Crazy but Brilliant: Japan's One-of-a-Kind Inventions

10. Rain Alert

What it is: Elevator indicators that alert users to the presence of rain 2019 saw the invention of Average Cost: Not specified Even in the driest months of the year, Osaka, Japan, has some of the highest rainfall totals in the nation. The average temperature is 60.6 degrees Fahrenheit, and there is approximately five feet of rainfall annually. Osaka inventors made the decision to create rain indications as a warning system for city dwellers.

Awesome Inventions/TTwitter.com ©Rain Indicator These rain indicators fit inside elevators and have a shape akin to big capsules. When it rains, they turn red, revealing a symbol of an umbrella pouring water, alerting people to prepare their umbrellas. The users can use the service for free, and it has been available for almost a year. In fact, most of us can probably think of a number of instances in which we've walked outside in the midst of a deluge and realized we didn't have the essential umbrella with us. This ingenious gadget can also forecast if you'll need an umbrella later in the day.