Ultraman Leads to Great Success

Now, when looking through the myriad of tasty automated-vended beverage opportunities in Japan, what, do you think, is one of the top features that you should look for?
　














Why, how about endorsement by none other than Ultraman himself!

Now, people from Europe may not be completely familiar with the adventures and exploits of the great man himself. I do sort of remember a computer game featuring the silver hero, maybe guest-starring Gozilla.

Anyway, it is fairly safe to say that a super-hero from Japan will be fairly advanced in overall skills and technology employed, but will not noisy or messy at all. Probably he is excessively polite. And works very hard.

And, although we only see the good side of Batman and Superman, I bet you they stole street signs when they were younger.

So, when such a product is offered at the promotional rate of 100Yen ($1), it would be a crime to not get involved.




　
The drink itself it a "Saida", with sounds like Cider, but in fact is a sweet soda. Its like a mild version of Tizer, or Iron Bru, with a hint of isotonic drink. Quite good, actually.

The can says that Ultraman earned his stripes protecting the world in the space patrol team. Following this, he then joined the "Crew Guys", who specialise in protecting the earth. It appears that in typical Japanese fashion, he is part of a team and not a lone ranger.

The front of the can even looks like Ultraman's face. However, there are loads of different types you can buy and, er, collect, I guess.

This is the part where I became I true believer in the power of Ultraman:

Now, as you already know, all vending machines in Japan are clean, well-functioning, reasonably priced, and don't steal your money.

And there is usually one within ten seconds walk in any compass direction.

And, by my estimate, there are between eight and ten billion varieties of drinks available.

But what you probably didn't know is what this is:

　
"If the number goes like this, you get a free bottle" (!)

A random set of four numbers comes up. For me, it flashed 9999. And all the lights under the 100Y drinks lit up! I hit this one:




　
So, what does a free Pocket Juice Stnad taste like?

Very interesting.

Its kiwi fruit juice, which actually tastes a lot like lime juice, but with loads of chunky pieces of kiwi in it.

The texture of the bits is a little unusual. But the flavour is good.

Overall, quite good, not bad, certainly not for a free drink.