Noise-canceling fork created for slurping-control

[Photo: from VCG]

A Japanese firm has created what it claims is a world-first "noise-cancelling" fork to mask the sound made by slurping down noodles, dubbed "noodle harassment" on social media.

Foreign visitors to Japanese noodle bars are often startled to hear the locals – normally so polite and restrained – noisily slurping down their noodles with lip-smacking gusto.

The tradition is supposed to show the diner's appreciation for the food but some people are becoming bothered by the noise.

Now an instant noodle producer claims to have found a solution to the problem.

Inspired by Japanese toilets, which can be programmed to play an artificial flushing noise to cover embarrassing sounds, Nissin Food Products looked at creating something similar for noodles.

Unfortunately the fork hasn't officially been launched yet, and the company says it will only do so if it receives 5,000 pre-orders by Dec. 15. The fork is being advertised as ¥14,800 (YEN) (about 130 US dollars per head).

[The audio clip is from Studio+, produced by CRI.]