Japan, the land of the rising sun, is world-reknowned for its technological prowess. It’s no secret that Japanese always try to come up with some new gadgets and devices that would make our life easier (or more difficult). They have some of the most advanced robotics in the whole world, and are reknowned for their public transportation capabilities.
While these are useful and important technologies, Japanese inventors often take things in weird directions, creating things either extremely specific or extremely wacky.
Below is a collection of some of ingenious Japanese inventions from the end of the past millennium that never became quite popular.
1. Special Cost-Effective 360-Degree Panoramic Camera
Speaking of ridiculous head accoutrements, here is another one to consider. Taking panoramic shots that stitch together well was one of the perennial problems of photography. But thanks to one ingenious Japanese individual, it isn’t anymore, or so he thought.
Anything this camera purports to be able to do, like shoot panoramic photos and/or interactive 360 photos, can now be done by any mobile phone running the relevant application. But until one can stick a mobile phone to his head in the name of fashion, this 360 halo camera has a slight edge as a fashion statement.
2. Useful 10-in-1 Tool Kit for Gardening
A giant Swiss Army knife for any acolyte of Alan Titchmarsh. There’s a shovel, rake, pickaxe and trowel amongst other things. Gardeners complain about bad backs all the time – they’ll probably be rushed in to the ER with a slipped disc after this thing.
3. Ear Enhancer
Somethings should only be used for one thing. Bowls, for example. They should be used only to hold things in… not to enhance hearing in weird ways!
This Japanese invention is called the Ear Enhancer. It was made with what looks like bowls to enhance your range and accuracy of hearing. To many, it has actually worked and doesn’t seem like much at all.
4. Rain Water Collection Device
Those unfortunate enough to live in areas that have limited access to water will appreciate this one. It is an upside down umbrella; the purpose of which is to collect rain water. It is hooked up to a bag that’s designed to hold the collected water.
It’s a somewhat good idea. Except for the possibility that consuming the water collected might be less than hygienic, considering the many pollutants that might have drifted along with it. Also, bottled water would be galactically more convenient than having to lug around a bag of rain water.
5. Shoe Protectors for Rain
Some people love their shoes so much that they will do anything to protect them. This has spawned a whole market of shoe protective novelties like plastic bags that can wrap around the shoe and the like. This novelty below was designed for the same purpose.
One would be wrong in thinking, however, that those mini umbrellas can be hooked up to just any shoe; as it happens, they come with this pair, and are affixed to it. It’s a fashion statement and not a solution to anything. So it doesn’t really solve the problem that a good pair of boots can.
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