Item: Tsuruhashi Fugetsu Okonomiyaki Matchstick Matches
Description: During the Autumn of 2009 my brother and his close friend came to visit both me and to see Japan. Being a resident of Osaka I had to introduce them to Okonomiyaki, the local favorite of cabbage, lettuce, assorted veggies, egg, wheat flour, batter, and anything you want as a topping. The common trend is to order "the works" which would include absolutely everything from pork to squid to eel. After the delightful and filling dinner we exited the restaurant with the interest to obtain some sort of souvenir, thus being these matchstick matches. I love the coloring of the matchsticks, and the fact that this restaurant opted to give out matchbox style matches really says something.
Upon leaving I threw these matches to my brother who in return drops them. This resulted in an American girl duo outside to laugh and my brother replies "They're laughing at me! That's not funny.." Much to their surprise, because of his Asian stature, were surprised with his absolutely fluent English. Never underestimate anyone, girls. That's your lesson.
Upon further discovery, matches are not allowed on flights due to possible terrorist risk, so these matches were left behind. I don't think I'll ever use a single one.
Tsuruhashi Fugetsu