Was in Akihabara over the weekend with some friends from Singapore and spotted these “Ultra Cider” – Ultraman themed carbonated soft drinks by Japanese beverage maker Dydo. And what better designs to use for the cans than the familiar red and grey patterns of Ultraman’s costume ?
I stole a taste from my friend who bought a can and it didn’t taste too bad ( better at least, than the Final Fantasy Potion or Green Tea Coke. ), and at 100 yen (about USD 1.50) its actually cheaper than most soft drinks one can find in vending machines here. ( usually in the range of 130-160 yen )
(above) Ultraman 101 – Bite-sized Ultraman trivia you can find on the reverse side of the cans. (below) Collect all 12 can designs today ! I seriously had no idea there were so many different Ultramans out there looking at all the different can designs – clearly not a diehard fan.
SHHAAAHH ! Ultra Cider, anyone ?
4
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June 29th, 2009 at 9:04 pm
YOu’ll become ultraman when you drink this…
June 29th, 2009 at 10:48 pm
When I went to Akiba on the last Sat, Kotobukiya(in Radio Kaikan) had a clearance sale for Ultra Cider. The price tag was only JPY50!
June 29th, 2009 at 11:24 pm
I’m real sorry but the more I look at the UltraCider bottles the more I think of Nietzsche’s comment about staring into an abyss..:)
Seriously, what is Japan’s (indeed all the world’s) inability to market successful drinks that don’t rely on raiding Toei or Toho Studios for ideas?
June 30th, 2009 at 12:58 am
wooooooooow, nice design!! 😛
I love the pretty design in almost all japanese products (cans, wallpapers, wall screens, etc. ) Actually i bring some to my home jejeje…. but i didnt´t see any special edition can 🙁
(I remember some nice work of a of a cd with a green background an a white solid chipmunk with headphones) crazy…
anything for a ultraman or final fantasy can here…!
June 30th, 2009 at 3:20 am
Badass! Hail japanese packaging!
July 1st, 2009 at 1:06 pm
I’m quite puzzled by the above comment on Japan being unable to market things without raiding Toei/Soho/what other major Jap studio you can name. The fact that many people love the characters is a good enough reason to make fun merchandise that fans can appreciate and they can gain a profit from.
As for Japan being unable to brand independently of franchises they establish themselves, I’m really not quite sure where you’re coming from.
Not sure why one could be unhappy that we have drinks made after classic heroes that are actually of nostalgic value instead of Disney Channel kids.
I wish we had these drinks over here… Actually, I’d even be more excited if they started doing Kamen Rider ones! Thanks for posting these Halcyon! My friend had introduced me to these a while ago, here’s his brief post on it!
http://baku2.blogspot.com/2009/04/another-ultraman-cider.html
July 3rd, 2009 at 7:26 am
love the packaging, now if only I could have a taste
July 3rd, 2009 at 3:35 pm
How about the taste?, if you can compare it with some other drink, what it taste like? 😛
July 3rd, 2009 at 9:00 pm
JD Salinger – No 3 minutes limit, I hope ! :]
don777 – Cheap ! I should have snagged some !
Eeeper – I suppose drinks just sell alot better when there’s someone famous peddling it, celebrity, singer, or superhero. Then again, that the case with most other things.
Jamaipanese/rulascalaca – It tastes pretty close to say, a Mitsuya Cider drink that you can find in all convenience stalls here.
Bitter Lix – Ditto that !
weigy – Hmm Kamen Rider…they might just release that soon, if they haven’t already. :] Thanks for the link ! Also, I’ve replied to your questions on the Range Murata post, check it out.
July 1st, 2010 at 4:54 am
Never knew about these drinks, wish they would sell these in the states.