There's no shame in needing a hug sometimes, but if there's no one around to feed your need for a tight squeeze, maybe this Japanese Girlfriend Coat will fill that void for you.
Developed by a group of Japanese engineering students at the Unviersity of Tsukuba, this coat creatively gives the sensation of being hugged. By day, the Girlfriend Coat looks like any normal coat, but when you turn it on, two bars slowly and gently press around your mid-section, giving the feeling of being hugged from behind. In the YouTube clip where one of the students explains the concept, he says that being surprised with a hug from behind is the best feeling in the world, and I'd be inclined to agree with him on that statement.
So if you're feeling lonely and need to keep warm while getting a hug, these guys have you covered!
Self-Hugging Coats
This Japanese Girlfriend Coat Gives the Wearer the Sensation of Being Hugged
Trend Themes
1. Virtual Hug Technology - Developing technologies that simulate human touch, such as self-hugging coats, to meet emotional and physical needs remotely.
2. Emotional Wearables - Creating wearable devices that provide emotional support and enhance well-being, like the Japanese Girlfriend Coat.
3. Personalized Comfort Products - Designing products that offer comfort and personalized experiences, such as coats that mimic the sensation of receiving a hug.
Industry Implications
1. Fashion - Integrating technology into fashion to create innovative and emotionally supportive garments.
2. Healthcare - Applying touch simulation technology in healthcare settings, such as therapeutic wearables for individuals in need of emotional support.
3. Electronics - Exploring the development of electronic devices that replicate human touch for various applications, including self-hugging coats.