
On and around 19 January, trucks will be hitting the streets to raise awareness of the health benefits of enemas. You’ll be able to recognize them by the cute female drivers who appear to be constantly pooping…
The date of 19 January was chosen as the numbers 1-19 can be read in Japanese as ichi-jyu-ku which just happens to be awfully close to the name of leading enema manufacturer Ichijiku Pharmaceutical. Although that comes across as rather self-serving, “ichijiku” also means “fig” in English, which is a good source of fiber and valuable ally in the struggle against constipation.
The truck is decorated with a huge ad for Ichijiku brand enemas, showing a woman in a kimono presenting a gift box full of enemas to what must be a heavily confused or heavily cramped acquaintance. The caption reads “Shinnen ni ‘tsumaranai’ mono desu ga…” which means “This is a boring gift for New Year’s but…” which is a typical Japanese way of giving a present on such an occasion.
Not wanting to miss out on another opportunity to pun, Ichijiku chose the word “tsumaranai” here since it can be read not just as “boring” but as “not blocked up.” Interestingly, the pun kind of works in English too as this enema is a gift that “bores” its way into your lower bowel and through any obstructing fecal matter. Neat!
There is also a stamp mark that normally would read “Happy New Year!” but the last kanji character is covered up with one which represents “feces” thus: “Happy New Poop!”
If that weren’t enough, the side doors of the trucks are also printed with an image of someone sitting atop a toilet. It’s done in such a way that the person wearing a matching shirt and sitting in the driver or passenger seat appears to be pooping on a golden throne while holding an Ichijiku enema.
Riding shotgun in these trucks are a representative member of local universities’ student body chosen for their beauty and dubbed “Miss Campus Lab.” Actually, students from Tokyo and Osaka universities were also heavily involved in this campaign in areas such as design an pun creation. the undertaking was done with the comprehensive goal of raising awareness of enemas among young women.
Why young women, however, is anyone’s guess. As we all know constipation is a relentless affliction that doesn’t care about gender or race. So spread the word and ask all whom you know if they’ve pooped today, and if not, maybe you ought to recommend an enema.
If we all work together, we can turn Enema Day from grassroots activism into a true worldwide bowel movement.
Source: Facebook/Ichikjiku Pharmaceutical via Narinari.com (Japanese)
Top Image: Facebook/Ichijiku Pharmaceutical
Video: YouTube/adtruck48

Take a trip to Japan’s Dododo Land, the most irritating place on Earth
Japan’s first all-matcha ramen restaurant is now open in Kyoto【Photos】
Family Mart releases huge range of cute sweets for Cat Day in Japan
Haunted hospital near Mt Fuji re-opens after renovation at Fuji-Q Highland, and it’s terrifying
“Deflowering” services for virgin women are now a thing in Japan, apparently
Take a trip to Japan’s Dododo Land, the most irritating place on Earth
Japan’s first all-matcha ramen restaurant is now open in Kyoto【Photos】
Family Mart releases huge range of cute sweets for Cat Day in Japan
Haunted hospital near Mt Fuji re-opens after renovation at Fuji-Q Highland, and it’s terrifying
“Deflowering” services for virgin women are now a thing in Japan, apparently
Beautiful, intricate drawings of snowflakes from Edo-era Japan
The 10 best day trips from downtown Tokyo【Survey】
Tried-and-tested ways to learn Japanese while having fun!
Downloads of 39-year-old Guns N’ Roses song increase 12,166 percent thanks to Gundam
Japanese osechi New Year’s meal lucky bag gives us way more than we bargained for
Is China’s don’t-go-to-Japan warning affecting the lines at a popular Tokyo gyukatsu restaurant?
Yokai are descending upon Tokyo this spring in the latest immersive art experience
Three beautiful places to see Japan’s plum blossoms after starting your day in downtown Tokyo
Cherry blossom forecasts map shows Japan’s OTHER sakura season is starting right now
New Studio Ghibli stamps leave an impression on your stationery…and your heart
Japanese women sound off on their minimum height requirements for a husband【Survey】
Huge Evangelion Unit-01 head appearing in lights in Japan to celebrate anime’s 30th anniversary
Kyoto planning surprise late-night inspections of Airbnb-style rentals to fight overtourism
Japanese movie theater chain’s popcorn earns highest Grand Prix quality certification
Japan’s most famous Mt. Fuji view park cancels cherry blossom festival because of overtourism
Starbucks Japan releases new drinkware and goods for Valentine’s Day
Japan releases first official sakura cherry blossom forecast for 2026
10 times to avoid traveling in Japan in 2026
Archfiend Hello Kitty appears as Sanrio launches new team-up with Yu-Gi-Oh【Pics】
Starbucks Japan releases new Frappuccino and latte for Valentine’s Day
China’s don’t-go-to-Japan warning looks to be affecting tourist crowds on Miyajima
Our 52-year-old pole dancing reporter shares his tips for achieving your New Year’s exercise goal
Studio Ghibli releases new “komorebi” plush toys from Princess Mononoke and Spirited Away
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
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
Starbucks Japan reveals new sakura drinkware collection, inspired by evening cherry blossoms
Updated cherry blossom forecast shows extra-long sakura season for Japan this year
Beautiful, intricate drawings of snowflakes from Edo-era Japan
The 10 best day trips from downtown Tokyo【Survey】
Tried-and-tested ways to learn Japanese while having fun!
Downloads of 39-year-old Guns N’ Roses song increase 12,166 percent thanks to Gundam
Japanese osechi New Year’s meal lucky bag gives us way more than we bargained for
Sega apologizes after exec says Puyo Puyo players eat beef bowls with cheese
Majority of Japanese women in survey regret marrying their husband, but that’s only half the story
We rode 11 hours on a sleeper train from Shanghai to Shenzhen and learned a valuable lesson
Pico Cassette looks to keep cartridge games alive in a smartphone world
Ghost in the Sheel goes traditional with Japanese porcelain Tachikoma robots, only 50 to be made
Why is there a wrestling ring in the Underground Arena fighting bar in Kabukicho?
International-hit candy Hi-Chew adds English to in-Japan logo, makes it bigger than the Japanese
Leave a Reply