lifestyle

Japan’s latest awkward invention: the chair-umbrella

14 Comments
By Scott Wilson, RocketNews24

Japanese inventions have a reputation for being incredibly awesome, incredibly bizarre, and, um, even more incredibly bizarre. And this latest creation is no exception: say hello to the chair-umbrella.

Ever needed a seat but all you had was a stupid, useless umbrella? Well never again! Just turn this amazing invention upside-down, open it up, sit on down, and prepare to be stared at and asked if you need to be taken to a hospital.

The chair-umbrella is being sold by the Japanese website Thanko, a supplier of numerous other novelty goods such as a vacuum gun for safely capturing bugs and a haz-mat style ‘pollen blocker’ helmet.

The website advertises the chair-umbrella thus:

“Have you ever thought, ‘Geez, I’d really like to rest, but there’s nowhere to sit!’ Well now you can… with your chair-umbrella! Just fold open the handle and you can change it into a chair. Sit down, take a load off, and relax anytime you want with your very own transforming chair-umbrella.”

Just in case that didn’t quite make it clear what this thing does, you can check out the chair-umbrella in the video below.

Now, while you’re probably absolutely in love with the chair-umbrella, you may also have some questions. Specifically, you may have one question in particular: don’t you need your umbrella to protect yourself from rain? You can’t use it as a chair and an umbrella at the same time, so what’s the point?

Indeed it is a little odd that a product being advertised as an umbrella is shown being used on nothing but beautiful sunny days. However, it makes a little more sense due to the fact that Japanese people often use umbrellas or parasols on hot, sunny days to stay cool and to keep from getting tanned.

But nevertheless, the point still stands that if you want to sit and not get rained on at the same time, you’re going to need another umbrella.

Here’s what Japanese netizens had to say about this incredible invention from their native country:

“Looks like you’d be in a lot of pain if it slipped.” “That’s got to be pretty heavy for an umbrella.” “Ugh, stop inventing this crap and make an umbrella I can fold into my pocket.” “Pfft, this is nothing. I’ve worn chair-jeans before.”

We’d like to hear more about those chair-jeans, but in the meantime if you have a sudden urge to buy a chair-umbrella of your own, you can get it at Thanko’s homepage. Just be sure to take the proper precautions so that your new prized possession doesn’t accidentally get stolen.

Source: Thanko

Read more stories from RocketNews24. -- Japanese homebuilder offers virtual reality tour of your new home while you’re still designing it -- You’re not seeing things, that’s a cat selling roasted sweet potatoes -- You’re probably not as genki as this old lady!

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14 Comments
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They've had a version that doubled as canes for a long time.

http://flipstick.jp/

2 ( +2 / -0 )

It's called a shooting stick umbrella where I come from and has been around longer than I can remember.

5 ( +6 / -1 )

Thats great because people here don't already just stop in front of entrances or exits without any regard for the people around them.....

5 ( +7 / -2 )

As expressed above. Definitely not a Japanese invention. These have been around for a long time in the UK.

2 ( +3 / -1 )

I usualy use umbrella hunging the heavy bag when I'm tired and waiting the train .

0 ( +0 / -0 )

I'm relieved to see I'm not the only one to think similar gadgets have been around for a very long time however it did make me LOL when I read this :

open it up, sit on down, and prepare to be stared at and asked if you need to be taken to a hospital.

1 ( +2 / -1 )

They've been around for a long time. Queen Elizabeth uses one at the races (made in Milan by Maglia Francesco). Not cheap at around 600euros but I guess she can afford it.

-1 ( +0 / -1 )

ive seen seat canes/poles around since I was a boy, just another invention changed slightly then claimed by Japanese as new and innovative.

0 ( +0 / -0 )

When you press the release catch, a recorded message plays:

"Make sure you do NOT sit on the pointy end, it is TERRIBLY dangerous!"

1 ( +1 / -0 )

It might be a new invention in Master Wilson's world.

1 ( +1 / -0 )

If you're going to rip off an idea, you really should make it a good one. How sad is it that they couldn't even come up with their own idea for THAT??

0 ( +0 / -0 )

Is it the maker who's claiming to have invented this, or the doe-eyed journalists at RocketNews?

Remember the "new" toilet roll holder in August?

http://www.japantoday.com/category/new-products/view/toilet-paper-holder-keeps-your-fingers-clean-and-public-restrooms-stocked

0 ( +0 / -0 )

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