Turn Your Sunflowers to Speakers
| Published 9/24/04

Graphic by: Jenny Conner

The Ka-on (Japanese for "flower sound") hooks up to a TV, stereo or CD player. When turned on, a donut shaped magnet and coil relay the sound vibrations up through the plant's water tubes. Sound comes out of the petals, and you can feel the vibrations in the leaves by touching them with your fingers.

It's produced in several sizes, with prices ranging from $46 to $460. As of right now, the vase must be connected with a wire, but a wireless version is being developed by Let's, a Nagoya based telecommunications-equipment company. The Ka-on Vase has been available for sale on the internet since July; since then, 3000 have sold and another 10,000 orders have been placed.

Because it shoots sound in all directions, unlike regular speakers, the vase creates a more natural sound. This makes it ideal for floral arrangements at weddings, reception desks at hospitals and decoration at restaurants, according to Let's Corp president Masumi Gotoh. I wouldn't mind having one on my desk as I study, either.

Gerberas and Sunflowers work especially well as speakers. Don't worry about their health, either. Apparently, the vibrations do not harm the plants; they help keep bugs off, and they help cut flowers live longer.

For more information, you can visit the Let's Corp site here.