Coded FYI

I’ve been seeing QR codes more often in the U.S. They pop up on concert posters and websites, though mostly as things of novelty. To Americans, they probably resemble some sort of alien language turned abstract art.

In Japan, QR codes have been in the mainstream for years as an alternate link to marathon-long web addresses. Whenever you see a QR code — let’s say, on a cereal box — snap it on your camera phone and you’ll be taken to the company’s site filled with information and maybe even a coupon or two.

Especially if you’re a small businesses, QR codes are great for promoting your products. Here’s all you need:

It’s a cute stamp embedded with your own personalized QR code. Suppose you just opened a crepe shop in the neighborhood. Instead of spending money on billboards and newspaper ads, you can go around the block stamping your QR code onto any white space you see. You can even be sneaky and stamp it on the competitor’s napkins.

The little toy comes with a self-contained inkpad so that your stamp never dries out. And they’re made to look like animated people and animals; the ultimate stealthy facade when trying to beat out the competition!

Himawari

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Head, Shoulder, Knees and Toes

Despite common belief, not everything in Japan is cute. Some things are just plain odd. Take for example this anatomical sleeping bag.

It serves two purposes: to insulate and educate. Strangely enough, you can take off the top portion to stick out your head. Imagine what the wolves will think as you’re camping out. Either they’ll see you as a T-bone steak or run away in terror. Let’s hope the latter.

The sack is about 7 feet long, so you’ll have plenty of room to roll around, scratch your back or curl up in the fetal position. You can also tack it on a post and demonstrate the Heimlich maneuver.

Who knows why someone thought the human anatomy and a sleeping bag could go together. One thing for sure, it gives new meaning to the term “body bag.”=P

Himawari

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Thinking of doing business in Japan? We can make it easy for you!
japanizmo, a Los Angeles based company, provides practical solutions for U.S. ? Japan business projects. Our experienced Japanese staff will support all phases of your business project to seize business opportunities and turn your vision into a reality. >> Learn more

Food For Thought

If I could visit the displaced families in Northern Japan, I’d bring along this cupcake maker. It’s a portable electric oven that can dish out a half-dozen cupcakes in a matter of 10 minutes. Just pour your favorite batter into the silicon cups and shut the lid. Inside the colorful shell is a high-powered 1,200 watt griddle that’ll bake your goodies before you have time to shake everyone’s hand.
Though not just cupcakes, you can make a variety of both sweet and savory. It’s really up to your imagination:

The griddle comes with a recipe booklet containing all kinds of ideas perfect for school lunches, picnics in the park and disaster refuge centers. The key is that the treats don’t require plates and forks. Just pop it in your mouth and you’re fed!
A few days ago, the northern region of Tohoku had a huge 7.1 tremor thought to be just an aftershock. My heart goes out to those in the region still without a place to call home. Gamabre Nippon!!

Himawari

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Thinking of doing business in Japan? We can make it easy for you!
japanizmo, a Los Angeles based company, provides practical solutions for U.S. ? Japan business projects. Our experienced Japanese staff will support all phases of your business project to seize business opportunities and turn your vision into a reality. >> Learn more

Bounce with Me and the Music

You’ve just snatched Lady Gaga’s latest single and want to spread her joy to everyone on the playground. Get yourself a Music Balloon, a palm-size speaker that plugs into your iPod. It’s covered with a soft, round sponge that you can hang out of your pocket, sling over your shoulder, even bounce around with a tennis racket.

This surprisingly powerful speaker lasts four hours and its lithium ion battery recharges through your computer’s USB port. Connect to any standard audio device using its 3.5 mm plug and you’re set to boogie down the street like it’s nobody’s business!

Yuento won the iF Product Design Award last year for the Music Balloon with no wonder. Hundreds of iPod-friendly speakers are on the market but few are actually user friendly. It’s about time someone made speakers that can keep up with you.

Himawari

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Thinking of doing business in Japan? We can make it easy for you!
japanizmo, a Los Angeles based company, provides practical solutions for U.S. ? Japan business projects. Our experienced Japanese staff will support all phases of your business project to seize business opportunities and turn your vision into a reality. >> Learn more