OWND Cafe brings O2 to your K9

Written by: Michael Keferl on June 13, 2008 at 9:19 am | In DIGITAL LIFE | 1 Comment

While we’d heard about oxygen tanks for dogs in Japan (and seen them in doghouse form), but a cafe in Tokyo is taking the idea and running with it.

The OWND Cafe (Oxygen, Water, Nutrition, Detox + Dog) in Yoyogi Uehara was closed for the day when I stopped by, but, being dog-less, I probably avoided a potentially awkward situation anyway. The concept of OWND is to come along with your dog, have dual oxygen treatments together, and then share a snack. Who needs Frisbees anymore to spend quality time with man’s best friend?

Photo from the Airpress booth at a recent Pet Expo.

We’re not going to pretend that every Tokyoite with a dog is scrambling to oxygenate their dogs (or themselves for that matter), but this is another great example of Concept Retail in Tokyo that is original and working to create its own niche. After all, ten years ago it would have been hard to imagine maid cafes exploding like they did, but (though they’ve already peaked and are leveling out) the most successful concepts are still going strong.

Yes, perhaps it has a “wacky Japan” tinge to it, but this is Japan after all. If testing out offbeat ideas and innovations is impractical, you can count me in anyway.

Tags: Cafes, health, Oxygen, pets, Retail
Category: DIGITAL LIFE
Other categories: MARKETING IDEAS, LIFESTYLE / FASHION, PRODUCT INNOVATIONS

Save your breath: Oxygen doghouses and air therapy

Written by: Michael Keferl on March 29, 2008 at 12:15 am | In DIGITAL LIFE, LIFESTYLE / FASHION | 14 Comments

The “oxygen” trend has surely peaked in Japan (Is hydrogen taking over?). CScout Japan spent the day at dual expos recently where we got to check out the latest goods being made for Japan’s aging society and for health in general. As opposed to what we saw last year, this year had an overabundance of what is (normally) a fairly abundant resource to begin with.

Of course, there are some innovations in the oxygen market that must be noted. Aromatherapy/oxygen bars have been in Tokyo for several years, but the recent move is for people to bring the experience into their homes.

The aroma set is standard fare these days, but the O2 Jet System from OxyBar Japan is a combination ambient light and oxygen producer. The maker told us that they’re producing it for homes and hospitals, but also for clubs so guests can grab a quick hit of O2 through the tubes.

For those of you who want to share the experience with another, or have a really sick dog, the O2 Doghouse will provide oxygen to your best friend in a custom “dog hospital”. You can even share the same generator as you relax together.

The Healing Dome from Nippon Relax is a combination oxygen/wet sauna/aromatherapy/light therapy dome that meant for home relaxation. We also saw several instant water oxygenizers that you spray into the cup before drinking. The most futuristic offering was the OxyFit system which is an oxygen-generating pack worn on the back and used for sports.

There were also MANY hyperbaric oxygen tanks on display from at least ten different companies. While previous models looked very medical, the latest offerings are going for style. The black IDEA 02 Science tank from Adrect has an internal phone, music system, and features a faux leather trim.

More into customizing? The Dream-Plus from Kawasaki can be customized in colors and with graphics. Aside from the pink model there was a “deep-sea” version completely covered in fish and coral.

Despite the large size of most these items, most makers insisted that they’re producing for consumers who want to put them in their homes. Perhaps it’s only people with massive abodes in Japan that can afford a hyperbaric oxygen tank, but the sheer number of choices available shows that they must be selling in some way.

Tags: health, OxyFit, Oxygen, Wellness
Category: DIGITAL LIFE, LIFESTYLE / FASHION
Other categories: MARKETING IDEAS, PRODUCT INNOVATIONS