PingMag’s Tips for Father’s Day 2008

11 Jun 2008 Category: Japan, Products

PingMag’s Tips for Father’s Day 2008

How about some playful variation of the ordinary Father's Day gift? This time, it's a fancy necktie for a cool dad with style! Photo by giraffe necktie shop


The third Sunday of June is upon us, which means Father’s Day is nearly here! Huh, in Japan, we nearly forgot about that tradition. Now to remind you, while popular Mother’s Day gifts are traditionally flowers, jewellery, and sweets, Father’s Day gifts seem to be the equivalent standards such as socks, whiskey, or golf items… Yawn. To spice the gift giving ritual up a bit, PingMag recommends seven extraordinary presents from Japan — from a science mag to build his own Theremin to an “Instant Ramen Timer,” this will leave your dad wide-eyed, we guarantee!

Written by Ayana
Translated by Kevin Mcgue

Bubbly Bubble Bath

This February, Bandai released a product that nostalgically brings back some of the crazy Japanese bubble economy luxury. “Bubbly Bubble Bath” comes in the shape of of Japanese ¥10,000 bills for dad to take a bath in money. Not only that, the bills also dissolve in water, forming bath bubbles. We always knew that money smells nice! A perfect gift for those dads who are working hard to get rich…

The “Bubbly Bubble Bath.” ¥100,000 (approx. $1,000) for each bath is about right!

Quite authentic looking bills! Makes you feel like King Croesus…

A Comfy Lap to Lay Your Head In

You might have seen these before, but maybe your dad hasn’t: These inviting pillows resemble a woman’s lap! Made by Trane, they have become pretty popular in Japan. The contours and feel of the skin are very realistic, and it must be a great way for tired dads to relax when their wives aren’t around… By the way, it comes in both mini skirt and Chinese dress versions — which one would your dad like?


The red mini skirt version…

…and the same as black version. Comfy!

King Tut Sleeping Bag

Provided that you still live at home, let us ask you two things: Does your mom sometimes kick dad out of the bedroom? Have you ever gotten up in the morning and found dad sleeping on the sofa in the living room? Without prying into things, you can at least help dad out by getting him a fun and cosy “King Tut Sleeping Bag,” available online in Japan from Village Vanguard. Even if he might get kicked out the the house completely, he can still sleep like a king outside… Okay, that wasn’t meant to sound sarcastic!

The King Tut Sleeping Bag for indoor and (involuntary) outdoor use…

Cat Paw Mouse Pad

One member of the family who is surely always home to help dad relax is the family pet. To get him the same kind of soothing comfort at the office, Kojima Trading’s “Cat Paw Mouse Pad” is a soft pad to support his wrist while using a PC. A perfect gift for long hours at work and no colleague’s pet nearby.

The “Cat Paw Mouse Pad,” a true stress reliever in the office.

Instant Ramen Noodle Timer

Have you ever seen your dad come home from work so late that everyone in the family is asleep, and the only thing he can have for dinner is instant ramen — which of course he has to eat alone? To make this late night time a bit more fun, how about an “Instant Ramen Noodle Timer” by Star Line! After you add hot water to instant noodles, you push down the lever and the timer lights up when noodles are ready. It resembles a cute little gas burner, so even if he is making a microwave dinner, he can at least have the feel of a home cooked meal.

The “Instant Noodle Timer” makes even a lonesome bite more fun.

Science for Adults Magazine

We just introduced to you the Science for Kids magazine and their wonderful projects. As the joy of making something is not forgotten when the kids grow up, for these there is another magazine called Science for Adults. Dad will be totally into their awesome DIY stuff such as telescopes or karakuri ningyo!


An issue of “Science for Adults” with plans for a do-it-yourself Galileo telescope. Wow!

Another issue with a fabulous plan for a wind-power generator dad can make for his desk!

An issue with plans to make a karakuri ningyo, a mechanised doll that pours tea.

And another issue including a kit to build a Theremin, the famous early electronic instrument!

Basketball Hoop Trash Can

This is not new but still a goodie to give someone special a broad hint. Moreover, recently, there is lots of talk in Japan about increasing obesity rates, and many families are worried about their fathers not exercising enough. For dads who don’t have time, the “Basketball Hoop Trash Can,” also from Village Vanguard, might be a perfect gift to get him going! Of course, dad will want to give his best shot at it, and if he does make a basket, he will be burning calories by cheering himself. Small steps…

The “Basketball Hoop Trash Can” for your pieces of trash to be used as basketball. Keeps dad practising!

We hope you found something clever for Father’s Day by now! Thanks to everyone who helped with this!

Still no clue about a gift? Then finally a sweet card saying “Thanks for everything Dad.”

65 Comments

  1. genial!!! now i’ve got many ideas form dad present!! thanks pingmag!!

    Posted by: alessio on June 11th, 2008 at 8:38 pm

  2. Your Dad doesn’t want this junk. He wants you to phone or take him to lunch and say “I love you.”

    Posted by: Charles on June 11th, 2008 at 10:16 pm

  3. Of course, for those fathers who have already gotten an “I love you” and yet, amazingly, can stomach a few amusing gifts… these are at least visually interesting options.

    Posted by: Kitteh on June 11th, 2008 at 10:35 pm

  4. I just found about this magazine and think is great!!! Lots of inspiration
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    Posted by: Blanca on June 12th, 2008 at 1:54 am

  5. Double WOW 2 your design!

    Posted by: life assurance on June 12th, 2008 at 5:36 am

  6. The Giraffe ties are beautiful! I have to get my hands on some somehow!

    Posted by: Noel on June 12th, 2008 at 6:32 am

  7. Yes…. most def’ a giraffe necktie!!!
    Super nice n helpful shop staff…….

    Posted by: SHANTELL MARTIN on June 12th, 2008 at 10:06 pm

  8. I LOVE the King Tut sleeping bag!!

    Posted by: shinyhappypeople on June 12th, 2008 at 11:23 pm

  9. i love the lap pillow!
    a bit pervert…but simply brilliant!

    Posted by: naomi on June 17th, 2008 at 6:40 pm

  10. Haha…my dad is over 60 and would definetly love most of the items. Thanx for the tip, now I just have to get a ticket to Japan, find the stiff, buy it and get back to Europe again, easy beesy!

    Posted by: karmaddict on October 9th, 2008 at 5:19 am

  11. [...] The third Sunday of June is upon us, which means Father’s Day is nearly here! Huh, in Japan, we nearly forgot about that tradition. Now to remind you, while popular Mother’s Day gifts are traditionally flowers, jewellery, and sweets, Father’s Day gifts seem to be the equivalent standards such as socks, whiskey, or golf items… Yawn. To spice the gift giving ritual up a bit, PingMag recommends seven extraordinary presents from Japan — from a science mag to build his own Theremin to an “Instant Ramen Timer,” this will leave your dad wide-eyed, we guarantee! Read the full story>>> [...]

    Posted by: Kevin Mcgue - Tokyo-Based Journalist & Filmmaker » PingMag’s Tips for Father’s Day 2008 on March 2nd, 2009 at 10:22 pm

  12. [...] Read the English version at PingMag» [...]

    Posted by: Kevin Mcgue | “PingMag’s Tips for Father’s Day 2008″ Translation on April 16th, 2010 at 11:20 pm

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