Full of an interesting thing

From the Department of Superb Packaging:
osaka.png

My friend Andrew brought this back for us from Japan, where he spent two weeks over the academic break. I think it is brilliant, especially considering that the contents were Steam Cakes—a kind of Japanese Twinkies—and the English-language product copy on the wrapper gives you…absolutely no clue that you have just received a box of delicious Steam Cakes.

How refreshing that somewhere in this world there is still a commitment to preserving a sense of wonder and mystery! At least for English speakers.

On a more linguistic-philosophical note, I like to think that “Osaka is a town full of an interesting thing,” is not really a mistake, but rather a change of heart. I imagine the copy writer sitting at his desk, thinking about how many interesting things there are in Osaka, how the city is fairly bursting with interesting things. Bursting! He begins to write, “Osaka is a town full!

Then he comes thudding back down to earth. He can actually only think of one interesting thing in Osaka. Crap.

“…of an interesting thing.”

I empathize. I have had the same experience with my dissertation chapters. “I have written a chapter full!

Oh, crap.

“…of an interesting thing.”

3 Responses to “Full of an interesting thing”

  1. Katie Says:

    If only I could write an interesting thing even half the time. I love things translated into English.

  2. Rima Says:

    You MUST check out http://engrish.com/

  3. Shelda Says:

    Too cute! It’s good to see you back, even if it’s just a blip between chapters.