Japanese experimental fashion designer Aya Tsukioka has come up with new concept in urban camouflage, as a response to Japan’s fears of crime (although actual crime figures are shrinking, according to the NYT article). By lifting a flap and revealing a vending machine, women can hide behind their skirts and blend into the urbanscape. Not quite Thermo-optic camouflage but pretty close.
“It is just easier for Japanese to hide,” Ms. Tsukioka said. “Making a scene would be too embarrassing.” She said her vending machine disguise was inspired by a trick used by the ancient ninja, who cloaked themselves in black blankets at night.