How Japanese Inventions are different from any other inventions?The definition of an invention according to Japanese patent law is “the highly advanced creation of technical ideas utilizing the law of nature”. Japan has an exceptionally robust industry for “idea products”, known as “aidea shohin” in Japanese, which are products that are convenient to own but not practical enough for retailers to sell.
Patenting Japanese Inventions
Along with innovation comes the need for patenting inventions to secure ownership rights. In Japan, all claimed inventions must be filed to the Japanese Patent Office – in Japanese – to determine whether the invention is a statutory invention (for example, a discovery rather than a creation would be considered a non-statutory invention) and if it is industrially applicable. The latter term broadly encompasses most industries, with the exception of a few, and contains specific restrictions for some applications such as medical inventions. Some of the most interesting Japanese inventions have been created for everyday use. The following examples demonstrate the unique nature of Japanese inventions.
Japanese Inventions | Fantastic Innovations
Vending Machines
Japan has the highest per capita rate of vending machines in the world. For decades now, Japanese industry has employed vending machines to sell everything from bread in a can to saké, religious amulets, and even video game cartridges.
Safety Socks
“Fall Prevention” socks, or Tento Basho in Japanese, don’t necessarily look very different from regular socks. But according to their inventors at Hiroshima University, they actually help people keep their balance by arching the toes upwards.
Shampoo Dispenser
Factory owner Masayuki Abe grew weary of constantly refilling shampoo bottles in his house, so he invented a plastic shampoo dispenser as an alternative. Not only does the dispenser make it easier to refill, but it also allows you to use all of the shampoo so there is less waste.
Butter Stick
People in Japan call inventions like this a chindogu, which is a word for inventions that are not exactly useful, but somehow not altogether useless. This invention may be especially useful for little kids since it is designed like a glue stick that is filled with butter, making it easy to spread butter on your bread.
Mattress with Built-in Fan
The Japanese know that all success begins with a good night’s rest, which is why they invented a bed with a built in eco-friendly fan at the foot of the mattress. The inventor of the product, ATEX, advertises the product by stating, “Times are tough and saving on costs has never been more important; get rid of your AC and go for our product.”
Pocket Tie
This is a perfect invention for anyone who likes to wear pants without pockets, although it may be a strain on your neck if the tie gets too heavy. You could store all of your belongings in a tie instead of a briefcase when you go to work. How clever!
Earphone Alarm
The earphone alarm enables you to take naps in places where it would not be acceptable to set an alarm. This can be helpful, for example, when you’re waiting for a layover at an airport. The set timer will wake you up in time to make your next flight, while giving you the discreteness of a Bluetooth earpiece.
Shoe Umbrella
For those days when you’re wearing your good shoes in the rain, there is the shoe umbrella to save the day, and your shoes. A separate umbrella above each shoe ensures that they will both remain dry and keeps them from water damage.
Silent Karaoke
If you’re ever in the position of not being able to sing out loud but really want to sing, there is the special silent karaoke invention that will keep everyone around you from getting annoyed with your singing.
Japanese Inventions | Bonus Clever Invention
The Hair Holder
Eating noodles with chopsticks can be a messy business, especially if you have long hair. But if you have a specially designed bib to keep your hair out of the way, your hair will stay clean while you enjoy your noodle dish.
Visit our website for information about our Legal Translation and Patent Translation services!
About Language Connections:
Language Connections is one of the top language service companies in the US. Over the last 30 years, we’ve focused on providing the best business translation services, interpreting services, as well as interpreter training and customized language training programs. In addition to top-tier corporate language training, we offer certified corporate interpreters and professional business translation services in 200+ languages. Our network includes linguists with backgrounds in all major industries. They’re ready to meet your needs, whether they’re for technical translation services, legal translation, government translation services, international development translation services, education translation services, life sciences translation, or something else. Reach out to us today for a free quote on our cost-efficient and timely translation services, interpreters, or other linguistic services.
Language Connections LLC
2001 Beacon Street, Suite 105,
Boston, MA 02135
Phone: +1-617-731-3510
Email: service@languageconnections.com
