When Japan Gets April Fools’ Day So Right

When Japan Gets April Fools’ Day So Right

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

When Japan Gets April Fools’ Day So Right

[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!

When Japan Gets April Fools’ Day So Right

[via UdonkenKanko

When Japan Gets April Fools’ Day So Right

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

When Japan Gets April Fools’ Day So Right

The world’s first 8-bit model comes in 256 colours and can transform into a pixelated block.

[via Inside

Coca-Cola Business Cards

When Japan Gets April Fools’ Day So Right
When Japan Gets April Fools’ Day So Right
When Japan Gets April Fools’ Day So Right

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

When Japan Gets April Fools’ Day So Right

The folks at Volvo Japan are worried about people walking and using smartphones. You should be, too.

[via Volvo

Photoshop Made “Real”

When Japan Gets April Fools’ Day So Right
When Japan Gets April Fools’ Day So Right

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

When Japan Gets April Fools’ Day So Right

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

When Japan Gets April Fools’ Day So Right
When Japan Gets April Fools’ Day So Right
When Japan Gets April Fools’ Day So Right

Like rice? What about tatami mats? Then this is the fake Audi for you!

[via Audi Japan

One Big Ultraman

When Japan Gets April Fools’ Day So Right
When Japan Gets April Fools’ Day So Right

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

When Japan Gets April Fools’ Day So Right

A “smart mug” for your Kirin Beer. If only!

[via Kirin

Frieza Idol Group

When Japan Gets April Fools’ Day So Right

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

When Japan Gets April Fools’ Day So Right

You can blast pollen in the stratosphere. Sign me up!

[via Red Bull

Hands-Free Smartphone Holder

When Japan Gets April Fools’ Day So Right

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.


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