Japan loves ice cream, so when Ben and Jerry’s started opening locations here in 2012, it was welcomed with open arms.
But the Vermont-based company didn’t just bring its assortment of tasty flavors with untranslatable pun-based names. It also brought its well-known commitment to social activism with it. In keeping with those values, Ben & Jerry’s Japan is offering free ice cream to encourage people to vote in the country’s upcoming election.
Collecting on your free treat isn’t quite as simple as walking up the counter and shouting “I’m gonna vote!” but it’s not that much more complicated.
Ben & Jerry’s Japanese website currently has a page asking people to “put the same amount of thought into choosing the future leaders of Japan as you do into choosing your ice cream.” Visitors are asked to choose which of Ben & Jerry’s flavors they like the most, a stark contrast to all too many political elections where people have to select the candidate they dislike the least.
After choosing your favorite flavor, a message will appear asking to post a comment on your Facebook page declaring “I’m going to vote in the election next Sunday!” Grant permission, then show the page to the clerk at Ben & Jerry’s for a free small ice cream. We’re guessing a smartphone is the easiest way to do this, although nothing on the company’s website says you can’t bring in your laptop, or your desktop from the office with a really long extension cord.
▼ The permission request
▼ The post
▼ The candidates
▼ And the sweet reward
The promotion runs from July 21 to August 4, and the offer is only good at three Ben and Jerry’s locations in Tokyo: Lalaport Toyosu, Omote Sando Hills, and Coppice Kichijoji.
We’re not ones to foist our political ideologies on others, but if you need help picking a flavor of ice cream though, our head food critic recommends strawberry cheesecake, triple caramel crunch, and Oh My Apple Pie!
Hold on, strawberry? Apple? Caramel?! No chocolate or mint? Outrageous!
You know what, maybe political and ice cream affiliations both get people too hot under the collar for polite conversation.
Related: Ben and Jerry’s Promotion Website
Photos: RocketNews24
[ Read in Japanese ]
Ben & Jerry’s releases Japan-exclusive Lemont. Fuji, made with Japanese-sourced ingredients
Say Goodbye, Japan — Häagen-Dazs to Close Last Store on April 25
Baskin-Robbins Japan’s ice cream popularity poll leaves out fan favourite — but why?!
Matcha ice cream used to encourage young people to vote in upcoming Japanese election
10 awesome ice creams available from convenience stores in Japan
Survey finds that one in five high schoolers don’t know who music legend Masaharu Fukuyama is
Highest Starbucks in Japan set to open this spring in the Tokyo sky
Saitama is home to the best strawberries in Japan that you’ve probably never even heard of
Starbucks Japan complexly raises prices, will now charge for takeout bags
Fives places around Japan to appreciate the plum blossoms this season
Japanese jeweler launches new engagement and wedding rings with Sanrio character Tuxedo Sam
Naruto and Converse team up for new line of shinobi sneakers[Photos]
New Mochi Cream Doughnuts from Mister Donut pay homage to Japanese confectionery
Yakuzen ramen restaurant in Tokyo is very different to a yakuza ramen restaurant
Mario World: The awesome Nintendo-themed apartment you can rent for your next short stay in Tokyo
The 10 most annoying things foreign tourists do on Japanese trains, according to locals
Starbucks Japan releases new sakura goods and drinkware for cherry blossom season 2026
Is Sapporio’s Snow Festival awesome enough to be worth visiting even if you hate the snow? [Pics]
Japan has trams that say “sorry” while they ride around town…but why?
Tokyo Skytree turns pink for the cherry blossom season
Sakura Totoro is here to get spring started early with adorable pouches and plushies
Poop is in full bloom at the Unko Museums for cherry blossom season
Shibuya Station’s Hachiko Gate and Yamanote Line stairway locations change next month
Japan’s new “Cunte” contact lenses aren’t pronounced like you’re probably thinking they are
Japan’s newest Shinkansen has no seats…or passengers [Video]
Foreigners accounting for over 80 percent of off-course skiers needing rescue in Japan’s Hokkaido
Super-salty pizza sends six kids to the hospital in Japan, linguistics blamed
Starbucks Japan unveils new sakura Frappuccino for cherry blossom season 2026
Foreign tourists in Japan will get free Shinkansen tickets to promote regional tourism
Take a trip to Japan’s Dododo Land, the most irritating place on Earth
Is China’s don’t-go-to-Japan warning affecting the lines at a popular Tokyo gyukatsu restaurant?
Survey asks foreign tourists what bothered them in Japan, more than half gave same answer
Japan’s human washing machines will go on sale to general public, demos to be held in Tokyo
Starbucks Japan releases new drinkware and goods for Valentine’s Day
We deeply regret going into this tunnel on our walk in the mountains of Japan
Studio Ghibli releases Kodama forest spirits from Princess Mononoke to light up your home
Major Japanese hotel chain says reservations via overseas booking sites may not be valid
Put sesame oil in your coffee? Japanese maker says it’s the best way to start your day【Taste test】
No more using real katana for tourism activities, Japan’s National Police Agency says
You won’t believe how easy it is to make this delicious ice cream pudding!【Recipe】
The hottest thing in Korea now is freezing cold ice cream made by “scientists”
10 awesome ice cream and popsicle brands to try when you’re in Japan
What frozen snack won Seventeen Ice’s “1st Flavor General Election”?
Baskin Robbins Japan giving out a third scoop of ice cream free for all of August
Ice cream cakes splattered in ink marks Splatoon’s return to Baskin Robins in Japan
Mr. Sato cosplays as Joe Biden, makes ice cream pit stop as Sato Biden
“Make your own Pino ice cream fondue” event to be held for one day only in Tokyo
Scallop flavored ice cream: it’s magically delicious!
We dig into Japanese ice cream flavored with iron metal and are wowed by the result【Taste Test】
Do you like rich, creamy custard pudding? This Japanese ice cream bar is for you!
The world’s most matcha-intense ice cream experience is waiting for you in Shizuoka
We head to Okayama Prefecture to try the second most delicious soft serve ice cream in the world
Japan’s largest indie ice cream convention returns to Tokyo this Golden Week
Ramen, fish, and turtle all on the menu at Japan’s most crazily comprehensive ice cream shop
Tokyo café says the best ice cream topping is two more ice cream cones