10 Weird Japanese Products That Are Actually Kind of Useful

10 Weird Japanese Products That Are Actually Kind of Useful

Japan has a reputation for producing some downright weird stuff.

In fact, the word "chindogu" even refers to inventions that are technically practical, but utterly eccentric in their execution. These products are so bizarre, they're not actually meant to be produced.

But many questionably useful Japanese products actually exist in circulation, and we're defending some of the "strange" ones. Sure, they may be a bit excessive — but useless? Not quite.

1. Banana Keeper

Image courtesy of Daiso

Have you ever experienced a squished banana at the bottom of your bag? Not fun. Not fun at all.

2. Urusakunai Kara OK! Mute Microphone USB

Image courtesy of JTT

Admittedly, this microphone looks ridiculous. Fortunately, it is not meant to be used in public.

This gadget is perfect for belting out tunes when you don't want to disturb your neighbors — or when you just don't want to hear the sound of your own singing voice. (Your hairbrush can't do that.)

3. Dictionary Desk Pillow

Perfect for a mid-work pick-me-up, or just as a nice, easily portable pillow or seat cushion.

4. Photograph Yourself Arm

Image courtesy of Thanko

Sometimes selfies are really difficult.

5. Easy Butter Former

Image courtesy of Metex

One pat of butter magically transforms into ribbons and ribbons of buttery goodness, so you get a lot more butter for your buck ... er, yen.

6. Sound-Catch Cubic Pillow

This invention allows you to hear music or television shows when lying down. While this probably shouldn't be an element of your daily media consumption, it's the kind of thing that could be pretty useful when you're sick and can only lie in bed all day. Or if you're just really lazy every day.

7. Office Paper to Toilet Paper Machine

Just add water! For all of those times you're in a pinch and can't run to the convenience store.

8. Cupmen Instant Noodle Holder

Image courtesy of h concept

While it's cool that this silicone character can secure your instant noodles when they're cooking, the cooler part is that the figure changes color after three minutes. You'll never have to repeatedly check your phone to see how long your Cup Noodles have been cooking again.

9. Self-Stirring Pot

No, this isn't Harry Potter. But this pot uses the inertia of water to heat things faster and more efficiently — just like magic! Food also concentrates toward the center of the pot, making it easier to skim off excess foam or avoid unwanted stickiness to the sides.

10. Summer Cooling Sprays

The sweltering heat will make you almost willing to try anything. These sprays look strange in their application — much like spraying shaving cream directly on your arm — but they provide sweet, sweet cooling relief.

It looks a little gross, but what doesn't?

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