Trends in Japan - CScout Japan Blog

Kinbashi Gold Flake Chopsticks bring back bubble era memories

Written by: Michael Keferl on September 7, 2007 at 3:35 am | In LIFESTYLE / FASHION | 3 Comments

Everyone knows that chopsticks are the most important tools in Japan, so it’s no wonder that there are thousands of variations. Now a specialty store has had an extraordinary idea straight from the days when salarymen were sprinking gold on just about everything: The Kinbashi Gold Chopsticks.

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They are not actually made of gold, but the gold is between the disposable wooden chopsticks. When you separate them, real gold leaf dances down on your meal. Actually, it’s 94.4% gold, 4.9% silver, and 0.6% copper…but who’s counting?

They aren’t as expensive as you may think, but are still ¥4,515 ($40) for two five-packs. So everybody can feel special while eating with these chopsticks. Top it off with a gold business card, and you’re ready for dinner with the emperor.

There is just on question left: What about the nutrient content?

Picture via Yumetai

Tags: Gold, Luxury
Category: LIFESTYLE / FASHION
Other categories: MARKETING IDEAS, DIGITAL LIFE, PRODUCT INNOVATIONS

Licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution No Derivatives license

Pimp your business card in a gram of Mitsubishi fine gold

Written by: Michael Keferl on July 27, 2007 at 7:03 am | In LIFESTYLE / FASHION | 1 Comment

Business cards are very important in Japan. However, more than card style, the writing on the side (called katagaki 肩書) gives you rank and importance. There are, of course, exceptions to this.

There’s been a bit of chatter about a gold Hello Kitty card available out there, but
Kitty-chan doesn’t exactly have a lot of meetings or power lunches. This one is for the Patrick Bateman in all of us: The Mitsubishi Fine Gold Card. You can now have your original business card re-printed on recycled paper and coated in a gram of fine gold.

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This Japanese blogger received a sample card at the beginning of the year from Coca-Cola, mentions a previous card campaign from coffee brand Georgia, and sees great potential in this as an easy way to give bribes, though melting them down might be a little strange.

mitsubishi-gold-business-card-1

Now, when you pull out your card case and Bryce asks, “Is that a gram?”, you can answer in the affirmative, with or without the Silian Rail lettering.

Want one? The service is offered online here.

Tags: Business Cards, Gold
Category: LIFESTYLE / FASHION
Other categories: MARKETING IDEAS, DIGITAL LIFE, PRODUCT INNOVATIONS