In America, stomach remedies are usually accompanied by the image of someone who ate too much. In Japan, the need is greatest among those who overindulged at last night’s office drinking party, and those who periodically have to take life-altering exams.
That’s why this popular intestinal anguish remedy comes in two sizes: one for adults and one for elementary/middle school students. On February 1-3, kids vying to enter select middle schools and high schools will take the grueling exams that put them on the path to fame and fortune or doom them to a life of tedious toiling. The exam is given only once a year. If you’re sick, too bad. This over-the-counter remedy “Stoppa” claims to work aggressively fast to keep you from doing anything you might not want to do in the middle of a test. Or on a crowded subway train.
I saw this same ad today on the Tokyo Metro and thought it was worthy of taking a picture and sharing with my friends. I really enjoy reading your blog, being an American in Tokyo, or as I like to call it… Planet Tokyo!
Thanks for the kind words! I’m glad we found each other!
And HAR, Planet Tokyo. It made me smile, thinking of both of us on separate trains, examining that ad and searching our denshi jishos for the kanji that turns out to mean “diarrhea.” At least I hope you had to look it up – would hate to think you were already familiar with it >_<