
Remember Takara Tomy A.R.T.S’ punnily-named product, the Sonic Hour (“hour” sounds similar to awa, or “bubbles” in Japanese) that we introduced you to two years ago? That device created a foamy head on a glass of beer in seconds, making it the perfect present for any beer lover in Japan.
Those same beer lovers now have cause to rejoice again because this time around, the Sonic Hour is back with a handy new portable version!
To recap, the original Sonic Hour gadget created a foamy head on any beer by emitting ultrasonic waves through the bottom of the glass. You simply had to place your glass of beer on the device and watch as the foam magically appeared. The new Sonic Hour Portable version also employs sonic vibrations to achieve the same foamy effect, but instead of placing your glass on top of it, all you have to do is touch the portable device against the side of the glass.
▼ The Sonic Hour Portable-for people who like their beer head extra foamy (in other words, everyone in Japan).
▼ A closer look at the new device. By the way, it comes in your choice of blue (pictured below) or black.
▼ Watch as the foam magically appears!
Takara Tomy A.R.T.S lists its dimensions as 108×78×35 milimeters (4.25×3.1×1.4 inches), making it easy to fit inside a bag any time you’re going out.
The Sonic Hour Portable, which can be ordered online here, will officially be up for sale on March 26th for 2,900 yen (US$23.92). Isn’t that a small price to pay in return for the sheer amazement you’ll see on your coworkers’ faces the next time you all go out for drinks together?
Sources/Images: Takara Tomy Arts via Game Over



Sonic Hour: A Perfect Head of Beer at the Touch of a Button!
Enjoy the perfect glass of beer anytime, anywhere with the “Premium Beer Server GOKUREI”!
“Beer Hour” Portable Server Enjoys Heady Success
Awesome Narita Airport beer dispenser gives a perfect pour every time 【Video】
Crowdfunding opens on Japanese version of a gadget that makes any canned beer easier to drink
Train station platform ramen store closes its doors on half a century of history in Tokyo
Are Japanese convenience store sandwiches scamming us with their fillings?
7-Eleven Japan’s giant fried chicken skewer would be too big to eat, so it’s really for cuddling
Pizza Hut Japan’s new ie-kei ramen pizza is here and weird, but is it tasty too? [Taste test]
Studio Ghibli adds new Mother’s Day gift sets to its anime collection in Japan
Japan’s budget chain restaurant Saizeriya might just be the perfect first date location
Anime Industry Report shows overseas anime market is bigger than Japanese one, but is this a cultural tipping point?
Princesses, fruits, and blacksmiths: Study reveals the 30 most unusual family names in Japan
Number of foreigners living in Japan has grown 50 percent in four years, hits historic high
We asked our Japanese team of writers how they deal with seasonal allergies in Japan
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
Komachi Shokudo: Japanese mum’s-style cooking for breakfast, lunch and dinner in Tokyo
Pizza Hut Japan teams up with creator of one of the country’s best kinds of ramen for ramen pizza
The top 10 graduation songs in Japan as chosen by current Japanese high school students
Is Japan’s Crab-shaped Cup Ramen Timer worth the hype?
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
Starbucks Japan unveils new sakura Frappuccino for cherry blossom season 2026
Now is the time to visit one of Tokyo’s best off-the-beaten-path plum blossom gardens
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