Please look at this picture;
Do you know what these are? You might think you can eat them, but actually you cannot, because these are erasers. There are so many kinds of erasers which is imitation of foods or other goods such as stationary, and these days, such art erasers are in the spot right. Indeed the art eraser got a first prize in the Japanese Souvenir Contest 2008 (日本のおみやげコンテスト２００８).
Today, many companies make the art eraser, but the company which made the art eraser for the first time is the company called Iwako, according to it’s web site the art eraser was born about 30 years ago, and now there are 500 kinds of art erasers exist.
Today, many companies make the art eraser, but the company which made the art eraser for the first time is the company called Iwako, according to it’s web site the art eraser was born about 30 years ago, and now there are 500 kinds of art erasers exist.
Some of them imitate foods which represent Japanese culture such as Sushi and Wagashi (Japanese-style confectionery).
However not only the design but also the technique to make such small but fine erasers should be admired. 
2 件のコメント:
What a great topic! This is a very interesting post with useful links. (However I didn't see any erasers at the the Japanese Souvenir Contest 2008 link...)
I want the baseball erasers...
I might like to read a bit more of your comments. Why did you choose this topic? Do you collect erasers? Who buys the erasers and how popular are they in Japan?
There are similar miniature imitations that are key chains, keitai straps and even memory sticks. Fun.
Thank you for our comment. A few mounths ago, I watched the TV show about 100 Yen shop, and in the show there was a ranking of popular products for tourists from overseas in the 100 Yen shop, and the art eraser was quite high rank, so I felt it is art which represents Japan.
Actually the art eraser is the original product of Iwako, but now it is sold in the 100 Yen shop.
I have some of them, but I do not collect these. In Japan the art eraser is not so popular for adults.
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