99 More Unuseless Japanese Inventions: The Art of Chindogu [Paperback]

Kenji Kawakami (Author, Photographer), Dan Papia (Translator)

Book Description

Publication Date: November 1997

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.

Editorial Reviews

Amazon.com Review

99 More Unuseless Japanese Inventions is a delightfully wacky book, easily the equal of its predecessor, 1995's 101 Unuseless Japanese Inventions. Those of you fortunate enough to pick that book up (and that's quite a few people--it was a surprise hit) already know that "Chindogu" is the not-so-ancient Japanese art of creating "gadgets that appear to be useful, but on closer examination, aren't."

99 More Unuseless Japanese Inventions is written with a droll earnestness that is perfectly in pitch. But what puts the book over the top are the tongue-in-cheek catalog-style photos that show each invention in use. The idea of "The Portable Countryside" is amusing, but when you actually see a stern-faced Japanese executive with a flower box full of greenery swinging at his side like an oversized purse, it's impossible not to laugh. Or consider the definition of "Swiss Army Gloves": "Multi-purpose mittens that keep you ready for anything. Swiss Army Gloves provide a lighter, fork, corkscrew, bottle opener, pen, cutter, hole puncher and two screwdrivers all at the tips of your fingers--literally."

Chindogu is an exacting art, and the rules for its creation can be found in the front of the book. As a gentle, sly satire of the welter of new and better inventions that constantly pours down on us, 99 More Unuseless Japanese Inventions is admirable. That may be assigning much too much sense to this splendidly nonsensical volume; nevertheless, this book and its mate are wonderful.

Review

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

Hilarious yet vaguely disturbing--not unlike the concept of sushi. -- Whole Earth Review

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Product Details

• Paperback: 160 pages
• Publisher: W. W. Norton & Company (November 1997)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0393317439
• ISBN-13: 978-0393317435
• Product Dimensions: 7.9 x 5.1 x 0.4 inches
• Shipping Weight: 8.8 ounces
• Average Customer Review: 4.3 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (7 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #592,265 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

2 of 2 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Hysterical, March 25, 2005

By 

The Queen of Noirs "I'm no stinkin' princess" (Santa Clara, CA USA) - See all my reviews
(VINE VOICE)   

This review is from: 99 More Unuseless Japanese Inventions: The Art of Chindogu (Paperback)

I love this book. The inventions are so...so...well, I expect to see a few of these on TV while watching late night television. Nature lover's shoes? I had some of those as a kid. The lipstick stencil? Where was this when I was an awkward teenager? The hair protector for eating noodles? I needed that at lunch the other day! See what I mean? Excellent. Recommended for your friends with a wild sense of humor. My 12 year old also loves it.

1 of 1 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Very Interesting, July 13, 2000

By 

"skapunkbluesjazzrock" - See all my reviews

This review is from: 99 More Unuseless Japanese Inventions: The Art of Chindogu (Paperback)

This book of 99 wacky Japanese inventions is one of the best books around for casual, page flipping type reading. Everytime I flip through this book I find some new Japanese invention that captures my interest. This truly is a coffee table type book, with many color photos of each invention, and summaries of the inventions uses. Most of the inventions are cool, but of the sort that you'd probably never really have the desire to use; some of these inventions I actually could see myself using. For an interesting book that would be perfect on the coffee talbe look no further than 99 More Unuseless Japanese Inventions.

1 of 1 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars Great coffeetable book, June 7, 2000

By 

S Torres (California USA) - See all my reviews

This review is from: 99 More Unuseless Japanese Inventions: The Art of Chindogu (Paperback)

This sequel to 101 Un-useless Inventions, has 3 or more pictures with each invention. Learn about Japanese norms indirectly through these over-the-top inventions. Guarantee you'll be laughing before halfway through this book. You'll also shake your head in amazement and wish some of these things really were on the market. Notable ones: Cigarettes that light without a match. A clipper to clip all your toes at once. And the ingenious solar-powered flashlight. I'd recommend it as a giftbook or to have around the house to entertain guests.