LAS VEGAS -- Japan's obsession with all things cute may sometimes be forced, but when done right it's hard to resist, especially when that "kawaii" culture is seamlessly merged with technology.
Osaka's Cheero has embraced this notion with its set of Power Plus device chargers that use the popular image of the popular Japanese manga character Danboard (or Danbo).
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Even if you're not a manga fan, if you've ever had cause to happen upon Amazon Japan, you've probably seen the e-commerce company's cardboard promotional version of the character. But the character isn't directly linked to Amazon and this device charger version of the character offers a lot more in a similarly diminutive form factor.
The largest version of the Power Plus Danboard version ($58) is a 10400mAh portable lithium-ion battery with the ability to charge an iPhone up to five times. It's about the size of an iPhone 4S (117mm (W) x 74mm x 23mm) and weighs just 258grams (about half a pound). There's also a Power Plus Danboard mini (6000mAh battery, priced at $42) if you're tight on space that can charge a smartphone up to 2.5 times and weighs just 4.94 ounces.
But the coolest part about this charger is how it lets you know where your power charge stands. At 100% to 67% power its eyes glow yellow, at 66% to 34% its eyes glow orange and at 33% to 1% the eyes glow red and start blinking.
Cheero has also just released a Danboard USB cable ($27.99) with both a Lighting cable and a micro USB that also features the iconic manga character's glowing face on the USB plugs as it charges.
These accessories really offer the easiest way to exhibit your love of "cute Japan" while maintaining a somewhat classy (albeit geeky) look.