Courtesy of Idea International

The press release for Idea International’s latest brand, Untrod, talks a lot about questioning “existing product typologies” and challenging the status quo. We don’t know about all that, but we’d sure feel spiffy if we hit the town with one of these little numbers strapped to our wrist. The Sol, created by interior designer Shin Azumi, is a hybrid-powered timepiece that wears its solar panel with pride—function as form, if you will. Admirably chunky, it’s available in five different colors, ranging from tasteful to lurid.

Sol by Untrod, ¥8,400. Available from branches of Idea International and via www.idea-onlineshop.jp

By: James Hadfield | Aug 12, 2010 | No Comments | 336 views

Geta get bang up to date with this stylish reworking of the traditional Japanese clog. It’s the work of Mamechiyo Modern, a small brand that specializes in putting a 21st-century sheen on traditional clothing. The edgy blue grid design and striped strap combine to make a bold style statement, but the modern makeover isn’t just cosmetic: these geta have vinyl soles, meaning that they can be worn come rain or shine, and the wider bases provide added support for novice wearers. Geta pair before they sell out.

¥12,600. Available from branches of Mamechiyo Modern (4F Marui One, 3-1-20 Shinjuku; 3-32-2 Nishi-Ogikubo, Suginami-ku). www.mamechiyo.jp

Aug 12, 2010 | No Comments | 350 views

It’s the stuff of horror movies: you’re out camping in the wilds and hear a rustling in the bushes, but when you whip out your flashlight to investigate the source of the noise, you discover that the battery has gone dead. Campers who invest in a Bun Bun Eco Light can spare themselves such nighttime terrors: when the power begins to give out, simply snap the two hinged sections at a right angle and begin spinning it around like an old-school football rattle. Not only will you recharge the flashlight, you might also bop that hungry bear on the nose while doing so.

Bun Bun Eco Light, ¥2,100. Available from branches of Tokyu Hands, Village Vanguard and outdoor stores.

Aug 12, 2010 | No Comments | 99 views

Courtesy of M-Craft

There’s a word for that obsessive breed of pet owner who deems it necessary to clad their precious little bundle of joy in cutesy costumes, and it isn’t a particularly nice one. We’ll make an exception for people who kit their critters out with the Hieru One, though, in that we suspect some animals will actually appreciate it. This miniature version of the Ice Ruck comes with leg and chest straps, and promises to provide up to two hours of relief from the heat. It’s currently only available in S and XS sizes, mind you, so your pet husky might be out of luck.

Hieru One, ¥3,900. Available at branches of Tokyu Hands.

By: James Hadfield | Jul 22, 2010 | No Comments | 271 views

Courtesy of Idea International

Design outfit Yuento’s website is always good for a giggle, not least for the tongue-in-cheek ways in which it convinces potential buyers of its products’ appeal. The Magic Umbrella, which we wrote about a few months back, was described as good for “stowage fetishists”; the Ele-Fan, by contrast, is likely to appeal to “duct maniacs.” Terminally obscure market demographics aside, this compact little number makes a nice alternative to the time-honored electric fan, offering pinpoint-accurate breezes and hours of fun spent balancing ping-pong balls in the air stream. It also doubles as an aroma diffuser, which is really rather clever.

Yuento Ele-fan, ¥10,500. Available from branches of Idea International.

By: James Hadfield | Jul 22, 2010 | No Comments | 569 views

When you’re reduced to going out wearing a cap with a solar-powered fan incorporated into the visor, it’s probably time to think about heading to somewhere like, ooh, Antarctica for the duration of the summer. The Solar Cap (¥979) is just one of the alternately brilliant and batty gadgets sold at Atsusa Taisaku (literally, Heat Countermeasures), a quite sublimely ugly website that specializes in heat-abating gizmos. Some of the products are featured elsewhere in this very article, but you’ll also find everything from cooling wipes and sweat pads to industrial-strength window blinds and temperature-regulating bedding developed for NASA.

www.atusa-taisaku.com

By: James Hadfield | Jul 22, 2010 | No Comments | 500 views

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