The Ten Tenets of Chindogu
Ten rules defining the Japanese art of creating "unuseless" inventions—objects that appear to solve problems but are too absurd for actual use.
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A Chindogu cannot be for real use.
If you can actually use it without embarrassment, it’s not a Chindogu. The invention must be almost but not quite practical.
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A Chindogu must exist.
You can’t just imagine a Chindogu—it must be physically made. The act of creation is essential.
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Inherent in every Chindogu is the spirit of anarchy.
Chindogu challenge the assumption that everything must be useful. They question the relentless drive for efficiency.
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Chindogu are tools for everyday life.
They address real, mundane problems. The absurdity comes from the solution, not the problem itself.
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Chindogu are not for sale.
Commercialising a Chindogu defeats its purpose. They exist outside the market economy.
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Humour must not be the sole reason for creating Chindogu.
They may be funny, but they’re not jokes. There must be a genuine attempt to solve a problem, however misguided.
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Chindogu are not propaganda.
They cannot carry political or social messages. Chindogu are innocent of ideology.
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Chindogu are never taboo.
They must be acceptable to everyone. Nothing offensive or inappropriate qualifies.
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Chindogu cannot be patented.
They belong to the world. Intellectual property claims contradict the spirit of Chindogu.
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Chindogu are without prejudice.
They must be usable by anyone regardless of age, gender, or background. No discrimination.