Armpit Fan

Sure, there are anti-antiperspirants, but if you want something a bit less practical, Thanko’s clip-on armpit fan should do the trick. Officially called “Waki no Shita Kura” (translates to Under the Armpit Cooling Device), this small AAA-powered fan clips onto your sleeve and is touted to keep your armpits dry for 5-9 hours, depending on which speed setting used. If you want perpetual cooling, simply connect it to a wall charger or power bank via microUSB. It can also be attached to the front of your shirt for keeping the torso and neck dry. Continue reading for more strange items from Japan you won’t believe exist, including a washable smartphone.

3. Washable Smartphone

Strange Items Japan

Rugged smartphones are nothing new, but the $467 Digno Rafre takes things to the next level. Grimy? Simply wash it under the sink, thanks to its sealed waterproof and soap resistant design. You read that right, there’s not even a normal speaker, as it relies on a Smart Sonic receiver that transmits sound through vibrations on the phone’s screen, while its 13MP camera is also waterproof. Other features include a SnapDragon 410 processor, 5-inch display, 16GB storage, 2GB RAM, and a 2MP front camera.

2. Floating Bonsai Trees

Strange Items Japan

Bonsai is essentially the art of growing miniature trees in shallow pots, and Air Bonsai is a modern take. Simply put, it consists of a levitating moss ball that can be used with any bonsai plant, complete with a rotating mechanism. The energy base is made of Imari, a traditional Japanese porcelain art, and conducts magnetic energy for the levitation effect.

1. Electric Fork That Alters Food Taste

Strange Items Japan

Salt, and other spices, can be used to enhance flavor, but this innovative fork can alter taste using electricity. Developed by Japanese researchers, the metallic part of the fork is one electrode, and the handle is another. When a the fork touches a piece of food and is put in your mouth, the circuit is closed. When you remove the fork, the circuit is disconnected, thus working as a switch.

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A technology, gadget and video game enthusiast that loves covering the latest industry news. Favorite trade show? Mobile World Congress in Barcelona.