# Smile-Inducing Refrigerators The Happiness Counter Encourages Smiling Before Eating By Elise Ying-Hei Ho | Published 2012-10-09 | Tech Source: Trend Hunter, https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/happiness-counter References: [ufunk.net](http://www.ufunk.net/en/gadgets/japanese-happiness-counter/) In a country where work essentially dominates your life until retirement, Japan has created the Happiness Counter that promotes smiling and, according to trial, genuinely increases a person's [happiness](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/get-happier). The Happiness Counter is a device that has an integrated [refrigerator](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/bespoke-ai-smile recognition software that is able to detect whether someone is smiling or not. The sensor was attached to a fridge, which meant that the door could only be open if the person smiled. The shutter automatically sensed the smile and granted access. In a trial run, the refrigerator proved that users who initially only smiled seemingly forcefully ended up with a more genuine happy smile. It encouraged a more uplifted mood in meetings and promoted better work ethic as well. ## Trend Insights (Trend Hunter) - Score: 3.0/10 - Popularity: 16% | Activity: 67% | Freshness: 8% - Audience gender: 50% men, 50% women - Primary generations: Millennial, Gen X - Top markets: Asia ## Categories [Trend Hunter](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends) > [Tech](https://www.trendhunter.com/tech) > [Gadgets](https://www.trendhunter.com/gadgets) ## Key Themes ### Key Themes Behind This Trend - **Smile Recognition Software:** The development of smile recognition software can be utilized in various industries to enhance user experiences and promote positive interactions. - **Emotion-sensing Devices:** The use of emotion-sensing devices, like the Happiness Counter, has the potential to revolutionize how people interact with technology and promote emotional well-being. - **Workplace Happiness Initiatives:** Implementing workplace happiness initiatives, such as smile-inducing appliances, can improve employee morale, productivity, and overall job satisfaction. ### Where This Applies - **Technology:** The technology industry can leverage smile recognition software to create innovative products that enhance user experiences and promote emotional well-being. - **Home Appliances:** The home appliances industry can explore the integration of emotion-sensing devices into their products to provide unique and engaging user experiences. - **Human Resources:** Human resources departments across industries can adopt workplace happiness initiatives to boost employee morale and create a positive work environment. ## Related on Trend Hunter - [Sleek Food Display Fridges](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/kollect-smart.md) - [Smile-Detecting Shopping Experiences](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/walmart-joy-fully.md) - [Dynamic Lighting-Equipped Fridges](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/lg-objet.md) - [AI Recipe Assistant Fridges](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/jumbo-sidebyside-refrigerator.md) - [Recipe-Recommending Smart Fridges](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/bespoke-4door-flex-refrigerator.md) - [Compartmentalized Smart Refrigerators](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/aura-refrigerator.md) - [Mental-Health Smart Mirror Concepts](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/mio-smart-mirror.md) - [Assistive Smart Refrigerators](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/kitchen-assistant.md) - [Customizable LED Panel Refrigerators](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/lg-moodup.md)