In Times of Need

Japanese businesses are doing what they can to help the hundreds of thousands left homeless in the northern region. Yoshinoya sped three food trucks to the area and cooked up over 5,000 piping-hot bowls of beef. Nissin Foods donated one million cups of their signature ramen. And for a limited time, 7-Eleven reduced the price of pre-packaged rice balls.

And just like a good business should, some sites have revved up promotions for things people want in times of need. Rakuten, for example, has a page highlighting items like wind-up flashlights, foldable buckets and mini electric cooking pots. One of the site’s top-selling items is a 15-pack supply of Yoshinoya beef (free delivery!):

Of course, it’s the basics that are most in need: water, medicine, diapers, heaters; all the things we take for granted.

Unfortunately, delivery trucks are still having a hard time reaching many of the worst-hit areas. So it may take a few extra days for packages to arrive even if you pay for faster service. In the meantime, someone should call up the U.S. military for same-day delivery!

Himawari

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Super-Size My Lunch!

What’s better than a Japanese bento? How about a Japanese bento 1.5 times its size?

That’s what you’ll find stacked at train station kiosks these days. It’s part of the “mega” boom going on across the country where people are getting more for their hard-earned money. It’s an unlikely sales tactic in a country of skinny people, but during economic hard times even skinny people yearn for a bargain.

In the U.S. it was McDonalds that pioneered the super-size menu. Now Japan has caught on with its Mega Mac — four patties and three buns — and the Mega Muffin, a monster breakfast sandwich stacked with two pork patties, two bacon strips, a slice of cheese and a poached egg. Americans haven’t even seen the likes of that one. Yikes!

At restaurant chain Sukiya, they serve mega beef bowls with grilled onions and nearly half a pound of juicy meat. It’s 1,286 calories — over half the recommended daily intake — but priced at $6, I’d say it’s worth the artery cloggage. Of course, Yoshinoya has been the hungry-man champ for years with its ‘special large’ (tokumori) beef bowl. Late last year, one of its workers made a viral video showing someone piling the beef on like it was Sears Tower. They called it the ‘tera’ beef bowl. Hungry viewers flocked to the nearest Yoshinoya hoping to get one, though of course it was only a joke.

Typically speaking, Japanese people abide by the saying, “Hara hachi bu,” meaning you should eat to no more than 80% stomach capacity (otherwise you’ll be a fatty). Restaurants often accommodate the mantra by serving portions so dainty you’d think it was just the starter. But in 2008, the mentality of ‘less is more’ is out the door. Now it’s all about MEGA! \(^.^)/

Himawari

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Thinking of doing business in Japan? We can make it easy for you!
JPBizDirect, a Los Angeles based company, provides practical solutions for U.S. ? Japan business projects. Our experienced Japanese staff will support all phases of your business project to seize business opportunities and turn your vision into a reality. >> Learn more
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