Items you miss from Japan when outside of Japan

mdchachi · 18 Mar 2004

> What are the japanese things ( objects and food only ) that you miss a lot when you are outside of Japan?

There are plenty of things but one thing on my mind right now is Mets Guarana. Actually I didn't even drink it that much but now that I can't get it, I miss it.

Does anybody know where to look for Guarana drinks (not necessarily Japanese) in the U.S.? I've been planning to look for a hispanic/mexican market but haven't got around to it yet.

Golgo_13 · 18 Mar 2004

Some people tend to get very indignant when they see you peeling an apple.

But I'm not going to argue over an apple.

Watermelon? That's a different matter.

kirei_na_me · 18 Mar 2004

I just can't believe some people are that way.

I guess I'm just very unique in that mine was always peeled...hehe

Yeah, arguing over an apple is a little silly...

Golgo_13 · 18 Mar 2004

In Japan, watermelons are perfectly spherical. Some have yellow flesh.

In the summertime Japanese do what's called a "Suika Wari" (cracking the watermelon open) A blind-folded contestant takes a long stick and tries to hit the watermelon with all his might.

Sort like hitting a pinata.

I also love the grapes in Japan. Fruits in general are better tasting in Japan but only problem--they're more expensive.

kirei_na_me · 18 Mar 2004

What about those square watermelons that will fit so nicely in your refrigerator? Don't know if they're worth 10,000 yen, though.

BBC News | ASIA-PACIFIC | Square fruit stuns Japanese shoppers

mdchachi · 18 Mar 2004

> I also love the grapes in Japan.

Last I recall, seedless grapes aren't that popular in Japan. It's a pain to eat around the seeds, plus they throw out the skins. So I never got into Japanese grapes much.

Golgo_13 · 18 Mar 2004

Too much!

Everything is so expensive over there. I'm going to have to give myself a 20,000 Yen per day allowance when I go there next month.

Golgo_13 · 18 Mar 2004

mdchachi said:
> I also love the grapes in Japan.

Last I recall, seedless grapes aren't that popular in Japan. It's a pain to eat around the seeds, plus they throw out the skins. So I never got into Japanese grapes much.

I had seedless all the time.

They throw out the skin/peel/rind of EVERYTHING in Japan.

It's a wonder they don't circumcize their babies as a matter of custom.

Golgo_13 · 19 Mar 2004

Back to the subject.

I miss those spotlessly clean taxi cabs. They pull up in front of you and the door pops open automatically. The drivers wear white gloves, hat and a uniform.

Wouldn't it be funny if one day you get into a cab and you see the white gloves, and the driver turns around and it's Michael Jackson?

Speaking of automatic doors, I miss those kissaten. I like the atmosphere and the aroma of coffee in those places. And the expensive fruit parfaits.

neko_girl22 · 24 Mar 2004

Golgo_13 said:
Fruits in general are better tasting in Japan but only problem--they're more expensive.

That's so true. Even the kiwi fruit from my country are waaaay better than what I bought at home. I guess they exported the good stuff and we were left with what the Japanese wouldn't take
I looove Japanese fruit, but it is incredibly expensive. 100, 200Y for one apple? for that much I could buy 1kg back home!

Golgo_13 · 25 Mar 2004

Ueda-san no Okusan,

Good to see ya again. Where ewe bin?

neko_girl22 · 25 Mar 2004

my computer broke down and I thought it was time to bury the old girl, but a lovely friend took it away to have a look at and yesterday I got it home better than new!

In the 3 weeks or so it was down I actually found I had a life! ...It is nice to be back though

Buntaro · 25 Mar 2004

Come to think of it, I remember those ladies who work in the department stores, wearing those very fancy uniforms, hats (indoors) and lots of makeup. I remember all of them lining up and welcoming in all of the customers at opening time. It was amazing!

Golgo_13 · 26 Mar 2004

I loved the display cases out side of all restaurants with plastic samples of the dishes they serve. They looked so real.

Ewok85 · 27 Mar 2004

Im missing the music right now. I can look at the charts online and maybe sneak a few songs off the net (i know i know ) but not being able to watch the tv and listen to the radio make me nervous that im missing out on some good songs

Apollo · 29 Mar 2004

I miss senbei!!!!
I don't miss ramen, as I can buy them in special Asian shops.

Ewok85 · 29 Mar 2004

Ah senbei! I got addicted to that the month before i left... need my fix.

spyny · 29 Mar 2004

Id say calpico and calpis water, melon soda.

Elizabeth · 19 Apr 2004

There are plenty of things but one thing on my mind right now is Mets Guarana. Actually I didn't even drink it that much but now that I can't get it, I miss it.

Does anybody know where to look for Guarana drinks (not necessarily Japanese) in the U.S.? I've been planning to look for a hispanic/mexican market but haven't got around to it yet.

It's rare to find in Japan from what I understand and I've never seen or heard of it here in the states. Is it even legal? There is someone willing to try and send some through regular mail, but not if there would be anything uncertain about it. :gulp:

mdchachi · 19 Apr 2004

Elizabeth said:
It's rare to find in Japan from what I understand and I've never seen or heard of it here in the states. Is it even legal? There is someone willing to try and send some through regular mail, but not if there would be anything uncertain about it. :gulp:

Seems like there would at least be artificially flavored Guarana drinks even if not the real thing. Well, anyway, I don't want it bad enough to pay for mailing fees. Thanks.

Elizabeth · 21 Apr 2004

mdchachi said:
Seems like there would at least be artificially flavored Guarana drinks even if not the real thing. Well, anyway, I don't want it bad enough to pay for mailing fees. Thanks.

Alright. I'm still curious though -- it it something that is sold with other herbal supplements or soft drinks? In vending machines or convienent stores ?

Brooker · 21 Apr 2004

Here's my list....

- gyudon (discontinued)
- crackers (edemame chips, shrimp twisties, etc.).
- sushi (cheaper, better, easier to find)
- izakaya (food and atmosphere)
- rice and miso with most meals
- Shinkansen
- vending machine beer (and drinking it in public)
- internet cafes
- Lawson (good quality and selection for a convenience store)
- onigiri with tuna (like a J-tuna sandwich)
- Dekavita (for the wake up boost)
- Hot Lemon (out of a vending machine)
- Aquarius
- bento boxes for lunch
- pizza with corn, tuna, squid, mayonaise, etc. on it.
- karaoke parties
- Being part of an international community of world travelers (like this place!)

mdchachi · 22 Apr 2004

Elizabeth said:
Alright. I'm still curious though -- it it something that is sold with other herbal supplements or soft drinks? In vending machines or convienent stores ?

The Guarana I was talking about is the soft drink produced by Kirin. Not the plant or extract itself. It has some similarity to Dr Pepper. I heard it's not so common in Tokyo any more but has a strong following in Hokkaido. It might be one of those seasonal drinks. Anyway if your konbini has it, it would be by the soft drinks. Or check your local kirin vending machines.

I found a picture of it.
http://www.tomakomai-ct.ac.jp/newsclub/clubs/ecc/English/Guarana.htm

Keep an eye out for it and let me know if you see it.

Golgo_13 · 22 Apr 2004

I'm gonna miss the Glico brand mixed vegatable and fruit juice once I get back to the States! I've been drinking it every morning here in Japan before my Chi Kung practice.

neko_girl22 · 22 Apr 2004

mdchachi said:
The Guarana I was talking about is the soft drink produced by Kirin. Not the plant or extract itself. It has some similarity to Dr Pepper. I heard it's not so common in Tokyo any more but has a strong following in Hokkaido. It might be one of those seasonal drinks. Anyway if your konbini has it, it would be by the soft drinks. Or check your local kirin vending machines.

I've never seen it down here... ☝

oh I love the fruit and vege drinks too Golgo! It's amazing what kinds of veges are actually in the drink. Still tastes good though !

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