Japanese Product of the week: Ear Squegees

Premium cotton bud variety pack

Walter: I noticed these black Q-Tip-like things in the stores when we lived in Japan, but never bothered to take a closer look.  On my last business trip to Tokyo, I decided to buy some and to satisfy my curiosity despite the fact that I had free “cotton buds” (AKA cotton swabs) provided in my hotel room.

As it turns out, they are basically a premium cotton swab with a few unique features.  First of all, they are all-black.  Why black I wondered?  Could it be because white is the color of death in Japan, or so I’ve read that you should avoid wrapping presents in white for this reason (although I’m starting to get the distinct impression that some of what I’ve read about Japanese culture has become outdated) .  Perhaps it’s just too much to insert miniature white death-swords into the side of your head.  But I’ve seen white cotton buds in the stores too, so what gives – foreign influence on the personal-care sub-culture in Japan?  Doubtful.   Besides I did also attend a Japanese wedding near Tokyo where, much to my disappointment, the bride wore, not a traditional kimono, but a western-style white gown (she was clearly not at a funeral or anything of the sort).  She later changed at least twice into other colored party gowns at the well-choreographed reception that included remote-controlled spot-lights and long speeches by significant people in the bride and groom’s past. No, it seems that white is not off limits.

Detail of the little ridges on each bud.

Any way, back to the all-black cotton buds.  My most likely explanation is that the black color is to hide the junk that comes out  of  your ears.   Makes sense to me, but to be sure, I called our Japanese friend Mika and asked what she knows about this important mystery.   She had a simple explanation:  black is hot in Japan.  At least in terms of personal care products: tissues, face masks, cotton buds and the like.  ”It’s a trend. I so wished I had bought some when I was in Tokyo last.”  Well, she won’t get mine.  No way! I want to stay super-hip in my bathroom, so I’m hoarding my stash of black cotton buds for now.

Finally, a far more function feature is the little ridges they put on the end – sort of like a series of little squeegees for your ears.  A fine way to dry off after a relaxing bath. I kind of like these and when Kenji is being more than uncooperative about getting his ears cleaned after a bath, I pull out the trump card of “want to use the Japanese ear buds?” and that usually gets him.

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