I did not like tofu that much when I was young. Until I studied in Japan, I had experienced the various delicious tofu. Good tofu is so sweet, soft and none of beany smell. Especially freshly made tofu will be the most delicious. So I becomes one of tofu lover.
Speaking of tofu reminds me of one of big hit in Japan last year. Shingo Ito, the second genaration of Sanwa toyu, the tofu maker succeeded in using the unusual names strategy like “kaze ni fukarete tofuya Johnny” (Johnny the tofu maker, blowing in the wind) and “otokomae tofu” (handsome tofu).
When I first heard these names, What? Why tofu has English name? It sounds so funky, giving me a picture of a youngster with blonde dyed hair who love surfing on weekend.
Attract the attention, create curiousity then became buzz in web and to the town. Beyond their name, its rich&strong flavor amazed people and have to admit its quality that they are not unusual both name and taste.
From the tofu maker selling 100 yen tofu to the exclusive tofu maker with 3 times price of 300 yen per piece and created the incredible sales. The new company named Otokomae tofu was established with promising sales while other tofu companies are fading away as the result of price-cutting war by the supermarket.
Otokomae tofu stepped further in unusual way, put their great effort on the company website in strengthening the image with funky characters and music including selling promotional merchandise. Certainly new lines are continuously starring.
Cool tofu!
Dear Anchalee-Curious Pig sama,
Photos are so stylish and cute! Actually I didn’t know the “otokomae-tofu”, while I’m in Tokyo. You’re so-called “haya-mimi”, or I’m out of date.
January 26th, 2007, at 9:59 pm #I love otokomae tofu! The packaging is great, but the tofu really is quality!
Great blog! I like your photos, too!
February 16th, 2007, at 8:14 am #Thank you very much. I like their packaging and characters too. Nice to meet you and you are always welcomed.
February 16th, 2007, at 8:05 pm #