Japanese Drinking Games. No#4: The Pocky Game

The Pocky game is mostly played by drunk Japanese university students, and involves the chocolate-covered biscuit sticks called Pocky. (I’m addicted to Pocky and its ever-growing myriad of different flavours, including strawberry, almond, and green tea. If you’re not in Japan, don’t worry. You can get hold of Pocky in Western countries, too, in Asian supermarkets and import shops.)

If you don’t have a sweet tooth, Pocky’s savoury alternative, Pretz (pretzel sticks available in flavours such as pizza, corn, tomato, and salad) can also be used.

The Pocky game is a very simple game for two players (and several laughing spectators). Here’s how you play: Take one Pocky stick. Each of the two players puts one end in his or her mouth and begins munching. The pair get closer and closer with each bite, creating an awkward intimacy, like the famous spaghetti sucking scene in “Lady and the Tramp”.

The first person who chickens out, and lets go of the Pocky, loses the game and has to down their drink. If the two players end up kissing, they are safe from punishment (but not from Herpes!)
The Pocky game is an exciting proposal at mixed parties, if you get to lock lips with someone you’ve got a crush on, but I strongly advise against playing it with your buddies on poker night.

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