Additional explanation of Charumera
The word “Charumera” reminds Japanese of one of instant lamen brand. It is the representative product of Myojo Foods(See the left photo). But Charumera originally is not a name of instant lamen.
Charumera is the name of a kind of flute brought in Japan almost 400 years ago from Portugal. It is cone shaped with double reeds. (See the right photo). The name of charumera is believed to have been corrupted from a Portuguese word Charamela meaning “reed.” Charumera was used by soba yatai (Yonaki-soba) originally around 150 years ago, then after several decades ramen yatai started using it. The melody of “Do-Re-Mi-Re-Do,Do-Re-Mi-Re-Do-Re” is strongly associated with lamen yatai in Japanese’s mind.
It is quite rarely to hear the sound because the number of Yatai (especially wandering ones) has been decreased. Even if you find Yatai, you will find them playing a cassette player. It is said that there are only one or two Yatai actually playing the real charumera all over Japan.
Now let’s look at the package of the instant noodle of Charumera closely. The guy looks to be playing the bulge not Charumera ! Another mystery, isn’t it?
