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