The Japanese word ‘chindogu’ can be defined in numerous ways.
- an almost useless object
- an invention that actually exists but is one that people would be too mortified to use (in public anyway)
- an object that is not for sale, which is just as well, as no one would want to buy it
Chindogu is a literal translation of ‘weird object’ which describes it aptly. Chindogu’s origins can be traced back to the 1990s. Famous Japanese writer, Kenji Kawakami, often puts aside writing to invent chindogu. The remainder of his time is used to spread his passion to the citizens of Japan. Chindogu was an instant sensation. People everywhere were racing to invent their very own chindogu, just to say they had done it.
Amazingly, chindogu is not as simplistic as it seems. It’s actually considered an art with its very own law which I happen to have access to:
- It cannot be for sale
- It must exist in this space-time continuum
- It cannot be patented (if the idea’s worth stealing, it’s not chindogu)
Take a look at these:
COMMUTER’S HELMET: This red hat straps to the user’s head , then sticks to the wall of the train with a toilet plunger, conveniently preventing the user from toppling over if he falls asleep. A handy card attached to the forehead lists the user’s destination, so fellow travellers can wake him when it’s time ti disembark.
PORTABLE CROSSWALK: Oh, hark at those selfish motorists! People are trying to walk here! No more cross-roading dilemmas with the Portable Crosswalk, a roll-up mat that’s printed with white stripes. Just find a suitable spot, unroll the mat and cross the road. Effortless, isn’t it?
SWEETHEART’S TRAINING ARM: Teach your loved one how to hold hands properly with this artificial limb. Designed to dangle rather in an unsightly manner by your side as you walk down the street, the Training Arm lets your darling perfect their hand-holding techniques (such as the angle the fingers are bent). All this without having to burden yourself with nervous sweaty palms – sounds like God’s gift.
Anyway, it is at this point that I end my observations. Fascinating, isn’t it? You could invent your very own one-of-a-kind chindogu, despite the fact that it isn’t yet considered an art in Malaysia. Perhaps you could change that?