From the “Japan Theme Blog today” Dept.

Hi all,

Took an extended break from the blog. Nothing really to blog about.

Last week: Went out with Byron to find a Mashimaro for his girlfriend Kim. Went to Pacific Mall (a hop, jump and a step from where I live).

My take on Mashimaro? Well, from what I’ve read about him, his name is a play on the word Marshmallow—I guess by resemblance sake. He seems to have a thing for flatulence and feces—although depicted in a cute way. It’s kind of unhealthy if you ask me. You can view this disturbing behaviour at the the following Mashimaro Movie Site which has Flash5 movies posted.

After visiting several toy stores. Byron finally settled on one stuffed Mashimaro toy of largish size. I think it was slightly larger than a Basketball. It had a baby blue hat and scarf. That should score Byron some points with Kim.

Apparently Byron didn’t like my suggestions of:

1. Getting Kim the dual use Mashimaro Lumbar support/Head Rest for her car [Apparently girls aren’t too keen on the notion that a “gift should have utility”—inconceivable ;-P ] or,
2. Getting Kim a smaller, and consequently Cheaper Mashimaro Toy [Who want’s an overly obese rabbit, anyway? Besides, a smaller toy would probably have garnered the same amount of praise that a larger toy would have gotten, plus: it would leave the larger toy available for a later gift]

After that, Byron and chatted over cafeteria food and bubble-tea. Then we watched the “Scorpion King”. No comment.

A boys’ night out.

Jen finally came back from Japan on Monday. She got me some neato gifts.

She got me a bottle of “Pocari Sweat“

She also got me a bottle of “Calpis Water“

Looks like clear winners here. A drink that is associated with sweat, and a drink that sounds like “Cow Piss”. LOL.

Got to love Japanese Packaging.

In reality, Pocari Sweat is an rehydration drink (very similar to baby rehydration fluid actually). The label on the bottle clarifies:

In fact the makers of Pocari Sweat, Otsuka Pharmaceutical Co. makes a whole line of health food including Dietary Fibre Supplements, Energy Drinks (like Gatorade) and Energy Bars.

Calpis also has a Fan site, with commercials and advertising stills that they’ve used to promote the drink.

Some further insight could be gathered with a telling conversation with my Friend Karen:

As the above conversation alludes, I also got a really nice shirt that doesn’t fit. It’s not my fault that I have broad shoulders…..

Thanks Honey for the swank gifts. Love you lots.

Cheerio,

Tai.