Jason Kim not just thoughtful, it’s really progressive. People with impaired vision shouldn’t have to rely on other people to help them choose their grog.
That's not thoughtful, it's the least that people with visual disabilities should have everywhere. Should be the norm, it's not a favor, it's necessary.
The first time I ate onigiri in a train station I thought who the hell invented this packaging (I made a mess). After eating a few times I thought who the hell invented this packaging It's BRILLIANT...
When Simon gives Martina an ice cream bite and he says "here you go my love". So cute man. It's the little things, as we've learnt from the packaging as well
I looove Japanese packaging! Everything is so brilliant and clever. One of my favourites (which isn't really a packaging but extremely thoughtful) is the umbrella stand that wraps your umbrella in plastic to prevent the building floor you're about to enter from getting wet. HOW?!
I love how self aware they are. Like, they know packaging might not be the most awesome vid, but hey they love it so they're gonna share it. Also they really underestimate how much we agree, cus we (I) too love packaging 😂
We really love the innovative packaging in Japan, and wanted to share it with you, because we're nerds and easily excited by average, everyday things :D
I've been living in Japan since I was born for 20+ yrs and never paid attention to the packaging here! I was gonna live the rest of my life without knowing how to make a stand for a toothpick if I didn't watch this video! Thank you Simon and Martina!
Issue is that in the US we do not recycle well unlike Japan that is very oriented about their waste. For example that noodle package has so much plastic that normally ends up in a landfill here in the US.
You're right. After doing some more research, the Japanese as a whole recycle a little BUT they have much better sorting system. In contrast though, their neighbors such as Taiwan, South Korea, and Singapore are really good at recycling. I think the reason why I also believed Japan was good at recycling was due to this documentary I watched /watch?v=OS9uhASKyjA Japan’s Town With No Waste by Great Big Story
I was quite shocked when I came to live in japan just to find out that they have a super complex garbage sorting system BUT, only to know to which furnace the garbage will go. I think they do recycle plastic bottles, milk/cardboard packs, and a few other stuff. But main source of garbage (plastic) they incinerate it... It's still an awesome country and I like living here but, like other, it has its ups and downs!
I think the extent of recycling depends on what city you live in. Some U.S. cities even do composting while others don't. In the NYC area, you have to separate glass, paper, and plastic into separate bins. However some cities in the Pacific North West, it all goes into the same bin, but they have a separate bin and service to pick up compost (food waste).
That's because America has room to designate land for burying garbage, Japan doesn't have the land for landfills so they have to find other ways to make garbage disappear.
It's interesting how many people around the world wonder how do the Japanese do it so well. We in the west attribute it to smartness, some economy, and whole bunch of reasons. Ultimately it boils down to empathy. When people think about others, they come up with neat ideas. It shows as love, as innovation, as beauty, as awareness, and many other things. But it all starts with thinking about others.
your videos have been getting me through uni exams for the past three years and my a-levels before that. Thanks for being a constant source of distraction and happy feels, and inspiration :) hope you guys are well x
I always longed to experience what you both show through these videos since middle school, and I just find it so amazing how I am here now in Japan studying abroad, watching your videos as I eat a Family Mart onigiri. Life is good! Keep it up guys :) you're still a ray of sunshine for me everyday!
That's so amazing!!! Thank you for sharing and have a great time in Japan. Your experience is going to be unique to ours because you get to experience what it's like to be a student, something we've never had the chance to do while abroad. :)
First off, I LOVED THIS VIDEO SO MUCH!!!!!! The music, city life, the packaging, audio, Spudgy, Meemers, everything. I love milk SO MUCH but the gag is that I’m lactose intolerant and it started showing up WAY more as I got older, so now I just take dairy pills when I want dairy (and I love dairy products SO MUCH). Also, I HIGHLY RECOMMEND y’all to watch this video with headphones. Sending my love all the way from Texas. P.S. this video has made me want to go to Japan MUCH MORE. THANK YOU SO MUCH SIMON & MARTINA!!!!!!!!!!!❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️
I’m so lucky that I live in Japan permanently now. Even though I like travelling, I will always go back to this country. The thoughtful packagings alone is reason enough. 😁❤️
This video BLOWS MY MIND!!! OMG thank you thank you for making it. A lot of time people miss those little details that create a total unique and different experience. Shout out to those who spend time to even think about those amazing features in packaging and Shout out to MARTINA and SIMON for such an AMAZING video. LOVE YOU GUYS SO SO MUCH
this is amazing. everything you guys do is amazing. I overdid it at school today so im sitting in bed sad and in pain but your videos are basically percocet
These inventions are really clever! I mean, I am sad because of all the plastic being used in single-use packaging, but the attention to details is amazing!
My favorite thing is Muji nail clippers, they have a translucent cover that keeps your nails from flying everywhere! After you're done, you can take it off and throw your clippings away.
omg I TOTALLY FEEL YOU I have one too it is such a godsend, making simple things even simpler! PS. what!? I had no idea you could take it off thanks for the info ☺️
Omg you guys have saved me so much future pain with onigiri packaging!! Last time I was in Japan, I thought you were supposed to tear steps 2 & 3, like how you tear step 1, and my nori would always break. Watching Martina simply pull them out made my jaw drop. You're absolute life savers!!
The toothpick thing ALWAYS amazes me! Some people don't believe me when I tell them that it's meant to be a little stand but it's true and it's incrediblllllle.
PS, this video is more about the thoughtfulness of Japanese Design, rather than packaging (imho, although yes, all of the things showcased were packaged goods). There's an entire NHK:WORLD Video (english) series on their website called "Design Talks", I think everyone who is still interested in the history/culture/philosophy of Japanese design/aesthetic should take a peep!
p@tr0ck Rather than thoughtfulness, I see it as viability to use these plastics in Japan. Without a good recycling system like in Japan, these designs, which usually requires a lot of one time use plastics, will be really terrible for the environment. In other words, good recycling system enables Japan to use these designs.
"Fix your brakes you're gonna die." I love you guys so much. I've been watching your videos for a year now and I'm so happy that I discovered you two. You guys are my second fav couples on youtube (next too JennaMarbles and Julien). ❤❤❤❤❤
When I was in Japan a couple weeks ago, I too was blown away by the ingeniousness of the packaging (along with nearly everything else I experienced) . Japan. Is. Awesome.
I know I said it the other day, but I really do appreciate how you guys take the day to day and turn it into something special and whimsical and magical. Thanks for sharing your awesome way of seeing the world 💕
I love how creative and cute these little ideas are. It's exactly how I see you two and your channel! 😊 Thanks a bunch for making our lives so much more fun Simon and Martina!
Simon and Martina I grew into a milk allergy within the last few years... but when I could drink milk I loved having it with cheese (weird I know, but in my house you have milk and cheese with EVERYTHING)
I am hugely obsessed with full cream milk. It's amazing. Love it with coffee, with biscuits, with Vegemite toast, with spaghetti... Honestly just give me food and milk and I'll be a happy lady
I LOVE this nerdy video, because I also love Japanese packaging (as well as their recycling system). These are just a couple of reasons why I wanna live there soooooo baaaaaad.
And the annoying thing is that shops love to stick the price tag OVER the #1 step so the plastic line often messes up when you're trying to tear it out
I don't know how to tell you this Martina but the US has those straws for milk boxes. milk boxes themselves just aren't very popular - most houses buy a gallon or half gallon jug or carton. but they do sell the boxes... mostly in packs of six intended for kids lunch boxes...
I am a fan for videos like these! I love seeing small details like this. Can I just say that your little town/community looks adorable and perfect. It just looks peaceful!
The onigiri wrapping is brilliant. The Japanese convenience stores in general are amazing! You can't get more convenient than that. 👌 I never knew that about the Japanese tooth pick design! Always thought it's just a pretty decoration. Mind blown! 🔥
That onigiri packaging has always been my absolute favourite every time I visit Japan, how could they even thought of that complicated architecture of packaging to keep the crispy nori yet soft rice... ugh why are you so amazing Japan 🇯🇵 👏
I love these ‘nerd’ videos, seriously. Because it’s the little things like that no one thinks to tell you about living in other countries. Scenery, traffic, cash vs card money, yeah yeah I get it. But this? This makes me feel like I could totally live abroad with this awesome nerd knowledge! 😍❤️
We're visiting Japan right now and are OBSESSED with the food packaging, and all the other clever life hacks that the Japanese have engineered. We saw some gardeners today that were using a movable screen to keep hedge clippings from flying onto the pavement. Brilliant! I also really love the single serve packaged iced coffees that have their own extendable straws like in the video, and the waffle cone ice cream sandwiches that circumvent any dripping!
I have been wanting to suggest a video on Japan' reciclying/garbage system and rules, because thats like the thing I miss the most about living there, I miss it everyday. But I always thought it was too nerdy for a video. Now that you guys made a video about smart packaging, I'm gonna suggest the garbage one AND a second part for this one if you find any more cool packages and containers. You just talked about hobbies and passion in the podcasts, well im passionate about Japan's zero waste policy haha. Wonderful video you guys, thank you
I care for my special needs brother five days out of the week. It's quite draining and I've been feeling really suicidal lately. My mom's going to be out if town for 3 months so I'm going to be taking care of him non-stop. This video cheered me up. Thank you guys for posting with your positive attitudes.
amiesparkle00 I appreciate it, thank you. Not really. I'm cut off from anyone since it's basically a full-time job. I quit school. I recently went through a breakup because she couldn't handle the situation we were in. Philippines.
M G I know that can be draining but it sounds like you’re doing your best. That’s all you can do, and perfectly normal to feel drained as taking care of people does drain you emotionally and physically. Do you have any suicide hotlines in the Phillipines you can call? I’m from the states so I don’t know off the top of my head. Are there any support groups where there are other people who are going through a similar situation as you? If not, there are plenty of good people here who don’t mind talking to you to make sure you are ok. Please remember to take some time to do some self-care. It could be as little as doing a sheet mask or eating a good treat. If you would like, I am here to listen. If you’re comfortable, you can DM in instagram under the same user. Just want to make sure you’re ok.
I've seen that kind of toothpick, here, for I don't know... A looooooong time as I remember... And I just find out the proper way to use that! My mind is literally blowing....
My dad would love this video- he’s director of engineering at a company that just makes food packaging. He was part of the team at solo cup that made that part of hot coffee to go cups where you can click back the tab where the sip hole is and put it back to keep it hot. Love you guys! Ps Martina- I also love milk. Do you ever get heat from people for drinking milk with things that you’re “not supposed” to drink milk with? Cause I do 🙄
First of all: SUPER AMAZING DAD DETAIL OMG!!! And yes, people tell me all the time but I looove milk. I’ll have food poisoning or a hangover or I’m hot from the outdoor heat, and I’ll go for a nice glass of cold milk 🥛 ❤️
AHHH MAHHHHH GAAAAAHD. You responded and I died. Been watching you guys for 8 years and just LOVE everything you do. I listen to the podcast tooooo 😍❤️
Early! Yay! I don’t really comment but just want to let you guys know that i’ve been here for like, 4 years, and y’all have been a good source of entertainment and inspiration☺️✨
My husband and I were blown away by the gum packets in Japan. Not only was the gum abundantly fruity and aromatic, but it unwrapped itself as we took a piece from the package, leaving only a slim paper shield where we held it with our fingers, and exposing the gum to be easily eaten. We were amazed and sort of mad that a country could get something so simple as gum, so right.
I was actually way too excited about this video because honestly smart packaging is just my best friend. The built in strainer that you guys showed in the clip was by far the smartest thing I've seen in a while. I will say, you guys do have to come back North America a bit more because we have gotten some of these things. The extending straw is on some juice boxes (but only some) and I've seen the breakable toothpick before. Didn't know what the ridges were about but it has existed. The noodle container - I would love if more foods did that. Right now I've only seen them for prepackages salads and they are pricey and awkward to use. and that spout for the soy milk! So smart!
There are some very old and traditional (or conservative) people in the industry who only care about using the least amount of money for the packaging of their products. This correlates into very often, a confusing and unpleasant experience, trying to open product's packaging which should be QUCK and EASY to unravel and use. A shared Japanese design philosophy starts from trying to be mindful of the product from start to end, without cutting any corners, with also thoughtful consideration which is emphasized so that the experience from purchase until the disposal of the product. With an emphasis in trying to streamline production and optimize maximum potential, the result is thoughtful and sometimes fun and enjoyable products (from 'beginning to end'). Please adopt this philisophy World. Don't cut corners. Stop being so fucking capitalist for the sake of greed. Think of the people (who use the products) so prosperity and innovation will come about from it.
Decades of consumer product research in the U.S. has shown that ultimately packaging is what makes or breaks a product. That is why they are loathe to tinker with it even in this day of recycling because they are afraid it might affect sales. Even with superior packaging they take to changes very slowly.
Thank you so much Martina. I am in Kyoto now and made sure I bought an onigiri so I could try opening it the way it was designed. I tried to open it myself but stuffed it up, I had to have your vid going, instructing me as I tried again! Love your vids guys. I also went looking for an ekiben but ended up with a full bento for my Shinkansen ride from Tokyo.
I'm a food & beverage package designer and I geeked out a lot whenever I go to konbini last time I went to Japan. I even brought home some of the empty packages for reference.
It is amazing! the toothpick blew my mind ^^ I'd like to hear more about the recycling system in Japan and if they also have very smart ways to promote ecology in general and how people care about it. That would be interesting a video on that subject! =) you know, just to keep it nerdy lol.
I study nature conservation and sadly Asia is literally the worst when it comes to package/ garbage pollution.. the environment is not a big priority there..
I had to pause to make this comment before i forget. Martina you are looking GOOOOD! your work outs are really paying off! Your facial shape looks alot more defined and pretty
I think it's pretty awesome that you guys covered this because I've always thought that Japan has really cool and convenient packaging for better and easier utilization! And also SUPER GREAT recycling!! I WISH the rest of the world could adopt the way the Japanese do Waste and Recycling!
I’ve been lucky enough to live in areas that are close to legit Japanese grocery stores. They have the onigiri packaged like what you showed. It took me so many times to figure out how to open them correctly!!! I would have loved to have this as a guide haha. I super duper love all of the packaging stuff. I don’t think it’s nerdy. My boyfriend and I both used to be line cooks and we’re into plates. If we go out to eat and we like the plates our food is served on we always pick them up to see if there is a brand on the bottom lol. Then we price them!! I wish we could do this kind of stuff in the US. Recycling here is kind of a joke, and we don’t do anything right :(. I can barely get my roommates to rinse out the glass jars for pasta sauce before the toss them in our ‘recycling’ bin. Thanks for the video, I enjoyed it!
Meh, too much one-time use plastics. Even with a good recycling system, some plastics will always get lost. But what makes these packages especially viable for Japan and not for other countries is because they have great recycling system. It's probably the main reason these kinds of technology don't really exist much in other countries. It'd be a very bad idea to implement these packagings when littering is already a big problem.
Man it’s been a while since I’ve seen this, but I would love an updated version of this of other great packaging in Japan. I find this so fascinating for some reason 😻😻
I have nothing to say about packaging. I came here to talk dogs. I love Spudgy, I love how he's a grumpy old man, I love his excitement, love everything. I have an INCREDIBLY old dog who's back legs have been paralyzed for several months after an injury, she's even got a handmade wheelchair thanks to UA-cam, a few bucks, and some spare time. And tonight? TONIGHT SHE STOOD! She took a drink of water on her own. No butt sling, no wheelchair, no nothing. She held herself up to drink some water. She didn't walk there herself and I had to walk her back, but she freaking STOOD!! Love you guys, love your energy and your joy, just wanted to spread some of mine. Bisous!
I've been re-watching A LOT of your old videos lately and OMG when I saw Spudgy I just screeched I miss him so much he was the goodest boi and I love him.
Pretty sure ive seen that straw thing here in america a few years ago. I dont remember what brand juice it was though. That chopsticks thing was cool as heck though.
Of the things i miss the most when i went to Japan...is nigiri, and i absolutely loved that packaging, and the flavors are AMAZING, i really miss them so much.
The sheer amount of packaging for everything you buy left me a bit disappointed in Japan. After a year I stopped trying to tell them that no, i don't need a plastic bag for my hot meal and a different one for my soda, I don't need the chopsticks, I don't want cookies and apples and snacks singularly wrapped in plastic inside the package... And working at a supermarket only made it worse. There doesn't seem to be a real recycling culture here, it feels like it's more a fear of what the neighbours might think than any real effort for sustainability. Still like the genius of the onigiri wrap though!
it doesnt take a lot of effort to just say "i dont need a bag" or "you can pack it together". i worked part time at a convenience store and i would ask people if they need a bag and they would scold me for not being professional and say that if the customer doesnt say anything then you should just pack everything in a plastic bag individually. so even tho it kills me to do it, i still do it. but it makes me happy when people tell me they dont need a bag!! recycling culture in japan is better than in other many other countries esp when it comes to home waste disposal but asian cultures are v sensitive when it comes to professionalism. i personality try my best not to accept plastic bags from shops and ive never had much problems telling the cashiers that.
Yes It could be a huge problem in your country but not in Japan. Recycling rate of plastic waste in Japan is 84 % and the remainder would be incinerated. You should watch a youtube-video of “School Lunch in Japan - It’s not just about eating” After the lunch waste like Milkpackaging are all separated by kids "7:25". Japanese system cannot be compared to your standard in terms of plastic recycling.
Yes, but not all plastic is recyclable: plastic film, soft plastic cups, containers and bags still have to be thrown away with regular garbage as far as I know.
FINALLY HAHAHAHA in all the years I have been watching you guys I have NEVER been this early to watch and comment! THIS IS GONNA BE A GOOD DAY! Sending love from Houston TX guys, great video as always!!
I swear my heart did a !!!! when I saw you replied omg I knew today was gonna be awesome I'm so happy :D First time you're seeing me, yes, but definitely not my first comment lol! FYI just came back from Korea and that triangle onigiri unwrapping mechanism floored me ever single time lol
Here in the U.S. we actually have salad bowls packaged EXACTLY like the cold noodles Simon had. The lettuce and other greens are on the bottom and the toppings/dressing is on top, all separated by plastic with little wells for each ingredient. We also have the plastic onigiri wrappers in kits at the Asian markets. You make the onigiri yourself at home but you can wrap it up like the convenience store ones for a special lunch on the go.
I’m so glad you posted! I’ve got an economics exam tomorrow, I needed a distraction with you two in!! And those fancy carton straws are in the UK, but only on a certain few drinks but every carton should have them also the editing in your videos has been amazing recently!
I just LOVE this video! The onigiri part WOW! Seriously, this is my first time writing you guys. Hi! I've been watching your videos for a while and I love all of them, but this one... 🤯 Please make a 2nd part! 🙏🙏🙏 (Yes, i love packaging, i'm a super nerdy girl!) Thank you for all, my boyfriend and I are fans of you and your contents 💖 Greetings from Basque Country (North of Spain)! xoxo
What's interesting is that I actually looked this up after the video and these kinds of toothpicks were actually invented in Japan and spread to other parts of Asia after the fact. So Simon and Martina were correct. This is actually a Japanese toothpick. Pretty cool stuff. Look up Professor Petroski. He is a historian and an actual expert on the history of toothpicks. haha, not kidding.
I didn't know it can be used like that! I see it almost everytime i visit a restaurant in my country and i just use it like regular toothpick.Shame on me!
They also have braille on alcohol cans to ensure blind people dont mistake it for soda. How thoughtful.
Jason Kim not just thoughtful, it’s really progressive. People with impaired vision shouldn’t have to rely on other people to help them choose their grog.
That's actually something I can't believe isn't world wide.
That's not thoughtful, it's the least that people with visual disabilities should have everywhere. Should be the norm, it's not a favor, it's necessary.
Japan is like the unboxing heaven.
itsbenxii for real, nice profile pic LMAO
Well they are the land of origami 😆
Ohhhh... That's why my toothpicks have those indents... I just thought it was a fancy grip 😅
Not Neo Same
LUL same
The first time I ate onigiri in a train station I thought who the hell invented this packaging (I made a mess). After eating a few times I thought who the hell invented this packaging It's BRILLIANT...
When Simon gives Martina an ice cream bite and he says "here you go my love". So cute man. It's the little things, as we've learnt from the packaging as well
I looove Japanese packaging! Everything is so brilliant and clever. One of my favourites (which isn't really a packaging but extremely thoughtful) is the umbrella stand that wraps your umbrella in plastic to prevent the building floor you're about to enter from getting wet. HOW?!
I love how self aware they are. Like, they know packaging might not be the most awesome vid, but hey they love it so they're gonna share it. Also they really underestimate how much we agree, cus we (I) too love packaging 😂
Hannah W right!! One of the many reasons I love them!! And I'm a nerd n find these things cool too lol
Lol for the average viewer yes, but I feel like their nasties would find this amazing and fascinating. I know I do!
"the devil is in the details"
Thanks for all of the likes everyone!
We really love the innovative packaging in Japan, and wanted to share it with you, because we're nerds and easily excited by average, everyday things :D
Simon and Martina Good Morning from Texas Friends!!
I’ve actually seen all of these packaging in the US, although it’s rare. Still super cool though!
The milk carton just made me really nostalgic for the juice boxes we had in my secondary school, I think it was 5 Alive juice (in UK!)
Simon and Martina I spy a blue jays shirt!
Yas! Me too 😆
I've been living in Japan since I was born for 20+ yrs and never paid attention to the packaging here! I was gonna live the rest of my life without knowing how to make a stand for a toothpick if I didn't watch this video! Thank you Simon and Martina!
まぁ、あの溝は滑り止めであって、製造者は折るために彫ってはいないんだけどね。
Issue is that in the US we do not recycle well unlike Japan that is very oriented about their waste. For example that noodle package has so much plastic that normally ends up in a landfill here in the US.
Wait, do you think Japan recycles well? They burn everything! They don't recycle...
You're right. After doing some more research, the Japanese as a whole recycle a little BUT they have much better sorting system. In contrast though, their neighbors such as Taiwan, South Korea, and Singapore are really good at recycling. I think the reason why I also believed Japan was good at recycling was due to this documentary I watched /watch?v=OS9uhASKyjA Japan’s Town With No Waste by Great Big Story
I was quite shocked when I came to live in japan just to find out that they have a super complex garbage sorting system BUT, only to know to which furnace the garbage will go. I think they do recycle plastic bottles, milk/cardboard packs, and a few other stuff. But main source of garbage (plastic) they incinerate it...
It's still an awesome country and I like living here but, like other, it has its ups and downs!
I think the extent of recycling depends on what city you live in. Some U.S. cities even do composting while others don't. In the NYC area, you have to separate glass, paper, and plastic into separate bins. However some cities in the Pacific North West, it all goes into the same bin, but they have a separate bin and service to pick up compost (food waste).
That's because America has room to designate land for burying garbage, Japan doesn't have the land for landfills so they have to find other ways to make garbage disappear.
now this is the content i subscribed for.
“here you go my love” *hands over absolutely one* 😂
It's interesting how many people around the world wonder how do the Japanese do it so well. We in the west attribute it to smartness, some economy, and whole bunch of reasons. Ultimately it boils down to empathy. When people think about others, they come up with neat ideas. It shows as love, as innovation, as beauty, as awareness, and many other things. But it all starts with thinking about others.
Shin Kansen brilliantly put
your videos have been getting me through uni exams for the past three years and my a-levels before that. Thanks for being a constant source of distraction and happy feels, and inspiration :) hope you guys are well x
I always longed to experience what you both show through these videos since middle school, and I just find it so amazing how I am here now in Japan studying abroad, watching your videos as I eat a Family Mart onigiri. Life is good! Keep it up guys :) you're still a ray of sunshine for me everyday!
That's so amazing!!! Thank you for sharing and have a great time in Japan. Your experience is going to be unique to ours because you get to experience what it's like to be a student, something we've never had the chance to do while abroad. :)
Martina: Fix your brakes your going to die *worried*
Simon: *happy shock* Two doggies~ I can finish by the ??? doggies
Sooo adorable XD
First off, I LOVED THIS VIDEO SO MUCH!!!!!! The music, city life, the packaging, audio, Spudgy, Meemers, everything. I love milk SO MUCH but the gag is that I’m lactose intolerant and it started showing up WAY more as I got older, so now I just take dairy pills when I want dairy (and I love dairy products SO MUCH). Also, I HIGHLY RECOMMEND y’all to watch this video with headphones. Sending my love all the way from Texas. P.S. this video has made me want to go to Japan MUCH MORE. THANK YOU SO MUCH SIMON & MARTINA!!!!!!!!!!!❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️
I love milk and I have mild intolerance as well so I have to buy milk without lactose in it because I prefer that to no milk
Misha HJ Me too. I just get almond milk
I’m so lucky that I live in Japan permanently now. Even though I like travelling, I will always go back to this country. The thoughtful packagings alone is reason enough. 😁❤️
This video BLOWS MY MIND!!! OMG thank you thank you for making it. A lot of time people miss those little details that create a total unique and different experience. Shout out to those who spend time to even think about those amazing features in packaging and Shout out to MARTINA and SIMON for such an AMAZING video. LOVE YOU GUYS SO SO MUCH
this is amazing. everything you guys do is amazing. I overdid it at school today so im sitting in bed sad and in pain but your videos are basically percocet
This is the kind of stuff that I love. It’s the little things that matter.
These inventions are really clever! I mean, I am sad because of all the plastic being used in single-use packaging, but the attention to details is amazing!
My favorite thing is Muji nail clippers, they have a translucent cover that keeps your nails from flying everywhere! After you're done, you can take it off and throw your clippings away.
omg I TOTALLY FEEL YOU I have one too it is such a godsend, making simple things even simpler! PS. what!? I had no idea you could take it off thanks for the info ☺️
Omg you guys have saved me so much future pain with onigiri packaging!! Last time I was in Japan, I thought you were supposed to tear steps 2 & 3, like how you tear step 1, and my nori would always break. Watching Martina simply pull them out made my jaw drop. You're absolute life savers!!
The toothpick thing ALWAYS amazes me! Some people don't believe me when I tell them that it's meant to be a little stand but it's true and it's incrediblllllle.
PS, this video is more about the thoughtfulness of Japanese Design, rather than packaging (imho, although yes, all of the things showcased were packaged goods). There's an entire NHK:WORLD Video (english) series on their website called "Design Talks", I think everyone who is still interested in the history/culture/philosophy of Japanese design/aesthetic should take a peep!
p@tr0ck 👏👏
p@tr0ck Rather than thoughtfulness, I see it as viability to use these plastics in Japan. Without a good recycling system like in Japan, these designs, which usually requires a lot of one time use plastics, will be really terrible for the environment. In other words, good recycling system enables Japan to use these designs.
p@tr0ck in my honest opinion or in my humble opinion?
Maguro
"Fix your brakes you're gonna die." I love you guys so much. I've been watching your videos for a year now and I'm so happy that I discovered you two. You guys are my second fav couples on youtube (next too JennaMarbles and Julien). ❤❤❤❤❤
Oh my gosh! I LOVE this video! I totally geek out over good packaging! So fun!!
When I was in Japan a couple weeks ago, I too was blown away by the ingeniousness of the packaging (along with nearly everything else I experienced) . Japan. Is. Awesome.
So I lived in Europe and moved to Japan so I send some food to my all my classmates and friends and they was impressed by the packaging 😂😂
Package is an important part of the product in most Asian country, like Japan, China, Korea. Popular product often comes with a really clever package.
I know I said it the other day, but I really do appreciate how you guys take the day to day and turn it into something special and whimsical and magical. Thanks for sharing your awesome way of seeing the world 💕
I love how creative and cute these little ideas are. It's exactly how I see you two and your channel! 😊 Thanks a bunch for making our lives so much more fun Simon and Martina!
When Simon said that dry paper should be a thing of the past I immediately thought "well, the three shell system should be here any time now"
Also, NOTIFICATION SQUAD! What's your favourite thing to eat when drinking milk? We've had serious milk hankerings lately :D
Simon and Martina I grew into a milk allergy within the last few years... but when I could drink milk I loved having it with cheese (weird I know, but in my house you have milk and cheese with EVERYTHING)
Simon and Martina cookies and melindros (catalán pastry)
a pain au chocolat is really good dipped in milk! it's even better if you toast it so it's crispy and warm
Pb and j 😊
I am hugely obsessed with full cream milk. It's amazing. Love it with coffee, with biscuits, with Vegemite toast, with spaghetti... Honestly just give me food and milk and I'll be a happy lady
I really love that they take a lot of care to make sure things get recycled. Wish every place was like that
I LOVE this nerdy video, because I also love Japanese packaging (as well as their recycling system). These are just a couple of reasons why I wanna live there soooooo baaaaaad.
Opening the Onigiri is always a gamble for me, if you fail step 1, then it's all over!
And the annoying thing is that shops love to stick the price tag OVER the #1 step so the plastic line often messes up when you're trying to tear it out
Khanh Kha Minh exactly! That sticker gives me anxiety
I need to try that frozen skittle thing 😂
Here in Japan, with these bags, yeah. I froze actual Skittles before. My teeth were not happy with that.
I'm so going to have to try it when I get to Japan.
Gahh i always love re-watching videos like this, you guys get so enthusiastic about the little things and its so cute!!!!!
I adore those packages for bento boxes where you pull the string and your meal is *INSTANTLY HEATED*
I don't know how to tell you this Martina but the US has those straws for milk boxes. milk boxes themselves just aren't very popular - most houses buy a gallon or half gallon jug or carton. but they do sell the boxes... mostly in packs of six intended for kids lunch boxes...
AlphaMonster these only became a thing here within the past five years because I remember getting supper happy for the same reason as her lol
AlphaMonster Here in europe we buy normal 0,5l of milk =)
I live in the US and I've had these for at least 10 years but on orange juice boxes.
Silk has always had this for soymilk
Kimberly Dalton i had them in my lunchboxes as a kid 10 years ago. horizon has been doing it that long at least
I am a fan for videos like these! I love seeing small details like this. Can I just say that your little town/community looks adorable and perfect. It just looks peaceful!
The onigiri wrapping is brilliant. The Japanese convenience stores in general are amazing! You can't get more convenient than that. 👌
I never knew that about the Japanese tooth pick design! Always thought it's just a pretty decoration. Mind blown! 🔥
That onigiri packaging has always been my absolute favourite every time I visit Japan, how could they even thought of that complicated architecture of packaging to keep the crispy nori yet soft rice... ugh why are you so amazing Japan 🇯🇵 👏
I love these ‘nerd’ videos, seriously. Because it’s the little things like that no one thinks to tell you about living in other countries. Scenery, traffic, cash vs card money, yeah yeah I get it.
But this? This makes me feel like I could totally live abroad with this awesome nerd knowledge! 😍❤️
Even though my internet quota almost out don't care just watch your videos 😎😎😎
By the way the onigiri, the straw, and the toothpick already available in Indonesia too aaahh i want that ice cream packaging 😍😍😍
Love this episode so much
We're visiting Japan right now and are OBSESSED with the food packaging, and all the other clever life hacks that the Japanese have engineered. We saw some gardeners today that were using a movable screen to keep hedge clippings from flying onto the pavement. Brilliant! I also really love the single serve packaged iced coffees that have their own extendable straws like in the video, and the waffle cone ice cream sandwiches that circumvent any dripping!
I have been wanting to suggest a video on Japan' reciclying/garbage system and rules, because thats like the thing I miss the most about living there, I miss it everyday. But I always thought it was too nerdy for a video. Now that you guys made a video about smart packaging, I'm gonna suggest the garbage one AND a second part for this one if you find any more cool packages and containers. You just talked about hobbies and passion in the podcasts, well im passionate about Japan's zero waste policy haha. Wonderful video you guys, thank you
I care for my special needs brother five days out of the week. It's quite draining and I've been feeling really suicidal lately. My mom's going to be out if town for 3 months so I'm going to be taking care of him non-stop. This video cheered me up. Thank you guys for posting with your positive attitudes.
amiesparkle00 I appreciate it, thank you. Not really. I'm cut off from anyone since it's basically a full-time job. I quit school. I recently went through a breakup because she couldn't handle the situation we were in. Philippines.
M G I know that can be draining but it sounds like you’re doing your best. That’s all you can do, and perfectly normal to feel drained as taking care of people does drain you emotionally and physically. Do you have any suicide hotlines in the Phillipines you can call? I’m from the states so I don’t know off the top of my head. Are there any support groups where there are other people who are going through a similar situation as you? If not, there are plenty of good people here who don’t mind talking to you to make sure you are ok. Please remember to take some time to do some self-care. It could be as little as doing a sheet mask or eating a good treat. If you would like, I am here to listen. If you’re comfortable, you can DM in instagram under the same user. Just want to make sure you’re ok.
LOVED THIS VIDEO AHHHH! I thought all of these things when I was living in Japan for 4 years. Their packaging is absolutely brilliant
I've seen that kind of toothpick, here, for I don't know... A looooooong time as I remember... And I just find out the proper way to use that! My mind is literally blowing....
My dad would love this video- he’s director of engineering at a company that just makes food packaging. He was part of the team at solo cup that made that part of hot coffee to go cups where you can click back the tab where the sip hole is and put it back to keep it hot.
Love you guys!
Ps Martina- I also love milk. Do you ever get heat from people for drinking milk with things that you’re “not supposed” to drink milk with? Cause I do 🙄
Oooh! I hope he likes this video. Tell him to come visit Japan. There's lots here to be inspired by.
First of all: SUPER AMAZING DAD DETAIL OMG!!! And yes, people tell me all the time but I looove milk. I’ll have food poisoning or a hangover or I’m hot from the outdoor heat, and I’ll go for a nice glass of cold milk 🥛 ❤️
AHHH MAHHHHH GAAAAAHD. You responded and I died. Been watching you guys for 8 years and just LOVE everything you do. I listen to the podcast tooooo 😍❤️
Ha, this was one of those comments that both Martina and I saw and we answered separately :D
I learned so many new things from this video! Japanese people are so smart and pay so much attention to detail. I love it!
Early! Yay! I don’t really comment but just want to let you guys know that i’ve been here for like, 4 years, and y’all have been a good source of entertainment and inspiration☺️✨
Thank you for taking the time to comment. I hope we'll see more of you in the future :D
LOVE YOU GUYS
My husband and I were blown away by the gum packets in Japan. Not only was the gum abundantly fruity and aromatic, but it unwrapped itself as we took a piece from the package, leaving only a slim paper shield where we held it with our fingers, and exposing the gum to be easily eaten. We were amazed and sort of mad that a country could get something so simple as gum, so right.
5:59 i automatically knew what simon saw. haha
I was actually way too excited about this video because honestly smart packaging is just my best friend. The built in strainer that you guys showed in the clip was by far the smartest thing I've seen in a while.
I will say, you guys do have to come back North America a bit more because we have gotten some of these things. The extending straw is on some juice boxes (but only some) and I've seen the breakable toothpick before. Didn't know what the ridges were about but it has existed.
The noodle container - I would love if more foods did that. Right now I've only seen them for prepackages salads and they are pricey and awkward to use. and that spout for the soy milk! So smart!
Extending straw is in europe for 6 years now. For example in supermarkt starbucks
Ahhhh I never thought I would find people that appreciate all these little things in life as well :)))
There are some very old and traditional (or conservative) people in the industry who only care about using the least amount of money for the packaging of their products. This correlates into very often, a confusing and unpleasant experience, trying to open product's packaging which should be QUCK and EASY to unravel and use. A shared Japanese design philosophy starts from trying to be mindful of the product from start to end, without cutting any corners, with also thoughtful consideration which is emphasized so that the experience from purchase until the disposal of the product. With an emphasis in trying to streamline production and optimize maximum potential, the result is thoughtful and sometimes fun and enjoyable products (from 'beginning to end'). Please adopt this philisophy World. Don't cut corners. Stop being so fucking capitalist for the sake of greed. Think of the people (who use the products) so prosperity and innovation will come about from it.
Decades of consumer product research in the U.S. has shown that ultimately packaging is what makes or breaks a product. That is why they are loathe to tinker with it even in this day of recycling because they are afraid it might affect sales. Even with superior packaging they take to changes very slowly.
Other than a total adoration of your videos, MARTINA’s nails give me lifffffeeee!!! (They always do but, I felt like commenting)
I seriously love the attention to small details, in both your videos and the things you make videos about!! 😍
"Ready for the asmer" love it ❤️
Thank you so much Martina. I am in Kyoto now and made sure I bought an onigiri so I could try opening it the way it was designed. I tried to open it myself but stuffed it up, I had to have your vid going, instructing me as I tried again! Love your vids guys. I also went looking for an ekiben but ended up with a full bento for my Shinkansen ride from Tokyo.
I'm a food & beverage package designer and I geeked out a lot whenever I go to konbini last time I went to Japan. I even brought home some of the empty packages for reference.
It is amazing! the toothpick blew my mind ^^
I'd like to hear more about the recycling system in Japan and if they also have very smart ways to promote ecology in general and how people care about it. That would be interesting a video on that subject! =) you know, just to keep it nerdy lol.
T de Lioncourt Girl we have those toothpicks here
Where is "here"? Never seen it in France so far
In North America
I study nature conservation and sadly Asia is literally the worst when it comes to package/ garbage pollution.. the environment is not a big priority there..
I had to pause to make this comment before i forget. Martina you are looking GOOOOD! your work outs are really paying off! Your facial shape looks alot more defined and pretty
I love those type of videos so much , taking about those small things that make the country really great
I think it's pretty awesome that you guys covered this because I've always thought that Japan has really cool and convenient packaging for better and easier utilization! And also SUPER GREAT recycling!! I WISH the rest of the world could adopt the way the Japanese do Waste and Recycling!
I'm from Indonesia, we have those toothpicks, but I didn't know that trick!!!
Asli? Daerah mana euy?
Me too! I went "OOOHHHHH" when Simon plucked that toothpick handle off. I had no idea!
This is awesomely original topic. We all know Japanese packaging is second to none. And you made a wonderful video about it. Too awesome.
I’ve been lucky enough to live in areas that are close to legit Japanese grocery stores. They have the onigiri packaged like what you showed. It took me so many times to figure out how to open them correctly!!! I would have loved to have this as a guide haha.
I super duper love all of the packaging stuff. I don’t think it’s nerdy. My boyfriend and I both used to be line cooks and we’re into plates. If we go out to eat and we like the plates our food is served on we always pick them up to see if there is a brand on the bottom lol. Then we price them!!
I wish we could do this kind of stuff in the US. Recycling here is kind of a joke, and we don’t do anything right :(. I can barely get my roommates to rinse out the glass jars for pasta sauce before the toss them in our ‘recycling’ bin.
Thanks for the video, I enjoyed it!
Meh, too much one-time use plastics. Even with a good recycling system, some plastics will always get lost. But what makes these packages especially viable for Japan and not for other countries is because they have great recycling system. It's probably the main reason these kinds of technology don't really exist much in other countries. It'd be a very bad idea to implement these packagings when littering is already a big problem.
Man it’s been a while since I’ve seen this, but I would love an updated version of this of other great packaging in Japan. I find this so fascinating for some reason 😻😻
I have nothing to say about packaging. I came here to talk dogs.
I love Spudgy, I love how he's a grumpy old man, I love his excitement, love everything.
I have an INCREDIBLY old dog who's back legs have been paralyzed for several months after an injury, she's even got a handmade wheelchair thanks to UA-cam, a few bucks, and some spare time. And tonight?
TONIGHT SHE STOOD! She took a drink of water on her own. No butt sling, no wheelchair, no nothing. She held herself up to drink some water.
She didn't walk there herself and I had to walk her back, but she freaking STOOD!!
Love you guys, love your energy and your joy, just wanted to spread some of mine. Bisous!
I study food packaging at uni in Australia so this nerdy vid was AMAZING
I've been re-watching A LOT of your old videos lately and OMG when I saw Spudgy I just screeched I miss him so much he was the goodest boi and I love him.
Pretty sure ive seen that straw thing here in america a few years ago. I dont remember what brand juice it was though. That chopsticks thing was cool as heck though.
I think tropicana’s individual juice boxes have those straws, but sometimes they will unlock out of place
Horizon Organics has small milks
like this with the click straws.
「тнe gιrl wнo ѕтole a ѕтar。」 I've seen it with hi-c and the organic milk boxes they have at starbucks
Clicked on this video within 5 seconds upon seeing it! So happy to see a new video~~
Of the things i miss the most when i went to Japan...is nigiri, and i absolutely loved that packaging, and the flavors are AMAZING, i really miss them so much.
The sheer amount of packaging for everything you buy left me a bit disappointed in Japan. After a year I stopped trying to tell them that no, i don't need a plastic bag for my hot meal and a different one for my soda, I don't need the chopsticks, I don't want cookies and apples and snacks singularly wrapped in plastic inside the package... And working at a supermarket only made it worse. There doesn't seem to be a real recycling culture here, it feels like it's more a fear of what the neighbours might think than any real effort for sustainability. Still like the genius of the onigiri wrap though!
it doesnt take a lot of effort to just say "i dont need a bag" or "you can pack it together". i worked part time at a convenience store and i would ask people if they need a bag and they would scold me for not being professional and say that if the customer doesnt say anything then you should just pack everything in a plastic bag individually. so even tho it kills me to do it, i still do it. but it makes me happy when people tell me they dont need a bag!! recycling culture in japan is better than in other many other countries esp when it comes to home waste disposal but asian cultures are v sensitive when it comes to professionalism. i personality try my best not to accept plastic bags from shops and ive never had much problems telling the cashiers that.
All the plastic in the video made me sad too, however ingeniously used.
Yes It could be a huge problem in your country but not in Japan. Recycling rate of plastic waste in Japan is 84 % and the remainder would be incinerated. You should watch a youtube-video of “School Lunch in Japan - It’s not just about eating” After the lunch waste like Milkpackaging are all separated by kids "7:25". Japanese system cannot be compared to your standard in terms of plastic recycling.
hefeelslikeivan Japan is extremely into recycling though, even if they package the most unnecessary things.
Yes, but not all plastic is recyclable: plastic film, soft plastic cups, containers and bags still have to be thrown away with regular garbage as far as I know.
I NEVER KNEW ABOUT THAT TOOTHPICK trick!!!!! I THOUGHT THEY WERE CHEAPSKATE ABOUT THE OTHER SIDE THATS NOT POINTY BUT WOW xd
OMG for a way to keep the Nori crispy..... BRILLANT!!! *mind blown*
I am so glad I found you guys. I freaking love these videos.
FINALLY HAHAHAHA in all the years I have been watching you guys I have NEVER been this early to watch and comment! THIS IS GONNA BE A GOOD DAY!
Sending love from Houston TX guys, great video as always!!
Hey, I remember your name! I see you on Twitter as well. Hello! I think this is the first time I saw you here in the comments, maybe?
I swear my heart did a !!!! when I saw you replied omg I knew today was gonna be awesome I'm so happy :D
First time you're seeing me, yes, but definitely not my first comment lol!
FYI just came back from Korea and that triangle onigiri unwrapping mechanism floored me ever single time lol
Here in the U.S. we actually have salad bowls packaged EXACTLY like the cold noodles Simon had. The lettuce and other greens are on the bottom and the toppings/dressing is on top, all separated by plastic with little wells for each ingredient. We also have the plastic onigiri wrappers in kits at the Asian markets. You make the onigiri yourself at home but you can wrap it up like the convenience store ones for a special lunch on the go.
Lol foreignners getting excited over little stuff is the best! luv it 😂😚
The grape ice-cream ones are always sold out!! I keep seeing strawberry
In a video all about cool packaging, Martina’s watermelon nails are everything.
RIP Spudgy. You were such a good boy
those milk box straws exist in the us lol
And in Belgium (and all of Europe too probably) for quite a long time because I always had them as a kid
OMG you're so right about the little ice cream ball things... Just bought some because I'm in Japan for the first time, and WOW mind blown
I’m so glad you posted! I’ve got an economics exam tomorrow, I needed a distraction with you two in!! And those fancy carton straws are in the UK, but only on a certain few drinks but every carton should have them
also the editing in your videos has been amazing recently!
We're happy to post as well. It felt like so long.
5 Alive!!
Fable- I think I've seen those straws in the US as well. I think it's he same situation that they're not on every carton.
I just LOVE this video! The onigiri part WOW!
Seriously, this is my first time writing you guys. Hi! I've been watching your videos for a while and I love all of them, but this one... 🤯
Please make a 2nd part! 🙏🙏🙏
(Yes, i love packaging, i'm a super nerdy girl!)
Thank you for all, my boyfriend and I are fans of you and your contents 💖
Greetings from Basque Country (North of Spain)!
xoxo
I always find it adorable that Simon will call Martina "My Love". So romantic!!!!
Ok I admit it, that toothpick thing kinda blew my mind haha
What's interesting is that I actually looked this up after the video and these kinds of toothpicks were actually invented in Japan and spread to other parts of Asia after the fact. So Simon and Martina were correct. This is actually a Japanese toothpick. Pretty cool stuff. Look up Professor Petroski. He is a historian and an actual expert on the history of toothpicks. haha, not kidding.
I didn't know it can be used like that! I see it almost everytime i visit a restaurant in my country and i just use it like regular toothpick.Shame on me!
even i use this kind of toothpick since i was born, i dunno it should be used like that...
I got some toothpicks from Daiso and I always thought that the ridged end was just for decoration. 😮
The toothstick is really an eye opening for me!! It’s incredible! This is just so japanese!!!
You guys are my heroes!