This time: Moco Moco Mocolette 4.
Yeah, that's a toy-sized plastic loo filled with frothy candy. And judging by the name, this is the 4th version. "Delicious bubbles fluff up from a cute miniature toilet!" Sounds tasty, huh?
There are a few different Mocolettes. You can get Western-style toilets and Japanese-style squat loos. And each one's made in several colours, and/or with cute anime eyes.
My box contained recognisably European-style bog #3, the bright pink Mocole Pamyu Pamyu. Inspired by colourful Harajuku icon, J-Pop queen Kyary Pamyu Pamyu. The heart shapes in the eyes are a nice touch.
The instructions start with toilet assembly. Before you can use the loo, you have to put it together yourself. The plastic bits clip together easily, no plumbing knowledge or tools required. Which suits me just fine. I didn't even need to locate the stopcock.
It's a bit like making a Kinder Surprise toy. Here's the end result.
I felt it appropriate to put the vaguely poop-shaped stickers on the lid. Those stickers are super sticky - I realised I'd put the eyes too far apart, but they wouldn't peel back off.
Time to open the cistern and pour the candy powder in. There are 2 packets: one blue 'cider' (basically soda), one pink strawberry. Didn't spot any other flavours, so I imagine every Mocolette comes with these. I went for the blue soda this time.
So, you open the top and fill the toilet with the contents of one packet. Close the lid and give it a couple of taps to make sure the powder's settled at the bottom (mmm, makes you feel hungry...not...). Then open it again and pour cold water on top.
The inside of the lid acts as a mini measuring spoon, which is handy. These instructions say to use 2 lid-fuls of water, being careful not to spill any.
Wait a few seconds, and watch. As the water mixes with the powder, the candy bubbles up in the toilet bowl. Moco moco - モコモコ - 'fluffy'. Or 'lumpy'. Like the pipe's backed up somewhere further down. Yum?
Well, it's supposed to happen like that. In theory. In reality, I had to pour in at least 4 times as much water as suggested. (Had to get a measuring jug out, even.) And then give the powder a stir to get it going.
You're meant to end up with a full toilet bowl:
It finally got there, with some encouragement. The pipe was indeed backed up - half the powder didn't mix properly. It didn't come out until I put the toilet under a tap later on.
To taste the candy, you... drink it out of the toilet bowl with a straw.
(I am SO glad this wasn't cola flavoured. Not that I don't like cola - but the colour...)
Seeing as I'd put so much water in, the taste was pretty weak. And trust me, you don't EVER want to feel like you're drinking water straight from the loo. It's off-putting to say the least.
Verdict: 2/10. Candy Flush.