
An online retailer offers stylish new coil stands to keep insects out of your barbecue and impress friends at the same time.
We’re gradually closing in on barbecue season here in Japan, which means two things: Delicious grilled meat and vegetables eaten under the stars, and, holy crap, just so, so many mosquitoes.
When it comes to warding off said pests, you have a few options. You could give a buddy a beer or two in exchange for running around like an idiot, swatting wildly at the air. You could eat indoors, which, in summer, is, frankly, for chumps. Or, you could employ a number of ingenious Japanese devices to repel those bloodsucking bastards.
When it comes to that last option, the most low-tech, traditional way to do it is to haphazardly place a mosquito-repellent coil on a table somewhere and light it up like a stick of incense. The smoke contains a few ingredients that mosquitoes apparently don’t find particularly appealing and, the thinking goes, the coil will keep the insects out of your barbecues space and, thus, away from your precious blood supply.
But, why just throw one of the things just wherever when you could impress friends with one of these new stylish and cute coil stands, a few of which are designed to look like adorable, tiny little grills? Your friends will either be wildly impressed with your barbecue apparatus coordinating efforts or be mildly annoyed at how much disposable income you’re throwing around.
The Smile Family Concept Shop over at online retailer Rakuten is offering these various stands for home delivery (if you live in Japan, of course), and they’re all pretty rad; from nautical themes to wabi-sabi inspired Japanese designs to, of course, cats. Putting on a good barbecue during the summer is an event that transcends cultures, so busting out one of these coil stands or grills is a great way to host friends, family and complete strangers all over the world.
Want to get your hands on one of these? Most models retail for just North of 2,000 yen (US$18), which is a steal considering how many ruined barbecues and possible exotic diseases they’ll help you avoid. If you live in Japan or have a Japanese friend open to bribes, you can place an order through this link.




Cosplay mosquito repellent? Japan’s new magical-armor-style accessory protects you from bugs
Can putting a giant dragonfly on your head repel bugs?
As summer comes to an end, it’s time to get ready for a plague of mosquitoes in Japan
10 tips to help you survive the Japanese summer
Japan’s real-world Pokémon hot spring’s first photos are here![Photos]
Tokyo restaurant offers lunches for less than 1 U.S. cent…if you’re good enough at rock-paper-scissors
Two new Sailor Moon art manhole covers are coming to Usagi’s real-world Tokyo neighborhood
What makes the Starbucks Japan chocolate terrine so popular?
Same name tops lists of most popular dog and cat names in Japan, and there’s probably a reason why
Krispy Kreme releases new limited-edition fox doughnuts at only four stores in Japan
KFC Japan’s “The American Burgers” include a pile of guilt
Gundam teams up with 300-year-old daruma maker for wood-carved anime mecha figures[Photos]
Government says 5.7 trillion yen of Japanese media was pirated last year, thinks AI could help
Pizza Hut Japan’s drinkable curry pizza is here – Is it all we dreamed it would be?[Taste test]
Tokyo’s new extra-expensive ramen restaurant is dividing opinions, so we tried a bowl
Japan’s izakaya pubs closing at record pace, failing to attract foreign tourists
Japan has a new cute and clever sunblock for cat lovers
Japanese temple burns to the ground, fire burning inside for 1,200 years unharmed
Japan’s instant ramen snack theme park features an athletic course even adults can enjoy
Krispy Kreme Japan is bringing two special donuts to the most-forgotten big city in the country
Tokyo’s life-size Gundam anime mecha statue will be removed this summer
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
Ichiraku Ramen-inspired ramen sets from Naruto anime pay homage to Naruto, Sasuke, and Sakura
Kanji ice cream becomes a sell-out hit in Japan
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 releases new anime keychains that are like miniature figurines
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
Japan’s 5.3 million beautiful Hitachi Nemophila flowers are now in full bloom[Photos]