I recently read someone somewhere saying that April Fools’ Day is not a thing in Japan. Oh how wrong is that! It’s been around for decades and is very much a thing online.
In Japanese, April Fools’s Day is called 4月馬鹿 (Shigatsu Baka or, literally, April Fool) or エイプリルフール (Eipuriru Fuuru or April Fool) — though, more recently, I have also seen エープリルフール (Eepuriru Fuuru or, again, April Fool).
Just like last year, numerous companies launched their own internet gags. Some of them are clever and funny.
Let’s take a look at the standouts.
Escaped Slowpokes
[via Gamer
After 52 years of breeding, 800 Slowpokes have escaped from the Slowpoke Research Center in Kagawa Prefecture, Japan. Sounds like a good reason to visit Kagawa!
[via UdonkenKanko
Picture: shimizu_izu
(If you want to make your own escaped Slowpoke, you can find high-quality assets here, here, here, here, and, uh, here.)
Pixel Mini
The world’s first 8-bit model comes in 256 colours and can transform into a pixelated block.
[via Inside
Coca-Cola Business Cards
On April 1, Coca-Cola Japan employees got new business cards…that are a pain in the arse to carry. But at least they’re refreshing!
[via Coca Cola
World’s First Airbag for Smartphone Users
The folks at Volvo Japan are worried about people walking and using smartphones. You should be, too.
[via Volvo
Photoshop Made “Real”
Adobe prepared these “Adobe Photoshop for Real” kits and, cooler, they even passed some out to members of the Japanese press.
[via Adobe Japan
Hot Springs Arcade
Today only, Taito says it’s opening a game center at a Japanese hot springs. Nude gaming, everyone, nude gaming in warm water.
[via Taito
Nothing Says Traditional Japanese Food like Audi
Like rice? What about tatami mats? Then this is the fake Audi for you!
[via Audi Japan
One Big Ultraman
Measuring over 40 meters high and costing a mere 78 million yen (US$650,816), you’ll be happy to know that at least delivery is free. Too bad Bandai won’t release something like this, because surely, someone would buy one.
[via Bandai
Smart Beer Mug
A “smart mug” for your Kirin Beer. If only!
[via Kirin
Frieza Idol Group
Momoiro Clover Z’s homepage is covered in Frieza. Even the group’s profiles are in Frieza make-up. Makes sense as the group has a song in the new Dragon Ball Z anime.
[via Momoiro Clover Z
Red Bull Eye Drops
You can blast pollen in the stratosphere. Sign me up!
[via Red Bull
Hands-Free Smartphone Holder
Anime channel Animax noticed that some people’s hands get tired while holding smartphones and watching anime. Here’s a solution.
The name “teburakuchin” is a wordplay on “empty-handed” (手ブラ or tebura), “comfort” (楽 or raku), and penis (チンチン or “chinchin” チンコ or “chinko”). So yes, all the phallic jokes are on purpose.
Comments
2 responses to “When Japan Gets April Fools’ Day So Right”
Isn’t the Mini just a reference to the film Pixels?
Wish my car was a japanese restaurant Audi