Japan is well known for its inventions. Some of them are weird, others are genius, while still others are somewhere in between. We’ve done many posts on the great things that Japan has to offer and that’s because the country never fails to impress and surprise us.
There are some truly genius Japanese inventions that the whole world could benefit from using. Here we have a collection of some of our favorites. Granted, some of them are a little strange, but we can see the logic that went into creating them! Plus, the world would be a very boring place without a few wacky inventions in the mix! Take a look and see what you think!
Turning train seats
If you don’t like sitting with your back in the direction of travel, you can just turn your seat to whichever side you want
A motorcycle helmet with a ponytail hole
This is how motorcycle helmet manufacturers care about ladies. It’s such a trifle, yet a pleasant one.
A place to seat a baby in a public bathroom
All parents dream of such a thing: it’s a special place where you can seat your baby while you’re doing your business. If it’s just the two of you, it’s dangerous to leave the baby alone outside and uncomfortable to take them in with you.
Diagonal crossings
A lot of us would give much to have diagonal road crossings. In Tokyo, however, it’s entirely possible — they even have corresponding zebras.
A tablet holder
Your hands will always be free — perfect for watching movies.
Sunglasses for dogs
This invention seems strange at first, but then you realize dogs may not like bright sunlight, just like us. And the considerate Japanese thought about it.
A “silent” karaoke microphone
If you don’t want to bother others with your singing or are just too shy to sing out loud, this mic will help you out: it muffles your voice so only you can hear it.
Separate slippers for the bathroom
You’ll see such slippers in every home. The Japanese consider their bathroom the dirtiest place in their house, even if it’s clean. They can’t enter it in the same footwear they walk around the rest of the house in. Just think about it.
A cushion for lying down and working
When you work at your laptop lying on your stomach, your hands get tired very quickly. That’s why there’s now this holder.
A water-saving sink over the toilet supply tank
A dream for those who care about water saving and ecology. The supply tank gathers water from the sink when it’s used to wash hands, making you utilize it twice.
Automated stores
Japan is a country of robots and automated machines that replace people everywhere they can. For instance, this shop has no assistants — only machines. A paradise for introverts where you don’t need to talk to anyone!
A napkin that covers your face when you eat burgers
— Japan Inside (@japaninsides) September 12, 2017
To eat a huge burger, you have to open your mouth widely. The Japanese are embarrassed by this, as many people are, and thus rarely order burgers. The owners of one fast food restaurant took note of this and started putting their burgers into napkins that conceal your chewing face from the rest of the world.
A transforming tatami
It’s a tradition in Japan to do everything on the floor: eat, sleep, watch movies. That’s why they designed a mat that you can transform into a laptop holder and a lot more.
An umbrella “parking lot
You can find these “parking lots” next to many office buildings. A considerate solution: you don’t need to take your umbrella with you and think of where to put it.
Easy-to-open cans
Unlike the cans we’re used to, these ones have a special ring that makes them easy to open. It’s so cool when manufacturers think of even such small details!