (and himself) two full minutes of joy.

(Is that his manga collection in the background?)
Via Urlesque

Technorati Tags: entertainment, Japan, Japanese, Japanese pop

Tokyo Mango finds cat-loving Tokyoite, Takako Iwasa, who created Versailles-themed and other costumes for her white cat. Isn’t this like putting clothes on top of a fur coat?!

Via TokyoMango

Technorati Tags: cat cosplay, cosplay, fashion, Japan, pets

We love the direction Japanese technology is heading with this prototype chair for the elderly. It uses a bed of air cushions and air-hockey-like jetstreams to hover above the ground and transport its elderly occupants.

It has a weight capacity of up to 330 pounds – suitable for sumos (with a larger chair we guess) and probably the majority of the (larger) western world. The chair isn’t ready for production yet since it doesn’t work on carpet or Japanese mats, but then we still have a few decades to wait.

Read more on Switched

Technorati Tags: gadgets, hoverchair, hovercraft chair, Japan, Japanese technology

In the vein of Jackass and other people who create entertainment by coming up with quirky urban activities, these guys from Japan created the Kyoto Ghetto Olympics. Though we’re underwhelmed with the skill on show, its amusing to see the guys bat a shuttlecock across a rail crossing and slide themselves on an inflatable along a slippery wall.

Via Urlesque

Technorati Tags: entertainment, Japan, humour, Kyoto Ghetto Olympics

Anyone who fancies themselves as a ninja can slip on a pair of these Ikitabi concept slippers. They’re designed by Paris-based Chikako Inoue and are based on traditional Japanese slippers or tabi and add rubber soles for greater comfort and flexibility.

Traditional Kohaze & Kakeito hook and eye fasteners are adjustable at the opening of the boot, with two different settings to ensure a comfortable and supportive fit. Rubber soles give a unique barefoot feel, both non-slip and ergonomic and they provide arch support and ground hugging comfort making Ikitabi a great walking boot. The sole design is even patented.

From Oki-ni

Technorati Tags: Chikako Inoue, fashion, Ikitabi, Japan, martial arts, ninja slippers, Kohaze & Kakeito, shoes, tabi

This video seems to have been shot and reflected along the horizontal half way point to present a seemingly gentle ride along one of Tokyo’s trains.

Thanks Stefan.

Technorati Tags: Japan, night landscapes, night video, Tokyo, Tokyo train ride, video

Whilst we’ve featured Samurai Sword Umbrellas before, these premium “Kasana” umbrellas, based on the Katana or Samurai sword, come with a forged steel handle and guard and a hefty price tag to match.

However, they’re crafted by the Japanese Katana masters of Gifu-Ken and assembled in Tokyo, so they’re apparently a true piece of art as well as a useful tool to protect from rain.

If the Kasana is a little too big to be practical, then you can opt for the Kasana Mini…

Check out the Samurai Umbrella on the True Beyond Design website, who are the exclusive online distributor of Kasana products.

Technorati Tags: gadgets, Japan, Kasana, Katana, martial arts, Samurai sword, Samurai Sword Umbrellas, umbrella

Fashion designer Kosuke Tsumura creates knitted art pieces by masterfully coiling the wires, cables, plugs and small gadgets together. Whilst we’re just about able to wrap our extension leads away for storage, Tsumura is a little more adept at creative-looking sculptures.

Via Japan Trends

Technorati Tags: art, cable art, Japan, Kosuke Tsumura

Ever since visiting the TOTO showroom in Tokyo (hi-tech toilets recommended in our guide book!), we’ve been noticing the brand in practically all the toilets in East Asia. Well, it seems TOTO marketing knows no bounds resulting in a toilet robot action figure, created to promote their latest product.

Apparently, it’s capable of pre-programmed speech. We’ve wondering if that comes gurgle-accented..

Via Ubergizmo

Technorati Tags: gadgets, Japan, toilet robot action figure, TOTO, toys

The Selby shoots Tatsuhiko “Ryu” Akashi at the Medicom Toy Office in Tokyo. Check the link below for a visual insight into the life of a Japanese toy company.

Medicom Toy Office by The Selby

Technorati Tags: Medicom, photography, Tatsuhiko “Ryu” Akashi, Tokyo, toys