images courtesy midtown design award | click to enlarge

In the wake of Japan’s nuclear disaster and subsequent shutdown of all nuclear reactors, designers have been scrambling to generate ideas and products that help conserve electricity. (setsuden – to conserve electricity – was one of the biggest buzz words of 2011.) One of my favorites is this app that converts your twitter avatar to a dimmer version during peak electricity-usage hours – a subtle reminder to conserve.

But designers Kakeru Asagi and Sakiko Nagasuna have a developed a not-so-subtle way to conserve. Setsudenkyu is a gorgeous light bulb-shaped candle that not only reminds you to switch off your lights but provides an alternative light source after switching off your lights. It’s specifically engineered to burn for a full day. However, at 1050 yen a pop, some may find it difficult to justify the savings.

source: tokyo midtown