ToyCyte: Toy Culture Collected

Japan continues to crank out devices of replenishable mini-catharsis, so you can forget about depleting that precious roll of bubble wrap, folks. Put grandma’s Hummels safely back into storage, lovingly cradled by the unmolested pockets of protective air, because we now have Mugen Pop Pop.

Not dissimilar to the previously blogged Mugen Peri Peri, this little device simulates the pleasure of bubble wrap, whatever pleasure that might be. Weirdly addictive and coming in four muted colors, the Mugen Pop Pop has made it onto US shores – whereas our population does not generally share the wonders of the blind boxed toy, it can be safely assumed that bubble wrap is one of four or five very distinct universal languages. Of course, after each ‘bubble’ is popped, it replenishes itself infinitely (ergo, the ‘mugen’ in the name of the toy).

As if a gracefully simple experience just wasn’t enough, BanDai has thrown in the occasional random dog bark or yelp, or if you’re lucky, noises of bodily functions. You can score these at most toy shops for about $13, and add them to your charming collection of Nintendo Sound Drop keychains.