Hot Trends From Tokyo: Dr. Fish and more

HEALTH/BEAUTY   Dr. Fish: Recently at an onsen in Tokyo, an IG staffer loved her live fish therapy, and recommends it, but not to the squeamish. Imported from Turkey and used as a cure for skin ailments such as psoriasis, Garra rufa (aka Dr Fish) are the latest trend in Japanese spa treatments. But be warned, this treatment is not for the squeamish: the fish feed off of the dead and affected areas of skin and leaves healthy skin to grow. Basically, you stick your feet in a small tank where hundreds of fish swarm and nibble and suck at your dead skin. The first few minutes certainly feel freaky and it takes time to get used to the sucking feeling. But after you grow accustomed to the sensation, it actually feels relaxing. While your feet do feel somewhat smoother afterwards, it is definitely more for the experience than it is for the beauty benefits.

FOOD Midnight Yogurt: Available at convenience stores only at night for about $1, midnight yogurt is intended to be eaten when you just need a little something to munch on after a long night out. The 60-calorie, sugar-free snack also has added collagen and theanine for “sound sleep and beauty support.”

SPORTS Pen Spinning: While it may sound like a joke, what started as an online video meme has turned into a national pastime of sorts. The Pen Spinning Association Japan was established last year and plans to gather pen spinners from around the country for a national competition this year. Because no ordinary pen will do, one of the most talked about gadgets of the year is likely to be Pen’z Gear’s pen-spinning pen. Differentiating itself from typical writing pens, the pen’s center of gravity lies directly in the middle, making it easy for pen spinning practitioners to show off their skills. Check out this pen spinning video: * trendcentral articles are designed to be trend reports, not endorsements * The Intelligence Group is a trend-forecasting and marketing Consultancy focused on Gen X, Gen Y and Tweens. For more information on our services, or to subscribe to our syndicated studies, The Cassandra Report, Tween Intelligence, Latino Intelligence, and Mom Intelligence, contact Alina Goncalves at 212-277-5299 or via email at agoncalves@intelg.com.