Social Aspect
Pocky is very popular in Japan. In bars, it is sometimes served in a glass of ice water.
It’s also present in other East Asian countries such as China and South Korea. In Europe,
Pocky is renamed
Mikado after the game Mikado. In the United States and Canada, Pocky
can be found in
Asian markets
(such as Mitsuwa) and the international section of most large supermarkets, like Wal-Mart.
In Malaysia, Pocky was renamed
Rocky, perhaps to avoid a vulgar word in Malay with similar
pronunciation. Pocky has recently been marketed in America. In Australia, Pocky is usually sold in
Japanese convenience markets along with other Japanese foods and products.
Outside of Japan, Pocky is fairly popular among anime fans. Its constant association with the
English phenomenon and the oddness of some of its versions, as well as the several Pocky
parodies seen on many comic/manga series, contribute to the snack's reputation.
