
Japanese electronics maker Sharp has announced their latest product – this adorable bedside lamp that emits what they call ‘plasmacluster ions’. No, they are unfortunately not going to be the baby blue and pink beads you see drifting into the air in the illustration. However, these plasmacluster ions supposedly have anti-bacterial properties.
All you need to do is plug in your lamp and it will not only purify your air, but also improve your sleep and the condition of your skin! Now, that sounds like a good deal if it really works.
Besides the aforementioned bedside lamp, also in the lineup is a more futuristic looking plasmacluster ion generator for your ceiling. If you’re wondering what this plasmacluster ion thing is all about, Sharp has a special website dedicated to explaining their new technology in English.
If the product works as promised, it will not only disinfect your air, but also keep your room moist so you won’t wake up with dry lips or scratchy throat in the morning, even during the dry winters Japan is known for.
The Bedside Lap ‘IG-GBP1’
The bedside lamp version of the plasmacluster ion generator will sit next to you as you sleep, promising to be so quiet that you won’t even know its there. Throughout the night, the little plasmacluster ion elves will be hard at work purifying the air as well as your skin so that you can wake up to a moist, firm and clean face without effort. On top of that, the lamp itself uses sakura pink LED instead of white LED for ‘enhanced healing effects’. The lamp will be released on November 20 and can be yours for 20,000 yen (US$185).
The Ceiling Version ‘IG-GTA20’
Designed for use in the bathroom, the IG-GTA20 is meant to be attached to the ceiling. You can also put it in your room to battle the microbes and bacteria lurking on the floor and in the carpets. Similar to the bedside lamp, the ceiling plasmacluster ion generator can also function as interior lighting.
Furthermore, this generator has a sensor which turns the light on automatically whenever someone enters the room and off when it senses that no one is present. The generator also runs on a stronger mode when the light is off to produce more anti-bacterial plasmacluster ions. You can take this piece of convenient technology home for 22,000 yen ($203).
For about $200, you get to keep you room clean and bright, and even have better skin – I’m adding that bedside lamp to my Christmas wishlist!



Japan has a new cute and clever sunblock for cat lovers
Japan’s izakaya pubs closing at record pace, failing to attract foreign tourists
Kanji ice cream becomes a sell-out hit in Japan
The story of our reporter P.K. Sanjun’s heart attack
Tokyo’s life-size Gundam anime mecha statue will be removed this summer
Japan has a new cute and clever sunblock for cat lovers
Japan’s izakaya pubs closing at record pace, failing to attract foreign tourists
Kanji ice cream becomes a sell-out hit in Japan
The story of our reporter P.K. Sanjun’s heart attack
Tokyo’s life-size Gundam anime mecha statue will be removed this summer
Suspected yakuza member arrested for having frequent flyer mile account
Starbucks Japan hoping fans will go bananas for its new mottainai banana affogato Frappuccino
Starbucks Japan has a secret breakfast set…and a hack for when it sells out
This Tokyo Station sweets sensation sells out daily, but we finally got our hands on it
Do Bare Feet of a Gorilla slides really make your legs slimmer?
Ichiraku Ramen-inspired ramen sets from Naruto anime pay homage to Naruto, Sasuke, and Sakura
Hundreds of rose bushes in bloom at Tokyo’s off-the-beaten-path, next-to-the-tracks flower street
161-year-old Kyoto confectionary maker releases new edible Pokémon lineup
Studio Ghibli’s president is leaving the company. Will it change how they make anime?
7-Eleven Japan is releasing Greedy chocolate chip and whipped cream sandwiches
Let’s hike a Japanese mountain (that isn’t Mt. Fuji) – Mt. Tsukuba[Photos]
The average age of Japan’s hikikomori shut-ins is getting older, survey shows
Japan enters Golden Week vacation period, survey shows one in three plan to ride it out at home
Japan’s 5.3 million beautiful Hitachi Nemophila flowers are now in full bloom[Photos]
New Kyoto Converse sneakers celebrate Japan with traditional kimono fabrics for your feet
Japan’s new Pokémon jackets give you the look and powers of the Kanto starter trio
Japan now has gyoza doughnuts, and they taste like no other doughnut we’ve tried before
Studio Ghibli launches huge new anime movie T-shirt collection with special design details
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
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
Japan reportedly adding Japanese language skill requirement to most common foreigner work visa
Suspected yakuza member arrested for having frequent flyer mile account
Starbucks Japan hoping fans will go bananas for its new mottainai banana affogato Frappuccino
Starbucks Japan has a secret breakfast set…and a hack for when it sells out
This Tokyo Station sweets sensation sells out daily, but we finally got our hands on it
Do Bare Feet of a Gorilla slides really make your legs slimmer?
Studio Ghibli adds mini pillows and massive mats to its anime merchandise store in Japan
You’ll never win cash or prizes or cash at this Tokyo pachinko parlor, and that’s why it’s so cool
Ichiraku Ramen-inspired ramen sets from Naruto anime pay homage to Naruto, Sasuke, and Sakura
McDonald’s Japan adds curry French fry flavor, regional-taste burgers to its menu with Gotochi Mac
7-Eleven Japan adds macaroni cheese sandwiches to its convenience store food range
Super! Eel Bread takes Japanese sushi into uncharted territory
2021 Salaryman Poetry Battle showcases some dark but hilarious poems
McDonald’s Japan’s new Chiikawa Happy Meal figures are here![Photos]
Mister Donut’s beyond super soft and chewy beyond mochi mochi donuts have returned