Making silly inventions is an extremely popular hobby in Japan. They call it Chindogu. Chindogu inventions attempt to solve a problem or make a task easier. However, despite their attempts, Chindogu inventions usually just create new problems and cause significant social embarrassment. But that’s all part of the fun.
From a butter stick to a noodle fan, here are some of our favorite Chindogu inventions. Enjoy!
Chin Kickstand
Umbrella Curtain
Noodle Fan
Suction Cup Hat
Breastfeeding Vest
Eyedropper Glasses
Toilet Tissue Hat
Butter Stick
Silly Chindogu Inventions
What did you think about our list of funny Chindogu inventions? Do you have any favorites? Are you a Chindogu hobbyist? Please let us know in the comments.
NERD NOTE: Literally translated, “Chindogu” means unusual tool. The term was coined by Kenji Kawakami, a Japanese investor and editor of the magazine “Mail Order Life.” Dan Papia then introduced it to the English-speaking world and popularized it as a monthly feature in his magazine, Tokyo Journal, encouraging readers to send in ideas. Kawakami and Papia collaborated on the English language book 101 Useless Japanese Inventions: The Art of Chindogu, first edition 1995.
Press Links:
- TechTV – Site of the Nite: Bad Japanese Inventions (May 2002)
- TechTV – The Worst Inventions Ever (Sept 2003)
- TechTV – Invention Resource Guide (2004)
- Digg – Really funny, really terrible Japanese inventions (Dec 2005)
- I-Am-Bored – Bad Japanese Inventions (April 2006)
Frank Wilson is a retired teacher with over 30 years of combined experience in the education, small business technology, and real estate business. He now blogs as a hobby and spends most days tinkering with old computers. Wilson is passionate about tech, enjoys fishing, and loves drinking beer.
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Do you know where I can buy these things? I want a lot of them!!!