Editor’s note: This article was first published in September 2014. The products date from 2013-2014, whether any are still sold is not covered, and the selfie remarks reflect the 2014 craze.
No one can doubt that Japanese creativity is astonishing, from the first underground bicycle car park to the idea of air-conditioned clothing. This time, though, we’re showing some rather peculiar products that may even look a bit silly, although they could actually be useful.
Whether mass-producing them would be profitable is another matter, though who knows. Here are some products that Mashable picked out as “weird” and that carry the “Made in Japan” label.
6 original business ideas from Japan
1. A banana protector
However absurd it may seem, if it’s usefulness we’re after, this product has it. If you take your lunch to work and like to eat a banana, this kind of case makes sure the banana doesn’t get squashed when it ends up at the bottom of a backpack. In other words, your banana is always safe. You have to admit that, silly as the idea is, it does have a use. It could be extended to egg protectors and other products.
2. Better selfies
Since selfies are so fashionable, this gadget lets selfie lovers get other angles and distances. Yes… it’s a silly invention, but no sillier than the selfie craze itself.
3. Silent karaoke
We all know how much the Japanese love karaoke, so they have designed this kind of silent microphone so that you can sing at the top of your lungs without waking the neighbours. We don’t know how much it actually cuts the noise.
4. Turn office paper into toilet paper
This idea is genuinely excellent and could mean considerable savings for a company. The machine collects used paper, shreds it and turns it into toilet paper. You can see how it works in this video:
Watch: the office paper recycling machine at work
5. Cooling foam
For hot weather, Japan has for some time been selling foams and creams that you simply spray on your body to feel cool. They are said to work, although it would be worth knowing what the spray is made of.
6. A “sound-catching” pillow
Ideal for listening to the TV while lying down. Its makers have given it an ergonomic shape to keep your back in the right position when you lie on your side. The pillow or cushion also has a device that picks up the sound and plays it out of the top, so all you have to do is cover your free ear to enjoy your TV in surround sound. It’s not exactly marvellous, but it is interesting.
And these are some of the original creations of Japanese entrepreneurs.
Further reading
- 6 fascinating business ideas from Asia
- 6 business ideas to import from the United States
- 10 business ideas to import from Canada
Featured image: Yuya Tamai, CC BY 2.0, via Flickr.
