Sweets for Men

“Sweets Otoko (Man)” is the new buzzword describing the growing number of Japanese men buying up desserts these days as shops and cafes hone in on this untapped demographic. News is going around that more men are visiting the local ‘dessert buffet,’ which has been a notoriously female-only affair.

For those who don’t know, ‘dessert buffets’ are like salad bars: you pay a set fee to stuff your face. Sometimes there’s a time limit and oftentimes there’s a line out the door. Eating events like these only come a few times a month for a limited number of hours, so it becomes a big spectacle.

I could see why men up until now have been so intimidated by swarms of women running after a tray of creme brulee. Though these days, men are starting to arrive with their own crew of sugar-happy friends.

I’ve mentioned here before the popularity of fresh caramels. And more recently you’ll see caramels seasoned with pepper, salt, or even wasabi (!?) And if you don’t think size matters, think again. The website Men’s Sweets Cafe lists an assortment of extra large desserts, from super-size chocolate cake to whipping cream-filled mochi. That’s more bang for your bundt cake!

Personally, I’d love to try this chocolate pudding. It’s light on sugar and has hints of salt and cinnamon. It looks so soft and velvety it makes me want to drink it down like milk.

Of course, Pocky was the true innovator of this ‘for men’ trend. Men’s Pocky seemed silly at the time, but it did stir interest. It’s no different from regular Pocky other than being coated in dark chocolate. But most straight guys wouldn’t be caught nibbling on a pink stick.

It almost feels like reverse discrimination to see all these delicious desserts being labeled for men. They look so good and who says women don’t enjoy dark chocolate, salt and pepper in their sweets? As a strong, liberated female, I’m making a plea to take our desserts back. Who’s with me?!

Himawari

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We Must, We Must, We Must Increase Our Bust

Those of you familiar with Judy Blume’s young adult novels will recognize the above title from her classic book “Are You There God? It’s Me, Margaret.” In it, a group of sixth grade girls form a secret club and angst about boys and bust sizes, hoping to chant and exercise their way to fuller figures.

If only they’d heard of Japan’s F-cup Cookie! More than just a tasty treat, it’ll have you buying new bras to support your suddenly enormous assets. (Supposedly.) Don’t care for cookies?There’s an entire line of Bust Up products to choose from, including cakes, puddings, gum, teas, soaps, gels and even boring old pills.All of them contain an herb from Thailand called Pueraria Mirifica. According to the company’s info page, taking 10 pills per day (which is more than the recommended dosage) will help you fill out that sweater while also shedding pounds.

F-cup and Bust Up apparently shouldn’t be ingested by women under the age of 21. Too bad, Margaret; you’ve got a long wait ahead of you.

Sarah S.

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Christmas Dates and Christmas Cakes

Judging by the festive commercialism, Christmas is upon us. It may not snow in Los Angeles, but when there’s a signpost at the mall heralding the arrival of “hunky Santa” you know something’s around the corner.

In Japan, Christmas is harder to figure out. There’s a fair share of reindeer and candy canes in the storefront but come December 25^th people are still grinding numbers at work. In Los Angeles, the entire city shuts down.

And while Christmas Eve means quality time with family, in Japan it’s date night. Couples will go out to a fancy restaurant, he’ll hand her a gift, she’ll gush, he’ll take her to a “love hotel” (more about this later) and she’ll call her mom to say she’s staying over “at a friend’s.”

I was never lucky enough to have a date on Christmas Eve. One year, I found myself hanging out with the lonely hearts club, in fact. A group of us hit up a kombini for booze and dried squid and then laid under a kotatsu (electrically heated table) all night watching comedy shows. In the morning, my breath reeked of something nasty.

In Japan, Christmas is also the time for strawberry shortcake. They coat it with white frosting, create a wintry scene with miniature reindeer and snowmen, and write “Merry Christmas” in red gel. It’s one of those cakes you wish you could both have and eat at the same time. What I didn’t know until recently was that Christmas cakes started as a British tradition though they’re generally fruitcakes. Like always, the Japanese took an idea and made it better. =P

Christmas in Japan may not conjure up the same fuzzy feelings as when I’m home with family, but in its own way it’s a lot of fun. I was so happy one year when I found someone to share a Christmas cake with. Maybe when I’m in town again I’ll snag someone for a Christmas date! (^_<)

Himawari

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