After visiting Tokyo a few years ago, I became a huge fan of the innovative and often downright bizarre fashion items that the Japanese always seem to come up with.

 

And so it's no surprise that they're behind a new novelty bra. What is it and how does it work? Well, I so enjoyed the press release I'll print it in full. Enjoy and why not put it on the Christmas list for that special lady in your life.

 

"In line with the growing popularity of golf, Triumph presents the bra that turns into a putting mat. Want to practice your putting, but can't find the time?

 

This quickly transformable bra makes it possible for busy women to practice anywhere.

 

"At certain times each year, women's inner wear manufacturer Triumph International Japan lets its imagination run wild to design unique themed bras that reflect contemporary social trends and topical issues.

 

"This time around, Triumph took note of the surging popularity of golf not only among men but also among women-partly thanks to recent spectacular showings by young professional golfers-and created the Triumph "Make-the-Putt Bra."

 

"This new themed underwear set will be unveiled to the public at the Triumph Spring Summer Collection 2010 on November 11 and 12 at the Tokyo Ryutsu Center in Heiwajima, Ota-ku, Tokyo.

"In Japan, golf has long been a sport played by men in suits for the chance it gives them to talk shop with colleagues and make deals with clients outside of the everyday office environment.

"However, in recent years more and more people have begun playing golf purely for love of the game and an increasing number of young women especially are now spending their weekends on the green.

 

"At the same time, inspired by young professional golfers who have re-energized the Japanese golf world, the popularity of golf as a spectator sport has been on the rise among young people, with more and more attending tournaments and other events to see the pros in action.

 

"There's nothing like a group of women decked out in stylish golfing outfits, deeply engaged in a game and set against the beautiful backdrop of the green to really light up a golf course.

 

"To attract and accommodate this new breed of golfers, golfing facilities and driving ranges are today providing a range of new services that enhance the appeal of golf as leisure sport.

 

"On the other hand, women's lives these days are filled with a number of competing demands: after a hard day's work made harder by looming economic uncertainties, a lot of women spend their evenings studying, either to improve their qualifications or just for fun, while at the same time making sure they keep some time free for koikatsu (boyfriend hunting) or konkatsu (husband hunting).

 

"On top of that, they also need to set aside some time for a regular trip to the salon or day spa. With all of this going on it's not easy to find a spare hour to head out to the driving range.

"Having taken note of this dire situation, Triumph has created the "Make-the-Putt Bra," which transforms into a putting mat, to allow super-busy women to practice their golfing whenever they have a little free time.

 

"The main feature of Triumph's "Make-the-Putt Bra" is that it can be transformed into a putting mat by turning it inside-out and spreading it out on any surface.

 

"The two bra cups become the holes in the 1.5-meter mat, allowing the putter to make two holes in a row. When a ball successfully goes in, the bra offers some encouraging praise, saying, "Nice in!" Not only useful, but fun!

 

"Constructed out of a material that has the appearance and feel of a lush green, the design of the bra is based on a golf course and golfing wear. Besides the sparkling cups that turn into holes, the bra comes with a detachable flagpole that doubles as a pen for scorekeeping and a decorative golf ball.

 

"Tees providing good support and lift can be placed on each side of the bra, with the attached golf ball also being raised for a more attractive bustline. The bra has space on each side for tees, which when inserted, act as side stays, providing good support and lift and improving the appearance of the wearer's bustline.

 

"The bottom half of the lingerie set consists of pink briefs and a wraparound skirt with a golf-ball-sized pocket on the side.

 

"Opened out, the skirt turns into a flag displaying the cautionary message, "Be quiet," printed on the back of the skirt, to ensure good manners on the green.

 

Golf clubs recommended: