Japan has a remarkable way of taking everyday products from pet food to coffee, applying an extra layer of thought and attention to detail, and creating extraordinary experiences in product design. We recently stumbled upon a beautiful line of fireworks that are so colorful and well-made that, frankly, it’s a damn shame to light them on fire.
The Japanese approach to fireworks (or hanabi) in general is rather different from what I grew up with. For me, fireworks (purchased in Indiana for maximum TNT), were always about power expressed in screeches and booms. Modern Japanese consumer fireworks, likely due to regulations, are primarily sparklers and fountains, making the focus on beauty over explosions. Unlike most of the U.S., small fireworks are available just about anywhere in Japan. Now, thanks to a new collaboration, they’re now for sale in design-oriented shops as well.
Produced by Tokyo’s classic fireworks maker Yamagata, these sparklers and assorted small fireworks are top quality and certainly invoke nostalgia, but it’s the additional coloring and concept by design firm Method that makes them truly unique.
The logo, packaging, POP, and art direction was done by EDING:POST, the firm behind the aforementioned Omotesando Koffee.
Of course, fireworks with this amount of work put into them don’t come cheap. Sparklers range from around $7 for five large ones, and the traditional Japanese senko hanabi (shown in the last image) are over $30 for a full, beautifully made package.
Each stick is perfectly colored in pastel combinations, and brought together in a simple, minimalist paper package. None of the loud design and plastic that accompanies fireworks from convenience stores. These are fireworks, according to the shop staff, that are “for adults”. Let the kids stay inside with their fireworks projector.
We found these at the Roppongi Hills Art & Design Store, which graciously tolerated our photography, a rare luxury in these types of shops most of the time.
The products and their homepage is brand new and not quite finished, but you can find them online at enjoyfireworks.com.
It’s this attention to detail for everyday items, not manga or other “cool Japan” icons, that separates Japan in a globalized world. Applied across all industries, design that creates experiences for people, even in small ways, is where we should all be striving. Even if we blow it up in the end.
Users are given the option of donating either ¥10 or ¥100, and as with a normal purchase the buttons light up when the money is inserted but instead of receiving a beverage when pressed, the machine emits a loud “Thank you very much for the donation”. The units themselves are branded with the iconic red cross and have some images of the work the Japan Red Cross are currently doing around the world and in Tohoku as part of ongoing relief efforts.
100% of the money collected through to September will go towards the relief efforts of the earthquake and the vending machines will remain in place to collect money for the Red Cross indefinitely.
Whilst this certainly makes it a lot easier for members of the public to donate using the ubiquitous machines, it may be even more effective if users actually receive something for their donations. Adding an incentive, for example a limited edition pin badge that donators can wear with pride displaying their generosity, may help to drive more people to part with their yen. Ultimately it would be great to see specific charity vending machines that rather than added on as a side function, raising funds could actually be the main feature of such machines, and are seen around town as much as the beverage vending equivalents.
There are a lot of different ways that brands are encouraging people to stay cool this summer. From Super Cool Biz to free ice cream, Japanese are looking for welcome breaks to beat the heat. Since there’s so much product innovation in the beverage sector, Japan is an amazing market to look at, especially in seasonal transitions.
I was on my way to Kobe last week to do an innovation workshop, and decided to try cooling down on the shinkansen with Japan Tobacco’s latest drink Menthol Shock. Since they seem to know their way around menthol, it seemed like a natural choice. “Freshness” is a strong trend in a lot of sectors, especially tobacco.
I’ll leave the snarky review to others, though I certainly wondered whether JT was simply looking for a way to get rid of excess menthol cigarette stock. It’s true that Japanese beverage makers are quite versatile in using surpluses from other products in creating new drinks, but usually they taste good! Air conditioning is not for drinking.
Earlier this year, Pioneer, known for its wide array of electronics ranging from car navigation systems to home theaters, opened a showcase plaza in a fascinating looking building located in the heart of Ginza, one of the more upscale, luxurious shopping districts in Japan. We took a trip to Ginza to find out the latest technology that Pioneer has to offer to the public. The shop’s tagline, “Wanna See The Future?” clearly demonstrates Pioneer’s aim at establishing the newest hi-tech product innovations aimed at enhancing consumers’ lifestyles. Rather than merely showcasing their newest technology, visitors are encouraged to fully experience and interact with the digital products on display.
The Pioneer Plaza is spread out over three floors, each dedicated to a specific theme. As we walked into the first floor, out of the vast lineup of home electronics, the first thing that immediately grasped our attention was the Sound Cocoon. With beautiful alternating color lighting and an extremely cozy sofa, this intimate egg-shaped sound enhancement space was designed to provide ultimate comfort and relaxation for its users. It uses Pioneer’s Acco built-in amp system that can play music from any portable audio device, as well as online radio. With three speakers placed in strategic locations inside the cocoon, the intention was for a “peaceful environment in which the music blended in with the air and embraced the user.”
Our eyes then led us to the Floating Vision, which is an AR hologram monitor that allows users to encounter a 3D experience with their naked eye. What was particularly cool about this product was that it used an infrared sensor that allowed users to interact with the various characters displayed on the screen, introducing a new type of user interface programming. The screen is surrounded by a sensor-embedded frame that extends out about 10cm. It’s possible to virtually touch and manipulate objects, draw pictures, and interact with characters inside the screen just by making the actions in the field of the sensors.
The Floating Vision was made for personal home entertainment allowing users to connect a computer to the unit through a USB cable which then turns the product into a second display, offering a variety of applications. With a downloadable software program called FV_Tool, users can easily create their own hologram display by using visual files of their choice. Going one step further from digital photo frames, the technology makes it possible to upload any personal photos which can then be displayed in holographic 3D and interacted with, such as poking the hologram would “frighten it” and cause it to duck.
Pioneer also integrated the use of Felica with this technology to provide visitors with information about the store and their newest products. Deviating from the existing Felica information providers that merely generate a sound when applied, this particular device offers users with a variety of 3D visuals, adding a little “extra touch.”
Although still in production and not yet for commercial use, the Cycling Computer, attachable to bicycles and other motor vehicles such as mopeds, uses its built-in GPS system to collaborate with Pioneer’s audio and navigation technology. Shaped like a smaller version of an iPhone, the Cycling Computer was not only intended for navigation purposes but for entertainment as well. With a unique sensor that calculates the speed and amount of revolution of the wheel, the user is notified of the distance that they have traveled, their heart rate, and how many calories have been burnt off. Music and animations are played accordingly to different speeds and cycling style. Pioneer is planning to release applications for this device as soon as it hits the market, which would enhance the users’ experience, such as a navigating app that displays the most scenic routes to their destination.
The rest of the 1st floor was decorated with a number of other products that demonstrated product innovations aimed at space conservation, such as an ultra thin speaker, and a new type of thin LED lighting device that further reduces the use of electricity and has features such as its ability to bend, making it easily adjustable to any sort of placement.
As we reached the second floor, we were greeted with a beautiful arrangement of earphones and headsets which visitors could plug into their own portable audio player and try on, each with a unique concept and feature.
The rest of the floor was dedicated to Pioneer’s Carrozzeria car navigation series, which fully utilizes AR as well as the idea of using smartphones as navigators. Its AR Scouter Mode uses a built in camera to display front and rear view images that provides drivers with route and road information onto the actual navigation screen. Landmarks like gasoline stations and convenient stores, distance between cars, directions, and other information are displayed in real time above the front view image, providing drivers with a much easily visible guidance. With the newest UI (user interface) technology it acts as an iPod and DVD player, television, and built-in bluetooth system. This touch-panel navigator has other cool features such as a voice command search system and an added “Eco Navigator” that takes displays a route in which the driver would use the least amount of gas, calculating the weight and size of the car.
With similar brand spaces such as Shiseido’s Total Beauty Facility, there seems to be a general move towards a more effective utilization of store space, deviating from the traditional shop-and-go stores seen throughout Japan. Brands are leaning towards a more interactive orientation by providing customers with product demonstrations and allowing them to fully experience their products and services themselves.
With electricity on the mind of the citizenry, we’ve been seeing a tremendous amount of effort going into launching and relaunching products to solve potential problems or simply calm nerves.
Aqua Power System Japan (APSJ) has just announced an updated version of their NoPoPo (No Pollution Power) Aqua Battery, which as its name reads, runs entirely on water and any other type of liquid, including urine, coke, and even saliva. It is the first ever completely eco-friendly water battery that is both rechargeable and recyclable. Rather than a battery, the company likes to refer to it as a “small electric generator,” given that it can be recharged or “refilled” up to 5 times.
The battery’s body is composed of a sponge, which absorbs the liquid inserted by a dropper (that comes with the batteries) and causes a chemical reaction to occur, generating electricity for whatever intended use. The battery can also be fully charged by simply soaking it in water for 3-5 minutes, which would prove to be convenient in many situations.
What we found the most interesting, was that this was able to be powered by absolutely any liquid, ranging from beer to saliva, although the effect would slightly differ accordingly. I personally would much rather consume the beer myself, and slightly hesitate at the idea of knowing that my personal electronics are powered by my own saliva. However, these batteries are said to have an expected shelf life of 20 years, and a life span of about five hours if powering a standard LED light. At a cost of $2 per battery, this would certainly come in handy at times of emergencies such as energy shortages and natural disasters. Although the NoPoPo currently only comes in the AA size, APSJ sells adapters making it possible to convert it into different sizes, broadening the types of appliances the battery could be used for.
The Best Surprise, a Japan based “proposal support” company, has come up with their own product aimed at twisting the arm of a reluctant boyfriend into marriage. The “Proposal Pressure Kit” inverts the traditional idea of men proposing to women and is taking a new turn as women in Japan are becoming impatient of simply waiting and decide to take the initiative themselves. Marriages are perhaps one of the most exciting moments in a person’s life, as well being the most difficult and time consuming, but for some men, it’s on the bottom of their priority list. We have recently talked about the emergence of “soushoku-kei danshi” (herbivore males), who are more passive in their approach to women, and with that, the term “nikushoku-kei jyoshi” (carnivorous females) was derived. These type of girls are more likely to be more active on their “konkatsu” (hunting for marriage) and are much more aggressive than their male counterparts.
The kit combines a clever range of marriage support goods including a temporary engagement ring, a marriage promise form, and a cute piggy bank that stores up to a hundred 500 yen coins (equivalent to US $5), symbolizing the patience that the girlfriend has gone through and the money being saved for their wedding. Aimed on making the reluctant boyfriend more aware of the idea of marriage and bringing the proposal to the front of his conscience, this set is delivered to his house and is disguised as a special gift that he has “won” through a random prize selection system.
There are obviously a number of flaws with this concept, such as what would happen when the boyfriend finds out that he’s just been slyly maneuvered by his girlfriend to propose to her, or that the engagement ring has already been bought by her. (I can imagine a horrible scenario where he seizes this opportunity and uses the ring to propose to a different woman) Nonetheless, this idea of women almost “forcing” their boyfriends to pop the question is quite fascinating and definitely a new concept in Japan, where tradition plays a huge role in the culture.
Given its fair amount of recognition and success, The Best Surprise has recently released a second product, the “Forced Engagement Kit,” intended for those who have reached their peak of patience and feel the need to “put a ring on it” as soon as they can. This second version includes all the features of the previous product, but adds an actual legal marriage registration form, signet stamp (the recognizable form of signing official documents in Japan), and even a count down clock, signifying that “this relationship is running out of time.”
These products illustrate the pressure to get married that Japanese women are experiencing in this age of gender equality. Typically females in Japan receive an increasing amount of pressure to get married and start a family as they approach their 30s. Although the tradition of men proposing is not necessarily broken, it is definitely being bent and creative ways of putting pressure on passive boyfriends are being thought up.
The Best Surprise, a Japan based “proposal support” company, has come up with their own product aimed at twisting the arm of a reluctant boyfriend into marriage. The “Proposal Pressure Kit” inverts the traditional idea of men proposing to women and is taking a new turn as women in Japan are becoming impatient of simply waiting and decide to take the initiative themselves. Marriages are perhaps one of the most exciting moments in a person’s life, as well being the most difficult and time consuming, but for some men, it’s on the bottom of their priority list. We have recently talked about the emergence of “soushoku-kei danshi” (herbivore males), who are more passive in their approach to women, and with that, the term “nikushoku-kei jyoshi” (carnivorous females) was derived. These type of girls are more likely to be more active on their “konkatsu” (hunting for marriage) and are much more aggressive than their male counterparts.
The kit combines a clever range of marriage support goods including a temporary engagement ring, a marriage promise form, and a cute piggy bank that stores up to a hundred 500 yen coins (equivalent to US $5), symbolizing the patience that the girlfriend has gone through and the money being saved for their wedding. Aimed on making the reluctant boyfriend more aware of the idea of marriage and bringing the proposal to the front of his conscience, this set is delivered to his house and is disguised as a special gift that he has “won” through a random prize selection system.
There are obviously a number of flaws with this concept, such as what would happen when the boyfriend finds out that he’s just been slyly maneuvered by his girlfriend to propose to her, or that the engagement ring has already been bought by her. (I can imagine a horrible scenario where he seizes this opportunity and uses the ring to propose to a different woman) Nonetheless, this idea of women almost “forcing” their boyfriends to pop the question is quite fascinating and definitely a new concept in Japan, where tradition plays a huge role in the culture.
Given its fair amount of recognition and success, The Best Surprise has recently released a second product, the “Forced Engagement Kit,” intended for those who have reached their peak of patience and feel the need to “put a ring on it” as soon as they can. This second version includes all the features of the previous product, but adds an actual legal marriage registration form, signet stamp (the recognizable form of signing official documents in Japan), and even a count down clock, signifying that “this relationship is running out of time.”
These products illustrate the pressure to get married that Japanese women are experiencing in this age of gender equality. Typically females in Japan receive an increasing amount of pressure to get married and start a family as they approach their 30s. Although the tradition of men proposing is not necessarily broken, it is definitely being bent and creative ways of putting pressure on passive boyfriends are being thought up.
Among the various new toys exhibited at Tokyo’s 2011 Toy Show, on Happinet’s display stood a virtual ping pong game called High Tension Table Tennis, which operates based on sound and motion sensor technology. Offered in two grip types, shakehand and penhold style, this paddle-shaped cordless novelty toy gives users a realistic virtual experience of playing table tennis wherever they desire.
Using an ultra thin speaker built into the rubber of the paddle, it emits a rhythmic array of sounds that the player uses to play the game. Players rely on this along with their creativity to rally with their invisible opponent and the more they swing with the beat (which is played in three steps), the more the rally builds up. The toy uses motion sensor technology to determine the strength and force of the swing, changing the speed and power of the hit accordingly. This feature enables players to hit smashes which would generate an applause and cheering from a virtual crowd and if carried out successfully, would win them the point.
This game comes in two different modes: Rally Mode and Rhythm Mode, both of which have different levels ranging in difficulty from a short but fun exercise to whose who are determined to sweat as if in a real competition.
Priced at 2,000 yen (equivalent to US $25), this form of exercise is currently limited to only one player. We see this as unfortunate given that an updated version with an added feature where two players are able to link their paddles together and have a virtual match, would perhaps be much more exciting and attract a wider audience.
We don’t write often about toys for actual kids (more like big kids), but this camera that debuted today at the Tokyo Toy Show is actually made for the age 3+ user in mind.
Rather than trying to use technology to help toddlers take the perfect shot, the First Digital Camera from Takara Tomy simplifies and uses a photo-sized blank space for budding photogs to frame their scenes. It’s easily gripped, durable, and much more intuitive that other cameras for tots we’ve seen.
While simple, the camera has a variety of kid-friendly features from a “talking” mode (with character Anpanman of course) and a self timer. It’s 3 megapixels and can hold 99 shots, plenty of space for documenting one’s young life.
The camera won awards this year at the show for design. Somehow I get the feeling that the majority of shots will be of food and pets, which will help Japanese kids become perfect bloggers.
Japanese game manufacturer Takara Tomy showcased a particularly realistic virtual handheld fishing game called Virtual Masters Reel AR Fishing at this years Toy Show in Tokyo. Set to be released in July of this year, the fishing rod shaped gadget allows players to engage in a full fishing experience regardless of their location, thanks to a built in 2.4 inch liquid crystal monitor and a rod console that mimics the actual sensation of real fishing gear. Using Augmented Reality (AR), it contains a 0.3 megapixel camera that allows players to take photos of wherever they are and use them as the “environment” to go fishing in.
The Virtual Masters Reel aims at providing a full user sensory fishing experience to players in numerous ways. Instead of merely pushing different colored buttons on a standard handheld game, players actually cast the rod into the ocean (or whatever environment they are fishing in), and based on the strength and angle of the cast, the distance of the float is recorded and players physically wind the virtual spool up to the desired displayed depth. When a blue virtual fish approaches the float, the player is alerted with a vibration and must give the device a tug to hook the prey. As they are reeling the virtual fish in, the screen displays a tension meter, which (based on the strength) causes the reel to actually bend accordingly, and is surprisingly realistic. The fiestier the fish, the stronger the bend, and the more difficult it is to reel it in; reflected in a tightening of the fishing line. Finally, using the tension meter as a guide, the player claims his prize with one last powerful tug on the rod.
The AR segment in Takara Tomy’s new toy is an interesting added feature. Its built in camera can take photos to be stored on a miniSD card, which can then be transferred onto a computer. Unfortunately the reverse is not possible, but an updated version where any picture can be transferred to be used as a fishing arena would be a nice touch. This would allow fishermen to do the impossible, such as catching prey in the grand canyon by simply downloading a picture of it from Google Images. The sound effects also enhance the realism with specific sounds such as the bait hitting the water, the water ripples, and the flight of the float as users cast out.
The Virtual Masters Reel game can appeal to all age groups, regardless of whether they have had previous fishing experience or not. It is exciting to see the term AR being used in such toys enjoyed by a wide range of consumers, rather than hi-tech machines that only tech savvy users know how to operate. Takara Tomy predicts that with the recent turn towards outdoor leisure activities, the famous “Yama (Mountain) Girls” would be followed by “Tsuri (Fishing) Girls” this year (there area already enough girls in Tokyo already walking around in wellington boots!), supporting July’s release date.
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