Japan's Exclusive Innovations: Prepare to Be Amazed

12. The lap pillow

What it is: A woman's lap-shaped pillow
Invented in Mid-2000s
Average Cost: $85
One of the most famous instances of absurd Japanese innovations from the mid-2000s was—and kind of still is—the Japanese Lap Pillow. This cushion, named the Hizamakura Lap Pillow, has the form of a woman's legs. The manufacturer is Trane Corporation.

Twitter.com/TryA_TINA / Lap Pillow
Trane Corp claims that the Hizamakura was introduced as a solution to loneliness. It was dubbed a "healing home accessory" by Trane. In addition, the Hizamakura has earned the moniker "Girlfriend Pillow." According to LA Weekly, it is "so bad" that it "comes back around" to being good.

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