Japan’s wearable tech market is experiencing a resurgence in innovation and growth. This new wave of tech inventions includes “standing” chairs designed for surgeons, smart glasses, and dog communication devices. In 2013, Japan sold 530,000 units of wearable tech devices, but this number is predicted to skyrocket to 13.1 million units in 2017. Tokyo’s first Wearable Expo, held in 2015, showcased the growing interest in this industry, with 103 exhibitors displaying a range of electronic wearables such as kimonos and gloves. The next expo in 2017 is expected to have over 200 exhibitors and 19,000 visitors. One notable wearable device is Inupathy, a dog harness that allows pet owners to communicate with their dogs. Equipped with a heart monitor and noise-canceling technology, the harness tracks the dog’s reactions and changes color to inform the owners of its mood. The CEO of Inupathy believes that wearable wellness tracking will have applications for humans as well. Another innovative wearable device is Archelis, a wearable chair designed for surgeons that allows them to rest their legs during long operations. Made of 3D-printed panels, Archelis provides support and minimizes pressure on joints, allowing surgeons to effectively sit and stand at the same time. Smaller wearables, such as BIRD, a device that turns a fingertip into a magic wand, are also being developed. BIRD uses algorithms and precise sensors to track direction, speed, and gestures, allowing users to interact with any surface and other smart devices. The developers expect BIRD to be popular in the education and corporate sectors.