A Reverse Culture Shock Story on buying a Baked Sweet Potato

Reflecting on what I liked the best during my visit back home to Japan…

Number one was the soft-serve ice cream, made with local Date city milk, served at the breakfast and dinner buffet at Kohantei (a hot spring resort hotel). (No photo!) I had it for FOUR times since we stayed there two nights.

And then, this baked sweet potato (yaki-imo). This was a total game-changer for me. My daughter insisted on having it this time since she missed out on it during our last visit.

But… Don Quijote, of all places??

I have no idea why Don Quijote sells baked sweet potatoes in the first place, or why anyone would actually buy them there. It’s a store I’m unfamiliar with. I can’t even recall if it existed when I lived in Japan. Aside from feeling overwhelmed by the chaotic interior and sheer amount of stuff, I just don’t get the store’s concept.

I feel like a stranger in my own country. I imagine it can be a very practical store once you get used to it.

Regardless, I’m definitely getting this baked sweet potato again.