Featured in Ripley’s Believe It or Not!

Chindogu Inventions

Chindogu is the Japanese art of inventing silly and useless gadgets to solve everyday problems. Translated literally, ‘Chindogu‘ means valuable or priceless tool. Yes, these inventions are genius, but you would probably look pretty silly using them out in public.(Actually, there are a few inventions here that we would actually use. No shame!)

The charm of Chindogu lies in their playful, almost useless nature—like an umbrella that covers your shoes or glasses with tiny windshield wipers. While they rarely serve a true functional purpose, they offer a lighthearted take on problem-solving and showcase the limitless bounds of human imagination.

Here are 17 hilariously crazy and brilliant inventions only Japan could have thought up:

Butter Grater

Tired of hard butter destroying your toast? This butter grater will fix that.

via Lost at E Minor

Umbrella Tie

For those days where you’re not sure if it’s going to rain or not.

via NovoEd

Eyedrop Funnels

Silent Karaoke

For those times you want to belt out a tune, but don’t want anyone to hear you.

Sound Catcher Pillow

Now you can still hear the TV when you lay down.

Square Watermelon

Square Watermelons are both easier to pack and ship. They are gown in a case to get them into the shape.

Hearing Enhancer

If hearing aids are too discrete for you, try one of these hearing enhancers.

Chopstick Fan

We know you’re busy and don’t want to wait for your noodles to cool on their own. This is for you.

Rain-Proof Umbrella

When a regular umbrella isn’t enough.

Simple Ear Explorer

Explore the far away land of your own ears… We wouldn’t recommend this one.

Bubble Wrap Keychain

Instant stress relief that’s always ready to pop.

DIY 360 Degree Camera

Book-Shaped Pillow

When you spend your days studying in the library, this book-shaped pillow is the perfect night-time companion.

Shoe Umbrellas

Only in Japan. Keep your shoes from getting splashed.

Banana Case

Yep, the banana case that we all know and love was actually invented in Japan.

Battlescratch Shirt

Now, this is genius. When you have an itch you can’t scratch, direct your friend to the right spot on your back.