Japan asks: Why does playing safe have to be boring?
Condoms have a long history in Japan, beginning with the earliest versions which were made from leather (!), tortoise shells (!!) or even horns (!!!)... is this where the expression "Are you horny?" came from?
Thankfully, condom technology has advanced to the point where 580 million condoms are sold each year in Japan and competition within the industry is, er, stiff. Indeed, Japan boasts more condoms used per person per year than any other country. To get ahead in the race for safe sex supremacy, Japanese consumers are being treated to innovative market thrusts that are by turns interesting, unusual and downright weird. So, leave that poor turtle alone and come with us (ahem), as we count down The Top 10 Weirdest Japanese Condoms!
Hey baby, what's your sign?
This cute condom package evokes traditional Japanese themes to create a modern day version of the Floating World. No telling if the actual condoms are styled to resemble the pair of piscine prophylactics on the package - or, for that matter, if they're fish-flavored. Hopefully not, on both counts. (condom via Bibi's Box )
"Have a break..." uh oh!
The obvious thing to do, then, is to combine the best attributes of both... but maybe it's best to get your legal department's OK before running off thousands of Kit Sack condoms. Sure, have a break... wait a minute, these are condoms! And no, I refuse to make any "Hershey Highway" references, so let's not even go there. (condom via boingboing )
The first Unisex condom?
Okamoto condoms is one of Japan's leading brands, so you'd think they'd invest in an English-speaking copyeditor to proofread their new products. These Fe+Male condoms are a case in point... are they for males, females, Iron Man or what?? My wife's multivitamins have Fe+ on the bottle, so are these condoms iron-enriched as well? And if so, is there a problem with rusting? (condom via Condom Depot )
Designer wrappers for wrappers
Is that a Suzuki in your pocket, or are you just happy to see me? In the bedroom or in your wallet, count on Tokyo Art Condoms by Radical Suzuki to make a good impression - not just a circular one. These look so good it seems a shame to rip them open. Not only are the packages appealing, the condoms themselves are attractively tinted and pleasingly flavored in peach, melon and plain. Plain? (condom via Compact Impact )
But on the off chance a fateful meeting of obsessed otaku-tachi or carnal cosplayers turns into something romantic, whip out your Gundam condoms! Available in 4 different package designs, each featuring a different "condomonster". Gundam condoms (try saying that six times quickly) show that when nerds eventually do it, they do it in style! (condom via Dannychoo )
Nothing says "Elegance" like latex
Advertisers have tried to give an upscale aura to condoms before, but are we really ready to see a box of them displayed alongside lamps, plants and other household brick-a-brack? Will the boss and his wife (or her hubby) be impressed with your good taste when they arrive for dinner & drinks? If not, could it lead to your dis-grace? (condom via Alibaba )
Here's some good reads:
READ: Dine with Blood Splatters
READ: High Heels for Your Baby
READ: New Faceless LED Watch
READ: Improve Posture with a Vibrator - The iPosture
If you like our stuff, will you please add us to your blogroll?
wow, kit kat condom. very
Submitted on July 17th, 2007 by Irvan (not verified)wow, kit kat condom. very interesting stuff. :D
-IT-
have a break, have a kit
Submitted on July 17th, 2007 by ccmixph (not verified)have a break, have a kit sack! hehe
Zombie Condom
Submitted on July 17th, 2007 by TV Online (not verified)Is that the same Suzuki as the automobile/bike manufacturer?
Comment
Submitted on July 17th, 2007 by Anonymous (not verified)Please dont break me off a piece of this kit sack bar!!!
Duh
Submitted on July 17th, 2007 by The Daniel (not verified)Fe+ Male = IRON MAN
Duh Duh
Submitted on July 17th, 2007 by Steve LevensteinThanks, "The Daniel", for that inspiring buzz-kill. Now run along and find that sense of humor you misplaced :o)
"Super Big Boy"
Submitted on July 17th, 2007 by Patrick Carroll (not verified)Perfect for the smallest cocks in Asia.
If you say so...
Submitted on July 17th, 2007 by Steve LevensteinI'll take your word for it, Patrick, you seem to be an authority on the subject.
Two-thousand need condoms
Submitted on July 18th, 2007 by baldhead (not verified)Two-thousand gather for nude photo shoot
Kit Sack
Submitted on July 19th, 2007 by Anonymous Wacko Jacko (not verified)For milky substances inside and out?
Condoms in Japan - Some Advice
Submitted on July 19th, 2007 by Nick (not verified)You might laugh at "Super Big Boys" and other "L" or "XL" condoms, but most Westerners in Japan (and some Japanese too) actually need them.
Before the Supers there were regular "Big Boys" sporting an image of a large middle-eastern-looking nose - a classic reference to gaijin (foreigners). They were a bit tight, but actually usable in contrast to regular local brands.
So be warned. If you're heading to Japan, BYO or shop carefully.
WTF?
Submitted on July 20th, 2007 by Anonymous (not verified)Some of these stories proves the editor is simply an idiot. Maybe he/she or he and she doesnt get any to really understand the creative insight from these products.
Dumb & dumber
Submitted on July 20th, 2007 by Steve LevensteinWho says the designs aren't creative? They are - and humorous as well. The previous poster, proud to be "anonymous" just doesn't get it... or "any", in all likelihood.
hmm... Steve, that odor
Submitted on July 20th, 2007 by Anonymous (not verified)hmm... Steve, that odor thing is for the ladies. I hope you're more sensitive in the sack than you are on your blog. WE give head usually and if you're not monogamous you should always use a condom.
but I assume you know that because you don't question the flavoured condoms.
anyway, granted these are some pretty strange condoms but not the strangest or funniest in Japan. just the otaku internet.
Ask me no questions, i'll tell you no lies
Submitted on July 20th, 2007 by Steve LevensteinSuch a tease... we're all looking forward to YOUR list. Bring it on!
Asians are really doing weird things..
Submitted on August 8th, 2007 by weirdbase.blogspot.com (not verified)but that's nice :))
JAPANS are SICK!
Submitted on August 15th, 2007 by Anonymous22 (not verified)JAPANS are SICK!
You mean Japanese, you
Submitted on August 16th, 2007 by Anonymous (not verified)You mean Japanese, you inbred hick?
cool
Submitted on August 21st, 2007 by Saturn clutch kit (not verified)these japanese are very creative.
What about Trojan Twisted Pleasure condoms?
Submitted on September 23rd, 2007 by Condom Man (not verified)Those are my personal favorite ... <a href="http://www.condomman.com/page/C/CTGY/Trojan-Twisted-Pleasure-Condoms">Condoms shaped like a corkscrew!</a>
Japanese Condoms
Submitted on November 20th, 2007 by Tracy (not verified)Japanese condoms are among the finest in the world. In fact, the best and most innovative condoms available today are actually from Japan. You can buy Japanese condoms in UK's leading condom store. www.CondomEmpire.com. Use them, and you won't want to use other condoms!
I´ve seen on Japanese television
Submitted on November 24th, 2007 by voortaanMost bizarre moments
hey
Submitted on April 17th, 2008 by Anonymousthere alsome you freak
To be fair....
Submitted on July 29th, 2008 by AnonymousHalf of those condoms are sold as kind of novelty items in a store called "Condomania" or somesuch - it's like a spencer's gifts but only for condoms.
"Super Big Boy" and "Power Black" are the real deal however.
Good idea!
Submitted on August 5th, 2008 by AnonymousI think the U.S. could learn a thing or two from this approach to marketing condoms. Having a cute cartoon character or a colorful, happy wrapper eases some of the tension and stigma that seems to surround contraception in our country. One Condoms (onecondoms.com) is the only brand that I have found that realizes this and has shifted the focus of their packaging from being less utilitarian and plain (That means you,Trojan) to being more welcoming and clever in it's design.
Kit Sack
Submitted on August 17th, 2008 by AnonymousSo is that a 2 finger or a 4 finger? XD
BTW...
Submitted on November 17th, 2008 by Anonymousthe term "horny" actually comes from the Pagan horned god, Cerunnous. He had a ram's head, and the horns were a symbol of his (and men's) virility. From this, we also get the two handed "bunny ears" that people sometimes use in photographs, behind people's heads. It actually means, "Hey, you have a high sperm count!" This is also where we get the cornucopia from. Just thought you should know that fun little fact. ^.^
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