Relaxing Electric Fireflies light up the summer - Hotto suru Hotaru

Written by: Michael Keferl on July 26, 2007 at 8:26 am | In 01 Technology & Gadget Trends |

In Japan, as in many places in the world, firefly numbers have been decreasing due to industrialization and development. However, going out as a family to catch (and release) fireflies is still a big part of childhood here, particularly in the countryside.

Mie Prefecture-based Sunnoda has created a summertime hit in Japan with their Hotto suru Hotaru, meaning “relaxing fireflies”. Inside a traditional bamboo cage used for collecting insects there are three realistic fireflies sitting on green vegetation. Powered by two AA batteries that will last 200 hours, the fireflies flicker and glow with bright LEDs that simulate the real thing.

The goal of the company was to create a nostalgic item that brings the feeling of summer and childhood all at once, and helps to relieve stress for those who experience it. This is in tune with the overall trend of relaxing products in Japan, but we particularly like the spirit and feeling that these denshi hotaru (electric fireflies) embody.

Click to shop for Electric Fireflies