Bubble wrap has come a long way. From New Jersey, where an unsuccessful attempt at plastic wallpaper created it 50 years ago, to Japan, home of the world's first and only bubble wrap think tank, the ubiquitous packing staple has long been the antidote for idle hands and anxiety-ridden office workers.

Now, with the October debut of Mugen Pop Pop, popping bubble wrap becomes a boundless diversion no longer tied to the UPS man's delivery schedule. Bandai, the Japanese purveyors of cool and quirk who introduced us to Tamagotchi and the Power Rangers, return to the handheld game scene with this pocket-sized, battery-operated square of bubble wrap. Mugen Pop Pop slips easily onto a key chain and features simple games, in addition to straight popping pleasure. The playful stress-buster is already a hit in Japan where the bubble wrap market is saturated with scented varieties, various shapes, and even a high-pressure version—not for packing family heirlooms, but for creating an extra loud pop, of course. Poppity Pop Culture Laboratory, the aforementioned think tank, even decreed August 8 as National Bubble Wrap Day (the lucky day was chosen because the date-hatchi hatchi-sounds strikingly like the onomatopoeic Japanese name—puchi puchi.)

And while we lack a think tank devoted to the stuff, Americans are just as crazy about the cathartic popping paper. Numerous websites and even the iPhone already feature simulated popping for those who find themselves without packing materials or in the library confronted with icy glares.

If you can't wait until October, stop by Fellisimo's Japan-centric exhibit to play with the display models. In fact, head over there anyways to check out the bright green plastic edamame pod, another ingenious Bandai product, which exploits the simple pleasure of popping beans from their husk. What will they think of next? My money is on one of two things: either a set of portable knuckles or everyone’s nightmare—an eternal blemish.