It is difficult, when writing for a tech blog, to avoid talking about Japan with a a mixture of astonishment and car-crash fascination.
This is not a fair representation of what is in fact a diverse and vibrant culture. Poking fun at unusual cultural quirks merely cheapens us all.
That said, come on now.. DOG RINGTONES?
Tokyo-based mobile content provider Dwango has announced a range of ringtones that are audible only to dogs.
Inu ni shika kikoenai chakushinon - “‘ringtones only dogs can hear” - will be downloadable to DoCoMo phones. That’s it. No mention of why you would want your dog - and only your dog - to know if your phone is ringing. Maybe something to do with those hearing dogs for the deaf. Maybe not.
