Cheap joke item could lead to gruesome disfigurement thanks to terrifying packaging snafu.
100-yen stores
Japan is a country of violent storms and seismic activities, but also amazing discount retailers that can help you deal with natural disasters.
You may think you don’t need such a frivolous item, but we’re here to tell you that you do.
As a kid, I loved Halloween. My brother and I would go all out decorating the house with tombstones, cobwebs, and corpses made out of old clothes stuffed with newspapers. Plus, how can you not like a holiday that gives you not only free candy, but an excuse to stay up past your bedtime eating it too?
So I’ve been happy to see how whole-heartedly Japan has been embracing Halloween, which each year seems to get bigger and bigger here. Some neighborhood shopping arcades have started inviting trick-or-treaters and passing out candy, and there are now multiple costume parades in the Tokyo area. As a matter of fact, Japan is so psyched for Halloween this year that stores started selling decorations in August.
Good things come in small packages, right?
The new “hair-drying glove” (ヘアドライ手袋) being sold at Japan’s Daiso chain of 100-yen shops is currently plastered everywhere on Japanese social media, and for good reason–it’s a simple but extremely effective and convenient way to dry your hair!
If you’ve had the pleasure of shopping at Daiso, you know Japan’s biggest chain of 100-yen stores sells just about everything. An array of kitchenware, school and office supplies, and even basic articles of clothing such as underwear, neckties, and belts can all be yours for just 100 yen (US$0.84) each.
Daiso even sells food and beverages, with seasonings, snacks, and soft drinks lining the shelves. This is common knowledge among thrifty shoppers looking for a cheap place to stock up on snacks, but if you’re searching for something stiffer than a bottle of tea or cola, a trip to the convenience or liquor store is still in order, right?
Not necessarily, as we recently discovered that some Daiso branches now sell wine. As big of a surprise as that was, we were in for an even bigger one once we poured ourselves a glass, because it’s actually pretty good.
Even with one of the most outspokenly pessimistic presidents in the business world, Japan’s Daiso 100-yen shops are one of the most successful chains in the country. Walk into any branch, and you’ll see a huge mix of demographics among the customer base, including starving students, newlyweds setting up their own household, and thrifty families.
But while Daiso’s huge product selection gives it a wide appeal, it’s usually not the first stop for fashionable young ladies who’re looking for trendy accessories. So it’s been a surprise for the chain’s managers that since November, women have been snapping up Daiso-brand wristwatches like they’re designer timepieces, even though they’re dirt-cheap at just 108 yen (US $0.92) after tax.
An important part of business leadership is being able to walk that fine line between optimism and realism. It’s important to recognize the organization’s flaws, but if employees see the boss panicking, they’re likely to follow suit. A capable leader needs a certain amount of swagger, with the ability to convince those under him that there’s a way for the company to turn all of its crises into opportunities.
Or, there’s the tactic adopted by the head of one of Japan’s largest chain of 100-yen stores, which is to wear that uneasiness on your fear-sweat-drenched sleeve, telling everyone associated with your business that they should brace for disaster.
MOST POPULAR
Now
Japanese artists jump onto the sexy Bowsette Super Mario meme in a huge way【Illustrations】
Japanese woman’s perfect answer when man calls her office and asks “What color are your panties?”
We investigate the rumors that our writers appeared in an instant rice commercial
Want to French kiss anime Joan of Arc and drink her spit? New beverage lets you do just that
Awesome phone booth aquarium removed from Japanese city due to copyright infringement
Pikachu and Eevee will give YOU hugs with these awesomely adorable new Pokémon pillows
Japanese Twitter shares the funniest “mysterious Japanese” that they’ve heard from foreigners
Daughter of Osamu Tezuka, God of Manga, discovers his stash of hand-drawn sexy mouse artwork
10 +1 Japanese-Style Fonts For Typing English That Will Confuse Your Friends
Enter the dark world of anime and manga urban legends
Weekly
Japanese Twitter users shocked to learn how much The Simpsons voice actors get paid
U.S. soldier’s failed attempt to give Japanese policemen some cool drinks melts Internet’s heart
Furious itasha owner turns his anime car into a literally painful trap of spikes after trip to Daiso
Awesome Tokyo restaurant caps diners’ dinner price, and after that anything you order is free!- Japanese artists jump onto the sexy Bowsette Super Mario meme in a huge way【Illustrations】
The beautiful models and awesome booths of Tokyo Game Show 2018【Photos】
We ate “pizza-buns” from four different Japanese convenience stores to find which reigns supreme
Are Japan’s sexy anime illustration light novel covers going too far?
Chinese cabin attendant fired for accepting marriage proposal during flight【Video】
Japanese high school student turns heads with bold fashion choice at Harajuku
Monthly
Idol singer forgets to shut off streaming camera, giggles over how much she makes per video【Vid】
Reports suggest that some Japanese players are quite distressed over Pokémon GO’s newest event
Naomi Osaka stirs up debate about what it means to be Japanese following U.S. Open victory- Japanese Twitter shares the funniest “mysterious Japanese” that they’ve heard from foreigners
Ridiculously buff cat has the bodybuilder physique of dreams, sparks jealousy in netizens’ hearts
Soulless titan’s face peeking out from the ground scares the living daylights out of people- Japanese Twitter users shocked to learn how much The Simpsons voice actors get paid
Conan O’Brien arrives in Japan, dresses up as a Harajuku girl in Tokyo 【Pics & Videos】
Our Japanese language reporter tries out hair replacement surgery (viewer discretion is advised)
Domino’s Pizza delivery driver battles Typhoon Jebi in Japan, video goes viral 【Video】
Yearly
Depressed Japanese gamer brightens his days by giving himself a log-in bonus for his real life- Idol singer forgets to shut off streaming camera, giggles over how much she makes per video【Vid】
Video of Japanese airport baggage handlers’ amazing service fills rest of the world with jealousy
What does “Konnichiwa” really mean? Understanding Japanese greetings
This is what a 10,000-yen (US$92) Tokyo bento boxed lunch looks like【Taste test】- Reports suggest that some Japanese players are quite distressed over Pokémon GO’s newest event
- Naomi Osaka stirs up debate about what it means to be Japanese following U.S. Open victory
- Japanese Twitter shares the funniest “mysterious Japanese” that they’ve heard from foreigners
Aspiring Canadian cosplayer living in Tokyo arrested for immigration fraud sham marriage
Japan’s record-setting heat wave is hot enough to melt anime figure ankles
RECOMMENDED STORIES
Pikachu and Eevee will give YOU hugs with these awesomely adorable new Pokémon pillows
Japanese Twitter shares the funniest “mysterious Japanese” that they’ve heard from foreigners
Daughter of Osamu Tezuka, God of Manga, discovers his stash of hand-drawn sexy mouse artwork
10 +1 Japanese-Style Fonts For Typing English That Will Confuse Your Friends
Enter the dark world of anime and manga urban legends
Man runs amok inside Osaka convenience store, reminds everyone of the Yakuza video game
New Human Restaurant opens opposite Robot Restaurant in Shinjuku
We ate “pizza-buns” from four different Japanese convenience stores to find which reigns supreme
Japanese Twitter user claims to have achieved “Perfect” sound on iTunes, we investigate
New Kirby Cafe opening in Tokyo is going to suck up all of our dinner plans【Photos】
Japanese pro wrestler shows off his professional-level bra handling skills in the ring
Japanese Emperor’s abdication date set, end of Heisei era now officially on the horizon
Japanese bar pianist plays beautiful version of Pokémon background music without anyone noticing
Kentucky matcha?!? KFC Japan now has frozen green tea dessert beverages
-
