Japanese inventors have come up with a new device that blends Japan’s fascination with cuteness and its penchant for experimental high tech gadgets. The gizmo is called Necomimi, neco meaning cat and mimi meaning ears in Japanese. The gadget is fluffy cat’s ears for humans that read their brainwaves. The fluffy headwear reads user’s brain activity, meaning the ears perk up when they concentrate and flop down when users enter a relaxed state of mind. A promotional video for the gadget shows a young woman’s cat ears perk up as she bites into a donut and again when she passes a young man in a park, only to flatten as she apparently brushes off the missed encounter, relaxes and smiles.
The inventors said “We were exploring new ways of communicating and we thought it would be interesting to use brainwaves.” “Because the sensors must be attached to the head, we tried to come up with something cute and catchy.”
The company behind the product, Neurowear hopes to market the device by the end of the year.
What do you think?
Watch the video for Necomimi below
Read more about some of the lighter and more interesting stories about Japan at Only in Japan
Interesting, but hmm. I don't really see the point. :p If it really was mainly a question of function, I suspect some other object or firm would be better.
But.... Having said that, this ears ARE cuuuute! And in the end, isn't that all that matters? ;p
Thanks Ri, it is very Japanese, especially the cute factor of the cats ears. Out of function they need the gadget on the head and why not make it look cute by turning it into a set of cute cat ears.
The things they think of.
ReplyDeleteOn practical note, the gadget may be really useful for those unable to communicate via speech or sign language.
Thanks Lina, that is a good point. it could prove really useful for people unable to speak as it could show their feelings and emotions.
ReplyDeleteThis is hilarious! And very inventive indeed.
ReplyDeleteThanks Daphne, It is pretty funny especially the video but should have some real practical uses.
ReplyDeleteInteresting, but hmm. I don't really see the point. :p
ReplyDeleteIf it really was mainly a question of function, I suspect some other object or firm would be better.
But.... Having said that, this ears ARE cuuuute! And in the end, isn't that all that matters? ;p
Thanks Ri, it is very Japanese, especially the cute factor of the cats ears. Out of function they need the gadget on the head and why not make it look cute by turning it into a set of cute cat ears.
ReplyDelete