Twentythree

Cost of sushi? 132 yen. Cost of being a moron? 500,000.

In addition to being tasty, casual, and convenient, low prices are a big part of the appeal of Japan’s conveyor belt sushi restaurants. At the most popular major chains, for example, you can usually get a two-piece plate of mainstays like tuna or salmon for 200 yen (US$1.25) or less.

A 43-year-old man’s meal at a branch of conveyor belt sushi chain Hama Sushi in Saitama Prefecture, though, is going to end up costing him a lot more than that, but he really has no one to blame but himself.

As we discussed earlier this month, the man went into a Hama Sushi branch in the town of Tsurugashima on May 27, then filmed himself taking a plate of tuna sushi from the conveyor belt, pulling a dish soap container out of his bag, and squirting liquid from the bottle onto the fish. He then posted the video online, later telling investigators that he did it because he wanted “to get a lot of views on social media.”

Unfortunately for him, after seeing the video neither Hama Sushi nor the police smashed that like button, and he was arrested on charges of forced obstruction of business, and Saitama’s Kawagoe Summary Court has now handed down its verdict, ordering the man to pay a fine of 500,000 yen (US$3,125).

Though equivalent to the cost of 3,788.88 plates of Hama Sushi’s tuna sushi, 500,000 yen isn’t exactly a your-life-is-ruined sum, and many online commenters have expressed anger that the penalty wasn’t more severe. One factor in the decision may have been that the man squirted the liquid (which he later claimed was water that he’d put inside a dish soap bottle) onto a plate of sushi that he seemed to have ordered for himself, since it automatically came to a stop on the conveyor next to his table and he took the plate off the belt before applying the liquid. Though the video cut off before showing what happened to the sushi, it’s unlikely that any other customer would have consumed the foreign substance, which may have gotten him some clemency. Nevertheless, after becoming aware of the video Hama Sushi, as a precaution, had to disinfect the possibly affected area within the restaurant, and employees also had to spend extra time responding to customer complaints and inquiries about the incident, leading to the ruling that the man was guilty of the forced obstruction of business charge.

Even within a culture that’s passionate about food, Japan is particularly fond of conveyor belt sushi restaurants, with a wide swath of the population regularly eating at them. At the same time, both restaurant customers and operators know that the system is highly dependent on trust and considerate, hygienic conduct, and so while the fine could have been bigger, hopefully the swiftness with which the punishment was handed out will discourage others from similar disgusting acts.

Source: Yomiuri Shimbun, Jin, Saitama Shimbun
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A two-ingredient food hack promising a delicious upgrade.

From time to time, Japan sees interesting and unusual food hacks popping up on the internet, preparing food in new ways for unexpected delights, or combining several to create unique flavors. Here at SoraNews24, we are keen to put our tastebuds and stomachs to the test in the neverending quest for culinary bliss, so when we spotted the latest idea and the positive reviews, we knew we had to give it a go for ourselves.

The idea itself comes from a tweet found on the official Twitter account of Japanese food company Ajinomoto, which is well known in Japan for its range of seasonings, and calls for just two ingredients: Knorr Instant Cream of Corn Soup (made by Ajinomoto) and Frito Lay’s Mike Popcorn Butter and Soy Sauce Flavor, and all you have to do is to mix the two together.

With both in hand, it was time to get tasting. Having never tried this popcorn before, I wanted to get a clear understanding of the base flavor before adding anything extra in the mix.

As far as popcorn goes, I’m more of a caramel fan, and very much against salted popcorn, so I was a bit hesitant as my hand reached into the packet. However, popping a piece into my mouth revealed a gentle savory taste rather than the salt that I was expecting, neither the butter nor the soy sauce being so prominent that it overpowered the natural taste of the popcorn. I felt I could quite contentedly eat the entire bag as it stood.

Now came the time for the extra seasoning of the instant cream of corn soup. I set aside some of the popcorn…

… and sprinkled over the powder …

… eventually fully coating the popcorn in a bright yellow dust.

The powdered soup offered a deeper taste that added an extra hint of sweetness from the corn. If I had to liken it to something, perhaps it would be the corn potage flavor of Umaibo, a cheap Japanese corn snack that is beloved by children, just not as light and airy.

Deciding to go back to the original flavor to compare it against, I found that it now tasted quite plain. Although not bad by any means, it felt as if the flavor profile was missing a vital element that would lead it to deliciousness. While it wasn’t a shocking overhaul in taste, adding the instant cream of corn soup evolved the popcorn into a more delectable treat.

As I continued throwing popcorn into my mouth, I couldn’t help but find myself staring at the packaging and letting my thoughts wander. What if I made the soup and added the popcorn into it, almost like they were croutons? Would I uncover an entirely new level of enjoyment?

I poured the remnants of the powder into a cup and added a little hot water to test my new theory. First a sip of the soup as is…

The actual soup was definitely a lot sweeter than it had been in powdered form, so I got really excited for the following stage and dropped several pieces of popcorn into my cup.

It turns out that the popcorn swiftly loses its texture, becoming soft and limp, but the hard hull of the popcorn remains, resulting in a less than pleasant eating experience, and there was no real benefit to the taste.

While I think adding powdered corn soup to popcorn is definitely an improvement over the original flavor, I would only consider it if I happened to have some instant soup in the house, rather than going out to buy both together. Many people online have tried out this experiment and have agreed that it’s delicious, but there are also voices out there saying that this works with other soups too, making this a relatively cheap way to try out a variety of popcorn flavors, either for a movie night or a party.

Related: Twitter/@AJINOMOTOPARK via Hachimakiko
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Timepiece is a stylish salute to 30 years of Pokémon history.

The name of Casio’s G-Shock line of watches is short for “Gravitational Shock,” a nod to its design priority of impact and vibration resistance. Linguistically, though, “shock” can also refer to electrical charges, so why not a tie-up with Japan’s favorite source of electrical energy, Pikachu?

Yes, G-Shock’s latest creative partner is none other than the Pokémon franchise, and while Casio’s newest creation might bear the official designation GA-110PKM-7AJR, it’s a lot easier to just call it the Pokémon G-Shock.

The color scheme makes use of plenty of red, green, and blue accents, not just because they pop nicely against the white casing and strap, but because Pokémon Red, Green, and Blue were the first three titles released in the video game branch of the Pokémon media family, and the G-Shock watch is part of the celebration of the 30th anniversary of the series’ start.

Zooming in to see other design details, the secondary dial reveals itself to have a Poké Ball motif, with a pointing Pikachu tail functioning as its hand.

Arguably the most captivating part, though, is the band, which features the likenesses of more than 30 different Pocket Monster species, including the starter Pokémon trios for every generation in the series thus far.

▼ And Eevee and Mew are here too!

Flip the watch over, and there’s a Pokémon 30th anniversary engraving on the caseback.

Naturally, a watch that’s this committed to its theme requires similarly inspired packaging, and in addition to shipping inside a box covered with Pokémon illustrations, the included case is shaped like a Poké Ball.

The Pokémon G-Shock is priced at 33,000 yen (US$205), but with high demand expected it’s being offered through a purchase lottery system. Applications can be made through the Casio online store here between July 1 and 6, with eligibility to be announced by the night of July 16.

Source: Casio (1, 2, 3)
Top image: Casio
Insert images: Casio (1, 2)
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One drink will have us coming back for more this summer.

Summer has arrived in Japan, and the season is looking particularly peachy at Starbucks, where you’ll find several new drinks filled with the flavour of peach. However, the Frappuccino isn’t the star of the show for us this time around, as we believe another newly released beverage has more potential for enjoyment.

▼ Let’s start by taking a look at the Peach & Peach Milk Frappuccino (720 yen [US$4.45] for dine-in).

Peach-flavoured Frappuccinos have been known to appear periodically at Starbucks, but they tend to be different every time they grace the menu. This time, the use of skimmed milk marks a noticeable change, and the difference is felt on the palate with a creamy yet lighter, cleaner finish. It’s every bit as delicious as it looks, with the peach fruit pieces in the base delivering jelly-like freshness and fruity contrast to the milky body and whipped cream topping. It’s well-balanced, with just the right amount of sweetness, but if you want to dial that sweetness up a notch, adding White Mocha Syrup for an extra 55 yen is a recommended option.

▼ Next up, the Craft Juicy Peach Tea (from 630 yen).

This tea is making its return after being well received last year, but this time, peach syrup has been added, giving it an even stronger peach flavour. The slight astringency of the black tea pairs incredibly well with the thick, sweet peach pieces at the base of the cup, and the syrup adds an extra layer of sweetness, resulting in a smoother texture and a well-rounded finish.

It’s the perfect peach tea for the warmer months ahead, and so refreshing that you can easily gulp it down. Those wanting a little more sweetness can add honey as a free customisation, and baristas also suggest adding milk and requesting less ice, which will soften the astringency and turn it into a delicious milk tea.

▼ We couldn’t resist the idea of a peachy milk tea, so we tried out the milky customisation.

The addition of milk completely changed the look of the drink, making it look like an entirely different beverage. After giving it a good stir, it looked even more different than the original version.

The milky version was absolutely delicious, as the dairy component rounded out the flavour of tea, making it smoother, creamier, and even easier to drink. In fact, we’d go so far as to say it’s our favourite drink of the bunch, beating the not-pictured Chillax Soda Peach as well, as it shows you the potential of the tea to transform and shine with various customisations.

While you won’t be disappointed with any of the new peachy offerings, which are designed to showcase different sides of the peach, we highly recommend trying the milky craft tea. It’s a delightful beverage you’ll want to keep going back for while it’s available during the summer months, and it’s a great reminder that sometimes the Frappuccino isn’t always the Starbucks star.

Photos ©SoraNews24
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Japan’s only Starbucks on a bullet train platform now has faster ways for passengers to get their coffee before boarding.

Starbucks Japan has announced the reopening of its Shinkansen platform store at JR Shin-Yokohama Station on 24 June, following a temporary closure for renovations that began at the end of April.

Operated by JR Central Retailing Plus, the store first opened in November last year as a new style of Starbucks based around a “Brewed to Go” concept. Designed to deliver a premium coffee experience to customers from the moment they begin their bullet train journeys, the store turned out to be more popular than expected, revealing opportunities for improvement that prompted it to close temporarily for renovations.

As the only Starbucks on a Shinkansen platform, the store quickly became popular with coffee-loving commuters. However, with only one touchscreen ordering terminal, longer-than anticipated queues formed, making it an inconvenient pitstop for travellers on a tight train schedule.

▼ The store, as it looked in December last year.

Image©SoraNews24

Following the refurbishment, Starbucks says it has now improved its ordering process, introduced original Starbucks equipment designed to increase coffee brewing speed, and strengthened store operations. With two touchscreen ordering terminals instead of one, the company says the renewed store is now equipped to provide customers with a more streamlined coffee experience as they set off on their journeys.

▼ The revamped store, following the two-month refurbishment.

Another noticeable improvement at the store is the introduction of the chain’s latest brewing machine, Clover Vertica, which has been independently developed by Starbucks and is gradually being rolled out at regular stores. The machine grinds coffee beans for each individual cup, allowing customers to enjoy “freshly brewed coffee with a rich aroma”.

Like before, customers place their orders through the touchscreen terminals and pay with cashless payment methods – transport IC cards, electronic money, credit cards and QR code payments – but now there’s the added option of mobile ordering. By using the mobile ordering system, customers can place their order and pay before even arriving at the store, helping ensure their drinks and snacks are ready in time for their train departure. Starbucks Cards can’t currently be used at the touchscreen terminals, but can be used through mobile ordering.

Starbucks employees will continue to be on hand to add a personal touch to customers’ journeys by creating a welcoming experience at the store. As for the menu, the options remain unchanged, with several varieties of brewed coffee, in hot and iced versions, being the main focus, along with light snacks such as cookies.

You can pick up a tall brewed coffee, hot or iced, for 437 yen (US$3). Made using high-quality Arabica coffee beans carefully selected from coffee-growing regions around the world, this classic coffee allows customers to “explore the company’s coffee journey through a variety of flavours”.

The Chocolate Chunk Cookie (236 yen) is one of the standouts on the light food menu. Packed with large chunks of chocolate, this cookie offers a rich chocolate flavour in every bite, with fragrant buttery notes creating a satisfying snack, with or without a side of coffee.

While some might see the temporary closure of the Shinkansen store as a setback for the chain, it’s actually an admirable move for Starbucks to identify areas for improvement and make changes when needed. After all, with speed being a primary concern at this branch, where customers need to get their coffees as quickly as the train they are about to board, there’s no time for delays.

Source, images: Press release unless otherwise stated
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Nook Inc. takes part in delicious new business venture.

Baskin-Robbins Japan’s Dragon Quest promotion is down to its last few days, with the series’ Slime mascot set to shuffle off to Yoshinoya soon. Sweets fans don’t need to feel too bad about this, though, as some other adorable characters will be taking up temporary residence at Baskin-Robbins thanks to a collaboration with Nintendo’s Animal Crossing!

Baskin-Robbins has teamed up with Nintendo before, but this is their first-ever Animal Crossing crossover. To mark the occasion, the ice cream chain has created a brand-new flavor, Animal Crossing Summer Island Feast.

Taking its colorful design cues from the game’s vibrant environments, Summer Island Feast is a mix of pear, apple, and Ramune (citrus apple cider) ice cream, respectively representing the green forests, sandy beaches, and sparkling seas of Animal Crossing’s geography. Also part of the ingredient lineup are little candy fish, ready to bring back memories of Animal Crossing’s extensive fishing mini game system.

▼ A single regular-sized scoop of Summer Island Feast is 420 yen (US$2.60), but if you’re hungry enough for a second flavor too, Baskin-Robbins recommends pairing it with musk melon or its perennially popular Popping Shower.

You don’t necessarily have to be in the mood for the fruity flavors of the Summer Island Feast to get in on the Animal Crossing fun, though. There’s also the Animal Crossing Double Cup, which gets you two scoops of whatever ice cream you want inside a cup decorated with illustrations of the game’s cast (510 for small scoops, 760 for regular-size).

Off course, when there are opportunities for new ventures, you have to expect Nook Inc. to take notice, right? The Nook Inc. Special Double Cup is a little pricier (680 yen for small or 930 for regular), but it comes with a cute rubber spoon strap of enterprising tanuki Timmy and Tommy.

The charm comes clipped to a loop that you can slide over a pen or pencil so you can enjoy their company even at times when, tragically, you’re not eating ice cream, and you can also take the charm completely off the loop and instead clip it to your bag or elsewhere.

If you want to go full-sundae with your desserts, there are two to choose from, starting with the Present Box Single Sundae. 820 yen gets you a small scoop of your choice of ice cream, covered with whipped cream and sprinkles and with an Animal Crossing item icon chocolate. All that comes served in a container modeled after the game’s in-game air-drop present boxes which can be rinsed out when you’re done eating and reused to store small items in, and plastic figures of K.K. Slider and Isabelle sweeten the deal.

Or you can step up to the Nighttime Island Double Sundae (1,350 yen), two small scoops served in a cup with konpeito (Japanese sugar candies) and chocolates representing star fragments and other celestial bodies.

Owl siblings Blathers and Celeste and here too, and representing the spookier side of after-sundown Animal Crossing is Wisp. If you find yourself feeling a chill form Wisp, it’s not just because he’s a ghost, because this one is also a reusable cooling gel pack, with a strap so that you can attach it to a bento lunch box or other items you want to keep chilled this summer.

Even Gulliver the seagull gets a salute with the Gulliver Washed Ashore Soda (620), a fizzy ice cream float that, judging from its blue color, it probably Ramune-like in flavor.

Rounding out the festivities are various Animal Crossing-themed party boxes for large ice cream takeout orders…

…including an Animal Crossing Special Set with eight scoops and a drawstring Bell Bag (3,000 yen for small-size scoops, 3,500 yen for regular)…

…and, finally, an Animal Crossing Ice Cream Cake (3,900 yen).

The Baskin-Robbins Japan/Animal Crossing collaboration kicks off July 1 and is scheduled to run until the end of the month, but odds are the spoon charms and cooling packs are going to sell out quickly, so fans will want to take this opportunity to do an ice cream run ASAP.

Source, images: PR Times
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Falsifying a relationship status can land you with a massive bill.

Romance is a beautiful thing: two strangers creating a bond that will tie them together for a lifetime of love and joy. Sadly, not every relationship endures, whether it be due to simply having different goals in life or being subjected to your partner’s dishonesty. In Japan, romantic deception can result in more than just tears, actually landing you in a civil court and facing a huge lawsuit, and a recent case demonstrates just how expensive how romantic falsehoods can get.

On June 23, the Tokyo District Court ordered a married man to pay over 4.6 million yen (US$28,400) in damages for practicing what is known locally as dokushin giso, or “fake singlehood”. According to the case details, a woman in her 30s dated the man in question for about two years under the false premise that he was a single divorcé, after being introduced through friends. In fact, the relationship had reached such a serious stage that the couple had already undergone fertility treatment together, which ultimately resulted in a pregnancy.

▼ How do you even explain this to your future child?

However, despite the man claiming he had decided to marry the woman after two months of dating and filling out a marriage registration form, it was eventually found out that he was still married. After the pregnancy advanced, and with no further signs of progression towards marriage, she eventually became suspicious and confronted him, leading to his confession that he was not divorced and already had children. The woman, who later gave birth, joined her parents in filing a lawsuit seeking a hefty 19 million yen in compensation. According to the Japan Civil Code (Articles 709 and 710), anyone who intentionally or negligently infringes upon another person’s rights is legally liable to compensate for the resulting damages, which can include mental distress and emotional suffering.

In fake singlehood cases like this, the court rules that lying about being single infringes upon a person’s teisoken, or the legal right to sexual autonomy and the freedom to choose a romantic partner. As this is a violation of civil rights rather than a criminal law, a person can’t actually face any criminal charges or jail time for purporting singlehood. No money or property has changed hands, so it doesn’t fall under the umbrella of “fraud”, nor is it considered to be a sexual offense, which means that police don’t have any room for prosecution. However, in lieu of a criminal record, the civil courts are more than happy to drain the bank account of the person in question.

While the man admitted to the lie in court, his defense was pretty casual, claiming that he was considering a divorce when they met. As time went on, the relationship just “continued aimlessly” because he missed the right timing to break it off. This didn’t go over too well with the court, with them ruling in the favor of the deceived partner.

▼ “There was never a good time.”

The story may not end up coming to a conclusion there, either, because there is another party to this whole debacle: the betrayed spouse. In Japan, though it is rare, if someone has an affair, the partner can sue the one who committed the affair for emotional distress under the same articles of the Civil Code for disrupting the legal peace of the marriage, which could see him paying up even more. The spouse could also potentially go after the woman her husband cheated on her with, depending on how distressed or vindictive she’s feeling.

So, if you’re ever considering dating in Japan, it pays to be completely honest about your circumstances, since thinking “just one little lie couldn’t possibly hurt anyone” could result in you paying a lot more than you were expecting in compensation.

Source: Nitele News via Livedoor News
Top image: Pakutaso
Insert images: Pakutaso (1, 2)
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