First, a big thank you to my translator. While I don’t want to embarrass her by naming her online, she was amazing, and way more modest than she should have been. In my time in Japan, she was not only an incredible resource, but, cliches be damned, she also became a friend.
And while I don’t normally go the “oh those kooky Japanese!” route with my posts, she introduced me to something that has blown my mind. The Japanese Mail Order Catalog.
You know those Air Mall catalogs you see on the plane when you’re desperate for something to read? Like that, but ten times better. Filled with things you never knew you needed until that very instant and why can’t you have it right now because you could probably use it even on the plane and why can’t you have phone access so you could buy and use it right then! I need to share the wealth.
More than just a set of crazy products, it’s a sneak peek into Japanese apartment living, smaller scale than the larger than necessary homes we tend to inhabit in the U.S. Who knows what one might need?
I could certainly use a pair of these for a New England winter, couldn’t you? Slippers and down legwarmers combine to make sure you calves and shins are well-insulated from any chill.
While it was practically balmy during my time in Japan, the obsession with warmth was clear. People were constantly asking me if I was cold, and each building was heated to the point of insta-sweat for those of us on our trip. Thus, a variety of products to ensure your warmth, no matter what the conditions.
That ever important region from your shoulders up to your neck, while sleeping. This seems to be a popular theme.
Some even come combined with your very own pillow and capelet.
How about a heated Lap Blanket for working at your desk, while sipping hot tea? And, by the way, my husband argues that I would totally use this. I can’t lie. I would.
There is wide variety of insulated warming blankets for your dining table, designed to ensure your culinary comfort.
The round looks kind of fancy to me.
This next one, my husband is kind of upset I didn’t find for him while I was there. In my defense, I didn’t carefully peruse the catalogs until I was on the plane. But next trip, I am bringing home one of these coffee makers. Who needs a French Press anymore?
Am I right? That coffee looks dark and yummy.
In fact, there are many enticing kitchen gadgets I’d like to buy from these catalogs.
If I could have purchased this pan, I think my son would be having amazing bento lunches. Alas, the poor child will have to suffer a bit longer.
Is this next one for haircutting? If so, I think the Lillian Vernon catalog must have something similar. Or did at one time.
And Hello? What family doesn’t need a way to store their unicycles?
This bed is simply genius, and I can think of many apartment dwellers who would pay the shipping from Japan just to get one of these in their NY studios. In fact, we are tempted to get rid of our bed just to have this storage capacity. And it’s a SUPER PRICE!
Of course, the catalogs also have Health and Beauty supplies, although I’m not sure what category this torture device falls under. Thoughts?
This one is equally disturbing to me. (And does anyone remember the glasses device Navin Johnson invented in The Jerk? The Opti-Grab?)
Finally, for today at least, amidst the goodness, this strange item. Who knew there were so many Deadheads in Japan?
If you need to see more, there are online version of these catalogs. Belle Maison and House Styling have plenty of goodies to send you down the internet rabbit hole. Sadly, no shipping to the U.S., but perhaps I’ll take orders before my next Japan trip. Anyone need some legwarmers?
