Even before setting foot in the Land of the Rising sun (2004), something had drawn me to it - the language, the culture, and all points in between. As such I have come to enjoy many facets of Japanese culture over the years: its music, its anime, and many of its wacky food and drink products. Below is how I was introduced to some of these facets of Japanese culture, for better or worse.

[ Pocky | Pocari Sweat ]

Pocky, a snack first sold in Japan in 1965 under the name “Chocoteck” and so named after the sound it makes when bitten (pokkin), has to be one of the most quintessentially recognized Japanese snacks throughout the world. It’s a simple product – a slender biscuit dipped in chocolate – but it has found its way into the most sophisticated hearts and minds of millions worldwide. You can get it, in dozens of flavors and varieties, virtually anywhere.

I was first introduced to Pocky during the Summer of 2000 after an aquaintance of mine advised me to look for a box or two while at EPCOT. It was her favorite, you see, and knowning that I enjoyed chocolate and Japanese things,she thought Pocky would be a sure winner. Since they sell a lot of Japanese goods (clothes and food products) within the Japanese pavilion at EPCOT, and I lived in close proximity to Walt Disney World, I was sure to find some. I went in one afternoon to check the product out and became instantly hooked on these marvelous chocolate wonders!

There are dozens upon dozens of flavors, including but not limited to: Chocolate, Vanilla, Strawberry, Almond Chocolate, Dark (Men's Pocky), and many, many others. At first I bought just one box to enjoy, then two. Before long the count began to multiply until I was up to 4 and 5 boxes of mixed flavors a week! I've even been able to enjoy a box while waiting for an over-night train from Paris to Firenze at Gare du Nord (2003), if you can believe that. And snacking on Pocky in its native land? Divine! Although I don't partake in Pocky nearly as often as I once did, the chocolate snack remains forever in my heart (or stomach?) and has become an occasional indulgence of happiness. It's good stuff!

Pocari Sweat, on the other hand, is a more recent concoction (first sold in 1980) and has found a loyal following in the “ion-replacement” niche. Much like the sports drink craze in the United States (Gatorade, PowerAde, Propel, etc,) Pocari Sweat is the Japanese equivalent, advertised to help replace vital electrolytes and nutrients lost in perspiration. The name is somewhat uninviting to many English speakers (although I find it quite on target,) but the contents therein are quite enjoyable. It has a very light, fruity taste, and a quick ability to hydrate. I’d recommend the drink on that principle alone; it’s what kept me going in Japan - a sip of Pocari Sweat and away I went! Curiosity got the better of me one morning as I stood beside one of Japan's famous vending machines. A few coins later and I was enjoying it! If you're in Japan, or an ethnic area that might sell the drink, I recommend it. It's not for everyone, but I do love it!