Comments on: The magic of Japanese space-saving products http://boingboing.net/2009/10/15/the-art-of-japanese.html Brain candy for Happy Mutants Tue, 18 Jun 2013 22:21:00 +0000 hourly 1 http://wordpress.org/?v=3.4.1 By: Anonymous http://boingboing.net/2009/10/15/the-art-of-japanese.html#comment-613896 Anonymous Wed, 30 Nov -0001 00:00:00 +0000 #comment-613896 The vacuum storage bags,Space-bag which you call is not for dayly use at all,of course .The purpose is to storage the things you do not normally use, like in summer we don't need the big duvets or closes for winter which would take most of the space in a storage place. The book shelve is less than 100$. Is that expensive?? Its much more cheaper than every links you showed. http://www.nissen.co.jp/sho_item/regular/7510/7510_80727.asp?book=7510&cat=cate017&bu=5329&thum=cate017_007_000_000-02 Is not the cell phone, but for grooming with no sound. The vacuum storage bags,Space-bag which you call is not for dayly use at all,of course
.The purpose is to storage the things you do not normally use, like in summer we don’t need the big duvets or closes for winter which would take most of the space in a storage place.

The book shelve is less than 100$. Is that expensive?? Its much more cheaper than every links you showed.

http://www.nissen.co.jp/sho_item/regular/7510/7510_80727.asp?book=7510&cat=cate017&bu=5329&thum=cate017_007_000_000-02
Is not the cell phone, but for grooming with no sound.

]]> By: cinemajay http://boingboing.net/2009/10/15/the-art-of-japanese.html#comment-613398 cinemajay Wed, 30 Nov -0001 00:00:00 +0000 #comment-613398 I'm with Blaine, I need that bookcase! (I was sold when they said "comic books".) I’m with Blaine, I need that bookcase! (I was sold when they said “comic books”.)

]]> By: Anonymous http://boingboing.net/2009/10/15/the-art-of-japanese.html#comment-613403 Anonymous Wed, 30 Nov -0001 00:00:00 +0000 #comment-613403 The ironing board bag? Towels make perfect ironing boards. The ironing board bag? Towels make perfect ironing boards.

]]> By: tomrigid http://boingboing.net/2009/10/15/the-art-of-japanese.html#comment-614944 tomrigid Wed, 30 Nov -0001 00:00:00 +0000 #comment-614944 Shouldn't that toilet girl be in a sailor suit? Shouldn’t that toilet girl be in a sailor suit?

]]> By: Anonymous http://boingboing.net/2009/10/15/the-art-of-japanese.html#comment-613412 Anonymous Wed, 30 Nov -0001 00:00:00 +0000 #comment-613412 Those blanket cases are sold here in the States, one of those "As Seen on TV" gadgets. They're the with a one-way valve so you can squeeze the excess air out. Personally, it seems like kind of a hassle for daily use -- the U.S. version is marketed more as storage. Also, DO WANT the ironing board/bag! Those blanket cases are sold here in the States, one of those “As Seen on TV” gadgets. They’re the with a one-way valve so you can squeeze the excess air out. Personally, it seems like kind of a hassle for daily use — the U.S. version is marketed more as storage.

Also, DO WANT the ironing board/bag!

]]> By: Anonymous http://boingboing.net/2009/10/15/the-art-of-japanese.html#comment-615214 Anonymous Wed, 30 Nov -0001 00:00:00 +0000 #comment-615214 <i> Lisa, thank you for keeping the metric system. It was fun to understand for once how tall the objects in the pictures are! I'd hope that Boing Boing would too that more, in general. </i> I couldn't disagree more as I'm an American and have to pull up the metric to standard calculator every time I need to understand a size or measurement. Lisa, thank you for keeping the metric system. It was fun to understand for once how tall the objects in the pictures are! I’d hope that Boing Boing would too that more, in general.

I couldn’t disagree more as I’m an American and have to pull up the metric to standard calculator every time I need to understand a size or measurement.

]]> By: Halloween Jack http://boingboing.net/2009/10/15/the-art-of-japanese.html#comment-613173 Halloween Jack Wed, 30 Nov -0001 00:00:00 +0000 #comment-613173 That ironing-board-bag thing actually looks pretty practical, as I don't need a full-size ironing board, myself. The rest of it looks kind of murphy-bed-ish. That ironing-board-bag thing actually looks pretty practical, as I don’t need a full-size ironing board, myself. The rest of it looks kind of murphy-bed-ish.

]]> By: Moriarty http://boingboing.net/2009/10/15/the-art-of-japanese.html#comment-613177 Moriarty Wed, 30 Nov -0001 00:00:00 +0000 #comment-613177 The briefcase toilet is awesome. Great for the commute! The briefcase toilet is awesome. Great for the commute!

]]> By: kimnbri http://boingboing.net/2009/10/15/the-art-of-japanese.html#comment-613182 kimnbri Wed, 30 Nov -0001 00:00:00 +0000 #comment-613182 I love the earthquake illustration. Looks like godzilla should be coming down the street after them... I love the earthquake illustration. Looks like godzilla should be coming down the street after them…

]]> By: Blaine http://boingboing.net/2009/10/15/the-art-of-japanese.html#comment-613183 Blaine Wed, 30 Nov -0001 00:00:00 +0000 #comment-613183 Sweet sassy molassy! I need that bookcase. No, seriously, not in a 'oh, that'd make my life easier wouldn't it be neat' way... but as in: 1) Just moved to a new place. 2) Walls are old plaster so I don't trust putting up shelves. 3) I have around 300 video games, most of them in CD and DVD cases. And that sucker is PERFECT. I don't have the woodworking skills to pull that off, so I'm sad. Sweet sassy molassy!

I need that bookcase. No, seriously, not in a ‘oh, that’d make my life easier wouldn’t it be neat’ way… but as in:

1) Just moved to a new place.
2) Walls are old plaster so I don’t trust putting up shelves.
3) I have around 300 video games, most of them in CD and DVD cases.

And that sucker is PERFECT.

I don’t have the woodworking skills to pull that off, so I’m sad.

]]> By: candycritic http://boingboing.net/2009/10/15/the-art-of-japanese.html#comment-613186 candycritic Wed, 30 Nov -0001 00:00:00 +0000 #comment-613186 On the cover... is that a cell phone for your dog? On the cover… is that a cell phone for your dog?

]]> By: Ted8305 http://boingboing.net/2009/10/15/the-art-of-japanese.html#comment-613189 Ted8305 Wed, 30 Nov -0001 00:00:00 +0000 #comment-613189 If your ceilings are lower than 166.5 cm, you must be living in a munchkin house. That's under 5 feet 6 inches. If your ceilings are lower than 166.5 cm, you must be living in a munchkin house. That’s under 5 feet 6 inches.

]]> By: AirPillo http://boingboing.net/2009/10/15/the-art-of-japanese.html#comment-613197 AirPillo Wed, 30 Nov -0001 00:00:00 +0000 #comment-613197 Clearly it's a dog for your cell phone. Clearly it’s a dog for your cell phone.

]]> By: fatcat1111 http://boingboing.net/2009/10/15/the-art-of-japanese.html#comment-613454 fatcat1111 Wed, 30 Nov -0001 00:00:00 +0000 #comment-613454 Having experienced three of three situations illustrated in the ad, I *need* the RescueToilet. Having experienced three of three situations illustrated in the ad, I *need* the RescueToilet.

]]> By: Anonymous http://boingboing.net/2009/10/15/the-art-of-japanese.html#comment-613205 Anonymous Wed, 30 Nov -0001 00:00:00 +0000 #comment-613205 They sell something like that in the US, I had a couple for my CDs, though not as tall as that (mine were about 6' tall). If I recall they were about $200 each. They sell something like that in the US, I had a couple for my CDs, though not as tall as that (mine were about 6′ tall). If I recall they were about $200 each.

]]> By: James http://boingboing.net/2009/10/15/the-art-of-japanese.html#comment-613206 James Wed, 30 Nov -0001 00:00:00 +0000 #comment-613206 Bah, it's nothing on the UK's much-missed Innovations catalogue: http://www.bbc.co.uk/collective/gallery/index.shtml?collection=innovations&image=5 Bah, it’s nothing on the UK’s much-missed Innovations catalogue: http://www.bbc.co.uk/collective/gallery/index.shtml?collection=innovations&image=5

]]> By: Anonymous http://boingboing.net/2009/10/15/the-art-of-japanese.html#comment-613208 Anonymous Wed, 30 Nov -0001 00:00:00 +0000 #comment-613208 I have to know what the little camping girl is saying about her need for a portable toilet. I have to know what the little camping girl is saying about her need for a portable toilet.

]]> By: jco http://boingboing.net/2009/10/15/the-art-of-japanese.html#comment-613722 jco Wed, 30 Nov -0001 00:00:00 +0000 #comment-613722 @chris tucker, @maxoid: a 12" 1000 lb rated lazy susan is about $10 at your local hardware store. @chris tucker, @maxoid: a 12″ 1000 lb rated lazy susan is about $10 at your local hardware store.

]]> By: max_supernova http://boingboing.net/2009/10/15/the-art-of-japanese.html#comment-613213 max_supernova Wed, 30 Nov -0001 00:00:00 +0000 #comment-613213 There are western equivalents of those available. I was able to find these pretty quick, more searching might find closer matches: It's not a bag, but there are lots of <a href="http://www.colorfulimpressions.net/servlet/Detail?no=4812">foldable ironing boards</a>. The "folds in to a bag to store the iron" idea is brilliant though. A <a href="http://www.organize.com/pr4sptocdram.html">similar CD cabinet</a> Those <a href="https://www.spacebag.com/">vacuum storage bags</a> have been hawked on latenite TV for a while. Ta-da! <a href="http://www.rei.com/product/662980">Toilet in a briefcase</a>. There are western equivalents of those available. I was able to find these pretty quick, more searching might find closer matches:

It’s not a bag, but there are lots of foldable ironing boards. The “folds in to a bag to store the iron” idea is brilliant though.

A similar CD cabinet

Those vacuum storage bags have been hawked on latenite TV for a while.

Ta-da! Toilet in a briefcase.

]]> By: gullevek http://boingboing.net/2009/10/15/the-art-of-japanese.html#comment-613989 gullevek Wed, 30 Nov -0001 00:00:00 +0000 #comment-613989 She is saying "Mama, I want to go the toilet" She is saying “Mama, I want to go the toilet”

]]> By: VagabondAstronomer http://boingboing.net/2009/10/15/the-art-of-japanese.html#comment-613226 VagabondAstronomer Wed, 30 Nov -0001 00:00:00 +0000 #comment-613226 ...and, of course, the bookshelves are packed with manga! Way to go, kid! We here in the States could learn a lot about living smaller. Alas... …and, of course, the bookshelves are packed with manga! Way to go, kid!
We here in the States could learn a lot about living smaller. Alas…

]]> By: Chris Tucker http://boingboing.net/2009/10/15/the-art-of-japanese.html#comment-613739 Chris Tucker Wed, 30 Nov -0001 00:00:00 +0000 #comment-613739 Two great suggestions from maxoid and jco about the needed "lazy susan" turntable. Seems like the hardest part of the woodworking/carpentry would be routing the slots for the shelves and sides. And with the right blade in a table saw, it's really not that hard. If you could do without the decorative cutouts on the sides, this would be a half a weekend day project from start to finish, including travelling to get the lumber and bringing it back. Two great suggestions from maxoid and jco about the needed “lazy susan” turntable.

Seems like the hardest part of the woodworking/carpentry would be routing the slots for the shelves and sides. And with the right blade in a table saw, it’s really not that hard.

If you could do without the decorative cutouts on the sides, this would be a half a weekend day project from start to finish, including travelling to get the lumber and bringing it back.

]]> By: Chris Tucker http://boingboing.net/2009/10/15/the-art-of-japanese.html#comment-613493 Chris Tucker Wed, 30 Nov -0001 00:00:00 +0000 #comment-613493 The revolving bookcase would be easy to build. The HARDEST part would be finding a "lazy susan" turntable mount that couls handle the weight of all the books. Make the bottom stand a little bigger so that the corners of the rotating shelves doesn't extend past the edge of the stand, and this could be stuck in a corner of a room, out of the way, yet all the contents are easily accessed. Everything else is just simple, basic woodworking. A thick dowel running up the center to the top piece to stabilize the rotating shelves. A Teflon pad in a socket in the top and a Teflon pad on the end of the dowel keeps things turning smoothly. The revolving bookcase would be easy to build. The HARDEST part would be finding a “lazy susan” turntable mount that couls handle the weight of all the books.

Make the bottom stand a little bigger so that the corners of the rotating shelves doesn’t extend past the edge of the stand, and this could be stuck in a corner of a room, out of the way, yet all the contents are easily accessed.

Everything else is just simple, basic woodworking. A thick dowel running up the center to the top piece to stabilize the rotating shelves. A Teflon pad in a socket in the top and a Teflon pad on the end of the dowel keeps things turning smoothly.

]]> By: ben http://boingboing.net/2009/10/15/the-art-of-japanese.html#comment-615029 ben Wed, 30 Nov -0001 00:00:00 +0000 #comment-615029 I'd totally get those magic blanket containers. Must be the same technology the TARDIS uses. I’d totally get those magic blanket containers. Must be the same technology the TARDIS uses.

]]> By: maxoid http://boingboing.net/2009/10/15/the-art-of-japanese.html#comment-613500 maxoid Wed, 30 Nov -0001 00:00:00 +0000 #comment-613500 @chris tucker: lazy susans capable of holding that much weight can be found in entertainment cabinets from the big-old-CRT days. often free on craigslist! (you may have to offer to take the rest of the particleboard monstrosity to the dump, though) i prefer the roll-out "stacks"-style shelves, personally. just make sure the shelves you hack have enough strength laterally to be pushed/pulled repeatedly. a lot of flat-pack-type fasteners will loosen considerably if you move the unit around much. @chris tucker: lazy susans capable of holding that much weight can be found in entertainment cabinets from the big-old-CRT days. often free on craigslist! (you may have to offer to take the rest of the particleboard monstrosity to the dump, though)

i prefer the roll-out “stacks”-style shelves, personally. just make sure the shelves you hack have enough strength laterally to be pushed/pulled repeatedly. a lot of flat-pack-type fasteners will loosen considerably if you move the unit around much.

]]> By: kc0bbq http://boingboing.net/2009/10/15/the-art-of-japanese.html#comment-613503 kc0bbq Wed, 30 Nov -0001 00:00:00 +0000 #comment-613503 Generally, in Japan you carry around your own supply since there normally isn't any available in public restrooms, anyway. Generally, in Japan you carry around your own supply since there normally isn’t any available in public restrooms, anyway.

]]> By: Doze http://boingboing.net/2009/10/15/the-art-of-japanese.html#comment-614783 Doze Wed, 30 Nov -0001 00:00:00 +0000 #comment-614783 THANK you for the Shit Box link! I laughed so hard I nearly woke up my son who I finally got to sleep! I needed that. NOW, someone PLEASE tell me about that dog on the cell phone! Is it to translate doggie speak? Really a phone for your dog (and WHY?)... THANK you for the Shit Box link! I laughed so hard I nearly woke up my son who I finally got to sleep! I needed that.
NOW, someone PLEASE tell me about that dog on the cell phone! Is it to translate doggie speak? Really a phone for your dog (and WHY?)…

]]> By: O_M http://boingboing.net/2009/10/15/the-art-of-japanese.html#comment-613508 O_M Wed, 30 Nov -0001 00:00:00 +0000 #comment-613508 ...As pointed out by the Japanese wife of a good friend of mine, one of the reasons the Japanese have become so efficient at coming up with space-saving gadgets is that they live on a rather overpopulated island with limited space and resources. So it makes sense to keep things as small as possible while improving their durability, performance and efficiency at the same time. …As pointed out by the Japanese wife of a good friend of mine, one of the reasons the Japanese have become so efficient at coming up with space-saving gadgets is that they live on a rather overpopulated island with limited space and resources. So it makes sense to keep things as small as possible while improving their durability, performance and efficiency at the same time.

]]> By: ChesterKatz http://boingboing.net/2009/10/15/the-art-of-japanese.html#comment-613767 ChesterKatz Wed, 30 Nov -0001 00:00:00 +0000 #comment-613767 The briefcase toilet looks intriguing, but I've always been partial to the Shit Box myself: http://www.thebrowncorporation.com/ The briefcase toilet looks intriguing, but I’ve always been partial to the Shit Box myself: http://www.thebrowncorporation.com/

]]> By: LyhjeHylje http://boingboing.net/2009/10/15/the-art-of-japanese.html#comment-613257 LyhjeHylje Wed, 30 Nov -0001 00:00:00 +0000 #comment-613257 The pictures of futon-box are kind of contradicting the purpose. You sleep on the floor and at daytime storage your mattresses under your bed? The pictures of futon-box are kind of contradicting the purpose. You sleep on the floor and at daytime storage your mattresses under your bed?

]]>