Monday, February 11, 2008

It happens only in Japan - Portable Subway Straps

Portable subway strap shows you’re no groper

Portable commuter strap --

A portable subway strap that sells for 525 yen (about $5) is featured on the cover of the fall/winter issue of Tsuhan Seikatsu, a mail order catalog with a readership of 400,000. The primary purpose of this male-targeted commuter strap is not to provide support when the train lurches, but to show other passengers — particularly female passengers — that your hands are occupied, thus reducing your chances of being falsely accused of groping. According to a report on the Cyzo website, Tsuhan Seikatsu quickly sold out of the portable subway strap, an indication that false groping accusations are a real fear for many men who brave the crush of Tokyo’s crowded morning trains.

1 comment:

Salil said...

That is interesting. I hope the demand is more due to insecurity than actual false allegations :-)