21 Intriguing Japanese Oddities

From Face-Lifting Cushions to Stylish Sushi Knapsacks

— July 15, 2016 — World
When looking through these Japanese oddities, it's clear that culture varies wildly from one area to another. A watermelon-shaped dumpling may seem bizarre in the West, yet something completely normal to a North American -- say, a bucket-sized movie theater beverage -- is likely shocking in Japan.

With an understanding of this cultural rooting, none should expect Japanese oddities like the layered bean desserts or potato-inspired ice cream featured here to do well in the dessert industry in North America. However, these products give far more insight into the Japanese sensibility than any Western ideas or products could ever hope for.

Thinking about the differences between Japanese culture and North American culture, or between any two cultures at all, can provide a better framework for hypothesizing what drives interests globally.
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21
Tea-Serving Taxis
Tea-Serving Taxis
Tokyo Taxi Operator Nihon Kotsu is Giving Out Samples of Suntory Tea
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20
Layered Bean Desserts
Layered Bean Desserts
This Haagen-Dazs Japan Ice Cream is Filled with Adzuki Red Beans
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19
Charcoal Powder Cleansers
Charcoal Powder Cleansers
This Powdered Charcoal Face Wash Exfoliates as it Detoxes the Skin
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18
Rolling Cane Umbrellas
Rolling Cane Umbrellas
The Bibi Lab Korogasa Naito Rolling Rain Umbrella is Functional
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17
Supernatural Baseball Games
Supernatural Baseball Games
The Baseball Game Promoted the Japanese Horror Film Sadako vs. Kayako
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16
Hyperrealistic Food Bookmarks
Hyperrealistic Food Bookmarks
These Japanese Page Markers are Designed to Look Like Popular Snacks
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15
Smile Assessment Apps
Smile Assessment Apps
This Shiseido App Reads the Quality of a Smile
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14
Stylish Sushi Knapsacks
Stylish Sushi Knapsacks
These Sushi Backpacks Resemble the Iconic Seafood Dish
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13
Milk Carton-Shaped Homes
Milk Carton-Shaped Homes
This Japanese Home Uses a Milk Carton Design as Its Inspiration
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12
Watermelon-Shaped Dumplings
Watermelon-Shaped Dumplings
This Japanese Dessert Now Comes in a Refreshing Summer Edition
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11
Fried Noodle Snacks
Fried Noodle Snacks
Snack Brand Bourbon Transforms Udon Noodles into an On-the-Go Treat
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10
Ice Block Noodle Bowls
Ice Block Noodle Bowls
Japan's Tempura Matsu Restaurant Uses Melting Vessels for Its Noodle Bowls
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9
Potato-Inspired Ice Cream
Potato-Inspired Ice Cream
This Ottotto Ice Cream Dessert Boasts a Salty Potato Flavor
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8
Ninja-Inspired Hot Dogs
Ninja-Inspired Hot Dogs
IKEA Japan Introduced an All-Black Addition to its Food Menu
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7
Horse-Shaped Donuts
Horse-Shaped Donuts
Krispy Kreme Japan's Newest Shaped Donuts Celebrate Horse Races in Hyogo
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6
Lifting Face Belts
Lifting Face Belts
The 'La Vie Kogao' Inflatable Mask Naturally Raises the Contours of the Face
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5
Self-Freezing Sodas
Self-Freezing Sodas
The 'Super Chill!! Coca-Cola' Vending Machine Offers the Beverage in Ice Form
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4
Ghost-Themed Burger Menus
Ghost-Themed Burger Menus
J.S. BURGERS CAFE Created a Colorful Ghostbusters Menu for the Film
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3
Soap-Printing Pens
Soap-Printing Pens
Shine's Kid-Safe 'Awamoko' 3D Printing Pens Use Foam Instead of Plastic
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2
Formal Camouflage Suits
Formal Camouflage Suits
BAPE Combined Its Streetwear Prints with Formal Menswear Styles
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Oversized Unisex Outerwear
Oversized Unisex Outerwear
The Japanese Brand UNUSED Released Its Latest Outerwear Looks
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