Since 2024, a video has circulated online allegedly showing an "anti-cheating bra" invented in Japan. The bra is said to remain locked unless it detects a registered fingerprint, supposedly that of the wearer's partner.
"An inventor in Japan has created a bra against Touch ID cheating. It only opens when your boyfriend's fingerprint is recognized," read one Instagram post (archived) featuring the video, which had amassed more than 135,000 likes as of this writing.
The footage shows a hand demonstrating how the bra clasp stays locked until a fingerprint is scanned on a device attached to the garment, after which the clasp pops open.
Versions of the claim appeared elsewhere on Instagram and on X, YouTube, Facebook, Threads and TikTok.
In short, the video is real; however, it does not show a commercially available product. The so-called "fingerprint recognition bra" was created by a Japanese self-described "delusional inventor" known for building humorous or fantastical gadgets. He labeled the bra a "fantasy invention" and confirmed it was a one-off prototype intended as a playful concept rather than a sellable device.
Origins of the 'anti-cheating bra'
The video originated from a July 19, 2024, X post by a Japanese creator who goes by the name ZAWAWORKS (@zawa_works). The caption (originally written in Japanese) reads: "I invented a 'fingerprint recognition bra' to prevent cheating! Now only your boyfriend can remove your bra!"
浮気防止のために「指紋認証ブラジャー」を発明しました！
これで彼氏だけがブラジャーを外せます！ pic.twitter.com/srb9vf5TuT— 妄想発明家ZAWAWORKS (@zawa_works) July 19, 2024
"Please give it as a gift to your girlfriend or wife," the original poster responded to a user who asked: "Is it for men?"
(X user @zawa_works)
In another post, he wrote, "It's M5Stack! Fingerprint recognition kit available," referencing the hardware he used to create the mechanism.
(X user @zawa_works)
ZAWAWORKS also shared the in-question video on his website, YouTube channel, and TikTok account. The YouTube caption reads: "A bra that unhooks with fingerprint authentication. Only your boyfriend can unhook it!"
He confirmed that the device actually functions and that he used an M5Stack "Hat Finger" device that recognizes the fingerprint with a "little computer."
(docs.m5stack.com)
ZAWAWORKS confirmed via email that the bra was a one-off prototype. "I create funny contents and post the videos on X and YouTube every Friday, to make people laugh," he explained.
What we know about the creator
ZAWAWORKS is a self-described "delusional inventor" (妄想発明家) who creates humorous or provocative gadgets that often play on adolescent or absurd fantasies. He regularly posts unconventional inventions and participates in comedic shows and exhibitions in Japan. According to his website, he "invents devices that make adolescent fantasies come true."
His real name is 相澤 裕貴（あいざわ ゆうき), and his site notes that he exhibits his inventions at contests and comedy events in Osaka. He said via email that his work has been featured in both exhibitions and Japanese comedy shows and that he recently held a solo exhibition. However, the "anti-cheating bra" has not yet been publicly displayed.
ZAWAWORKS' website and YouTube channel showcase a range of fantastical comedic inventions, including a "device that cuts only underwear," a "breastfeeding cigarette" and a "boobs keyboard."
(www.zawa.works)
To learn more about ZAWAWORKS and his creative approach to his work, he recommended this English-language YouTube video.