Stay Eco-Cool!

Here in Los Angeles, we’re faced with threats of water-rationing. And judging by our track record, we’ll soon be hit with rolling blackouts. We’re in crisis-mode. What will we do without air conditioning?!

Things in Japan aren’t nearly as bad, partly thanks to wacky-cool inventions found at Tokyu Hands, as mentioned in this month’s Yomiuri Shimbun (Japanese only). Not only are they fun to use, they don’t waste nature’s resources:The Chilled Backpack

Okay, so you can’t use it to carry around a pint of ice cream to the beach. But it’ll do a great job cooling your back during those sweltering-hot summer days. Just strap it on and let it work its chilling magic. Priced at $50, the backpack comes in sizes for men, women and kids, alike. Nothing for dogs just yet.

Cool Shampoo/Milky Gel/Cool Tonic

There’s nothing like a cold shower on a hot day. But how’d you like to make that wintry-fresh feeling last hours later? Ranging between $2 to $12, these products will keep your hair and face feeling like cool-mint gum. With the help of menthol extract and other secret ingredients, these items have a tingling effect that keeps your on your feet.
Pillow on Ice

A large block of ice is not something to bring to a slumber party, no matter what the temperature is outside. It’s heavy and it’ll drip all over the kitchen floor. So instead, why not bring over an iced pillow. Just like the chilled backpack, it contains a frozen coolant that’ll sit snuggly under your head. Don’t worry about a soggy pillow the next morning; this ice block leak-proof ($30).

To check out more cool items at Tokyu Hands, check out their latest newspaper ad (PDF).

Himawari

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Human Pillows are Better

It goes without saying that Japan is the king of wacky inventions. My favorite is the boyfriend arm pillow, which comes with an extra appendage to rest your pretty little head on. When it debuted a few years ago, both men and women were snatching it up partly as a gag gift and partly because it really did its job comforting single women on those cold, lonely nights.

Okay, I admit, I have one. But it was a gift from a friend who wanted to get a rise out of me in my perpetual singlehood. Little did he know, I loved it and made “John” my surrogate boyfriend. It was love at first sit. He excelled in propping my head up when reading. And he was always there for me when my back hurt. I’m just waiting for him to pop the question and he’s mine forever.

There’s also a female version, a lap pillow complete with mini-skirt and softly rounded knees. It started selling for about $90 and as soon as it became popular a handful of knock-offs emerged for much cheaper. Now there’s millions of men with their own personal friend — or at least half of one. Men of all ages find the female pillow “soothing,” one manufacturing representative said. When they’re home alone with their special companion who knows what they do together. Watch TV, play cards, surf the Net? Let’s just hope it’s G-rated. (^.<)

Himawari

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Visit us on facebook!

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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
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