Though their calendars may read "2024," large swaths of Asia are actually living life far, far in the future.
Just take a look at these banana cases, street sprinklers, and air-conditioned jackets that may seem like works of utopian fiction to us Americans, but are everyday items in Japan, China, Pakistan, and South Korea.
From library book sanitizers to umbrella ties and kissing machines, here are 20 wild inventions that show how Asia is actually living in 2077.
1
“Team of researchers in Japan has developed a set of electric chopsticks that uses electrical stimulation to make food taste 50% saltier.”
2
With this baby mop, your little one can clean the floors while learning to crawl.
3
Looking to scratch that itch? This ‘Battlescratch’ t-shirt will help your pals find the exact spot to hit.
4
In Japan, Banana cases are used to keep your fruity snack from getting squished on the go.
5
“My Asian 'Pringles' has a tab to lift the chips up so you don't have to put your hand inside the tube.”
6
“Eye drop funnel glasses; Japan came up with a device to make putting in eye drops easier.”
7
“Silent Karaoke - for those who want to enjoy singing without disturbing others.”
8
“This Korean snack has a second tear line so you don't have to reach down.”
9
“New shoebox design in Pakistan can be carried like a bag.”
10
“These sausages from Costco Japan come with bones.”
11
“In Japan there is a fire alarm that can wake deaf people by spraying wasabi in the air.”
12
“The library in Shanghai has Book Sterilizers that flip through all the pages under a UV light.”
13
“Remote kissing device recently invented by a Chinese university student. The device is designed specifically for long-distance relationships and can mimic and transfer the kiss of a person to the ‘mouth on the other side.’”
14
This Japanese tie doubles as an umbrella in case it starts to rain.
15
“Yubiwa pipe, the first invention of Tadao Kashio, founder of Casio. It was useful for Japanese workers because they could use both hands while smoking.”
16
“These toilets in Japan are made of transparent glass that turns opaque when locked from the inside.”
17
In Japan, car elevators help save space that would be used for parking.
18
Some Japanese construction workers are outfitted with air conditioned jackets that expand to keep them cool during hot summers.
19
In Japan, certain toilets have sinks built into the top and use the water drained after washing hands to fill the bowl.
20
In certain areas of Japan, streets are equipped with sprinklers to prevent snow from accumulating during winter.
