Buzz
Chindogu – a term for inventions that serve no real purpose and, although not meant to insult the inventor, are often hilariously impractical. Think of them as ideas that would get rejected on Dragon's Den, yet they find their place in Tokyo. The Chindogu Society keeps a strict eye on these creations, ensuring they follow the odd rule of being both completely useless and designed for everyday use—paradoxical, but true. Here are a few of the finest examples:
10. Introducing the Japan Bra
Lingerie company Triumph Japan has a long-standing tradition of quirky designs. Remember their infamous ‘Grow Your Own Rice’ bra? Now, they’ve introduced a bra that plays a ‘Welcome to Japan’ message in English, Chinese, or Korean at the press of a button. Definitely adds a playful twist to the bedroom.
9. The All-in-One Gardening Tool
A colossal Swiss Army knife designed for fans of Alan Titchmarsh. It includes a shovel, rake, pickaxe, trowel, and more. Gardeners are notorious for complaining about back pain, but after using this, they may find themselves visiting the ER with a slipped disc.
8. The Personal Rain Saver
Feeling thirsty but short on cash? It’s a growing dilemma. Enter Japan’s solution: an upside-down umbrella designed to catch raindrops, which you can then drink for free. The catch? You’ll have to wear this bizarre contraption on your head.
7. Subway-Sleepers
We’ve all been there—dozing off on the subway, only to wake up at the final stop with drool on your collar and a terrible case of bedhead. But worry no more. Subway-Sleepers, a travel pillow with a handy label, ensures fellow commuters can wake you up when your stop arrives.
6. Butter-Stick
Tired of waiting for butter to soften? Struggling to spread it? Those days are gone, thanks to the new Pritt Stick designed specifically for butter. Yes, you read that correctly. Pritt. Stick. For. Butter. We’ll leave it at that.
5. Duster Slippers
These tassel-covered slippers, reminiscent of Elvis, double as dusters with a key difference—no effort required. Just strap them onto your cat, and they’ll leave a clean trail behind them. Don’t have a cat? No problem. A baby-grow version for your crawling infant will do the trick.
4. Hay Fever Hat
The term ‘hat’ doesn’t quite capture it. While the idea of never running out of tissues is certainly clever, there’s no denying that wearing this contraption feels like having a toilet roll on your head.
3. Cuddle Pillows
Essentially a pair of artificial legs designed for men to take a nap, during which they can convince themselves they have a girlfriend. Lonely women need not feel left out either, as the torso and arm cuddle provide a shoulder to cry on. Just avoid using it on public transport.
2. Daddy Nurser
Freud suggested that some women suffer from penis envy. While many men don’t experience breast envy, perhaps we’re jumping to conclusions. This invention involves strapping on breasts filled with milk, which is dispensed via a nipple valve.
1. Hair Ego Booster
If there's one thing bald men surely miss, it's seeing a full head of hair in the mirror. Well, no need to mourn any longer, bald friends. This 'wig on a stick' brings back the glory days of luscious locks, allowing you to wave goodbye to your sanity while embracing a hair-raising experience.
