Born out of equal parts ingenuity and too many Naruto episodes, a new Japanese “urban camouflage” series of disguises packed into bags and backpacks aims to deter crime by hiding from it.

                                             A portable vend machine? Or a lost ninjutsu?

Primary among these disguises is the skirt that transforms into a full-sized vending machine, which is as common in Japan’s urban centers as sari-sari stores are in Manila. Other “disguises” include a manhole cover, and a Japanese-style fire hydrant.  How so? Read on.

It is probably a reflection of Japanese culture, both in its history and in the present, that such inventions are looked upon with no other reaction than a quick blink. According to the inventor, Aya Tsukioka, the design philosophy of her inventions was influenced by early Japanese warfare, particularly from the schools of stealth and trickery.

                                             Hope nobody presses her buttons...

Most of us may have already seen parodies or actual “ninja movies” where the said ninja holds up a sheet of cloth that blends into the background, making for an effective hiding place. This is a direct application of this idea, only applied to the urban jungle.

While this kind of “crime defense” would have a hard time being applied to other countries (portable sari-sari stores?), the regularity of Japan streets and the low percentage of crime as compared to other major metropolises make it almost practical for the nervous Japanese pedestrian. It also fits into the unique Japanese approach to invention and innovation.

                                             Stay veeeery still, little boy...

Tsukioka San is working on other designs, but aside from the vending machine, she has also devised the manhole cover as a purse (which is laid on the ground so that your valuables is not on your person), and the Japanese schoolchild’s backpack that converts into the typical red fire hydrant on two legs common on Japanese streets – this disguise works if the “hydrant” is on the child’s back – like a backpack.

                                             Don't just leave your purse lying around!

Consequently, if Naruto is an elite ninja, how can he bear to wear yellow? I’m guessing he’s carrying around striped-tree patterns in his jacket, or something. Tsukioka San is definitely digging for other ideas, and they’ll surely tickle our fancy like the manhole and the vending machine.

Thanks to Engadget and The New York Times.