ビーノ・うま塩味

Here's an article from Just-food, an online food newsletter, from May 4, 2005.

"Genetically modified soybeans could hold the key to cure hair loss, say a team of top researchers at Japan's Kyoto University.

Led by soy and health specialist Masaaki Yoshikawa, professor of food science at Kyoto University, the team used genetic engineering technology to incorporate into the soybean a substance derived from egg whites that promotes hair growth.

After feeding the GM soy to mice that had lost hair after receiving chemotherapy the team concluded that it promotes hair growth, helps prevent hair loss caused by chemotherapy and encourages hair to grow back faster than normal. Despite public opposition the Japanese government is now granting licences to GM crop growers."

Apart from the genuine bad reporting - Who funded the research? What were the parameters of the test? What did the research say exactly? - the fact that this tidbit became some sort of isn't-that-fun news and was allowed to sully cyberspace is more important. The damage has been done. There's another chip in the wall by an apologist for GM food. Let's give another point to corporate food. Just remember that name, Masaaki Yoshikawa, torturer of rats, pseudo-scientist, corporate tool. And if you see his name associated with anything food wise, suspect the worst.

At this point, Japan imports GM soybeans from the USA, but only for non-human consumption. I bet the big boys are chomping at the bit for a GM entry into this lucrative market. Soybeans are huge (so to speak) in Japan.

They are one of the basics of Japanese cuisine.

Case in point is Tohato's ビーノ(Beano) line of soy bean cheetos. These baby's are some sort of soy bean and whatever's left in the chemical sink slush, extruded and fried to either a styrofoam peanut consistency (all chewy and melty) or to a crisp crackle. They offer the choice. Apart from straight ol' soybean flavor, they also offer shrimp, black pepper and nori variations.

The version sampled was the basic soybean and salt variation. Fairly bland, chock-full of umami and lightly salty at the end of the taste, they were moderately satisfying, but not quite the thing they were alluding to - fresh edamame, steamed and salted. One of Japan's finest treats.

Edamame is a classic accompaniment to drinking. And Beano products are marketed to go with beer. With their jejune and inoffensive flavor, their saltiness or sharp tastes, they make do when the real thing just ain't available. Their commercials push this idea with a catchy song sung and juvenile (broaching the offensive) subject matter.

The round-faced funny guy in the commercials is Asei Kobayashi, sometime actor and commercial jingle and songwriter. He (and co-composer, Micky Yoshino), though, may be more famous for scoring the nutty 1977 psychotronic classic, Hausu. Here's a scene from it.