Running Through Sprinklers

Continuing to look up info on the PPACA for 文章表現 class. It’s difficult translating the information and my thoughts into Japanese, since a lot of the vocabulary is specialized and often doesn’t have a single definitive translation.

For example, there were quite a few different translations for the “board” part of “Independent Payment Advisory Board,” but eventually I went with 機関  (独立支払諮問機関).

I went with 保険加入の義務付け for the “individual mandate” clause of the PPACA, which has been a hot topic since Judge Hudson of Virginia declared it an unconstitutional expansion of the Commerce Clause.

So once upon a time Nestle took advantage of Japan’s love of local and seasonal foods to localize and seasonal-ize KitKat flavors in Japan. Going to different areas in Japan yields different flavors that can’t be attained elsewhere (with the exception of international airports, as the picture below of a stand at Narita Airport shows).

For some examples: apple flavored KitKats can only be bought in the area around the border between Gifu and Nagano Prefectures. Caramel purin has only become available since the start of October in Halloween themed packaging.

Now, I spent my first year in Japan trying not to get obsessive about trying all the flavors (I love KitKats) but I have tried a fair few.

EDIT: (Nov 2010) I am no longer trying to not be obsessive. If I see a new flavor I will probably have to buy it and eat it :D

raspberry and passion fruit
maple
soy sauce
english milk tea
banana
ramune
green tea
caramel and salt
caramel purin
cola and lemon squash
framboise
aloe yogurt
cocoa (kutsurugi cacao)
sakura matcha
bitter almond
strawberry shortcake
potato (daigaku imo)
matcha milk
zanga (a sweet made from edamame)
custard purin
tiramisu