
When traditional Japan is a huge turn-on.
The Japanese government’s “Cool Japan” strategy has been criticised as a flop in recent years, but now it looks like there’s something to get us hard for the initiative once again.
It’s all thanks to a new line of condoms from Japanese maker Okamoto, which is said to combine the cool aesthetics of traditional Japanese ukiyoe art with the latest modern technology.
The new Design Range, as it’s being called, has been created with inbound tourists in mind, especially those who will be travelling here for the 2020 Olympics. And because traditional culture like ukiyoe is popular with overseas tourists, why not bring these artworks to the art of lovemaking and print them on the sheath?
▼ My, what a big wave you have!
The new ukiyoe designs are part of a yet-to-be-revealed range created in collaboration with Tokyo’s iconic Condomania condom store, which will be stocking the collection from this summer. And if ukiyoe doesn’t rock your boat, the good news is that the Design Range can be custom-made with any original design you like on the condom, which means you can show your love for the condom shop who sold them to you…
▼ Or use them to celebrate special days like birthdays and Halloween.
Okamoto will also be launching another new product this summer, as part of their Zero Zero Three (003) brand. The VivaGel condom is a world-first, as it’s the only condom that incorporates the SPL7013 microbicide which has been proven in laboratory studies to inactivate up to 99.9 percent of HIV, HSV and HPV.
▼ The first condom with antiviral coating in Japan will be sold in packs of ten for 2,000 yen (US$18.53).
While prices for the Design Range are yet to be announced, the VivaGel condom will be available in stores around the country from 10 October, with test marketing commencing in June.
Here’s hoping Okamoto continues to push forward with new ideas in the lead-up to the Olympics, and if they’re looking to continue with the Cool Japan initiative, they might want to take another look at making their voice-activated condom-dispensing belt a reality for customers.
Source, images: PR Times
● Want to hear about SoraNews24’s latest articles as soon as they’re published? Follow us on Facebook and Twitter!







Ramen restaurant’s English menu prices are nearly double its Japanese ones, denies discriminating
The etiquette rules for visiting Shinto shrines in Japan
The new product for all Japanese men who wish they were little girls
Our 52-year-old pole dancing reporter shares his tips for achieving your New Year’s exercise goal
These creative, fanciful post boxes from Japan will delight you in so many ways【Photos】
Ramen restaurant’s English menu prices are nearly double its Japanese ones, denies discriminating
The etiquette rules for visiting Shinto shrines in Japan
The new product for all Japanese men who wish they were little girls
Our 52-year-old pole dancing reporter shares his tips for achieving your New Year’s exercise goal
These creative, fanciful post boxes from Japan will delight you in so many ways【Photos】
Starbucks unveils new Valentine’s Day Frappuccino in Japan
What’s inside Starbucks Japan’s fukubukuro lucky bag for 2026?
Put down the soy sauce! We try a new “expert” way to season your sushi【Taste test】
Bamboo trees vandalized near Kyoto’s Fushimi Inari shrine, foreign graffiti prevalent
Shikadamari: The Nara deer summer gathering phenomenon that baffles visitors every year
10 times to avoid traveling in Japan in 2026
Japanese beef bowl chain Sukiya’s 2026 Smile Box lucky bag basically pays for itself
Top Japanese cosplayer Enako returns to Comiket after 6 years, creates mayhem with admirers
Cup Noodle tries an authentic Jiro-style ramen, but something’s not quite right
Hayao Miyazaki says Happy New Year to Studio Ghibli fans with new art for Year of the Horse
Starbucks Japan ready to get Year of the Horse started with adorable drinkware and plushies【Pics】
Umamusume anime girl plushie recalled for having parts she absolutely should not have【Pics】
We ate sushi made from Japan’s most expensive tuna ever【Taste test】
7-Eleven Japan starts new temporary luggage storage service in over 300 branches
Disillusionment at Tsukiji’s tourist-target prices led us to a great ramen restaurant in Tokyo
Starbucks teams up with 166-year-old Kyoto doll maker for Year of the Horse decorations【Photos】
Tokyo’s Tsukiji sushi neighborhood asks tour groups to stay away for the rest of the month
Japan may add Japanese language proficiency, lifestyle classes to permanent foreign resident requirements
Lacquerware supplier to emperor of Japan and Pokémon team up for new tableware
Starbucks Japan releases new zodiac chilled cup drink for 2026
Tokyo considering law requiring more trash cans following litter increase in heavily touristed area
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
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】
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
Updated cherry blossom forecast shows extra-long sakura season for Japan this year
Human washing machine pods coming to Japanese hotels【Photos】
Starbucks unveils new Valentine’s Day Frappuccino in Japan
What’s inside Starbucks Japan’s fukubukuro lucky bag for 2026?
Put down the soy sauce! We try a new “expert” way to season your sushi【Taste test】
Bamboo trees vandalized near Kyoto’s Fushimi Inari shrine, foreign graffiti prevalent
Shikadamari: The Nara deer summer gathering phenomenon that baffles visitors every year
The importance of “aisatsu”: Why people shout “Good morning!” in Japanese offices
Donations pouring in from foreign Uma Musume fans for Japan’s real-life loveable loser racehorse
Coming of Age Ceremonies in Tokyo changing form due to COVID-19 State of Emergency
Iron flavoured traditional Japanese candy is a thing, and you bet we tried it
Pokémon Eevee evolves into Japanese convenience store sweets with exclusive merch giveaway【Pics】
Station of despair: What to do if you get stuck at the end of Tokyo’s Chuo Rapid Line
Japanese vending machine mecca: Around 100 rare retro machines await you at this unusual location
Starbucks Japan releases new Frappuccino and latte for Valentine’s Day
【Lucky Bag Roundup 2018】Celebrate the Year of the Dog with Village Vanguard’s “Cat Lucky Bag 2”
Leave a Reply