Paper posturing: Tissue designs that will blow you away

Cute, naughty, nonsensical - the perplexing world of Asian tissue packs

By La Carmina 3 January, 2010

Random phrases cover this panda pack

The wacky world of Asian tissue packs

Asian tissues used as promotional platforms

Japanese hostesses grace these tissue packs

Tokyo resident Chiara says: “Two packs of free tissues were pressed upon me at Yokkaichi station. Looked later to see that they were advertising three hostess bars! There’s a coupon for 3,000 yen off on the back if you’re interested.”

This one 'panders' to your nosey needs

Claire has an impressive collection of cute Asian stationery and tissues. Her panda pack is covered with random phrases: “Let’s go! Oh my darkcircles. Quit drinking around!”

Rabbit accompanies bear this time round

Claire was also surprised to find lovable animal tissues in a generic Bangkok supermarket. She writes: “I don’t remember Safeway brand tissues being this cute!”

Noodle design for your nose from Shanghai

Long-time Shanghai resident John complains: “I love Ajisen, but I do dislike their practice of forcing customers to request and pay for each pack of tissues (1 RMB).” A review of the popular Japanese noodle chain (http://www.whatsonxiamen.com/wine_msg.php?titleid=547) concurs that customers are not given nearly enough napkins.

This bunny's a star

I often wonder if tissues with mascots obtain proper copyright clearance. This pack from China shows Miffy on a strange-looking cloud. Can anyone see an attribution to creator Dick Bruna?

Now cats have joined the tissue pack bandwagon

Stephanie jokes: “Whereas you can get a rifle for opening a bank account in the States, in Hokkaido you get two packs of tissues adorned with your local bank’s mascot. Possibly to wipe the tears away as you see your savings fly away due to a steeper cost of living.”

Hello Kitty's on everything else, why not tissues?

You don’t want to accidentally blow your nose on these. Note the old design of Hello Kitty: this is a Sanrio tissue pack from 1976. I wonder how much it’s worth.

The only place where cats and birds live in harmony - Asian tissues

Patrick Benny (http://www.chipple.net) shares: “Got these tissue packs in Kanazawa, very cute! But seeing a black tissue after use, you understand why white is the standard...”

Black and white cat and bird tissue pack design

Eat, drink and ride a cow

Andy got this ridiculous handout in Kuala Lumpur. He says: “I like the beer munchkin. He seems to be encouraging me to drink beer and eat potatoes while riding a cow.”

Colorful and quirky, we like it

Ken received this pack of koala tissues from a blind man. He writes: “In Malaysia where I reside, we commonly have people asking for charity in the form of selling useful, inexpensive items. I got this tissue pack from a blind person and his guide after giving them 1 ringgit (US$0.25).”

Chope! Speaks for itself

Surinna took a photo of her Singaporean student’s tissues. She explains: “‘Chope!’ means ‘reserved’ in our colloquial language, Singlish. It is used thus: ‘I chope(d) this seat already!’ which means ‘I have already reserved this seat!’” Many locals frown upon the inconsiderate practice of reserving seats with tissue packs.

It's green for a reason

Japanese kid’s shows are notoriously bizarre, but the adventures of a teardrop named Shizuku-Chan probably take the cake. The recipient of these tissues admits: “I want to open them and see the pictures on the tissues inside but I’m kind of afraid to ruin the package and tissues.”

First it's the tissues, next they'll take over our lives

It’s a rough job, handing out tissue packs to pedestrians in the rain and heat. At Fukuoka Robotics Center, an android does the deed tirelessly and with an unwavering smile.

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Handkerchiefs are out. Tissues are in. And if you live in Asia, you’ll never have to buy a pack ever again. On street corners around the continent people stand eager to press into your palm the latest in a long line of promotional nose wipes. Popular as gifts and collector’s items, Asian tissues have developed a cult status of their own. Click on Gallery to see a set of fun designs and even funnier stories that illustrate how Asia’s gone potty for these snotty designs.

La Carmina writes about Harajuku pop culture and all things spooky-cute. She is the author of three books about Japanese pop culture and food, including "Cute Yummy Time" and "Crazy Wacky Theme Restaurants: Tokyo" -- for which she did all the photos and illustrations. Both books were released in October, accompanied by a U.S. major city book tour.

For more, please visit her website.

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