Travel Bag

Neru Neru

Snoring is the noisy result of the flapping of the fleshy bit of body between nose and mouth, across which air passes. Since the position of this organ at the top of your throat is partly affected by your jaw, snoring is more likely if your mouth is open. So why not tape it shut? If your partner needs ear defenders or if you get sore throats from the dry air on planes, try this device. Put the sticker in the middle of your lips and you're forced to breathe through your nose, potentially solving the problems of snoring noise, dry throats and, if the users nose is blocked, perhaps the person who causes all this trouble in the first place.

¥1000 (21 strips) Tel: 03-3241-3835 (Sansei-sha)

Foot Pocket Iq (Inner quup)

An item with an unintended dual-purpose to be sure. This is an inner pocket which you wear under your socks and shoes to keep small but valuable articles safe. Stash your precious goods in it, hitch it around your big toe and you can relax in the knowledge that your gear is beyond the reach of all but the most retail savvy pickpocket, or whoever else might have an interest in small items in your shoes. Thoughtfully, it's also made of 'quup®' a special material that helps reduce the damp and consequent stench of your footwear.

¥650 Tel: 03-3983-1135 (JTB Travel Land)

Sea Band

This knitted elasticated wristband will help stave off travel sickness and help keep you alert on tiring journeys. The bright idea that enables this to work is the plastic stud on each strap that applies pressure to the Nei Kuan accupunture point on both wrists. Being a drug-free solution to wobbly tummy means they don't have any of the side effects normally associated with anti-nausea drugs either.

¥1800 Tel: 03-3583-7904 (Fuso Corporation)

Nemi-ru

At last, an eye mask for those who still want to be able to see while they're wearing one. Ok, so you probably couldn't see well enough to drive with it on, since the holes (ten in all) are on the sides of the otherwise thick light-blocking item, but enough for the truly paranoid to notice a pickpocket creeping up on them or the flight attendant trying to race past before they can help themselves to another free G'n'T. Product effectiveness would seem to be enhanced by not actually closing your eyes when sleeping.

¥880 Tel: 045-334-0712 (Seiji)

Puri Guard

Another useful one for travellers to the lawless world outside of these shores, this is a light conceled pocket for small valuables such as passports or banknotes in demoninations best suited to the aftermath of a global financial meltdown. Worn under the skirt, it's made of silk and adorned with lace frills, making it fit like a petticoat and keeping it slimline enough that it could only be detected by someone putting their hand up your skirt. Not very useful for train-riding female visitors to Japan, then.

¥1,800 (S, M, L sizes available)

Travettan

These little round stickers can apparently relieve almost all your your travel sickness complaints. They work by harnessing the natural chemical reaction between the ceramic coal contained within them and your body heat. When in contact with pressure points on your lower arms and hands they work to raise your blood pressure and thus improve your circulation (the major cause of economy class syndrome). The packaging doesn't particularly recommend putting them on your nipples, but we still felt tempted. Maybe it was the shape?

¥800 (16 sheets) Tel: 0778-53-1666 (Clean Techno)

Clin Clin

Mayonnaise on your skirt, strange-smelling stains you don't remember accquiring . Travel in faraway foreign lands can be a nightmare on your threads, but there is a saviour. Sparing you embarassment at social engagements and fashion faux pas at Phuket beach bars, this handy stain remover in a lipstick-shaped container is as easy to use as acquiring the peculiar mark was in the first place: just apply the liquid to the offending stain and you're free to head out to find some more.

Stain Remover ¥390 (12ml) Tel: 03-3556-1559 (TGP Tokyo)

Portable U-shaped air pillow

Puff this portable pillow up and close your eyes -- relaxing on a long journey doesn't get much easier than that. But that's not where the benefits of this cutting edge sleep enhancer end. The material from which it's made oozes those trendy 'minus' (negative) ions that are allegedly responsible for sleeping soundly, easing breathing, improving concentration and eternal life. Maybe. Super comfy pillow, whatever the magic ingredients.

¥1600 Tel: 03-5728-4660 (Traveler's Tree)

Text: Natsumi Fujita
Illustrations: Yusuke Shono. Photos: Dieter