Trends in Japan - CScout Japan Blog

Fresh and natural Chilled Cosmetics from DHC

Written by: Rebecca Milner on April 10, 2008 at 7:53 pm | In Fashion & Lifestyle Trends, Technology & Gadget Trends | 5 Comments

DHC, Japan’s number one direct mail skin care and cosmetics company, thinks it has the answer for sensitive skin that often reacts poorly to products: chilled skin care products that because they are designed to be refrigerated contain only fresh, natural ingredients.

This new line of “Chilled Delicate” moisturizers contains dokudami leaves, aloe, and additional plant extracts, plus amino acids and vitamin E. Both the lotion and cream form are designed to create maximize moisture retention, and are notably free of alcohol, coloring and other possible skin irritants.

According to a survey conducted by DHC of 20-40 year olds, 88.8% of respondents claimed to have skin that occasionally reacts to products, especially during the spring (which coincides nicely with the product launch).

The products are manufactured in a 5°C refrigerated factory that meets the same purity standards (class 100) as those used to produce medical supplies. This technical aspect is well-documented on the product webpage, including pictures of NASA-esque employees going through the sterilizing air showers.

A seven day supply (30mg of the lotion or 15mg of the cream) is available for ¥1,900 ordered from the DHC site, or conveniently at the local 7/11.

If this concept sounds vaguely familiar, its because we reported on it over two years ago, when Nissin Medico, of “air stocking” fame launched a similar product, Chilled for Skin. While this line didn’t quite take off, the concept apparently merited a second look, since DHC is now marketing a similar product.

A unique aspect of Chilled for Skin (twice the price of the new DHC line) was that the products would be shipped via cool-delivery to the customer. Chilled Delicate are being sold at room temperature, as it seems that DHC is banking on the convenience/impulse buying factor of the convenience store and perhaps with the eco and LOHAS movements in full swing, the timing is better for pure cosmetics to gain momentum.

And what is Nissin Medico up to now (when they’re not brooding over their loss to DHC)? The company has recently launched the “Air Launcher” cleaning gun that blasts cleaning mist, foam, or powder into those hard to reach areas (like your ceiling-mounted air conditioning unit) or unpleasant ones (like your hubcaps).

Replaceable “cleaning rockets” with products for different cleaning tasks are inserted into the plastic gun that just might entice the kids to help around the house.

Keep the ideas coming Nissin Medico!

Tags: Back to Nature, beauty, cosmetics, DHC
Category: Fashion & Lifestyle Trends, Technology & Gadget Trends
Other categories: Marketing & Ad Trends

Back to nature computer mouse

Written by: Rebecca Milner on March 6, 2008 at 11:14 am | In Technology & Gadget Trends | 4 Comments

If you’ve been losing sleep trying to reconcile your internet addiction with your recent enthusiasm for the “back to nature” movement, check out this wooden mouse, hand made in Japan’s rural Gunma prefecture. The “Jupiter” mouse, apparently named so for the wood grain swirls and clicker reminiscent of the largest planet’s famous spot, is available from Actbrise Electronics for ¥13,980.

Not only does it look cool, however, the spherical shape also means that the Jupiter functions differently from a traditional, err, mouse-shaped mouse. The cursor moves in a particular direction and velocity according to the tilt of the ball, somewhat like a joystick, staying relatively put on its little stand.

In other spherical mouse news, Actbrise also has a stainless steel “Escher” mouse (¥8,925, available for Mac too!).

And this nifty series of “Deco” mice (¥12,600-¥15,600), for personal computer users who prefer the bling side of things.

Tags: Back to Nature, computers
Category: Technology & Gadget Trends
Other categories: Marketing & Ad Trends, Fashion & Lifestyle Trends

“Natural” bottled water fetches highest price

Written by: Rebecca Milner on December 23, 2007 at 6:55 pm | In Fashion & Lifestyle Trends | 2 Comments

It takes a thirsty person to keep up with all the new bottled water products here. Most, like the Elements of Water from Irom Products we covered a couple months ago, compete to be the most high-tech water on the market. Not this decidedly low-tech Water from a gourd from Kinki Partners, which is collected and bottled at the foot of the mountains in Amakawa Village (in Nara) after passing through “mysterious limestone grottos” (says the product website)

This premium water comes in bottles modeled after the dried gourds used traditionally as drinking vessels. There are a variety of bottle designs, mostly inspired by traditional Japanese textile prints, like those found on kimonos (except of course for the special Christmas versions).

Apparently the Ministry of Environment and the Ministry of Agriculture have awarded the highest accolades to mineral water from Nara, which accounts for the high price—a hefty 330¥—I assume. The product campaign evokes images of ancient mountains and untouched natural landscapes. I wonder if the bottled water industry has felt a hit since the recent rise in popularity of the reusable eco-bottle and is trying to fight back.

How does this water measure up to other bottled waters? I compared the mineral content of Water from a Gourd with that of Crystal Geyser, the cheapest bottled water on the market at 110¥ (although the flimsy bottled is certainly not inspiring).

Water from a Gourd has an impressive 3.38mg of calcium versus Crystal Geyser’s paltry 0.64mg. On the other hand, Crystal Geyer has 0.54mg of magnesium while Water from a Gourd has only 0.12mg. Which is more important? If you are relying on your water to get essential minerals, please stop reading this and go eat some vegetables.

As for taste, Water from a Gourd does seem to taste more of minerals (although that could just be my imagination) and of course the bottle is much cuter.

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