Q: What is more useless than dog clothing? (3Yen / 2005-09-25)
A: Robot dog clothing.
Last Saturday, the Yokohama Science Center (announcement) held the Robot Athlete Cup 2013 to challenge local robot builders at all levels—corporate, student and the public at large. The contest’s goal was to boost the operational capabilities of robots and Japanese interest in robotics.
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GhETToYImagesAFP | January 27, 2013
YOKOHAMA Japan—"Aibo" robot dogs dance in a contest at the Robot Athlete Cup 2013 competition. Robots compete in 6 events including dancing, autonomous beach flag, autonomous 20-meter walking and freestyle performances.
If you are a dog and your owner suggests that you wear a sweater suggest that he wear a tail.
—Fran Lebowitz
Actually, silly dog clothing like putting a raincoat on a Labrador Retriever can have a valid pupose in Japan. Traditionally in Japan, dogs have had to stay outside and were not allowed inside because they dirty and damage the floors covered with tatami mats made of light-colored, straw-like reed with their paws and smelly, wet fur.
Recent years, city dogs are allowed in the house but wearing dog clothing outside reduces the doggy odors indoors. Of course, much of the urban dog clothing is just wacky fashion nowadays.
Are there little pushchairs and carry bags for these robot dogs?
Yeah, about that.
Japanese dogs seem to have lost the ability to walk in Tokyo. :-p
I hate dog prams with a passion…
What’s next? Aibo strollers?
Here ya go—Japan’s biggest online retailer, Rakuten, has a “Twin AIBO Perambulator” for you.
Remember: Put this AIBO mask on your twins before you perambulate Harajuku on a Sunday so you wouldn’t have to worrying about not fitting in with all the other doggies in strollers.
I didn’t think it was possible for me to hate the world any more than I already do but you just proved me wrong, Taro.
hating japan is not hating the world… Do you want me to lend you my Vladimir Putin daikimakura for a hug ?
Mo’ betta…
Speaking of things more useless than rain coats for dogs, check out about ASMR naked and ASMR bang fest in terms of
DO YOU KNOW WHAT A GAY RAINCOAT IS? 
at xoJane‘s Gay Raincoats: the Most Searched Words (xoJane.com / 2013 June 06)