Last time, we brought you a set of rather perplexing "Naan Bread Bicycle Seat Covers," and today's item, in my humble opinion, shares a similar quirky charm. Japanese toy brand TARLIN International (ターリン・インターナショナル) is launching this month (August) their gashapon product, "Chikuwa-Shaped Convenient Goods" (tentative translation, ちくわの便利グッズ)! Each capsule is priced at 400 JPY, with a total of 4 styles to collect.
Chikuwa, a popular ingredient in both Oden and hot pot, is a long, slender, hollow food product typically made from fish paste, soy protein, and flour, with added seasonings or regional specialty ingredients. It has a chewy, springy texture, and if cooked in hot pot for an extended period, it develops an irresistibly soft and dense consistency! (This is my personal preference! For reference only XD)
These Chikuwa-themed goods take the distinctive appearance of Chikuwa to the extreme, infusing it with practical (?) functions to create the "Long Chikuwa Strap Cover," "Mini Chikuwa Handle Cover," "Chikuwa Umbrella Grip Cover," and "Chikuwa-Shaped Pouch." Not only do they replicate the dark brown, seemingly grilled center, but they also feature adorable wrinkled textures. The Chikuwa Umbrella Grip Cover is particularly useful for distinguishing your umbrella from others and showcasing your unique taste! For office workers and sales professionals who frequently use pens, the slender Chikuwa-shaped pouch would surely be quite handy!
● Long Chikuwa Strap Cover (ロングちくわ 取手ホルダー)
● Mini Chikuwa Handle Cover (ミニちくわ 取手ホルダー)
● Chikuwa Umbrella Grip Cover (ちくわカバー)
● Chikuwa-Shaped Pouch (ちくわケース)
ちくわの便利グッズ
Suggested Retail Price: ¥400 / capsule, Product Specifications: Approximately 10–26 cm in length, 4 types in total, Estimated Release Date: August 2024
Source: TARLIN Capsule Collection [Official]