These Brilliant Inventions Only Exist In Japan

What it is: A mask that translates language
Invented: 2020
Average Price: $50*

Face coverings and masks are commonplace across the world now, so it makes sense that one company would capitalize on the necessity. The C-Face Smart Mask covers the wearer’s face while also amplifying and translating the person’s voice into eight different languages. 

Translating Smart Mask @Sharjah24 News / Youtube.com

Created by Donut Robotics, the plastic and silicone mask connects to a smartphone via Bluetooth to provide the translation. Interestingly, despite costing $265,000 to get things off the ground, the masks themselves will retail at just $50 when they hit the market. The C-Face Smart Mask is set for a December release in Japan.

The potential uses for this genius invention are truly endless (and well-worth the price tag). From diplomacy to tourism, a mask that actively translates your words is not only a clever way to upgrade your face mask – but also could help you meet all kinds of new people along the way.

What it is: Several benevolent, loud robotic dinosaurs that check-in people at a hotel
Invented: 2015 (certified by Guinness World Records in 2016)
Average Price: $0* (not for sale, they are working at a hotel)

Jurassic Park fans will like this one. At the Henn-na Hotel, located in suburban Tokyo’s Urayasu, there are two very interesting new staff members. The front desk is manned by robotic dinosaurs. The dinosaurs have sensors, and, when they sense you approaching, they scream, “WELCOME” at you.

Robotic Dinosaurs @TravelMagazine / Twitter.com

The check-in dinosaurs have little bellboy hats and appear to be benevolent. Henn-na means “weird,” and the chain prides itself on its quirky experience. Particularly, Henn-na is pleased that it is the first hotel chain staffed by robots. The robotic dinosaurs are all Tyrannosaurus Rex models, though they are far from life-size.

In Japan you’ll find all kinds of robotic assistants designed for customer service – though these animatronic dinosaurs might easily be the most unique. Still, who wouldn’t like to be greeted by a friendly extinct reptile every now and then?

What it is: USB-powered tabletop washing machine to clean small gadgets
Invented: 2018
Average Price: $47*

When you hear “mini washing machine,” you might think of a small-ish contraption that you can use to wash clothes. However, Japan takes the idea of “mini” to a new extreme with this tabletop-size washing machine that is powered by a USB cord. You can use it to wash watches, glasses, and other tiny gadgets.

Mini Washing Machine for Tech @jalantikus / Pinterest.com

The invention was made for people who work in dusty or dirty environments and need to clean up quickly. The device is made by Thanko, which has titled its product “the Mini Mini Desktop USB Washing Machine.” It is 6.3 inches by 2.9 inches in size, and it runs for ten minutes at a time.

With its reasonable price just below $50, this little device is a clever way to maximize bang from your buck from all kinds of smaller investments – from jewelry, to watches, to buttons and much more.

What it is: Hand headrest that lets you nap at your desk
Invented: 2015
Average Price: $40*

This weird invention is slightly creepy-looking, but it does appear to be popular. The hand-shaped head holder attaches to your desk, and you can adjust the shape of the hand to conform to your head, allowing you to take a nap at the office, if you want. It’s sort of like a third, urethane hand.

Head Support @biddlybop / Twitter.com

You can also use it to rest your chin while you stay awake and get work done. The hand-shaped head holder is supposed to improve your posture. The invention has been around since 2015, and it costs the U.S. equivalent of around $40 in total.

The applications for this time of invention are truly endless. For example, when stuck for hours on a long flight, who doesn’t crave an extra arm to help cradle one’s head for a mid-flight nap? Especially if you’re wedged in the middle seat.

What it is: A vending machine for cat hats
Invented: Circa 2015
Average Price: $5*

Kitan Club struck on a niche when they decided to launch a vending machine for cat accessories a few years ago. It all started out with bandanas. The original range proved so successful that it wasn’t long before they began to branch out into hats. 

Cat Capsule Vending Machines ©Japan Travel Photos / Shutterstock.com

People really love cats, so they were quick to purchase the items – not least because they cost between $1 and $5 a pop. Now you can get hats that look like sweet wrappers, hats that look like lambs, and more. It’s a non-stop market that Kitan Club pounced on in a hot minute. 

What it is: An exercise tool that you put in your mouth to tighten facial muscles 
Invented:
Average Price: $37*

This looks like a torture device from a horror movie, but it’s not. The little pink figure goes between your lips in order to strengthen your facial muscles around your jaw and mouth. This prevents skin sagging and aging. You only have to use it three minutes a day to see results over time.

Face Trainer @DEJAPAN_Global / Twitter.com

The mouth exercise training figure is made by Taruman, and it costs about $37. There are two versions: strong and normal, both of which are made of elastomer. The figure’s dimensions are 2.1” by 1.3” by 1.3” for reference. You can vary the strength based on how out of shape your face is.

While at first this might seem like a totally unnecessary invention (after all, most of us already know how to smile), medical experts have found it to be a game-changing tool for helping teach the physically disabled to better control their facial muscles. 

What it is: Waterproof phone case attached to a bath pillow  
Invented: 2015
Average Price: $37*

Another cool invention from Thanko, joining the Mini Mini Washing Machine (and a host of other awesome stuff) is the Bath Air Pillow Smartphone Holder. This holder lets you take your phone into the bath with you without dropping it into the water and breaking it. You attach the phone to the waterproof pillow, which provides you a back rest.

Bath Pillow/Smartphone Holder @RandomGoodStuff / Twitter.com

You then slide your phone into the built-in case attached to the pillow, which comes in gray, pink, or white. The case is waterproof, so you can tap on the screen even if your fingers are soapy or wet. 

While some would argue that perhaps bath time is the ideal situation to depart from the digital world, the idea of curling up in the tub with a digital copy of your favorite book is, well, too enticing to resist.

What it is: Hides your face so you can eat a burger 
Invented: 2013
Average Price: $0 with a purchase of a Classic Burger (which is $8.48)*

Freshness Burger’s Classic Burger used to be popular only with men. The Japanese food chain, which serves mostly American food, couldn’t figure out why only women wanted to order a burger. Then, it hit them. In Japan, “Ochobo,” or having a small mouth/covering one’s mouth while in public, is very important.

Burger Eating Napkin Shield @Heidi Autio / Facebook.com

Freshness Burger created the Liberation Napkin, which hides your face while you eat the burger. That way, women can still honor Ochobo while getting to enjoy a delicious burger. Though it seems a little far-fetched, the Liberation Napkin has worked. Sales of Freshness’ Classic Burger have gone up 213% to women. 

The invention is a clever way to also shield your friends from the sometimes-icky experience of watching you try to eat something that seems to actively fall apart once it hits your face. Think of it as an upgraded napkin!

What it is: A funnel microphone that lets you sing without making noise 
Invented: 2019
Average Price: $81*

Made by Prodiea, the silent karaoke mic is a training device that allows you to practice your karaoke for nights out without disturbing your neighbors or the people you live with. The Utaet Voice Training Silent Karaoke Mic is a funnel you sing into. It is muted, reducing 70% of the sound, so you can belt out your tracks.

Silent Karaoke @lakey / Twitter.com

You can hear the music through headphones. Prodiea also suggests, in advertisements, that this could help you lose weight if you dance while singing (though Japan’s obesity rate is 3.2%, which is the lowest among developed countries, according to the WHO).  

Karaoke is also sometimes used as a therapy to improve self esteem and decrease symptoms of social anxiety. While some might argue this device eliminates the shared social experience of gleefully embarrassing yourself in front of friends (and strangers), maybe it’s a good way to get warmed up before renting out a karaoke booth!

What it is: A floor mop operated by a video game controller 
Invented: 2015
Average Price: $87.53*

The Japanese company Kyosho makes this, and it advertises this remote-control mop as a way to “mop without mopping.” The remote-control mop is somewhat of a Roomba, but, instead of a vacuum, it is a small floor mop. The remote-control in question is a video game console.   

Remote Control Mop @wiseshoppinginf / Twitter.com

Basically, you can clean stuff without getting off the couch. Kyosho cautions against using the remote control mop for large cleaning projects, admitting that it is really only good for cleaning “small areas, spills, or small messes.” The remote-control mop is available on Amazon for $87.53 (although it’s rating is 2.5/5 stars).

While lacking the tech-elegance of the iRobot cousin, this floor mop’s oddly childish look is part of its appeal. It’s also somewhat less likely to frighten floor-bound pets in your home while it makes the rounds scooping up messes – which is a big plus in our book. 

What it is: Works like a bike lock, but for your umbrella
Invented: 2018
Average Price: $0*

This one actually seems quite useful. We’ve all had umbrellas stolen (or we lost them but thought someone took them) at one point or another. Japanese malls and stores have invented a locking system that works like a bike lock, but it is used for umbrellas. You lock up your umbrella when you walk into the store.

Umbrella Locks @YYC_Svetlana / Twitter.com

Then, when you leave, you take it with you. Bonus: you don’t have to carry around a wet umbrella while you’re in the store—something you and the store owners can both be grateful for. Another added bonus—the invention is free.  

Considering it’s become a public service throughout Japan, this is the kind of upgrade we’d love to see in America. Especially in those perennially rainy sectors of the country (looking straight at you, Seattle). 

What it is: A white t-shirt with fake muscles built in
Invented: 2016
Average Price: $179*

If you want muscles but don’t want to go to the gym, the Danrich Muscle Shirt is a possible solution to that. This white t-shirt is made of a blend of polyester and polyurethane. It has built-in pads at six muscle points, making you look more muscular than you are. The shirt comes in two sizes—small/medium and medium/large.

Muscle Shirt @Melna Ibach / Pinterest.com

The Danrich Muscle Shirt has pads in the pecs, arms, back, and shoulder regions. Ideally, you would wear it under a t-shirt or something more fitting. The shirt retails for around $179, though it is sold out on sites like Japan Trend Shop.

Apparently the shtick is convincing enough to merit the seemingly-large price tag. But more importantly, reviews also say the shirt is mysteriously comfortable and breathable, considering the extra fluff added in.

What it is: A microphone/selfie stick combo
Invented: 2019
Average Price: $24.99*

SelfieMic released this flagship product in the fall of 2019. The SelfieMic is a microphone that is attached to a selfie stick, and the manufacturer’s recommended age is eight to fifteen, so people who use TikTok love it. SelfieMic lets you film yourself singing to various songs, which you can download using the companion app, StarMaker.

Selfie Stick With Integrated Mic @JD Williams / Pinterest.com

SelfieMic works with iOS or Android, and it adds new songs daily. When you buy the SelfieMic, you automatically get 1,000 free tokens to use in StarMaker. The SelfieMic isn’t that expensive either; the list price is $24.99, but sites like Amazon recently slashed the price in half.     

While the object may seem childish to some, this product has become a hit with Asian-based bloggers and vloggers seeking to improve their content with higher audio quality. Considering modern smartphones are cutting-edge cameras, why should the sound quality be any less good?

What it is: Mop fiber attached to a onesie to get your baby to clean up for you
Invented: 1998
Average Price: $40*

The Baby Cleaning Onesie helps you get your baby to contribute to the housework, which is something that babies have been dodging for a while. The Baby Mop forces your infant to pull his or her weight in the home, and the onesie doubles as a mop. Mop material is attached to the knees and arms, so it cleans the floor while your baby crawls.

Baby Cleaning Onesie ©Baby Mop/amazon

The Baby Mop originally was developed in 1998, where it had a Japanese commercial dedicated to it, but it wasn’t until 2012 that BetterThanPants.com relaunched the Baby Mop. The Baby Mop costs $40. Getting free housework done is priceless. 

How effective is the outfit, you ask? Well it may depend on the messiness of the baby. But good news: the material is specially designed for cleaning – so at least it’ll hopefully wash out whatever your baby manages to spill!