Maneki Neko Dakku まねきねこダック

Aflac Insurance have these adverts in Japan featuring a dancing duck and cat. They are so popular that a full length version of the song was released - complete with music video. The animals are fake and cheesy but it is cute and the song can be really catchy. I just love how it is completely acceptable (and expected almost) for things to be cute, even when aimed at adults - because I am pretty sure it is not the kids buying insurance in these ads.

Aflac ad
Music video

Kitkat Diaries

So my favourite things so far about Japan has been discovering the crazy Kitkat flavours. I have been here about 9 months and already I have come across nearly 45 different flavours. I found this flowchart that pretty much sums up my experience:
What should I eat?

My hunt has lead me across the country, scouring combinis and omiyage stands from Hokkaido to Okinawa. This is what I have found so far:

Framboise

Caramel Macchiato McFlurry &Apple

 StrawberryCarrot and AppleJasmine TeaInako Ohagi (sticky rice and bean jam)Ginger Ale

Spring StrawberryMilk CoffeeSakura MachaRaspberry & Passion FruitSemi-sweetChocolate CookieVanilla CookieLamune/RamuneMango PuddingOrangeRoseRoyal Milk TeaCalpis SodaCaramel PuddingBanana

Citrus & ChiliPurple Sweet PotatoSoy SauceHiroshima Citrus BlendStrawberry Cheesecake WasabiHokkaido MelonHokkaido Corn

Sweet Potato

Kinako (Soybean flour)Macha (Green tea)Caramel PuddingBananaHalloween CaramelRilakkuma Strawberry

Cayenne PepperLittle Strawberry

Blog update 1.0

Since my last post things have been pretty quite, asides from the deluge of guests that have been around. I guess that once you start to get used to your surroundings you start to lose sight of the strange and wonderful things around you – and you don’t get stranger or weirder than Japan. So from now on I am going to try and share the more interesting or ridiculous sides of my country that continue to astonish me. 

This is a current ad campaign that I saw in Tokyo. It was everywhere – there must have been 5 billboard campaigns in Shibuya crossing alone.