Japan produces a variety of gadgets that address niche problems and often remain exclusive to its domestic market. These inventions range from high-tech devices to simpler, practical items, many of which are not typically found on American store shelves.
One such gadget is the Sharp Poketomo, a palm-sized, meerkat-inspired AI companion robot. Unlike standard chatbots, Poketomo is designed to remember past conversations and experiences, allowing its interactions to evolve over time. It can recognize faces and surroundings, respond with movement and light, and initiate conversations.
Poketomo can record daily conversations from its own perspective, providing users with a unique log of their interactions. Sharp developed Poketomo to offer a more personal experience than typical voice assistants, aiming to create a sense of companionship rather than just software interaction.
Poketomo launched in Japan, with Taiwan becoming its first international market on July 1, 2026. It is largely unavailable in the US. The robot is priced at approximately $400, in addition to a monthly subscription fee.
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This article reviews several Japanese gadgets that are largely unavailable in the US market, highlighting their unique designs and functions. It details the Sharp Poketomo, an AI companion robot that remembers conversations and interacts based on past experiences, aiming for a more personal user interaction than typical voice assistants.