I came to Japan for new experiences of course. One of those new experiences involves trying new foods, but beyond that, new flavors. Not only do they have ice cream here, they have red bean ice cream. Not only do they have frappaccinos here, they have green tea frappuccinos. Melon and mango are also big flavors that aren't so prevalent in the States, but so far I haven't found anything to be scared of...well, until a few weeks ago. I'd like to think that I have the courage to try anything once (yes, I have been to a public bath house and it is not awful) so when the manager at my school offered me a piece of "traditional Japanese candy" (which I no longer believe to be true), I figured I'd give it a chance. The other thing that it had going for it is that it was made in Hokkaido. (Interesting culture note: Things from Hokkaido are automatically thought of to be quality. "Made in Hokkaido" is a major selling point for just about any food item in Japan. Hokkaido melons can go for $200 a pop in Ginza.) So he hands me this candy which at first glance looks exactly like a Starburst. Same size, same consistency, same wrapping. Except that it was brown. I don't know what kind of fruit is brown, but how bad could it be? As soon as I put it in my mouth, he starts laughing. BAD SIGN. Bad bad bad bad bad bad sign. This is decidedly worse than the time I ate sea urchin gonads. Read: WORSE than sea urchin gonads.... So it turns out it was lamb flavored candy. Grilled lamb to be exact. They put that into candy. They put grilled lamb into tiny bite sized cubes and called it candy. Ew ew ew ew ew. Meat candy. Meat does NOT belong anywhere near candy. I realize I am American and therefore am stereotyped into my preference of extremely sweet things, but candy is supposed to be extremely sweet! It's allowed! Not just allowed, required! If you want lamb as a snack product, put it into jerky. Don't make it look like candy!
Update: This guy doesn't like them either.
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