patent

During the torrential rain in Nagoya on September 8, 2026, flooding brought train service to a halt, leaving many people stranded and unable to return home. I, too, was temporarily unable to go home because the subway had stopped, but I walked to Nagoya Station and, though it was late at night, managed to get home safely. To be honest, I had braced myself for the possibility of having to spend the night at the office, but I was impressed by how quickly service was restored—it made me realize just how much progress has been made in flood control measures in Aichi Prefecture since the 2000 Tokai Heavy Rains.

In urban areas, flood control measures are being implemented that involve temporarily storing rainwater—which the sewer system alone can no longer handle—in underground reservoirs and gradually releasing it once the peak rainfall has passed.
One such rainwater retention and infiltration technology is Sekisui Chemical’s Cross Wave Method. In this method, corrugated plastic blocks are stacked at right angles to one another and buried, creating a space underground with a high void ratio (approximately 95%). This allows rainwater to be temporarily stored. This method has become widespread throughout Japan, and it is reported to have a cumulative storage capacity of 3.9 million ㎥ nationwide.

A search on J PlatPat revealed that Sekisui Chemical Co., Ltd. holds nine active patents with “rainwater storage” included in the invention title.
I recalled that flood control work involving rainwater storage had been underway at a local children’s park for about a year, which made me realize once again the importance of infrastructure technology. (Marron)

Sekisui Chemical Co., Ltd. website on CrossWave (Japanese only): https://sekisui-cw.co.jp/

　This series introduces patented products that we often see without giving them a second thought.
　Today, I’m featuring no-tie shoelaces. These are a new type of elastic shoelace featuring numerous small loops.

　Don’t you find it a hassle to have to retie your sneakers’ laces every time you just pop out for a quick errand? …That said, for those who aren’t quite ready to go barefoot like in sandals, these no-tie shoelaces are highly recommended.

When I searched online, two major Japanese brands—COOLKNOT and CATERPY—caught my eye. I bought the COOLKNOT version. I immediately tried them on the sneakers I recently bought. The number of eyelets doesn’t quite match up, but please don’t mind that (laughs).

　There seem to be various ways to tie them, but it looks like you can arrange them however you like.

　Once you attach these laces, you can simply grab the tongue and slide your foot in—the laces stretch out, allowing you to slip them on effortlessly. It’s even easier if you use a shoehorn. After you put them on, they return to their original length, so the fit is no problem. They’re made with an elastic fiber called spandex, so they seem perfectly fine for running. There are even versions designed specifically for sports.

　Since a patent number was listed on the back of the package, I looked it up on J-PlatPat (Japanese Patent No. 5079926). That’s when I discovered a surprising fact! It turns out that both “COOLKNOT” and “CATERPY” were originally based on the same technology, but later a patent dispute broke out—perhaps between the manufacturers?—and the losing party apparently shifted to a modified technology to avoid patent infringement.
…It’s hard to notice at first glance, but there seem to be subtle differences between the two companies’ current product lines. If you’re interested, why not look into the patents and trademarks mentioned here?
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It is said that on July 31, 1877, American inventor Thomas Edison obtained a patent for the phonograph (the date of official approval was February 19, 1878).
This was the day when the recording and playback of sound became a reality. (p)

Citation Links
Thomas Edison – Wikipedia
US200521A – Improvement in phonograph or speaking machines – Google Patents

I saw the words “patented method” on Toyo Suisan’s “Tonpara Hakata Tonkotsu” cup noodles, so I decided to buy a pack.

The package also listed the patent number: “Japanese Patent No. 7080653.”

When I looked it up on J-PlatPat, I found that the invention is titled “Method for producing fried instant noodles to be reconstituted with hot water,” and the applicant is Toyo Suisan. Looking at the claims, it stated that the raw noodle strands are deep-fried without undergoing an α-conversion process. Additionally, Toyo Suisan’s website referred to it as the “Non-Steam Manufacturing Method.”
Toyo Suisan website: Announcement of the New Release of “Tonkotsu Paradise: Hakata Tonkotsu” (Japanese only)
https://www.maruchan.co.jp/news_topics/entry/2026/05/post_20211144.html

This is a different patent from the “special manufacturing method for keeping raw noodles delicious”—also from Toyo Suisan’s Maruchan series—which I covered in a previous blog post!
Past blog post: “Manufacturing method for keeping raw noodles delicious”

The noodles were thin and firm, just like you’d expect from tonkotsu ramen, and the broth was rich and delicious. It’s also great that the wait time is only 2 minutes! (Marron)

　I will introduce patented products that you see every day without even noticing.
　This time, I will be featuring socks that have no right or wrong side and no heel—so you can put them on even with your eyes closed.

　These socks are a product of HONESTIES Co., Ltd. (Izumisano City, Osaka Prefecture), which was also featured in the Japan Patent Office’s newsletter “Tokkyo” Vol. 67. They utilize a different patented technology than the one featured in the magazine.

　HONESTIES Co., Ltd. develops innerwear that eliminates the distinction between front and back, as well as right and wrong sides.
　Promoting barrier-free clothing and a stress-free lifestyle for everyone, the company is highly regarded for its universal design that reduces the burden of daily life for all people, including those with visual impairments, those who need assistance changing clothes, those with developmental disabilities, and the elderly.
　In 2020, the company received the “Good Design Award.”

　Here is the actual product. I’ve used it a few times, so it shows some wear—sorry about that! (laughs)

　The key feature is that it can be worn without worrying about which side is up or down, or which is the front or back. Regarding the socks, “There is no inside or outside. There is no heel. Since there is no specific direction, you can put them on even with your eyes closed.”
　is how they describe them (Website).

　After trying them out, I found the fabric to be sturdy and durable on both sides, and you can wash them without fixing the sides.
　What’s more, once they’re dry, you can just slip your feet right back in. You can’t see the heel, but when you put them on, it’s amazing how naturally they mold to your heel.

　It’s a product that makes a part of your busy daily life just a little bit easier.
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