In a joint effort between NHK and the National Museum of Nature and Science in Tokyo, an international team of scientists was assembled in a quest to be the first to photograph the elusive giant squid in its natural habitat. Their search was made into an NHK special documentary titled, “World’s first photographing! Deep sea giant squid” and was broadcasted in Japan this past January. After its airing, giant squids quickly became a popular topic of conversation among viewers.
In celebration of the documentary’s success, NHK has created a line of giant squid goods. From smartphone cases to squid ink cookies to pencil pouches in the shape of giant squid, there are almost too many tentacles for sale.
NHK is offering some especially bizarre goods like this light up squid eyeball key chain:
This giant squid plush toy is actually kind of cute. Of course if you actually came face-to-face with a giant squid, you’d be scared out of your mind, but the stuffed version is so cuddly! And what a steal at 2,835 yen (US$28.58).
The giant squid goods will only be on sale from July 6 until October 6 in the special deep sea exhibition at the National Museum of Nature and Science in Ueno Park, Tokyo. The movie version of the NHK documentary will be released on August 17. Could this be the summer of the giant squid?
▼ Giant squid pencil pouch, 1,522 yen (US$15.34)
▼ Pencil set, 300 yen (US$3.02)
▼ Giant squid pen, 1,200 yen (US$12.10)
[ Read in Japanese ]