Sitting on several fault lines, Japan is no stranger to natural disasters and the havoc that ensues afterward. While these tragedies can’t be prevented, their effects can be lessened by making a disaster preparedness kit to handle several days without power or access to food and water.
A key item in these kits is usually batteries, and a Japanese company’s recent announcement about a new kind of battery is expected to completely change the way we prepare for disasters. Only needing to be filled with water, the “Mg Box” battery can be used to charge smartphones, and the invention has made the Japanese company’s stock skyrocket as investors rush to back the game-changing technology.
Furukawa Battery’s Mg Box is activated with filled with two liters of fresh water, seawater or even dirty water. It will generate electricity for about five days and can charge a smartphone up to 30 times. The box itself contains magnesium, which, when combined with water and the surrounding air, creates the charge to power up a phone when disaster strikes.
Furukawa announced last month that it will begin selling the battery for around 10,000 yen (US$93) beginning in mid-December. Since that announcement, the company’s stock has risen and almost doubled in just four days from the announcement day price of 740 yen. As of September 12, the stock price was sitting at 1,149 yen.
▼Furukawa stock price almost doubles in just four days from August 29, when they announce the water-powered Mg Box battery
Image: YouTube (ANNnewsCH)
Although a 10,000-yen disposable battery may make some consumers wary, the potential for a water-based battery has excited the business world as well as some local governments in Japan in Northeastern Japan who very much remember the days and months spent without power after the 2011 disaster. A mayor in hard-hit Fukushima Prefecture said that the battery could “ease people’s minds” after a disaster if they are still able to communicate with a fully charged phone. And considering the issues a certain major electric company had with its power during that difficult time, this innovative battery could definitely come in handy in disaster zones.
Feature image: YouTube (ANNnewsCH)
Source: Livedoor News, Yomiuri Shimbun
Japanese quality! Antique 70-year-old battery still works great to power a modern calculator
Mobile battery fire breaks out on Tokyo’s main commuter line
Charge up your phone with the power of a portable cat battery from Japan
Tokyo police department’s disaster safety tip: How to make a lantern using a bottle of water
Tokyo Electric Power Company airs first commercial since Fukushima disaster, creates new mascot
Starbucks Japan releases new My Fruit³ Frappuccino at only 34 stores around the country
The next time you’re feeling stressed out, you could relax on a Pokémon Psyduck chair from Japan
Japanese government says country needs more women’s room toilets to meet modern society’s needs
Train station platform ramen store closes its doors on half a century of history in Tokyo
Cherry blossoms begin blooming in Japan with record-early starts for sakura season
McDonald’s Japan celebrates spring with… a Strawberry Shortcake Pie?!?
Are Japanese convenience store sandwiches scamming us with their fillings?
We asked our Japanese team of writers how they deal with seasonal allergies in Japan
All-you-can-eat Häagen Dazs among 200 other frozen foods at Osaka’s Chin! Suru Restaurant【Pics】
Japanese teen offers to catch purse snatcher for elderly woman, but is actually helping rob her
Studio Ghibli releases Catbus pullback keychain that runs like the anime character
Nine great places to see spring flowers in Japan, as chosen by travelers (with almost no sakura)
Starbucks Japan opens new cafe and art gallery in top Tokyo tourist neighbourhood
Virtual idol Hatsune Miku redesigned with look that adds new elements and brings back old ones
Studio Ghibli adds new Mother’s Day gift sets to its anime collection in Japan
Komachi Shokudo: Japanese mum’s-style cooking for breakfast, lunch and dinner in Tokyo
The top 10 graduation songs in Japan as chosen by current Japanese high school students
Pizza Hut Japan teams up with creator of one of the country’s best kinds of ramen for ramen pizza
Starbucks Japan unveils new sakura cherry blossom collection for hanami season 2026
Starbucks Japan releases new sakura goods and drinkware for cherry blossom season 2026
The 10 most annoying things foreign tourists do on Japanese trains, according to locals
Naruto and Converse team up for new line of shinobi sneakers[Photos]
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
Starbucks Japan releases a new Cream Puff Frappuccino for a limited time
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
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
Modern Japanese kokeshi dolls are both beautiful interior items and useful emergency tools
New Cup Noodle Rolling Stock automatically resupplies you with ramen for disaster preparedness
Japanese company develops new lithium-ion battery that promises amazing capacities
3.11 survivors share what items they really needed during the aftermath of the disaster
Japanese government plans removal of around 2,485 miles’ worth of overhead power lines
15 years after Tohoku tsunami, Japan’s free disaster phone message number is important to remember
Japanese airlines, including JAL and ANA, enacting new mobile battery carry-on rules this month
Japanese Twitter calls out crazy bottled water claims, gets us thinking about what we’re drinking
Amazing Japanese cup stirs your drinks for you, needs no batteries or charging【Videos】
Following powerful earthquake in northern Japan, all Hokkaido payphones are now free to use
Japanese research institute creates ‘cyborg cockroaches’ to help save people’s lives【Video】
Japanese beef bowl chain Yoshinoya releases new canned, ready-to-eat rice bowls 【Taste Test】