useless inventions
It is the year 2000. You run the Japanese division of one of the world’s biggest lingerie brands, and are looking for an original way to promote your company – and your country – on the world stage. What do you do? Well, if your company is Triumph International, you begin launching concept bras like last week’s Frozen-inspired sisterhood bra – amazing and ridiculous underwear guaranteed to push the world’s ‘WTF Japan’ buttons.
We can see in Triumph’s creations the Japanese art of ‘chindogu’, inventions that, while they appear to solve a particular problem, are simultaneously useful and useless. Join us as we rifle through the underwear drawer for 21 of the best!
MOST POPULAR
Now
This downtown Tokyo cafe is like a time machine that takes you back 50 years into the past
Japanese government will check and judge new baby name pronunciations, presents guidelines
The best Christmas Market in Japan? Yokohama event is top choice for travellers
Mysterious light-up rainy night-sound Totoro figure doesn’t actually show a scene from the anime
One of Japan’s rarest sweets is a sell-out hit that looks and tastes like frost
World’s first real ramen in a can now available at Japanese vending machines
Nakano Broadway sells a fukubukuro lucky bag for foreigners, but is it a good deal or a scam?
Evangelion and McDonald’s Japan launch first-ever collaboration with transforming figures【Video】
Studio Ghibli showcases traditional craftsmanship with new wallet range
Hello Kitty isn’t a cat!? We called Sanrio to find out!
Weekly
Japanese company develops classy heavy metal band frames for glasses- One of Japan’s rarest sweets is a sell-out hit that looks and tastes like frost
- Studio Ghibli showcases traditional craftsmanship with new wallet range
Studio Ghibli tea blends contain ingredients inspired by My Neighbour Totoro- Mysterious light-up rainy night-sound Totoro figure doesn’t actually show a scene from the anime
Over 800 Studio Ghibli anime world paintings compiled in beautiful new hardcover art book【Pics】
Starbucks teams up with 165-year-old Kyoto doll maker for Year of the Snake decorations【Photos】
Spirited Away and Princess Mononoke plushies show a softer side of formidable Ghibli characters
Starbucks Japan gifts us with the Matcha Classic Green Tea Latte for a limited time
Major Japanese city is abolishing extracurricular activities at all of its middle schools
Monthly
Possessing Harry Potter’s Sword of Godric Gryffindor is now illegal in Japan
Uniqlo announces first-ever collaboration with horror manga master Junji Ito【Photos】
J-pop mega star Ado reveals she’s been living in the U.S., may not understand language acquisition
Starbucks Japan is calling it quits with paper straws
Studio Ghibli releases new range of cardigans for anime fans
Japan’s most popular castle raising ticket prices by up to 200 percent for non-local tourists
Furikake rice seasoning sales are soaring, which is bad news for Japan as a whole
Studio Ghibli heroine cardigans give you warmth and strength to face everyday challenges
Eight unforgettable hot springs, as recommended by Japan’s “Professor Bath”- Japanese company develops classy heavy metal band frames for glasses
Yearly
McDonald’s new Happy Meals offer up cute and practical Sanrio lifestyle goods
Foreign tourists on Shinkansen bullet train break suitcase etiquette, angering local passengers- Possessing Harry Potter’s Sword of Godric Gryffindor is now illegal in Japan
[Deleted] Article written for April Fool’s Day 2018
Japanese government to make first change to romanization spelling rules since the 1950s
Foreigner’s request for help in Tokyo makes us sad for the state of society
Japanese convenience store Family Mart announces abolishment of eat-in spaces
Life-size vibrating Legend of Zelda Master Sword for sale from Nintendo【Photos】
Princesses, fruits, and blacksmiths: Study reveals the 30 most unusual family names in Japan
Studio Ghibli releases free-download board game — Here’s how to play it without reading Japanese
RECOMMENDED STORIES
World’s first real ramen in a can now available at Japanese vending machines
Nakano Broadway sells a fukubukuro lucky bag for foreigners, but is it a good deal or a scam?
Evangelion and McDonald’s Japan launch first-ever collaboration with transforming figures【Video】
Studio Ghibli showcases traditional craftsmanship with new wallet range
Hello Kitty isn’t a cat!? We called Sanrio to find out!
How to get all-you-can eat doughnuts at Mister Donut for just 12 bucks!
Starbucks Japan releases a new Frappuccino that looks and tastes like a floral bouquet
KFC will straight-up sell you a bag of fried chicken skin in Indonesia
Clever design trick means beautiful Ghibli Artboard Jigsaw Puzzles won’t have bittersweet ending
One of Japan’s most beautiful hot spring towns announces new limits on number of day trippers
Life-size Thomas the Tank Engine begins running on Japanese railroad
W.T.F. Japan: Top 5 strangest kanji ever 【Weird Top Five】
Starbucks Japan releases a special tea latte to celebrate the Year of the Snake
11 different ways to say “father” in Japanese
-
