The Tuna is strong in this one.

There was a great disturbance in the Force when Japanese canned food producer Hagoromo Foods, one of Japan’s most famed producers of ‘sea chicken’ tuna fish in a can, broadcast the below “Star Wars” sea chicken commercial back in 1978.

Using the Force, Hagoromo Foods seems to suggest that the galaxy far, far away would have found peace if only they had the opportunity to indulge in a bit of Hagoromo canned tuna together. Incidentally, the hit film “Star Wars” had opened in Japan the same year that the sea chicken commercial was broadcast.

I wonder if the commercial is a complete rip-off or back in 1978 George Lucas got a silent cut for it and just thought that nobody outside of Japan would ever see it.

For more Japanese Star Wars craziness check out Japan’s Star Wars range of pachinko machines.

The February 2010 edition of the “Gekkan J-News Review”, a monthly wrap of five entertaining articles, events or observations related to Japan that piqued my interest. Not always mainstream and sometimes obscure yet invariably intriguing.

Murder exposes world of hired marriage wreckers

A murder case in Tokyo exposed Japan’s custom of hiring marriage wreckers. Businesses that specialise in breaking up relationships are known as “wakaresaseya” (“splitter upper”) where undercover operatives are paid to seduce people into an affair in order to provide divorce grounds. Read more.

Winter Hike in Nikko National Park by Mike’s Blender

A lonesome hiker escapes the bustling Tokyo megapolis to embark on a winter adventure. Trekking through deep snow along Lake Chuzenji and Lake Yunoko in the Nikko National Park he searches for solitude with Mount Nantai providing the backdrop. Read more.

Japan Plans to Ignore Any Ban on Bluefin Tuna

Japan opposes plans to list the Atlantic bluefin tuna, which is highly prized in sushi and sashimi, as a most-endangered species and to ban its international trade. Japan consumes about 80 percent of the bluefin tuna caught in the Mediterranean. Read more.

33 Must See Japanese Scenes by Muza-chan

A mega-list of thirty three recommended “must see” unique scenes that can be found only in Japan that ranges from traditional festivals, traditional theater, religion, pop culture, architecture, transport, food, clothing, martial arts and games. Read more.

« January 2010 Gekkan J-News Review