From Ningin: Most of the stuff Japan creates I’m in awe of, one way or another. And a lot of it, we use and enjoy. But what about the other rejects that don’t quite make American shores? I can see the conversation now. “Mr. Panasonic, I really loved that thing you call an LCD-HDTV you invented and sent to my house yesterday, as I watch movies on It with all my friends and family. But sorry, I really didn’t find a place for your umbrella shoes, my store shelves are full”. Oh and good luck– like you could say this directly to the Japanese directors face without getting sliced and diced by his Ginsu he invented just last Christmas! Without further ado, in no particular rank, here are some really lame, or strange inventions! More »

From Ningin: As part of my ongoing series chronicling the downfall of the human race via cute Japanese robots I present to you a little walking Japanese robot playing soccer (or football if you’re a normal person) that is also being controlled via an iPhone. That’s right. An iPhone. More »