TOP 6 Of Japanese Winter Warmers

26 Nov 2007 Category: Fashion, Features, Products, Technology

TOP 6 Of Japanese Winter Warmers

THE Japanese winter essential, disposable "Non-adhesive Warm Pack" from Mycoal Corporation. We’ll be counting on you again this year! (Okay, we are slowly switching to reusable ones, promise!)

After a short icy preview in November, winter is already right around the corner in Tokyo. And while you wait for the leaves to turn into beautiful reds, browns, and yellow, prepare to get your warmers ready to keep out the cold! Gloves, scarves and disposable warm packs go without saying, but will they be enough to get you through the winter? PingMag introduces our favourite selection of comfy winter warmers!

Written by Ayana
Translated by Natsumi Yamane

1. Techie Cosiness

As we already introduced once in our clever 10 Unusual USB Objects article last summer, Thanko does gadgets of the unusual variety. With these clever USB tools, the persistent drafts in a traditional Japanese home won’t bother you anymore…

USB Warmer Gloves

It’s simple to use, just plug in to your USB port and it start warming your hands. Conveniently, you can control the warmth and uncover the fingertips when necessary. Typing in a cold room will never be a problem again!


USB Warmer Gloves from Thanko. You can uncover the fingertips to type and keep your hands warm at the same time.

It comes with a High/Low switch to control the warmth. Makes working at home more fun!

USB Warmer Mouse Pad

What! This cuddly toy-like blue fish is actually a super cute mouse pad! Simply connect it to your USB and place your mouse on it, and it quickly warms up to keep your hands toasty. Best idea so far!

A blue fish as USB Warmer Mouse Pad, made by Thanko: Stick your hand inside to keep it warm and comfy!

2. Warmer Nails


The “Warmer Nails” from Japan Aesthetic Service.

Following our excursion on Nail Art, many of you beloved readers commented on the decorative quality… But guess what, nail art is also an idea for cold protection! This interesting “Warmer Nails” from “Japan Aesthetic Service” contain capsaicin and tourmaline essence, so it warms your hands (and feet) just by applying it on your nails. You can even manicure other colours over it. Ladies and boys, why not use it as your base or top coating? We smell a fashion trend…

3. Warm Packs

Though (disposable) warm packs must be THE essential item for Japanese winter, it’s still relatively rare outside the country…. A warm pack is a type of warm goods that radiate heat by the chemical reaction from powdered iron, water, activated carbon and salts contained inside the pack. Disposable ones are common only in Japan, but many new types are appearing recently.

Nuru Hokkairo: Heating Gel


“Nuru Hokkairo” by Hakugen is a gel that warms you and provides with moisturising effects.

Hakugen has launched a new version of “Nuru Hokkairo,” which warms your hands and feet simply by applying a cream that contains thermal substances and far-infrared powders (!). Furthermore, it contains hyaluronic acid to nurture your skin. We need that at once!

Sweet Reusable Warm Packs

Next on the list is a lovely reusable warm pack by Prime Nakamura, also famous for their cute Yokomuki Kids characters. All you need to do is to flick the metal inside and there we go with instant warmth! Afterwards, it can be used again and again simply by reheating it in the microwave or using hot water. Very convenient!

Prime Nakamura’s “Yokomuki Kids Hot Pad.” How cute! Just reheat it in the microwave or with hot water.

4. Hot Water Bottles

How about a traditional hot water bottle, commonly used all over the world? As far as Japan is concerned, it came in from China in the Muromachi Period, which makes it quite old. At one point, the use of hot water bottles decreased dramatically, but we have seen a comeback in the past few years - thanks to those awesome covers:

Oh my! A little dog…

This lovely puppy is holding a hot water bottle underneath its tummy and, in cold nights, it will warm your bed for a comfy sleep? Available from Pandaman.


“Cuddly Puppy and Hot Water Bottle” from Pandaman.

A hot water bottle is tucked in its tummy. SO cute!

…and then a gummy bear….

Our second choice would be from fashy, a German maker of high quality hot water bottles. These bright coloured teddy covers look just like HARIBO gummy bears - you might even want one to add a little color to your room. Do not try to eat it though! Available in Japan from a-mon.


A gummy bear in your bed! Hot water bottle covers from fashy.

This time, the hot water bottle is tucked into its back. By the way, did you know that hot water bottles also serve as humidifiers?

5. Warm Wipes For A Warm Baby Bottom

Of course, we didn’t forget about the small ones among us: The inevitable moments for babies to feel cold is when mums use baby wipes. Normally, these wipes are wet so babies can’t help but feel the chill. But putting the tissue in this “Quick Warmer” from Combi would make a baby feel feel so much more pleasant.


“Quick Warmer” from Combi for warming a usual baby wipe.

Warm wipes will make both babies and mums happy! As depicted.

6. Lastly, A Cat Kotatsu

Actually, your precious four-legged friends feel the cold too. In Japan, cats love to curl up inside a kotatsu! So pet food manufacturer Doggyman has come up with a pet-friendly 45cm square kotatsu exclusively for animals. You will be relieved to know that the plastic cords are specially coated to prevent any accidents from cats chewing on them.

Cats’ ultimate bliss…. “Dream Kotatsu” (for cats and small-sized dogs) from Doggyman does not use infrared lamp so your beloved friends won’t damage their eyes. How considerate!

Keep yourself warm this season! And warm thanks to all who helped us with this article!

21 Comments

  1. Hee, hee.. a Catatsu?かわいすぎ！

    Actually, I think using a cat to warm your body is the best thing.

    Posted by: Samantha on November 26th, 2007 at 10:46 pm

  2. how…different. i’m not sure that the ‘nail warmer’ would make much of an impact though, hehe.

    Posted by: nwl on November 26th, 2007 at 10:57 pm

  3. How about a ねこたつ？

    Posted by: Clay on November 27th, 2007 at 3:38 am

  4. Hahahaha! So cool!!

    Posted by: Akai on November 27th, 2007 at 4:16 am

  5. Fun ideas. Kind of an aside, but following the Catatsu theme, check out the Neko-Nabe 猫鍋 videos of YouTube.

    Posted by: clubikimakuri on November 27th, 2007 at 12:41 pm

  6. [...] e immagini su PingMag. Scritto da Simone il 27 Novembre, 2007Tags: casa e arredamento, [...]

    Posted by: Come ci si scalda in Giappone – Frizzifrizzi.it on November 27th, 2007 at 5:00 pm

  7. wonderful… so cool :clap:

    Posted by: yoxx on November 27th, 2007 at 6:14 pm

  8. LOVED the Catatsu!

    Posted by: nana on November 28th, 2007 at 12:38 am

  9. The nail polish is pretty revolutionary.

    Posted by: MediaMisfit on November 28th, 2007 at 1:25 am

  10. Damn that was cute, USB warmer mouse pad. Brilliant idea!

    Posted by: jayhan on November 29th, 2007 at 2:57 pm

  11. [...] Japanese Warm-up Items The Pingmag site recently did a feature about different items on sale in Japan to keep yourself warm at home. They [...]

    Posted by: Wacky Japanese Warm-up Items « STR:IKE / UP on December 2nd, 2007 at 6:21 pm

  12. How could you reheat the sweet ones in a microwave oven if they have metal inside? Hehehe…

    Posted by: xmanoel on December 2nd, 2007 at 8:47 pm

  13. it is a good idea!

    Posted by: Anna on December 3rd, 2007 at 5:34 pm

  14. I am looking for someone who can write about Japanese toiletries (shampoo, facial cream, deodorant etc) in English. If you are interested or know anyone who maybe interested, please contact me: h-twee@zonnet.nl
    I am a trendwatcher who follows the European market and I need someone in Japan who can tell us in Europe about new Japanese products. I guess the work load would be 1 day/month so not a lot of work, but possibly interesting for you or another free lancer. I can give more info once we have made contact. Many thanks

    Posted by: helga hertsig on December 10th, 2007 at 4:12 am

  15. I am in USA. Where can I get or order the Nail Polish hand warmer. I have friends in UK who can get it and send via Postal Service. Please Help

    Posted by: Carlton on December 21st, 2007 at 5:12 am

  16. [...] From PingMag [...]

    Posted by: Heat Up Nail Varnish at Bangkok Mafia on January 28th, 2008 at 6:02 pm

  17. Where can I purchase one of those FASHY bear hot water bottles?

    Posted by: Laura on February 9th, 2008 at 12:28 pm

  18. i love the gummy bear and little dog warmers. they’re perfect for pediatric patients who gets scared of hospital equipments and paraphernalia

    COOL =)

    Posted by: rich on August 9th, 2008 at 11:04 pm

  19. i love the gummy bear and little dog warmers. they’re perfect for pediatric patients who gets scared of hospital equipments and paraphernalia
    Can I post some pictures in my blog?
    i’ll just link it back to your site.
    thanks =)

    Posted by: rich on August 9th, 2008 at 11:05 pm

  20. Hi there

    I would like to introduce you to http://www.urbanpup.com we are a new company based in Ireland offering a website for the fashion conscience pet owner filled with essential must have presents and gifts.

    UrbanPup.com was founded by pet lovers who are equally avid followers of fashion. We loved the idea of looking after our pets and keeping them warm and safe but in style, but when we looked around we could see that there were a lot of clothes available for pets but nothing that could be described as couture or high fashion. We wanted to dress our pets in high fashion and have them looking like a million dollars, so based on that concept that we launched UrbanPup.com.

    The philosophy of the Company is to provide the fashion conscience with stylish couture for their pets. The range provides all the clothing and accessories that your dog would ever need from stylish coats and pretty dresses to stunning lead & collar sets.

    We want to keep our customers and their pooches on trend; so take a look at some of our key tartan pieces, inspiration straight from the catwalk. Urbanpup.com has already been tipped as the one to watch with it attracting attention from around the globe, within its first month of business.

    Our Beverly Hills Chihuahua Dress was featured in the recently released Disney movie ‘Beverly Hills Chihuahua’ as can be seen on the white Chihuahua Chloe, our Black Tuxedo was worn on the Red Carpet Premier of Paramount Pictures UK, for the movie, “Angus, Thongs and Perfect Snogging” in London. Also in stock is the pink satin dress that supermodel Beth Ostrosky’s dog wore for her wedding to Howard Stern.

    Kind regards

    Donna Kelly
    http://www.urbanpup.com

    Posted by: Donna Kelly on December 28th, 2008 at 11:26 pm

  21. [...] Via PingMag. [...]

    Posted by: Warmer Nails nail polish heats you up | Free Article Database!- Free Updating! on December 25th, 2009 at 2:13 am

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