Kogepan - The Burnt Red Bean Bun

Kogepan the Red Bean Bun I can always count on Google to find a specific site I’m looking for, but sometimes it surprises me with something I never knew existed. My searches have led to interesting discoveries, like Cha-colates in Kyoto and the Wacky World of Japanese Ice Cream, but today I found something that simply made me laugh.

When searching for “red bean bun” on Google I came across an imaginative story that about a little red bean bun that got burnt in the oven, only to be shunned by the baker and all other buns in the bakery as a result. This little bun, named Kogepan, was so depressed he spent most of his time “smoking and drinking milk as beer” (a perfect saying for an Engrish t-shirt.) As with most Japanese stories, Kogepan eventually learns the error of his ways and strives to be a better bun, inspiring us all to do the best we can in our own life. I have no idea why someone would take the time to write a story like this, but I’m so happy they did. It sure makes Monday morning a little more fun.

Kogepan - The Burnt Red Bean Bun
http://www.lazyjuice.com/!/kogepan/

Posted by Kelli Bernard at 9:27 am. Follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0 feed. Leave a trackback from your own site.

9 COMMENTS SO FAR...

Kevin Fox says on October 10th, 2005 at 1:18 pm:

Kogepan is huge in Japan and pretty big here in the US as well. Kind of Hello Kitty meets Daria. I have a Kogepan plush pillow on my desk here at work, and I’m not alone.

Kelli says on October 10th, 2005 at 5:06 pm:

I should have known a story like this would already be popular. How funny. Thanks for telling me more about it Kevin.

Robyn says on October 10th, 2005 at 11:40 pm:

I. Love. Kogepan. (And all his little bread buddies.) I think I have some Kogepan stationery with me right now.

Molly says on October 11th, 2005 at 1:40 pm:

Hiya Kelli,
I found a website you might enjoy, I thought it especially appropriate after your comment on who finds time to write these things. What is it with round, tiny pastries that is so inspiring?
http://www.uncertaintypark.com/Active%20Articles/myshistory1_0305.htm
Much love.

KNB says on October 11th, 2005 at 8:10 pm:

That is a good story. Kogepan is an interesting name, wonder if it means anything? Lovescool is the best website!

k says on October 16th, 2005 at 1:28 am:

I LOVE Kogepan (and I think the name means “burnt bread”). I love how he gets drunk with milk.

casey eats says on October 23rd, 2005 at 8:32 am:

have you seen anpanman?
The red bean bun superhero who gives hos body to the malnourished?
http://www.jamco.or.jp/english/library/animation/an029800.html

LOVE japanese stuff!

Cynthia says on November 5th, 2005 at 10:58 pm:

My husband has an anpanman book from his childhood that is so adorable! I love Kogepan. (Koge = burned and pan = bread!) How adorable that he always has smoke coming from his head! milk beer, haha. Tottemou omoshiroi (super funny!)

charlotte says on November 18th, 2005 at 1:20 pm:

yes i’ve got some burnt bread man stuff in my day. he’s a sanrio characteri believe, i’ve got stickers!