Tokyo and tech through the eyes of a split pea

J-pop culture at Urban Outfitters

At least someone finally figured out how to profit from the Engrish phenomenon. I found this sad toy at the Urban Outfitters near Union Square in San Francisco. Seems analogous to the irony of black minstrelsy – this time it’s American culture mocking the Japanese trying to recreate an American image. So who’s really getting the last laugh?

I was, however, impressed that 明和電機 (meiwa-denki) has finally broken into the US toy/gadget scene with a distribution deal through UO. Tosa-san is a geek-to-the-core multi-talented hobbiest who stuck to his curiosities filling his studio with electronic mash-ups, if you will – a sort of MIT MediaLab in a garage. I was fortunate to visit his lab for an early summer party a few years ago, watching him demo his installations while munching on oden (in summer, I know; just one of his peculiarities). He’s not your typical quiet and reserved tinkerer, especially considering that he holds workshops to spread his appreciation for building and experimentation. This man definitely knows how to market himself. I wonder who’s helping him pitch overseas.

The items for sale were from the Knockman family, but check out his other gadgets – especially the Bitman series.