While it&amp;#8217;s cool that this silicone character can secure your instant noodles when they&amp;#8217;re cooking, the&nbsp;cooler&nbsp;part is that the figure changes color after three minutes. You&amp;#8217;ll never have to repeatedly check your phone to see how long your Cup Noodles have been cooking again.
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Japan has a reputation for producing some downright weird stuff.
In fact, the word &amp;#8220;chindogu&amp;#8221; even&nbsp;refers&nbsp;to inventions that are technically practical, but utterly eccentric in their execution. These products are so bizarre, they&amp;#8217;re not actually meant to be produced.
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But many questionably useful Japanese products actually exist in circulation, and we&amp;#8217;re defending some of the &amp;#8220;strange&amp;#8221; ones. Sure, they may be a bit excessive &mdash; but useless? Not quite.
1. Banana Keeper




Image courtesy of&nbsp;Daiso
Have you ever experienced a squished banana at the bottom of your bag? Not fun. Not fun at all.
2. Urusakunai Kara OK! Mute Microphone USB




Image courtesy of&nbsp;JTT
Admittedly, this microphone looks ridiculous. Fortunately, it is not meant to be used in public.
This gadget is perfect for belting out tunes when you don&amp;#8217;t want to disturb your neighbors &mdash; or when you just don&amp;#8217;t want to hear the sound of your own singing voice. (Your hairbrush can&amp;#8217;t do that.)
3. Dictionary Desk Pillow




Image courtesy of&nbsp;Japan Trend Shop
Perfect for a mid-work pick-me-up, or just as a nice, easily portable pillow or seat cushion.
4. Photograph Yourself Arm




Image courtesy of&nbsp;Thanko
Sometimes selfies are really difficult.
5. Easy Butter Former




Image courtesy of&nbsp;Metex
One pat of butter magically transforms into ribbons and ribbons of buttery goodness, so you get a lot more butter for your buck &amp;#8230; er, yen.
6. Sound-Catch Cubic Pillow




Image courtesy of&nbsp;Strapya World
This invention allows you to hear music or television shows when lying down. While this probably shouldn&amp;#8217;t be an element of your daily media consumption, it&amp;#8217;s the kind of thing that could be pretty useful when you&amp;#8217;re sick and can only lie in bed all day. Or if you&amp;#8217;re just really lazy every day.
(via 10 Weird Japanese Products That Are Actually Kind of Useful)