Pocari Sweat

‘Pocari Sweat’ | by Samer Farha

When I saw the vending machine above hawking Pocari Sweat, I laughed and then took a picture. Of course, it’s one of the most heavily commented pictures I’ve posted from the trip so far on Flickr.

Pocari is a Japanese word, and it apparently means “cloud like.” But sweat, well, that’s just a nonsense word they tacked on to create their brand. It means nothing in Japanese, and the connotation with sweating isn’t linked for them.

After reading that it tastes a little bit like unflavored and less sweet Gatorade, I decided I’d have a go. It tastes a lot like a mix of 7-UP and ginger ale that’s been allowed to go flat. It’s got a faint sweet smell, but mostly it smells of not much. It’s actually not a bad taste at all. Even though it is less sweet than either of those drinks are normally, it was still a little too sweet by me.

The next time you are in Japan and need a drink of the “density and electrolytes, close to that of human body fluid, it can be easily absorbed in the body,” this should be your drink.

Japan – First Impressions

Angling for Shade | by Samer Farha

I’ve been here a little over a day, and so it’s time to give my first impressions of this place.

Communication:
The conventional wisdom is that most people here speak English, and you shouldn’t have any problems communicating. I am finding that to be a complete lie. It’s difficult to get directions, information, and especially food. I do understand it’s better in tourist heavy areas, but for dinner on both nights, I’ve had to point to my food in order to get anything. Ordering drinks is even more funny.

Friendliness:
Despite the communication issues, the Japanese are unbelievably friendly. Trying to help you out, pointing out things, and when you let them offer you the best sushi they can make, they delight in it.

Oddness:
If you read about Japan in the West, you often get the impression that this is a truly odd place with strangeness oozing out of every street corner and shop. Maybe that’s not wrong, but I’ve seen very little evidence.

Sure, there’s the toilets that wash your ass for you (I’ve got one in my hotel). And there’s the fact that almost all the women walk around with umbrellas (smart, as it turns out). And you can’t walk on the elegant manicured lawns of the Imperial Palace, and thus you get heat stroke. And, sure, the few dogs I’ve seen have been dressed up (one in a t-shirt, the other in what I can only describe as a clown outfit). But I’ve seen more emo kids from the West here than I’ve seen pachinko parlors, and though I did see a Japanese cowgirl, she didn’t seem out of place.

Climate:
It’s as hot and humid as DC. End of story. Ugh.

That’s it for now. Tomorrow, I am considering going to Mt. Fuji. It’s expensive, and it’s early, so we’ll see if I manage it.