101 Unuseless Japanese Inventions: The Art of Chindogu

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The author, Kenji Kawakami is well-known in Japan for his creation and tireless promotion of "chingdogu" -- the art of the "unuseless idea." This book features the best of his inventions, inspired devices designed to solve all the nagging problems of domestic life, including ones you may not have realized you have. Reading this book is like exploring an alternate universe in which the 19th century inventors who shaped our lives had far too much time on their hands, and far too many plastic molds in their factories. Hilarious!


From Library Journal
Have you ever been tempted to go for a walk when you really needed to do the laundry? Well, now you can wash your clothes and get your daily exercise at the same time with "Walk 'n' Wash" ankle-attachable laundry tanks. Too busy to breastfeed the baby? The "Daddy Nurser" will let your husband or significant other share in the joys of motherhood. From Japan, land of the bullet-train and the Walkman, come chindogu (literally an odd or distorted tool), witty and whimsical inventions that are almost useful but not quite. Kawakami, founder of the International Chindogu Society, outlines the basic ten tenets of chindogu; among them: they cannot be for real use; they must exist; and they are without prejudice. His book is much like the 101 objects it displays, an "unuseless" purchase but a delight in itself.Wilda Williams, "Library Journal"Copyright 1995 Reed Business Information, Inc.


Book Description
Strangely practical and utterly eccentric inventions for a life of ease-and hilarity. In Japan, inventor and visionary Kenji Kawakami is famous for his creation and tireless promotion of chindogu-the art of "the unuseless idea." This book features the best of his inventions: inspired devices designed to solve all the nagging problems of domestic life, including ones you may not have realized you have. Enter the realm of the almost useful, where you will find Duster Slippers for Cats (for feline assistance with tedious housework), the Full Body Umbrella (for day-long all-over dryness), the Fish Face Cover (helps get the fish cut up with minimum emotional trauma), and the Temporary Ladies' Room Converter (stake your claim to the facilities). Every item has been fabricated to the highest standards, fully tested by pioneering members of the Japanese public, and tastefully photographed. It is only a matter of time before Americans succumb to their charm, logic, and utility.


Book Info
A colorfully illustrated collection of silly Japanese inventions. The kooky items include earrings with built-in earplugs for those loud nights at the disco, floor-duster dog shoes, and a finger protector hand that holds food while cutting. Softcover.


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Have you ever been tempted to go for a walk when you really needed to do the laundry? Well, now you can wash your clothes and get your daily exercise at the same time with "Walk `n' Wash" ankle-attachable laundry tanks. Too busy to breastfeed the baby? The "Daddy Nurser" will let your husband or significant other share in the joys of motherhood. From Japan, land of the bullet-train and the Walkman, come chindogu (literally an odd or distorted tool), witty and whimsical inventions that are almost useful but not quite. Kawakami, founder of the International Chindogu Society, outlines the basic ten tenets of chindogu; among them: they cannot be for real use; they must exist; and they are without prejudice. His book is much like the 101 objects it displays, an "unuseless" purchase but a delight in itself.-Wilda Williams, "Library Journal"


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