It just might be the most annoying import from the Far East since the Asian Lady Beetle.  Bandai America’s Mugen Pop Pop (Mugen Puchi Puchi in Japan) is a stress-relieving hand toy that is known in the vernacular as the “bubble wrap keychain” here in the States where it is available for $5.99 at Target and Toys ‘R Us.  The square plastic device features eight buttons, each of which, if pressed hard enough (and a surprising amount of force is required), causes a sound reminiscent of the popping of a bubble wrap air cell to emanate from the tiny speaker on the other side of the device. 

Create a hundred or so of these nerve-soothing pops and you get what Bandai calls a “surprise sound,” which could be a tinny dog bark, a doorbell ring, or a simulated fart, all of which indicate the depth of your addiction.  While manipulating the Mugen Pop Pop may work to relieve the stress of the popper, the effect on others within earshot is not so salutary.  Look for stories of divorces and break-ups caused by these little plastic squares to pop up in your local newspapers (and online) very soon.