Issue #12

Words by Cory Ohlendorf | Photography by Bandana

Japan has a well-earned reputation for good manners, sophistication and refinement. And the country’s work ethic has long been documented and revered. But for as hard as they work and as polite as the society is, these are people who love to drink, too. You can drink alone, out on the street or on a park bench. You can drink with friends and co-workers—in fact, it’s often expected of you to drink with your boss and regular team members. So the opportunities for a little over-indulgence are plentiful.

But even if you woke up on the sidewalk, with your head spinning and the taste of vomit on your tongue (more on that later), you’re not going to call in sick. You’re going to have to work. So you’re better off taking a proactive approach and staving off that hangover before it gets a chance to ruin your tomorrow. Perhaps this why Japan has revolutionized a whole category of drinks that promise to prevent hangovers. Designed to be consumed before a night of drinking, the little elixirs take a homeopathic approach and can be found at any convenience store. In fact, there’s often a whole section dedicated to these drinks—rows and rows of small bottles, which I thought were vitamin supplements or energy drinks at first.

I decided to try Ukon no Chikara. Twist the top and the classic “fruit flavor” has a medicinal aroma that somehow reassures you that it will do its job. It’s sharply sweet with a tangy aftertaste that makes me recall the kind of liquid medicine you were given as a child—the kind you’d try to swallow and forget as quickly as possible. But the cloying taste hangs on the tongue longer than you like. A more refined palate might pick up the strong turmeric notes and the acidic bite of citrus.

You will often see salarymen downing a bottle before heading to an izakaya. Some Japanese companies offer them as gifts to their employees before a year end party. And now, there are bars and clubs that will sell you one—just in case you forgot to buy it beforehand. That’s how big of a business it is here. But the real question is … do they work? The sheer popularity in Japan would suggest it must be effective. Otherwise, there wouldn’t be such a large market demand, right?

But according to Maya Feller, a registered dietician, there is real science to back up the claims. She says that turmeric is rich in lipophilic polyphenols and curcumin, both naturally occurring compounds with antioxidant and anti-inflammatory capabilities. And since inflammation and dehydration are the main contributing factors to why a hangover makes you feel so terrible, these tiny bottles—formulated with detoxifying amino acids and anti-inflammatory properties—will very well help you fend off the effects of a casual night of drinking. Kanpai!

All your news. None of the bias.

Be the smartest person in the room by reading 1440! Dive into 1440, where 3.5 million readers find their daily, fact-based news fix. We navigate through 100+ sources to deliver a comprehensive roundup from every corner of the internet – politics, global events, business, and culture, all in a quick, 5-minute newsletter. It's completely free and devoid of bias or political influence, ensuring you get the facts straight.

Subscribe to 1440 today.

Japan's undisputed king of basics, UNIQLO, has a new collaboration with renowned British designer Clare Waight Keller (who was also just named as the brand's new creative director). Last fall, they launched an affordable womenswear sub-label titled UNIQLO : C, but this year, the guys get in on the fun with a range of soft, sumptuous layers and oversized sweaters, along with handsome outerwear and a pair of very cool pull-on, lug sole boots. The standout, in my opinion, is this modern take on a classic checked coat. The double-face, wool blend fabric is lightweight yet insulating and non-itchy—certainly a feat considering the very reasonable price.

Nakama (仲間) is a term used for a close friend—one that's as close to you as family, despite any blood ties. This is your ride-or-die comrade, a reliable teammate and someone you can fully trust. Of course, the threshold of when you might consider someone a nakama is different for everyone. When you have gone through hardship with someone, they definitely become you’re nakama. This kind of build-up is often seen in the stories of anime and manga. Some fans of One Piece or My Hero Academia might have caught it being mentioned in the series.