Originally published on metropolis.co.jp on May 2010

Courtesy of Trouche

As novelty instruments go, the Keromin takes some beating. This puppet frog contains a Theremin-esque synthesizer whose pitch is controlled by opening and closing the mouth. Totally inspired (and bonkers), the original model also came with a prohibitively high price tag attached. Fret not: it’s since had a baby, which does most of the same things for a fifth of the cost. The Ko-Keromin is also lighter and quieter than its predecessor, which is probably exactly how parents like it. Just imagine what it’d be like if kids learnt to play these at school rather than recorders. You feel high already, don’t you?

Ko-Keromin, ¥9,980; Keromin, ¥49,875. Available direct from www.keromin.com