We are seeing a lot of technological development directed towards Japan’s growing elderly population. Sometimes, however, it just takes a little tweaking around with a piece of cloth, like this “Mago no Ashi” (”grandchild’s foot”) from Corporation Pearl Star, to make a big impact.
This cloth sleeve with straps is designed to assist people who might otherwise have trouble putting their socks on by themselves.
The product website, which includes a moving tale of how designer came to discover the need for this kind of device, mentions several places, like the doctor’s office, the public bathhouse, or a traditional inn, where one might be embarrassed or frustrated by an inability to put on one’s socks without the danger of tumbling over.
Despite the simple nature of the invention, the Nikkei Marketing Journal saw a hit in the making when it gave top billing to the Grandchild’s Foot on the new product showcase page. One size fits all for ¥2,100.
