Label for the Mikoto energy drink from Anitsu
https://anitsu.official.ec/items/82130994

what does a railgun taste like? dry chili pepper, according to the newly announced exploding biribiri energy drink. that apparently compliments the “gentleness” of mikoto, only a white peach scent, as I can imagine freshly squeezed biribiri juices would have to command a higher premium.

having never heard of the people putting their name on this, anitsu, I looked them up and it seems like they’re a fresh entry into the field of high-minded boutique suppliers. they even have an otaku manifesto going over how they want to integrate oshi love into everyday life with a toned-down approach to design. energy drinks I guess apply to that standard, though they’re not the first to hitch their wagon to that trend. as much as I’ve criticzed the scrouge of acrylic stands, the truth is merchandise over the last decade especially has been going through sort of a disruptive selection that has prioritized not only that bottom-end, but also the career otaku, now flush with cash, that’s being charmed by new brands like supergroupies and solwa. it missed mention in my seichi post, but I might credit some of this tracing back to the introduction of the hometown tax in 2008, which has brought with it an entire class of otaku goods that now compete for donations alongside local beef and fish. even kamogawa energy has managed to live on through it.

if you want to taste the lightning (real lightning!), you can purchase a set of 10 drinks from anitsu directly for 4320 yennies. honestly, a little pricey given the caffeine content, but this is the regressive nijicon tax we must live with.