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A couple of weeks ago, we launched a Tofu Cute Creative Writing competition, calling on you to write interesting and unique stories about Tofu Cute and the things we love, in any format you wanted. What we received was a multitude of interesting stories, with a lot of poems, some haikus, and even some remarkably creative short stories!
We've chosen five of our favourites from a selection of over 50 unique entries! We really appreciate everyone's stories, and the general level of talent on display on entries was fantastic, which made it exceptionally hard to choose winners. The winners we've chosen adapted the theme of Tofu Cute in the most compelling ways, had a good standard of prose or poetry and generally engaged us with their words - good job! The 1st place winner will get the amazing 'Kawaii Lockdown Care Package' (pictured here) and the runners up from 5th-2nd place will each get the new Tofu Cute A5 Notebook design as well as some new yeastken stationery.
So, without further ado, let's count down our literary marvels from our fifth place entry... |
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This story offers something unique by being written in the format of a letter from a devious Nyan Toka cat plush. It's a pretty entertaining format, and references some of our favourite products. Here it is:
Today I had arrived in Yeowshire, I’d been sent on a mission by her majesty of the Tofu Cutedom, Queen Devon! My mission is to bring happiness to my new owner in lockdown & I will, to make Queen Devon proud!
Oh, have I not told you about my kawaii kingdom? Well there is great mountains of perfect pocky, marvellous mochi, beautiful biscuits, super-cool stationery & so much more but the thing that makes my home of Tofu Cutedom the best? The amazing amuse citizens! From the Rosie bunnies lighting up homes to the koni ‘corns making our lives magical. I do so miss it but I am at a new home now and must fulfill the duties set out by our Queen, after all we’ve made Purrsmouth happy and delivered the joy created there around the world since 2010!
I know I can do this, I can see light again and a face! This must be Izzy Berry! The one I’ve been told to make happy! I’m a thicc boy she says? Just like Queen Devon told me I would be! Oh I’m so happy! I must go because I have a new journey to adventure upon, fair well and stay kawaii,
Yours Sincerely,
Sir Chonkus of the Nyan Toka family.
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This excellent little poem by Charley Lee remarks on a personal experience of encountering Tofu Cute at a convention and all of the excitement that brings. We're obviously flattered, but the poem itself has a nice rhythmic quality that makes it sound like a warming little ditty. Amazing!
The happiest day of my life was when I went to Hyper Japan,
Only thing I wanted to do was seek out the Tofu Cute stand,
Finally I found it, upstairs tucked away...
Unless there was a fire, nothing could keep me away.
Candy and soda and squishies and plushies,
Unbelievable cuteness and everything fluffy,
Tofu Cute shopping was everything I'd wished for,
Entire shop was purchased and I still could have bought more!
|
 |
This wonderful poem from Priya gives a look at Tofu Cute from the longing perspective of someone in lockdown. This poem contains a number of quality verses that celebrate the joy we aim to bring, so it made us happy to read!
When I long to have something new,
The place I go to is Tofu Cute,
Only Kawaii cuteness will do,
Even if I have no more room.
They say I buy too much,
I’m too old for soft toy hugs,
But I know this is true love,
One could never have enough.
Strawberry or mango Pocky sticks,
Crunch crunch, melt in my mouth
This is how I get my kicks,
I’ll choose to gobble up both no doubt.
The cuteness of the squishies,
Fluffy big eyes wanting a mummy,
Even my teddies are blushing,
And my heart is saying “get out your money”,
I’ll replace my boring bland books,
With panda panda everywhere,
A basket of scented pens has me hooked,
Let the rainbow of Kawaii glitter fill the air.
Join me if all this cuteness,
You can bare…
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This next poem we think is very impressive for creating a complete story using the poetic format, in addition to the presentation that they've provided here, with this wonderful background. The story of the poem seems to be about a Tofu Cute themed contest with Pocky Javelin throwing, KitKat Skiing, and baking a new pet!
A competition in the sun,
Has just begun.
Tofu Cute friends getting ready.
To win the prize they must aim steady.
Javelin with Pocky is the first task,
Who is the winner I hear you ask?
The competitions choose a favourite flavour each,
Was that Matcha thrown furthest or was that Peach?
Next up is 'skiing' - with KitKats no less!
As they melt they slide faster but 'Oh! What a mess!'
It's hard to keep track of the race in all of the flurry,
But the rider of Party Ice Cream wins in a hurry!,
Last up a challenge to bake a new pet,
The bread dogs, the yeast ken, must be a sure bet
One challenger pipes up, 'Here's something funny!'
'I have created a cinammon bunny!'
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Our first place entry is a wonderful and highly relevant short story from @Johtozo, who has also wonderfully illustrated their tale with cute drawings of FLANS. This tale reminds us of the current importance of social distancing, and the eternal importance of bonding with your friends. We've transcribed the story here, but we'll make the full PDF available soon on our Facebook page so you can see all of the excellent illustrations:
Stripey Bear is a Flan who loves parties. Every day is a great big party for Stripey Bear, and today he thought of inviting his party-loving friends for a cosy little get-together in his house. He hasn’t held one for a while, as Mayor Flan urged all Flan citizens to stay at home due to the Flan virus, but Stripey Bear thought that a small little party couldn’t hurt.
Stripey Bear first called Yellow Stars to invite him to his wonderful Flan party. Yellow Stars likes party food, Stripey Bear thought. Yellow Stars would be so excited!
“Yellow Stars!” Stripey Bear exclaimed on the phone, “I’m holding a party today, with cakes and biscuits and ice cream! Come on down and have some fun!”
“I’m sorry but I can’t,” Yellow Stars said sadly, “I live far away and Mayor Flan said we should stay at home as much as we can.”
“But it’s just a little party,” Stripey Bear explained, “It won’t hurt anyone.”
“In these times, a good Flan should stay at home whenever possible,” Yellow Stars said, “I’m sorry Stripey Bear, but I can’t come.”
Stripey Bear was a little sad at first, but Yellow Stars did live far away, and it would be too much trouble to travel all that way for a small party. So, Stripey Bear decided to call another friend who lives a little closer.
Stripey Bear next called Pink Cat to invite her to his awesome Flan party. Pink Cat likes party games, Stripey Bear thought. Pink Cat would be so delighted!
“Pink Cat!” Stripey Bear bellowed on the phone, “I’m holding a party today, with charades and musical chairs and piñatas! Come on down and have a good time!”
“I’m sorry but I can’t,” Pink Cat said sadly, “Mayor Flan said we should avoid gatherings as much as possible.”
“But it’s just a small party,” Stripey Bear explained, “Nobody’s going to get harmed.”
“In these times, a good Flan should avoid contact with other Flans as much as possible,” Pink Cat said, “I’m sorry Stripey Bear, but I can’t come.”
Stripey Bear was a little sad at first, but Pink Cat is right, because it is important not to gather too closely in large numbers. So, Stripey Bear decided to call one last friend. Maybe a party of two Flans will be okay.
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Stripey Bear lastly called Pastel Stars to invite her to his spectacular Flan party. Pastel Stars likes dressing up in party clothes, Stripey Bear thought. Pastel Stars would be so delighted!
“Pastel Stars!” Stripey Bear cheered on the phone, “I’m holding a party today, with costumes and hats and accessories! Come on down and have a blast!”
“I’m sorry but I can’t,” Pastel Stars said sadly, “My Flanma and Flanpa might be sick if I go.”
“But it’s just a small party,” Stripey Bear pleaded, “And anyways, why would they get sick? You’re the one going to the party.”
“In these times, a good Flan should protect other Flans. They should be extra careful not to get other Flans sick,” Pastel Stars said, “I’m sorry Stripey Bear, but I can’t come.”
Stripey Bear was a little sad at first, but Pastel Stars does make sense, because while some Flans are strong enough to fight against the Flan virus, they might pass it on to Flans who can’t. So, Stripey Bear set his phone down and sat in his room, lonely without his Flan friends.
Stripey Bear is a Flan who loves parties. Every day is a great big party for Stripey Bear, and he was used to having parties with his friends. Without his friends, he felt sad and lonely.
He became a little angry. What kind of Flan friend won’t come for his Flan party? It’s just a small little gathering after all. It won’t hurt anyone.
Stripey Bear realised however, that his friends were right. He should really follow what Mayor Flan said to keep other Flans safe. More importantly, Stripey Bear realised he wasn’t the only one feeling sad and lonely. All of his friends must also feel just as sad and lonely, because they couldn’t come to his Flan party. Stripey Bear stopped being angry, and felt sorry for his friends—but nobody should feel sad and lonely, even if they’re all far away from each other.
So Stripey Bear thought of a little plan. He could still hold his Flan party after all—even if it’s a little different this time. He decorated his room, arranged a little bowl of snacks, and called all his Flan friends.
First, Stripey Bear called Yellow Stars, and asked him if he wanted to join his online Flan party.
“You’d have to make the food yourself,” Stripey Bear said, “But we can eat our own food together!”
“I’d love to come!” Yellow Stars exclaimed, “I’ll bake some goods to show you!”
Then, Stripey Bear called Pink Cat, and asked her if she wanted to join his online Flan party.
“We can’t play party games,” Stripey Bear said, “But we can play computer games together!”
“I’d love to come!” Pink Cat giggled, “I’ll look for games we can play together!”
Last, Stripey Bear called Pastel Stars, and asked her if she wanted to join his online Flan party.
“We can’t see each other’s costumes closely,” Stripey Bear said, “But we can show it off on the screen!”
“I’d love to come!” Pastel Stars squealed, “I’ll get dressed right away!”
Stripey Bear is a Flan who loves parties. Every day is a great big party for Stripey Bear, and today he invited his party-loving friends for a cosy little get-together on the computer. They all gathered in front of their screens and had a wonderful, fun-filled Flan party!
It’s a little different this time, for sure. To keep other Flans safe, Flans have to make a few changes. Stripey Bear couldn’t meet his friends in person. Yellow Stars couldn’t share his baked goods. Pink Cat couldn’t play musical chairs. Pastel Stars couldn’t show the details of her ruffles to her blurry camera.
But just because they’re not together in person, it doesn’t mean they have to stay at home sad and lonely.
They’re all still friends—even if their Flan party had to be a little different this time round.
And that’s just as well.
|
 |
And that's all of the winners! Thank you once again to everyone who submitted a piece of creative writing to our competition - we really enjoyed reading all of your entries.
The winners will be contacted shortly about receiving their prizes. We'll also have more competitions very soon to keep you amused during lockdown, so keep an eye out on our social media for more info, as well the latest in Tofu Cute products!
|
|
|
A couple of weeks ago, we launched a Tofu Cute Creative Writing competition, calling on you to write interesting and unique stories about Tofu Cute and the things we love, in any format you wanted. What we received was a multitude of interesting stories, with a lot of poems, some haikus, and even some remarkably creative short stories!
We've chosen five of our favourites from a selection of over 50 unique entries! We really appreciate everyone's stories, and the general level of talent on display on entries was fantastic, which made it exceptionally hard to choose winners. The winners we've chosen adapted the theme of Tofu Cute in the most compelling ways, had a good standard of prose or poetry and generally engaged us with their words - good job! The 1st place winner will get the amazing 'Kawaii Lockdown Care Package' (pictured here) and the runners up from 5th-2nd place will each get the new Tofu Cute A5 Notebook design as well as some new yeastken stationery.
So, without further ado, let's count down our literary marvels from our fifth place entry... |
|
|
This story offers something unique by being written in the format of a letter from a devious Nyan Toka cat plush. It's a pretty entertaining format, and references some of our favourite products. Here it is:
Today I had arrived in Yeowshire, I’d been sent on a mission by her majesty of the Tofu Cutedom, Queen Devon! My mission is to bring happiness to my new owner in lockdown & I will, to make Queen Devon proud!
Oh, have I not told you about my kawaii kingdom? Well there is great mountains of perfect pocky, marvellous mochi, beautiful biscuits, super-cool stationery & so much more but the thing that makes my home of Tofu Cutedom the best? The amazing amuse citizens! From the Rosie bunnies lighting up homes to the koni ‘corns making our lives magical. I do so miss it but I am at a new home now and must fulfill the duties set out by our Queen, after all we’ve made Purrsmouth happy and delivered the joy created there around the world since 2010!
I know I can do this, I can see light again and a face! This must be Izzy Berry! The one I’ve been told to make happy! I’m a thicc boy she says? Just like Queen Devon told me I would be! Oh I’m so happy! I must go because I have a new journey to adventure upon, fair well and stay kawaii,
Yours Sincerely,
Sir Chonkus of the Nyan Toka family.
|
This excellent little poem by Charley Lee remarks on a personal experience of encountering Tofu Cute at a convention and all of the excitement that brings. We're obviously flattered, but the poem itself has a nice rhythmic quality that makes it sound like a warming little ditty. Amazing!
The happiest day of my life was when I went to Hyper Japan,
Only thing I wanted to do was seek out the Tofu Cute stand,
Finally I found it, upstairs tucked away...
Unless there was a fire, nothing could keep me away.
Candy and soda and squishies and plushies,
Unbelievable cuteness and everything fluffy,
Tofu Cute shopping was everything I'd wished for,
Entire shop was purchased and I still could have bought more!
|
|
|
This wonderful poem from Priya gives a look at Tofu Cute from the longing perspective of someone in lockdown. This poem contains a number of quality verses that celebrate the joy we aim to bring, so it made us happy to read!
When I long to have something new,
The place I go to is Tofu Cute,
Only Kawaii cuteness will do,
Even if I have no more room.
They say I buy too much,
I’m too old for soft toy hugs,
But I know this is true love,
One could never have enough.
Strawberry or mango Pocky sticks,
Crunch crunch, melt in my mouth
This is how I get my kicks,
I’ll choose to gobble up both no doubt.
The cuteness of the squishies,
Fluffy big eyes wanting a mummy,
Even my teddies are blushing,
And my heart is saying “get out your money”,
I’ll replace my boring bland books,
With panda panda everywhere,
A basket of scented pens has me hooked,
Let the rainbow of Kawaii glitter fill the air.
Join me if all this cuteness,
You can bare…
|
This next poem we think is very impressive for creating a complete story using the poetic format, in addition to the presentation that they've provided here, with this wonderful background. The story of the poem seems to be about a Tofu Cute themed contest with Pocky Javelin throwing, KitKat Skiing, and baking a new pet!
A competition in the sun,
Has just begun.
Tofu Cute friends getting ready.
To win the prize they must aim steady.
Javelin with Pocky is the first task,
Who is the winner I hear you ask?
The competitions choose a favourite flavour each,
Was that Matcha thrown furthest or was that Peach?
Next up is 'skiing' - with KitKats no less!
As they melt they slide faster but 'Oh! What a mess!'
It's hard to keep track of the race in all of the flurry,
But the rider of Party Ice Cream wins in a hurry!,
Last up a challenge to bake a new pet,
The bread dogs, the yeast ken, must be a sure bet
One challenger pipes up, 'Here's something funny!'
'I have created a cinammon bunny!'
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|
|
Our first place entry is a wonderful and highly relevant short story from @Johtozo, who has also wonderfully illustrated their tale with cute drawings of FLANS. This tale reminds us of the current importance of social distancing, and the eternal importance of bonding with your friends. We've transcribed the story here, but we'll make the full PDF available soon on our Facebook page so you can see all of the excellent illustrations:
Stripey Bear is a Flan who loves parties. Every day is a great big party for Stripey Bear, and today he thought of inviting his party-loving friends for a cosy little get-together in his house. He hasn’t held one for a while, as Mayor Flan urged all Flan citizens to stay at home due to the Flan virus, but Stripey Bear thought that a small little party couldn’t hurt.
Stripey Bear first called Yellow Stars to invite him to his wonderful Flan party. Yellow Stars likes party food, Stripey Bear thought. Yellow Stars would be so excited!
“Yellow Stars!” Stripey Bear exclaimed on the phone, “I’m holding a party today, with cakes and biscuits and ice cream! Come on down and have some fun!”
“I’m sorry but I can’t,” Yellow Stars said sadly, “I live far away and Mayor Flan said we should stay at home as much as we can.”
“But it’s just a little party,” Stripey Bear explained, “It won’t hurt anyone.”
“In these times, a good Flan should stay at home whenever possible,” Yellow Stars said, “I’m sorry Stripey Bear, but I can’t come.”
Stripey Bear was a little sad at first, but Yellow Stars did live far away, and it would be too much trouble to travel all that way for a small party. So, Stripey Bear decided to call another friend who lives a little closer.
Stripey Bear next called Pink Cat to invite her to his awesome Flan party. Pink Cat likes party games, Stripey Bear thought. Pink Cat would be so delighted!
“Pink Cat!” Stripey Bear bellowed on the phone, “I’m holding a party today, with charades and musical chairs and piñatas! Come on down and have a good time!”
“I’m sorry but I can’t,” Pink Cat said sadly, “Mayor Flan said we should avoid gatherings as much as possible.”
“But it’s just a small party,” Stripey Bear explained, “Nobody’s going to get harmed.”
“In these times, a good Flan should avoid contact with other Flans as much as possible,” Pink Cat said, “I’m sorry Stripey Bear, but I can’t come.”
Stripey Bear was a little sad at first, but Pink Cat is right, because it is important not to gather too closely in large numbers. So, Stripey Bear decided to call one last friend. Maybe a party of two Flans will be okay.
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Stripey Bear lastly called Pastel Stars to invite her to his spectacular Flan party. Pastel Stars likes dressing up in party clothes, Stripey Bear thought. Pastel Stars would be so delighted!
“Pastel Stars!” Stripey Bear cheered on the phone, “I’m holding a party today, with costumes and hats and accessories! Come on down and have a blast!”
“I’m sorry but I can’t,” Pastel Stars said sadly, “My Flanma and Flanpa might be sick if I go.”
“But it’s just a small party,” Stripey Bear pleaded, “And anyways, why would they get sick? You’re the one going to the party.”
“In these times, a good Flan should protect other Flans. They should be extra careful not to get other Flans sick,” Pastel Stars said, “I’m sorry Stripey Bear, but I can’t come.”
Stripey Bear was a little sad at first, but Pastel Stars does make sense, because while some Flans are strong enough to fight against the Flan virus, they might pass it on to Flans who can’t. So, Stripey Bear set his phone down and sat in his room, lonely without his Flan friends.
Stripey Bear is a Flan who loves parties. Every day is a great big party for Stripey Bear, and he was used to having parties with his friends. Without his friends, he felt sad and lonely.
He became a little angry. What kind of Flan friend won’t come for his Flan party? It’s just a small little gathering after all. It won’t hurt anyone.
Stripey Bear realised however, that his friends were right. He should really follow what Mayor Flan said to keep other Flans safe. More importantly, Stripey Bear realised he wasn’t the only one feeling sad and lonely. All of his friends must also feel just as sad and lonely, because they couldn’t come to his Flan party. Stripey Bear stopped being angry, and felt sorry for his friends—but nobody should feel sad and lonely, even if they’re all far away from each other.
So Stripey Bear thought of a little plan. He could still hold his Flan party after all—even if it’s a little different this time. He decorated his room, arranged a little bowl of snacks, and called all his Flan friends.
First, Stripey Bear called Yellow Stars, and asked him if he wanted to join his online Flan party.
“You’d have to make the food yourself,” Stripey Bear said, “But we can eat our own food together!”
“I’d love to come!” Yellow Stars exclaimed, “I’ll bake some goods to show you!”
Then, Stripey Bear called Pink Cat, and asked her if she wanted to join his online Flan party.
“We can’t play party games,” Stripey Bear said, “But we can play computer games together!”
“I’d love to come!” Pink Cat giggled, “I’ll look for games we can play together!”
Last, Stripey Bear called Pastel Stars, and asked her if she wanted to join his online Flan party.
“We can’t see each other’s costumes closely,” Stripey Bear said, “But we can show it off on the screen!”
“I’d love to come!” Pastel Stars squealed, “I’ll get dressed right away!”
Stripey Bear is a Flan who loves parties. Every day is a great big party for Stripey Bear, and today he invited his party-loving friends for a cosy little get-together on the computer. They all gathered in front of their screens and had a wonderful, fun-filled Flan party!
It’s a little different this time, for sure. To keep other Flans safe, Flans have to make a few changes. Stripey Bear couldn’t meet his friends in person. Yellow Stars couldn’t share his baked goods. Pink Cat couldn’t play musical chairs. Pastel Stars couldn’t show the details of her ruffles to her blurry camera.
But just because they’re not together in person, it doesn’t mean they have to stay at home sad and lonely.
They’re all still friends—even if their Flan party had to be a little different this time round.
And that’s just as well.
|
|
And that's all of the winners! Thank you once again to everyone who submitted a piece of creative writing to our competition - we really enjoyed reading all of your entries.
The winners will be contacted shortly about receiving their prizes. We'll also have more competitions very soon to keep you amused during lockdown, so keep an eye out on our social media for more info, as well the latest in Tofu Cute products!
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