Hey, I was visiting the Togenuki Jizo and I got you a present.
Wow, thanks. What is it?
Guess.
Oh no. On second thought, I don’t want it. It’s something weird, I just know it.
It’s not weird! I swear, after you try it, you won’t be able to live without it.
What’s this writing on the end? It says “Harada’s Utricularia bifida species of bladderwort.”
What? Give me that. You idiot, you’ve been overstudying your kanji again. That’s the most obscure reading ever. It says “Harada’s Ear Pick.”
Ear pick? You mean you use it to…ewww, gross!
You won’t say that after you try it. In fact, you’re going to beg me to tell you where I bought it, so you can buy them as presents for everyone you know back home. Go on, give it a try.
Well, okay, I’ll be right back…
…So, what did you think?
Where can I buy more?
If you want to visit the ear pick carver or see other delights such as the Big Red Underwear store the next time you’re in Tokyo, visit the Koshinzuka Street page on my website, The Tokyo Guide I Wish I’d Had.
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The Last Tea Bowl Thief was chosen as an Editor’s Pick for
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“A fascinating mix of history and mystery.” —Booklist
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Jonelle Patrick writes novels set in Japan, produces the monthly e-magazine Japanagram, and blogs at Only In Japan and The Tokyo Guide I Wish I’d Had
Only In Japan 
Bet it works better than the earpiece of my… uh, one’s, glasses frame.
Does one use this at home, or out in public?
Definitely not out in public! But ear cleaners are a serious category of products in Japan – you can find a variety of them in pharmacies and the health sections of places like Tokyu Hands. I checked with Japanese friends, though, and they all say that the mass-produced plastic ones just aren’t as good as these hand-carved bamboo models!