Watch out for misleading labels in Japan

There have been some convenient, but very misleading trends in consumerism in Japan leading non-Japanese reading visitors and residents to making annoying and sometimes dangerous mistakes.

For example, above you can see a だし Dashi (soup stock) vending machine right next to a normal drink machine. Sure, it's more expensive and there is a flying fish on it, but there is nothing stopping you from thinking it is a regional delicacy drink that you want to try.

I have meet a few visitors who have spent the 450 yen on the "drink" only to be utterly disappointed.

Then there is the latest advertising style of Chu-hai alcoholic cocktail type drinks which feature fruit pictures and look just like juice if you don't notice the ALC 5% or understand the 酒 kanji you may make the mistake. I have met a few families that mistakenly gave these to their children who then (luckily) spat it out. But this is quite a serious safety issue that I hope Kirin and other major brands start taking more seriously.