In Japan, you can lift dolls instead of weights.
Kokeshi are Japanese dolls, handmade from wood with a simple trunk and an enlarged head with a few thin, painted lines to define the face. The body has a floral design painted in red, black, and sometimes yellow, and covered with a layer of wax. One characteristic of Kokeshi dolls is their lack of arms or legs. The bottom is marked with the signature of the artist.
"Dumbbells" as a word originated in Tudor England - strongmen used hand-held church bells to develop the upper body and arms. They removed the clappers (the thing inside the bell which hits the sides of the bell and makes the noise) so they could practice quietly; hence the name "dumb" as in "no sound" and "bell" - dumbbell. By the early 19th Century, the familiar shape of the dumbbell, with two equal weights attached to a handle, had appeared.
Without doubt the resemblance of the two inspired Gendaibujitsu Nitouhey to transform a dull dumbbell forged from iron into an artistically decorated Kokeshi adding traditional Japanese craftwork to ordinary looking and non-inspiring training equipment. As with the original Kokeshi this decorated Kokeshi dumbbell likewise has the designer's name printed on the bottom
The Kokeshi dumbbells come in 2 and 3-kilogram weights and cost 7350 yen (approx $72 USD) and 8400 yen (approx $82 USD), respectively.
Weightlifting with Japanese Dolls
Kokeshi Dumbbell
Trend Themes
1. Traditional-inspired Fitness Equipment - The transformation of ordinary fitness equipment into artistically decorated items inspired by traditional crafts opens up opportunities for creative product innovation.
2. Cultural Fusion in Workout Gear - The combination of Japanese Kokeshi dolls and dumbbells represents a trend towards incorporating cultural elements into fitness products, presenting possibilities for cross-cultural collaborations.
3. Functional Artwork in Fitness - The integration of artistry and functionality in workout gear introduces a trend of fitness equipment that not only serves its purpose but also doubles as aesthetically pleasing decor or collectible pieces.
Industry Implications
1. Fitness Equipment Manufacturing - The manufacturing industry for fitness equipment can explore opportunities to incorporate traditional crafts and cultural elements into their product designs, enhancing their market appeal.
2. Art and Design - Artistic industries can explore collaborations with fitness equipment manufacturers to create functional artwork that caters to fitness enthusiasts with an appreciation for aesthetics.
3. Cross-cultural Merchandising - The retail industry can tap into the trend of cross-cultural fusion in workout gear, offering unique products that bring together different cultural influences and cater to a diverse consumer base.