Trends in Japan - CScout Japan Blog

Fridge, facial steamer, appliances for Wellness

Written by: Rebecca Milner on September 12, 2008 at 6:20 pm | In DIGITAL LIFE, LIFESTYLE / FASHION | 4 Comments

More and more premium, multi-function appliances are hitting the market, including this latest super-fridge from Hitachi. The “Lively Nutrient Vacuum Chilled V” series contains a device that emits anti-oxidants and vitamins to keep food fresher and more nutrient-rich.

For example, the press release claims that the vitamin C content in spinach shows a significant 86% higher retention rate in the Lively Nutrient fridge, when compared to unspecified models already on the market.

A newly developed vacuum insulation systems further reduces energy consumption. Meanwhile break-resistant glass replaces the typically plastic doors and shelving to remind consumers that this is one high-class appliance. With a September 24 release date, the price is still unspecified.

Also new on the market is the Nano Care EH-SA 40, a home facial steamer from National’s Wellness Marketing division. The Nano Care emits a wet ion-charged steam designed to penetrate the outer layers of the epidermis to keep skin moist and supple. Intended for night use, the Nano Care also promises shinier hair upon waking. The November 1 release date (price estimate ¥25,000) is a reminder of the dry winter months ahead.

So what are we to make of this wave of appliances designed not just to make life more convenient, but to actually make us healthier and more attractive? With the decades-old striving for a color TV and an air conditioner as proof of having achieved a modern, comfortable lifestyle now thoroughly outdated, wellness is taking center stage. This concept takes the form of appliances that suggest piece of mind, anti-aging, and a “return to nature” environment, through “cleaner” air and food.

Tags: appliances, Hitachi, Home, National, nutrition, Wellness
Category: DIGITAL LIFE, LIFESTYLE / FASHION
Other categories: MARKETING IDEAS, PRODUCT INNOVATIONS

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Cutting-edge air purifier from Hitachi

Written by: Rebecca Milner on August 20, 2008 at 11:55 pm | In DIGITAL LIFE | No Comments

While fixing environmental problems like global warming requires the cooperation of nations, taking care of your own personal or professional environment is a simple as hitting an “on” button. Humidifiers and dehumidifiers are already common appliances in Japanese homes thanks to the seasonal extremes of very dry winters and very humid summer (see how long you can grin and bear it when your shoes actually sprout mold thanks to the high moisture level in your cramped, poorly ventilated urban apartment). From there it is a short jump to appliances that do all that and more, like purify and deodorize your air.

Now Hitachi has an air purifier, the Comfortable Air Robo Cleair 7 (yes that’s cleair, as in “clear air”), in the works that has seven completely automated functions designed to keep your personal atmosphere under complete, and perfect, control.

With seven functions—air purifying, deodorizing, humidification, dehumidification, skin moisturizing, clothes drying, and condensation control—in one machine the Cleair 7 is intended for year-round use, sucking the pollen out of the air during hay fever season and keeping your skin from cracking in the winter.

The addition of a wing turbo fan allows for up to 33 tatami mats (54m2) of clear air, and a world record purifying speed of 8 mats (13m2) in 9 minutes. Meanwhile, the inclusion of robotic engineering means that this smart appliance automatically adjusts to the environment, keeping the status of your air ideal without you haven’t to worry about it. The clean air monitor screen lets you know what is going on and the big, illuminated buttons are designed for simple (ie: elderly people friendly) handling.

Hitachi has 4,000 of these ready to go on September 12, for a cool ¥110,250 (about $1,000). According to Hitachi, the demand for air purifiers increased last year by 102% over the previous year, with ones incorporating a humidifier being particularly popular.

Tags: Air Purifiers, appliances, Hitachi, Home
Category: DIGITAL LIFE
Other categories: MARKETING IDEAS, LIFESTYLE / FASHION, PRODUCT INNOVATIONS