The Beloved Poo

By Jugglingtam

I’ve had a bit of writer’s block as of late. With 1.5 weeks left in the semester and a 5-week vacation of reunions, emotional torture, and gluttony on the horizon, even the mini-trips I have taken recently haven’t inspired me out of this funk. It usually takes a special type of weirdness and lull of time. Of which I have had none. Until now. My co-worker came in with this children’s story today:

It is entitled “Poop.” This is not the first time I have seen a children’s book dedicated to the fine subject of excrement. There’s a lovely selection available entitled “Everyone Poops” which has garnished a fair amount of success in the English literary world (note that it is originally translated from a Japanese children’s book). However, in Japanland, this would be about the 100 millionth time where poo has taken center stage. It is revered. It is adored. And it is gosh darn cute. I mean, come on. Look at that cover I suppose I could conduct extensive cultural research on why Japanese people have decided to create a cute character out of shit and subsequently feature this newly minted shit on books, keychains, statues, cartoons, and cookies (and find stepping in shit in the beginning of the year good luck). However… I am quite content with just showing you the condensed story of our dear friend, poop:

A dog takes a pleasant-looking dump.

The dog walks away from the poo because it smells. The poop is sad. All he wants is love.

The snake thinks the poop smells too. Sadness.

So does the mouse. More sadness.

The poop decides to seek love in the countryside where he is accepted by friendly farmers.

The poop is happily used to harvest our food and becomes one with the Earth. The end.

Happy hump day And if that didn’t tickle your pickle, try out a Japanese potty training video: