# Techy Face Masks Japanese USB Face Masks For Serious Germ-a-Phobes By thischick | Published 2007-03-17 | Unique Source: Trend Hunter, https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/japanes-usb-face-masks-for-serious-germ-a-phobes References: [thanko.jp](http://www.thanko.jp/usbmask/) Thanko Japanese products makes a [USB face mask](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/ebcare-mask) to keep out the dirt and germs that make us sick. It plugs into your keyboard so you can have 8 hours of germ-free breathing. Meanwhile, you've got no friends, no one to love you and no social life because you and your mask are the ultimate office freakshow. How could you spend hours every day wearing one of those? It's just so cumbersome and highly un-attractive. I suppose though, if Darth Vader shows up at your office, at least you'll feel justified. ## Trend Insights (Trend Hunter) - Score: 2.8/10 - Popularity: 69% | Activity: 7% | Freshness: 8% - Audience gender: 50% men, 50% women - Primary generations: Millennial - Top markets: North America, Europe ## Categories [Trend Hunter](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends) > [Unique](https://www.trendhunter.com/unique) > [Bizarre](https://www.trendhunter.com/bizarre) ## Key Themes ### Key Themes Behind This Trend - **USB Face Masks:** Disruptive innovation opportunity: Develop more advanced and ergonomic USB face masks to enhance comfort and functionality. - **Germ-a-phobes:** Disruptive innovation opportunity: Create innovative solutions for germaphobes, such as portable UV sanitizers or self-cleaning face masks. - **Techy Face Masks:** Disruptive innovation opportunity: Integrate smart features into face masks, such as air quality sensors or voice amplification for better communication. ### Where This Applies - **Healthcare:** Disruptive innovation opportunity: Develop medical-grade smart face masks capable of monitoring biometrics and detecting illnesses. - **Technology:** Disruptive innovation opportunity: Combine technology with fashion to create stylish and functional face masks that appeal to tech-savvy consumers. - **Personal Protective Equipment:** Disruptive innovation opportunity: Design lightweight and customizable face masks for various industries, including construction, manufacturing, and food service. ## Related on Trend Hunter - [Copper-Infused Face Masks](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/aebl-epion.md) - [Connected Emotive Face Masks](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/w3e-mask-expressive-emotion.md) - [Fluidless Scent-Releasing Facemasks](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/smart-face-mask-1.md) - [Soundproof Microphone Masks](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/the-phasma.md) - [Air-Blowing Face Masks](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/air-mask.md) - [Digital Avatar LED Masks](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/qudi-mask-2.md) - [Aerodynamic Filtration Face Masks](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/goa-face-protector.md) - [Powered Breathability Face Masks](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/performance-face-mask.md) - [LED-Powered Skincare Masks](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/microled-skincare-mask.md)