Trendy Characters One after Another
Besides Hello Kitty, straps are being designed with popular Japanese manga and anime characters such as “Dragon Ball,” “One Piece,” “Naruto,” etc.
Straps with popular Dragon Ball characters “Super Saiyans” and “King Cold”. (Courtesy of Bandai) (C)Bird Studio/Shueisha Inc., Fuji Television Networks, Toei Animation (C) Bird Studio/Shueisha (C)”2013 Dragon Ball Z” Production Committee
“Medama Oyaji” in various types of baths. (Courtesy of TAMURA SHOKAI Co., LTD.) © MIZUKI Productions
One such example is “Medama Oyaji”(Eyeball Monster) of the popular Japanese manga “GeGeGe no Kitaro.” Medama Oyaji’s unusual figure consisting of a body topped with a large eyeball has been configured to measure 9.9cm and weigh 33.25g. Renown for taking baths in a China bowl inside the manga, Medama Oyaji is replicated in funny and cute settings representative of various regions, such as ramen bowls and tea cups, as a bathtub.
Display Personal Taste
Besides character charms, there are various other types of straps in Japan tailored to one’s hobbies and personal taste.
Chocolate bread straps with a soft texture and sweet fragrance. (Courtesy of Fujiigomu Co.,Ltd)
Sushi-themed straps with USB memory sticks to connect to a computer. (Courtesy of Solidalliance)
There are charms with parts you combine yourself to make a word for those people who prefer handmade objects. There are robot and motorcycle straps made by recycling electronic components from computers, etc., which are appealing for their craftsmanship. There are also charms aimed at those interested in science that change color when exposed to ultraviolet rays, as well as charms that light up when a call comes in.
What’s more, there are delicious-looking charms in the shape of Japanese food items such as sushi and tempura, for which the color and luster are so realistic you’ll want to check for yourself. There are even wonderful straps made of rubber, which look and smell like bread!
It is fun to collect different types of straps and create one’s own personal collection.
“Robopeace” charms made of recycled electronic parts from computers, etc. (Courtesy of robopeace)
(March 2014)