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Cow Piss Vending Machine in Tokyo

Feb 13, 2013 by Daniel McBane 6 Comments

Tokyo Calpis Vending Machine

Alright, so they’re not actually selling cow piss, but that’s what it sounds like when someone offers you some Calpis. Since they’re also responsible for Pocari Sweat, I have to believe the Japanese are the undisputed champions of unfortunate drink names. This particular vending machine is located in the Bentencho area of Shinjuku in Tokyo, but you can find them pretty much anywhere in Japan.

Calpis is made from water, nonfat dry milk and lactic acid. The unusual name reflects this: it is a combination of Calcium (Cal) and the sanskrit word “sarpis” (pis), which means “butter flavor.” In some countries, like the United States, the name was changed to Calpico for obvious reasons.

For those who want to try this stuff, but can’t find it in stores, I did a search on Amazon.com. They mostly sell the American version, but they do have a few Calpis products with the original Japanese labels…and the prices for those are ridiculous.

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Filed Under: Funny Photos, Japan Tagged With: Calpis, funny image, Japan, strange food, vending machine

Comments

  1. Shalu Sharma says

    Feb 14, 2013 at 13:15

    Is this for real or just named cow piss (calpis). Weird stuff but very interesting. Well spotted.
    Shalu Sharma recently contributed to world literature by posting..Shy Indian womenMy Profile

    Reply
    • Daniel McBane says

      Feb 15, 2013 at 03:12

      No, it’s a kind of milky drink. I’m not really sure what’s in it. The name comes from calcium (Cal) and the Sanskrit word सर पिस (Pis).
      Daniel McBane recently contributed to world literature by posting..Large Drunk Bikers In Seoul’s Hongdae Children’s ParkMy Profile

      Reply
    • Daniel McBane says

      Feb 15, 2013 at 03:21

      After doing a little research to answer your comment, I’ve actually decided to add some information to the original post, so thank you.

      Reply
      • Shalu Sharma says

        Feb 16, 2013 at 08:19

        Interesting stuff. Sarpis does seem to be butter in Sanskrit. Interesting how they managed to come out with this word.

        Reply
  2. Erica says

    Feb 16, 2013 at 15:26

    Was this right next to the vending machine selling Crunky ice cream bars?
    Erica recently contributed to world literature by posting..the Suez CanalMy Profile

    Reply
    • Daniel McBane says

      Feb 17, 2013 at 03:06

      I don’t remember ever seeing any Crunky bars. They must be new.
      Daniel McBane recently contributed to world literature by posting..Conquering the Annapurna Circuit’s First HillMy Profile

      Reply

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As the more astute among you may have guessed, my name is Daniel McBane. I've been traveling and working overseas for almost ten years now and have finally decided to document some of the strange, crazy or just plain funny encounters and observations from my travels. I've also added a travel guide section, figuring I should reward my four readers by providing at least something of use. Read more on my about page.

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