Gift-o Idea

The Ecorette (a.k.a. ecological cigarette) features a battery-operated "tip" and authentic looking inhale/exhale action (instead of smoke, you're blowing steam, mixed with nicotine). It's also a "famous gift," according to this salesperson at Tokyu Hands, who was standing around demonstrating the thing in the "personal fitness" department (no kidding). Only 9,000 yen.

Interesting fun facts from the company's website:

WHAT IS THE SMOKE THAT IS RELEASED?

This is NOT smoke – It is simply condensed air (vapor) which is mixed with the nicotine in the electronic cigarette cartridge to emulate the sensation of smoking, and give you the instant nicotine intake that you want – when you want it, where you want it. Like in winter time when you exhale.

DOES IT SMELL?

The vapor is odorless and dissipates within seconds. It does not linger, nor does it cause discoloration to walls – unlike cigarette smoke. It doesn’t give you ’smokers breath’ or leave your hands and clothes smelling of cigarettes either. No yellow teeth and fingers.

SO IT’S COMPLETELY HARMLESS?

YES. Ecorettes do not contain tobacco, tar or any of the 4000 chemicals and 42 known carcinogens, you normally inhale from a cigarette. Tobacco and the carcinogenic chemicals are what cause health problems, E-cigs contain neither. Ecorette electronic cigarettes do contain nicotine, which whilst not dangerous is very addictive, so we only sell our products to responsible adults over the age of 18.