Owakudani Black Egg Factory

This is a photo of the black egg factory in Owakudani, Hakone. The when eggs are cooked in the boiling, sulfur spring water, the shells turn black. It has long been said that these eggs bringing health to those who eat them.

Meiji Domasshuno Yogurt

Yesterday I mentioned the first Greek style yogurt in Japan, which reminded me of another yogurt which was sold here several years ago. Meiji, which sells Bulgaria yogurt - the top selling yogurt brand in Japan, also marketed a slightly condensed version based on traditional Bulgarian practices (Domasshuno ドマッシュノ) which was sold at a more modest premium and in larger containers (250 yen for 350 ml) than the Greek yogurt discussed yesterday (180 yen for 80 ml). Unfortunately a direct comparison of the products is impossible now, but it would be interesting. In the marketing for Domasshuno, the emphasis was placed on high quality (use of premium Meiji Oishii or Delicious Milk) and a proprietary low temperature culture process to produce a better texture.

(Meiji Domasshuno Yogurt info from 2007)
http://trend.foodsnews.com/products/view/393

Photo is a web capture for explanatory purposes, copyright belongs to the company.

Meiji Perfect Plus Honey Toast

Meiji, as part of its Perfect Plus Morning Balance heath bar series, is selling a honey toast flavored variety. On the nutrient balance table, fiber, 10 vitamins, calcium, iron, glucose and caffeine are listed. I find the last two a bit odd. This is a meal replacement product, but does not word it that way - instead it just says one bar will satisfy you. So the caffeine (only 10 mg) could be thought of as part of the breakfast replacement, but not exactly sure why they mention the glucose.

http://www.meiji.co.jp/health/p-plus/balance/balance_honey.html

Photo is a web capture for explanatory purposes, copyright belongs to the company.

FamilyMart Hatsune Miku Onigiri

As part of their Hatsune Miku promotion same of the food items such as these onigiri (rice ball) offerings have the character on the label. One of these is a zangi fried chicken and mayo musubi onigiri and the other is a tuna and mayo onigiri.

http://www.family.co.jp/goods/thisweek/kanto_01.html

Link with good photos
http://gigazine.net/news/20120813-hatsune-yakisoba/  

Photo is a web capture for explanatory purposes, copyright belongs to the company.

Ramen Shop Ticket Machine

Ramen shops in Japan frequently have prepay machines which while certainly not classy, make the shops easier to run and get people in and out more quickly. You can choose the exact ramen variety, additional toppings, drinks and side orders this way.

Meiji Pucca Chocolate Treats

Meiji has sells a product called Pucca which has milk chocolate or strawberry chocolate covered with a pretzel shell. Individual treats are shaped somewhat like sea creatures, in a nod to ototo cookies I suppose, but are not identified as such. The characters are just described as friends out on an adventure.

http://www.meiji.co.jp/sweets/chocolate/pucca/products/

Photo is a web capture for explanatory purposes, copyright belongs to the company.