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Japanese Trains
You get on a train in Japan one day and see this. The doors close behind you. What do you do? Via Neta. ( more » )
Sat 07/26 12:59 comments (49)
WC Gundam
Somebody just raeped Gundam by making a toilet shaped mobile suit... Via Neta. Whats the worst Gundam design... ( more » )
Sat 07/26 07:00 comments (37)
Sun Seto
Never got round to really watching the anime but do like this figure by Orchid Seed. This 1/7 scale figure of... ( more » )
Fri 07/25 23:16 comments (27)
Human Mage
Another one we've spoken about but the better pics are up at GoodSmile and Hobby Stock. Dont know much about ... ( more » )
Fri 07/25 20:44 comments (24)
Shakugan no Shana
Spoke about this earlier but decent pics are now up at GoodSmile and Hobby Stock. I remember when the Nendoro... ( more » )
Fri 07/25 20:36 comments (45)
Something Missing
There is something missing from this room. From your point of view, what would that missing thing/s be? Via V... ( more » )
Fri 07/25 12:30 comments (113)
日本語/Japanese  Thu 11/22 10:16 JST
Theres a huge variety of drinks available in Japan and you could last quite a while drinking something different every day.

When I lived in the UK, I would miss drinking Calpis Water after trying it on each trip I made to Japan - not sure if its widely available over there now. I believe this drink was renamed Calpico because "Calpis" sounded too much like "Cow Piss."

Now that I live here, I miss drinking root beer which I could pick up in Tescos - its not widely available here and I need to drive about 40 mins to Costco to get some.

One of my fave all time drinks is Sarsi - a drink widely available in Malaysia which also tastes a bit like Root Beer.

One think I found interesting about Japanese culture is that Tofu milk is not a popular beverage even though Tofu is widely used in dishes. The Tofu milk in Malaysia is just fantastic - do try some when you are over there.

Photos of vending machines and drinks follows. You will notice that there are some freebies attached to some drinks at no extra cost. Some are useful, some make you want to hit somebody. The One Piece freebie attached to the Fanta is a refrigerator magnet which also seals bags of crisps - left it in the hotel bin ^^;

The vending machines over here are brightly colored - the ones in the UK were huge black metal boxes with a Coca Cola logo - I'm guessing its to prevent people taking the whole machine home with them ^^;
Hmmm, come to think of it, I didn't notice many vending machines when I lived in Seattle.
Categories
Polls
FatBastard in over his head
Meat Puppet
Registered on 2007/11/04 18:16
Oh I love Calpis water! My friend in Japan made me reluctantly try it. After the first taste its all I ever drank in Japan. Love the Calpis, must have the Calpis. I was also surprised cream soda is yellow/green in Asia where its pink in N. America. Anyhow, I can buy Calpico water here now, but it cost alot. Like $9 for 2L, and yes I do buy it occasionally.

Here, our 7-11 are stacked with pop, energy drinks, ice tea, water, and fruit juice. Not one Japanese drink in the bunch =(
(ID #64505) Posted on 2007/11/22 10:15
FatBastard in over his head
Meat Puppet
Registered on 2007/11/04 18:16
@Danny,
You ever try that drink called ALOE? I hear its good, but don't have it here yet. I wanna give it a try. (Second vending machine pic, top left corner, green bottle)
(ID #64506) Posted on 2007/11/22 10:18
atomusku in Sweden
industrial designer, detaljist, graphic design
Registered on 2007/11/04 00:56
it feels like everything in japan is 40 min away... damn tourist shows...

regarding the drinks however, its almost exciting how much sunshine of happiness can brighten my break by trying out new drinks (i am a drinka', but nothing with alcohol though, no bull)

but i guess it would only be fun and good if the drinks always tasted good...
(ID #64507) Posted on 2007/11/22 10:21
lostandfound in a UFO... catcher...
Part human, part student, 100% loser
Registered on 2007/10/22 02:10
LOL, Tofu milk? Is it like soyabean drink? LOL Singapore has an OK number of beverages sold I think... Also LOL at "cow piss"... 
(ID #64509) Posted on 2007/11/22 10:27
MooMooCow1314 in 存在いないの所
Student
Registered on 2007/07/08 19:42
Lol, it's been sometime since i last had Sarsi...although the 7/11 here does sell them. Malaysia does have a wide variety of drinks, but not all are ubiquitous everywhere. Some can only be found in supermarkets like Cold Storage.

Tofu milk pwns! xD
(ID #64510) Posted on 2007/11/22 10:31
Registered on 2007/09/03 23:40
tofu milk? o_O;;; soya bean is it? (or tao fu fa? hahaha)
(ID #64511) Posted on 2007/11/22 10:37
westbluef in Philippines
Tofu milk in our region is called Soya milk or 'soy milk' that drink taste great I on second on trying it
(ID #64512) Posted on 2007/11/22 10:48
MooMooCow1314 in 存在いないの所
Student
Registered on 2007/07/08 19:42
Yup, tofu milk is soya bean or "tau jiong sui" in chinese. Warning! Don't drink too much, or your chest will grow!
(ID #64514) Posted on 2007/11/22 11:14
Blackster in Germany
BioInformatician
Registered on 2007/11/20 20:46
Calpis is great, but i'm more the sweet guy and love ramune. mitsuya cider is nice too! first i thought it's alcoholic, but was pleasantly suprised after tasting it! ^^

we don't have the variety you have tho :(

i have to get the good stuff in duessdorf (little japan in germany) :(
(ID #64515) Posted on 2007/11/22 11:16
hendrik in jakarta,indonesia
student
Registered on 2007/06/01 04:39
soya bean is susu kedelai in indo
kedelai is some sort of nut, tofu are from nut aren't they?

the sarsi thing don't come to indo, we got some local of it though, taste wonderful. sarpalila in indo, don't know the english of it

most of my local beverages industries working to much on tea lately, so much sweet green tea, i want a bitter 1...

(ID #64516) Posted on 2007/11/22 11:29
hendrik in jakarta,indonesia
student
Registered on 2007/06/01 04:39
got calpico to here, but most clerk don't sell it, got to go to some carrefour or some hypermarket just to get 1.

it taste great, i wonder why it doesn't sell well here...
(ID #64517) Posted on 2007/11/22 11:31
jojo mcjo in New Jersey, USA
IT Field Op.
Registered on 2007/06/20 23:15
Tried a few variations of Coca Cola products from Japan when down in EPCOT/Disney World.  THey were rather good but much stronger in taste.  
     You mentioned how you have to drive 40 min. to get yer self some root beer.  I'm in the same boat but have to drive 60 min to get myself some Irn-Bru.  Love the stuff, can't get enough of it when I visit Glasgow, Scotland.  
(ID #64518) Posted on 2007/11/22 11:37
Felix the Cat in Irvine, California
UCI Student
Registered on 2007/10/23 13:32
A lot of varieties here, but I don't really like most of them since I feel that they're overly sweet.  I prefer japanase drinks since most have the right amount of sweetness to them for my taste.  

For a while now, my favorite drink in hte states would be vitamin water.  So addicting
(ID #64519) Posted on 2007/11/22 11:40
hendrik in jakarta,indonesia
student
Registered on 2007/06/01 04:39
@momocow
really? it can grow your breast? gawd.
then it's good for trans sex(no offense) and iwasaki(lucky star)
(ID #64520) Posted on 2007/11/22 11:49
hendrik in jakarta,indonesia
student
Registered on 2007/06/01 04:39
@jojomco
is A&W root beer taste terrible or there is no A&W booth near you? i though root beer are sold in a bottle, like coca cola
(ID #64522) Posted on 2007/11/22 11:54
GundamJehutyKai in Foundation II Stellvia
IT Client Support
Registered on 2007/09/12 21:33
Pocari Sweat! First proper Japanese cold drink I remember drinking. Wierd name and I have to admit that i can't drink it continuously like, say, coke.

But I really want to try Lamune, just for those wierd bottles! Didn't get a chance to before, either that or I forgot due to how frustrating it was when I couldn't figure it out.
(ID #64526) Posted on 2007/11/22 12:12
Registered on 2006/12/24 23:42
Sarsi is available in Malasiya as well? I always thought it was a Philippine drink. If I knew you liked that particular drink, I would have brought some for you during my visit.
(ID #64527) Posted on 2007/11/22 12:16
Registered on 2006/12/24 23:42
Darn it, for all the Malaysians out there, I sincerely apologise for misspelling MALAYSIA. orz
(ID #64528) Posted on 2007/11/22 12:19
gordon in 新加坡 Singapore
宅男 Otaku/ 工程师 Engineer
Registered on 2007/06/11 14:57
i believe the tofu milk in question is as what the others mentioned, Soya Bean drink (豆奶 or 豆花水).

and yes danny, i remember drinking sarsi soft drink when i was a kid as well. ^^;
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sarsi_(drink)
(ID #64529) Posted on 2007/11/22 12:29
Karl in TEH Philippines
Student/Evil Overlord
Registered on 2007/10/27 01:26
We've got a decent amount of drinks over here. One in particular that's gaining popularity and is making soda makers shake in their knees is flavored green/white tea drinks. I like the apple flavored one in particular!

So you like Sarsi danny? There are tons of that stuff in here. Still not as popular as Coke or Pepsi but it's there. Personally though I don't really like it but my mom and younger brother loves it to death.....
(ID #64530) Posted on 2007/11/22 12:33
ビッグ ボス in Hampton, Virginia, USA
Web Developer
Registered on 2007/11/16 22:33
During my trip to Japan in October, I noticed a lot of different drinks available but I had a hard time finding my favorite one in vending machines: Mountain Dew! The only time I saw it (and I bought it of course) was a vending machine in Akibahara.
(ID #64531) Posted on 2007/11/22 12:34
Astrana in Calgary, Canada
Student
Registered on 2007/08/15 11:20
There aren't many local drinks here in Calgary, but if you visit the Chinese Super Market, u can find a lot Asian drinks.
(ID #64533) Posted on 2007/11/22 12:49
Ninja Mari in Japan
Japanese Student
Registered on 2007/11/06 11:10
Oh, Sarsi! I know Sarsi! Good stuff.
I thought they had soy milk at the supermarkets, I've had some myself. I think it's called tounyuu, 豆乳?
What I miss in Japan is Nestea. They only have it at Costco. I remember buying some from the Foreign Buyer's Club(www.fbcusa.com), too.
(ID #64535) Posted on 2007/11/22 12:57
Katharn/Code in Malaysia
Engineer
Registered on 2007/09/16 14:29
i do think the tofu milk is soy milk >_< you had me confused for a second or two there XD
(ID #64537) Posted on 2007/11/22 13:14
duffman in the Urban Jungle that is Manila~
Daigakusei [Consular and Diplomatic Affairs]
Registered on 2007/10/30 20:56
ahhh~ gotta love them Sarsi, we have them here in the Phil. and its reaaaally goood! gotta love them sarsaparilla drinks^^
(ID #64538) Posted on 2007/11/22 13:19
number1guy in United States
University Student
Registered on 2007/11/09 05:34
They just came out with a caramel creme soda in the US. At least I think it's new, because I only saw it yesterday for the first time. The melon creme soda in  your picture reminded me of it.
(ID #64541) Posted on 2007/11/22 13:47
chun in home feeling sleepy LOL
part time illustrationist, doll clothing seamstress
Registered on 2007/01/09 14:33
I had a lot of sarsi candy when I was a kid... Mmmmmmm
(ID #64542) Posted on 2007/11/22 13:52
rsnumber2 in Oklahoma
Dunno, really....
Registered on 2007/06/06 03:53
I favorite drinks while in Japan were Pocari Sweat and Aquarius. They were quite tasty. Supposedly they recharged my "ions" or something. I will say that I downed quite a few while there, and never seemed to run out of steam. I have my friends bring back the powdered version. So I at least get to have some every so often.
(ID #64543) Posted on 2007/11/22 14:13
MACdaddy in Earth
Stalker
Registered on 2007/11/10 10:14
I was a melon soda addict. I never drank ony of those enegry drinks, or anything that didn't seem obvious [green teas, sodas, coffees] because I was never sure if any of them had illegal aditives in them. I remember being told not to drink certain things when I was in "indoc" because some teas sold in stores contained opiates or something like that. But anyways, I never tried any of those funky branded ones, even stayed away from those "energy +" drinks. *shrug*
(ID #64547) Posted on 2007/11/22 14:19
notfair in Malaysia
Student, ACG Fans
Registered on 2007/08/14 16:34
Tofu milk? You mean Soya Bean drink/Soya Milk? But Tofu Milk was a nice word too XD!

Sarsi, i drinking alot when i still a kid, but now love to drink root beer more.
(ID #64548) Posted on 2007/11/22 14:20
XSportSeeker in Brazil
Hikikomori
Registered on 2007/08/22 05:30
Are those freebies a new trend Danny? I don't remember seeing those when I went to Japan (early 2006).
And I was all over those machines and drinks. Tasted as many different stuff as I could (in 25 days).

We have only the basic here. There are no cream sodas, no hot beverages, very few types of tea (and usually bad ones), and machines are for soft drinks only.... and they are kinda hard to find.

One thing that I liked a lot was the machines selling hot drinks. I went to Japan in March... it was still kind cold but not too cold.

We had the luck to visit Fuji-san with the clearest view in years, and also watch the cherry blosson... Hanami... also the best one in some years, specially around the Imperial Palace.

How can I resist not going back there after such things... T_T
(ID #64551) Posted on 2007/11/22 14:34
lolipisang in sg
post-hikikomori, now part-time network engineer
Registered on 2007/08/24 00:21
for me, nothing beats the good ol orange soda
(ID #64552) Posted on 2007/11/22 15:02
Dohmer in Denver, CO
Gokuri is a great drink. A grapefruit juice drink with pulp and unfortunately added sugar...This drink rocks! Cannot find it in the states. Some importers have it, everytime I go to Japan I stock up.
(ID #64555) Posted on 2007/11/22 15:25
kintaro in Pineville North Carolina
Student
Registered on 2007/04/24 20:19
Wow, all of those drinks look pretty tasty. We don't get that much variety here from Japan besides Ramune and some other drinks I haven't dared to try. However instead of a lot of Japanese drinks, we get an abundance of Korean and Chinese drinks. There is a Japanese shop down the street thats terribly overpriced, but I'll investigate soon ^^
(ID #64556) Posted on 2007/11/22 15:51
Hachiko in Toronto, Ontario, Canada
Student
Registered on 2006/12/26 11:13
I love Japanese drinks, their just so yummy. But I have to take an hr bus just to get to the mall to get some Japanese goodies =0
(ID #64557) Posted on 2007/11/22 16:04
Barsona in California USA
NEET (no, student...)
Registered on 2007/08/03 08:36
yes, because I live i California, and we have lot's of international drinks...
(ID #64562) Posted on 2007/11/22 17:27
laughingman in Canada
McMaster Engineering Student Fall 08
Registered on 2007/11/18 11:58
a large number here in my city. I suspect it's really determined by the size of the town you live in. I live in a city of about .5-.75 million people, so the cultural differences bring in a wide variety of food/drinks. I've been meaning to check a japanese candy store I recently found downtown however; maybe I'll find some nifty looking beverages as well :)
(ID #64564) Posted on 2007/11/22 17:31
ecam in Malaysia
Grape Planter (penganggur)
Registered on 2007/09/28 18:59
I think the best sarsi that i drink is the local made in kelantan one. it taste different from the commercial one. they packed it in a kicap bottle and paste a sticker to it. I only know that it is made in kelantan when i read the label. oh and it feels really great drinking it accompanied by laksam.( a kelantan sweet and sour mi in fish paste).man, i cannot find any here in southern state.
(ID #64565) Posted on 2007/11/22 17:40
Nello in Belgium
Student
Registered on 2007/10/31 23:22
I mainly sticked to Aquarius and Pocari Sweat this summer because those drinks are great if you're really thirsty. Another drink I really liked (also seems populair among kids) is Mitsuya Cider. It's like Sprite but less sweet (overall bether).

I love the amount of vending machines in Japan.
(ID #64566) Posted on 2007/11/22 17:41
shi in 604
Registered on 2007/01/18 05:22
Hi Danny, what is your favorite japanese drink for now? I will be heading to Japan in 3 weeks and I'm just wondering if you can take some pics of the drinks u would prefer.    Nice pictures, thanks!
(ID #64569) Posted on 2007/11/22 19:06
The White Testament in Mexico!!!!!!111oneone
Student, Writer and Graphic/Web Designer
Registered on 2007/11/17 10:08
One of the first things that Impressed me of Japan, were all the varied and colorful drinks you can see on the vending machines xD. I was like WOOOT! (I had like 7-8 years back then) so many cool looking drinks!
And that ignited my interest for Japan, I'm sure of it :3
(ID #64570) Posted on 2007/11/22 19:08
lowlife187 in Atlanta, Georgia USA
Contraband Distrabution Specialist
Registered on 2007/09/29 04:30
What is in the black Coca cola can? I see regular and diet, is it Cherry?
(ID #64575) Posted on 2007/11/22 19:43
qingy in center of the galaxy
SMS
Registered on 2007/10/06 05:09
@lowlife187
it's probably coca cola zero, supposed to have 0 calories but still taste like original coke. needless to say, they failed. anyway, there aren't a lot of vending machines here, mostly just coca cola products. never dried those drinks that you've mentioned as i can never find them in the supermarket, but i love soy milk, it goes great with breakfast everyday, is that the same as the tofu drinks you mentioned?
(ID #64580) Posted on 2007/11/22 19:56
Neo-Os in San Jose, California
Student/Maniac with Forklift
Registered on 2007/05/10 13:52
I have a huge selection of drinks. Since the area i live in has such a wide culture base and shops for all of them.  I also work at Costco so I get a huge variety there.
(ID #64582) Posted on 2007/11/22 20:07
The White Testament in Mexico!!!!!!111oneone
Student, Writer and Graphic/Web Designer
Registered on 2007/11/17 10:08
coke zero is a failure. and it is also nocive to health (Even more than light is).
I especifically don't remember why it is bad, but it's something proven.
(ID #64583) Posted on 2007/11/22 20:18
Evo_Spec in Alberta, Canada
Registered on 2007/10/21 13:13
the selection of drinks isn't small but its nothing compared to japan's i loved the variety of drinks and snacks when i was there.
(ID #64589) Posted on 2007/11/22 20:51
Apple Otaku in Los Angeles
TV Watcher
Registered on 2007/10/20 10:18
My favorites include: Pocari Sweat, Itoen Green Tea, Dakara, and Karada Meguricha.
(ID #64590) Posted on 2007/11/22 20:55
Askas in France
engineer
Registered on 2007/10/04 02:55
While I was in Japan, I was kinda suprised than I could not find any sparkling water (natural one) except in Carrefour supermarket.
Don't japanese like this kind of water?
(ID #64591) Posted on 2007/11/22 21:13
Edward in Michigan U.S.A.
Troubleshooter, Universal Exports
Registered on 2006/12/24 12:02
Not much a variety here where I am.  I can pick up a few of my Japanese favorites, but they are expensive.  Some how they just don't taste as good as when I'm in Japan. ^^

It's easy to forget vending machines here in the states.  They are big red boxes with Coca Cola logos on them. ^^;  No one makes vending machines like the Japanese.

I enjoy Root Beer too.  I don't like the idea of it being hard to find.  I need to check out Costco in Osaka next time to see if they carry Barqs Root Beer. 

(ID #64592) Posted on 2007/11/22 21:13
Ranth in Vegas
Researching drug to conceal weaknesses
Registered on 2007/09/15 13:32
My fridge has a huge variety of drinks
ranging from Coke, Sarsi, Yogurt beverages, and Melon Soda..then juices..bottled waters..and milks (soy and 2%) soy juice being my current favorite

overstocked in here..
(ID #64593) Posted on 2007/11/22 21:36
Uradox in Nagoya / Perth
Procurement officer / Teacher
Registered on 2007/05/12 15:27
If you want some rootbeer danny I can bring you some next month :)
(ID #64595) Posted on 2007/11/22 21:43
Aya Kyunik in Melbourne, Australia
Hobby Store clerk guy thing...
Registered on 2007/05/22 16:38
I knew I should of bought that 1lt can of Asahi beer to show off to people here in Australia...
(ID #64596) Posted on 2007/11/22 21:54
Hatix in Antwerp, Belgium
IT, Programmer, ...
Registered on 2007/04/25 05:14
Haven't found Calpis yet here, loved it in Japan.
But those display cans are misleading. I thought I would get such a cool plastic looking coke can, but out comes a regular coke can...
But yeah, took pictures of japanese vending machines too ;p There is so much variety.
(ID #64597) Posted on 2007/11/22 21:55
Zerodyme in United States
Highschool, Junior, Virgin TT_TT
Registered on 2007/11/21 19:36
Ugh, totally not the 2nd post :, was up this morning, and this is my first post ever. Just getting into anime. But I signed up cuz this post was so interesting. Well. I do love Japanese soda, I have actually started collecting the bottles. Ramune is fantastic.
(ID #64598) Posted on 2007/11/22 22:14