Original URL: https://www.theregister.com/2012/11/08/survival_senbei_apple_iphone_5_case_japan/

Edible iPhone case goes on sale in Japan

Rice cracker case suggested as survivalist snack

By Phil Muncaster

Posted in Personal Tech, 8th November 2012 06:11 GMT

Japan’s never-ending quest to fulfil stereotypes about its slightly eccentric approach to technology continued this week after reports emerged of an iPhone 5 case made entirely of edible rice crackers.

The “Survival Senbei iPhone 5 case” is produced from toasted brown rice and salt, moulded to the sleek contours of the brand new Apple smartphone, and could provide a vital source of nourishment in the event of natural disaster.

Senbei is the generic name for a traditional and delicious rice-based snack with almost limitless variations favoured by the more elderly members of Japanese society, as well as Asahi-swilling salarymen on train journeys.

The case is available for the not inconsiderable sum of ¥3,818 (£30) – the price itself a mnemonic related to the Japanese word for ‘survival’, according to RocketNews24.

Senbei-maker extraordinaire Mariko-san said that such is the fragility of the casing, she can only make around three of the blighters a day.

In the interests of full disclosure, and to avoid the wrath of angry customers – the site lists the chances of the case breaking in a variety of situations (tr RocketNews):

・Before arrival: 9% ・Affixing to iPhone 5: 76% ・Using touch screen: 18% ・Touched by friend: 81% ・Turning up the volume: 50% ・Connecting to PC: 54% ・When the user is upset or annoyed: 65% ・Putting in pocket: 89% ・When dropped: 120%

It doesn’t mention what the chances of breakage are in the event of a magnitude nine earthquake, or if it remains edible after being soaked with sea water.

However, given the huge appeal of Apple products in the land of the rising sun - it now accounts for 34 per cent of smartphone subscribers, according to comScore - the tasty case will surely appeal to some local fanbois. ®