In an earthquake-, typhoon- and Godzilla-prone country like Japan, you’ve got to think about disaster preparedness. Most people here have an emergency kit ready by the door and most offices conduct drills on responding to a disaster. The big problem is storage space. You need a lot of room when you are trying to provide food, water, first aid and physical protection to a number of people.
One company has come up with a new solution for the protection part of the equation: a simple chair that doubles as a hard hat with the simple twist of a dial.
The Mamoris, a play on mamoru or “protect”, and isu meaning “chair” in Japanese, was unveiled recently as part of Designers’ Week 2013.
When a dial in the seat of the chair is turned 90 degrees, the back detaches from the rest of the chair and is able to be used as a helmet to protect from falling glass and other items in the event of an earthquake. It has the added advantage of covering not just the head but the neck and shoulder area as well. In addition, the helmet will be easily accessible to anyone and doesn’t need special storage space.
At 1,400 grams (about 3 pounds), it has some weight to it, but the designers say with improvements to the prototype they should be able to halve that. They would also like to add a chin strap to keep the helmet fixed more firmly in place.
If you are hoping to get your hands on one of these babies for your own disaster prevention or style statement, I’m afraid it’s not yet available for sale. Designers POPLIFE and znug design are in the processes of patenting their invention, though, so you may find it in a store near you soon. Hopefully before the next big one…
▼ Toilet…
▼ Toilet… 
▼ Upside-down toilet… 
▼ HARD HAT! 
▼ …uh, nun? 
Huge lock on Japanese public toilet door is true display of kind customer service
Japanese home center emergency evacuation set could save your life, make you look like a goldfish
Studio Ghibli adds new anime tumblers to its cool streetwear brand in Japan
Starbucks Japan releases new My Fruit³ Frappuccino at only 34 stores around the country
Virtual idol Hatsune Miku redesigned with look that adds new elements and brings back old ones
This Japanese vending machine doesn’t sell drinks, but you can buy drinks through it
Mister Donut wows matcha lovers in Japan with new Dora Matcha doughnuts
Tokyo government organizes food truck event to clear out delinquent/homeless teen gathering area
Starbucks opens up new coffeehouse in traditional Japanese building near Tokyo
Princesses, fruits, and blacksmiths: Study reveals the 30 most unusual family names in Japan
Universal Studios’ Sailor Moon theme park attraction is finally coming to America
Japanese convenience store sandwiches get extra protection from new business backpack
Train station platform ramen store closes its doors on half a century of history in Tokyo
Japanese onsen egg maker from 100-yen store Daiso needs to be on your shopping list
Cherry blossoms begin blooming in Japan with record-early starts for sakura season
Studio Ghibli adds new Mother’s Day gift sets to its anime collection in Japan
The next time you’re feeling stressed out, you could relax on a Pokémon Psyduck chair from Japan
Komachi Shokudo: Japanese mum’s-style cooking for breakfast, lunch and dinner in Tokyo
When will the cherry blossoms reach full bloom in Japan this year?[Forecast]
Starbucks Japan unveils new sakura cherry blossom collection for hanami season 2026
Studio Ghibli releases Catbus pullback keychain that runs like the anime character
The 10 most annoying things foreign tourists do on Japanese trains, according to locals
Nine great places to see spring flowers in Japan, as chosen by travelers (with almost no sakura)
Starbucks Japan releases first-ever Hinamatsuri Girls’ Day Frappuccino
Japan’s cherry blossom season predicted to start earlier than we’d thought, especially in Tokyo
Survey asks foreign tourists what bothered them in Japan, more than half gave same answer
Japan’s human washing machines will go on sale to general public, demos to be held in Tokyo
Starbucks Japan releases new drinkware and goods for Valentine’s Day
We deeply regret going into this tunnel on our walk in the mountains of Japan
Studio Ghibli releases Kodama forest spirits from Princess Mononoke to light up your home
Starbucks Japan releases new sakura goods and drinkware for cherry blossom season 2026
Japan’s newest Shinkansen has no seats…or passengers [Video]
Major Japanese hotel chain says reservations via overseas booking sites may not be valid
Put sesame oil in your coffee? Japanese maker says it’s the best way to start your day【Taste test】
No more using real katana for tourism activities, Japan’s National Police Agency says