Synopses & Reviews
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, the sequel to the enormously popular 101 Unuseless Japanese Inventions, features 99 more 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.
Synopsis
Back by popular demand! Following the massive success of 101 Unuseless Japanese Inventions, 99 more specimens of the art of Chindogu to amaze, confuse, and entertain.
Chindogu is the Japanese word coined for the art of the unuseless idea -- weirdly logical designs for living that have taken an unsuspecting world by storm. Meant to solve the niggling problems of modern life, these bizarre and logic-defying gadgets and gizmos have a tendency to fail completely -- but also heroically, magnificently, and hilariously.
Addicts of the unuseless will love this collection of brand-new Chindogu, including the Eat 'n' Exercise (no one cares about calories when you exercise as you eat), the Drymobile (your laundry dries as you drive), the Solar-Powered Torch, and many, many more....
"Chindogu is the Chaos Theory put to everyday use. Funny but subversive. Ordinary but surreal. Brilliant but boneheaded.... Once word gets around, stand back". -- John Barry, Knight-Ridder