The “Fantastick” Mr. Jonas is a real keeper!
If you’ve ever lost an umbrella (is there anyone who hasn’t?), then you’ll be able to understand immediately what a boon this “smart umbrella” really is.
The digital accessories company Fantastick is releasing the world’s first smart umbrella on August 8, 2016 and it can be yours for the low, low price of 10,778 yen (about US$105).
“$105? For a single umbrella? Why, I could buy 5 umbrellas for that price!” is what you must be thinking, and you would probably be right. Consider, though, why you might need to buy 5 umbrellas instead of just using the same one for the rest of your life (or until it outlives its usefulness). In 2014, Sunnycomb, a weather-related blog, conducted a “Global Umbrella Survey” and found that on average, people lose roughly 3 to 5 umbrellas throughout the course of their lifetime.
▼ The need for a smart umbrella might be more applicable to men…
Since these stats say you are pretty likely to end up spending about $100 on umbrellas anyway, you might as well have one that’s totally cool, and Jonas promises to stay by your side forever.
Once you’ve installed the associated app and connected Jonas to your smartphone via Bluetooth, he will let you know if you’ve been cruel enough to leave him behind by sending an alert to your phone. It also works in reverse; if you leave your smartphone behind, Jonas will vibrate and notify you with an alarm.
▼Left Jonas behind? He won’t let you get too far without him!
Jonas does more than just keep you out of the lost-and-found. The umbrella downloads the weekly weather forecast so that one look at Jonas before you head out the door will help you decide whether he needs to come along. You’ll also get incoming call, message, and email alerts from your smartphone through the umbrella!
Not only is Jonas a handsome lad, he’s classy too. Made of a premium pongee cloth, an aluminum handle, and available in an array of sophisticated colors, Jonas gets his juice from 4 AAA batteries.
If you are ready to make a lifelong commitment to one umbrella and one umbrella only, you can pick one up at the official Fantastick store or pre-order online at MiNDEPA.
Check out the video below to find out more!
Fantastick
Address: 4 Chome-29-7 Jingūmae, Shibuya-ku, Tōkyō-to 150-0001
東京都渋谷区神宮前4-29-7 原宿V-1ビル１
Hours: 11 a.m. – 8 p.m.
Website
Tokyo considering law requiring more trash cans following litter increase in heavily touristed area
We visit a Muji in South Korea to search for some uniquely Korean products
Pocky recall issued in Japan after customers notice off-the-mark taste caused by unintended smells
Sanrio theme park in Japan announces plans to expand into a Sanrio resort
Osaka teen arrested for hacking into Internet cafe’s app to steal data, was helped by Chat-GPT
Tokyo considering law requiring more trash cans following litter increase in heavily touristed area
We visit a Muji in South Korea to search for some uniquely Korean products
Pocky recall issued in Japan after customers notice off-the-mark taste caused by unintended smells
Sanrio theme park in Japan announces plans to expand into a Sanrio resort
Osaka teen arrested for hacking into Internet cafe’s app to steal data, was helped by Chat-GPT
What’s at the top of this giant escalator in Japan?
This overlooked neighborhood east of Tokyo is awesome in many ways, left us with just one regret
What’s inside the McDonald’s Japan fukubukuro lucky bag for 2026?
Japan’s first hotel with a human washing machine is now ready for you to come and bathe in it
Uniqlo Ukiyo-e Blue T-shirts: A cool-hued reinterpretation of some of Japan’s greatest paintings
Nintendo’s Kirby now delivering orders at Kura Sushi restaurants, but not in Japan
Stamina-destroying “Paralysis Noodles” are Tokyo’s newest over-the-top ramen innovation
Japan considering raising international traveler departure tax even more than previously reported
Is China’s don’t-go-to-Japan warning affecting tourist crowds in Shibuya’s Don Quijote?
China’s don’t-go-to-Japan warning seems to be affecting Osaka’s Namba and Dotonbori neighborhoods
Japan’s EF English Proficiency Index rank drops for 11th straight year, hits lowest ever
Chinese government’s don’t-go-to-Japan warning has heartwarming non-effect on Yokohama Chinatown
KFC Japan opens a Christmas restaurant in Tokyo…but why???
Studio Ghibli adds new Kiki’s Delivery Service music box to its anime merchandise shop in Japan
Japan’s human washing machines will go on sale to general public, demos to be held in Tokyo
Starbucks Japan unveils new Christmas goods and a rhinestone tumbler that costs 19,500 yen
Real-world Nausicaa Ghibli anime glider completes its final flight in Japan【Video】
Japanese train company is letting fans buy its actual ticket gates for their homes
Is China’s don’t-go-to-Japan warning affecting tourist crowds in Tokyo’s Asakusa neighborhood?
The 10 best day trips from downtown Tokyo【Survey】
Brand-new Pokémon park opens in Japan with larger-than-life-size Lapras【Photos】
Japanese government considering tripling departure taxes to combat overtourism
Starbucks Japan unveils the new Soupuccino
Survey asks foreign tourists what bothered them in Japan, more than half gave same answer
Japan’s deadliest food claims more victims, but why do people keep eating it for New Year’s?
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
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】
The top 10 annoying foreign tourist behaviors on trains, as chosen by Japanese people【Survey】
No more using real katana for tourism activities, Japan’s National Police Agency says
Starbucks Japan reveals new sakura drinkware collection, inspired by evening cherry blossoms
What’s at the top of this giant escalator in Japan?
This overlooked neighborhood east of Tokyo is awesome in many ways, left us with just one regret
What’s inside the McDonald’s Japan fukubukuro lucky bag for 2026?
Japan’s first hotel with a human washing machine is now ready for you to come and bathe in it
Uniqlo Ukiyo-e Blue T-shirts: A cool-hued reinterpretation of some of Japan’s greatest paintings
Seiko makes limited number of Godzilla watches for 65th anniversary
The 5 best Japanese bento to buy at Kyoto Station
Giant Clodsire Pokémon plushie comes with up to 32 Woopers in super size, super cute set【Pics】
Video claims that if you can read a certain font, you are probably not Japanese【Video】
Stamina-destroying “Paralysis Noodles” are Tokyo’s newest over-the-top ramen innovation
Bandai to release life-like posable plastic figures to help you draw “realistic” epic poses
Japan’s Top 10 Scenic Train Trips–according to two “densha otaku” train guides
Studio Ghibli’s truck from My Neighbour Totoro now available as die-cast Takara Tomy car
Leave a Reply