The Philolexian Society
The Lion's Court
Columbia University
New York, NY 10027
October 24, 1997
Sanyo Foods Corporation of America
11955 Monarch Street
Garden Grove, CA 92641-2194
Dear Sanyo,
Last evening, the general membership of the Philolexian Society,
Columbia University's student organization dedicated to the development
of the rhetorical skills and literary awareness of its members,
voted to name your Sapporo Ichiban Japanese Style Noodles the
official instant noodles of the Society. We make this designation
in honor of the laudable efforts which you have made to bridge
the gap between Japan and the United States, and especially of
your company's proven understanding of quintessential American
qualities which a debate group like ours finds most engaging.
Many Japanese people and corporations say that they feel uncomfortable
in American society, which encourages individual assertiveness
over group harmony. Thus, Japanese people often use expressions
like "Let's join us," or "Won't you try this?"
when a more straightforward communication would be appropriate.
But, your Sapporo Ichiban package demands that we "cook in
3 minutes." You have obviously mastered the use of the imperative
mood and shown that you would make a formidable debater and a
fine American.
I have been charged with the duty of informing you of this designation,
which we hope you will deem an honor. Though the Philolexian Society,
established in 1802, is Columbia's oldest student organization,
and one of the oldest literary societies in the country, it has
never before seen fit to name an official instant noodle. The
undeniable kindred spirit between your company and our society,
manifest in Sapporo Ichiban Japanese Style Noodles, drove us to
break all precedent in this case. We hope that it will also facilitate
friendly contact between us in the future. I thank you for your
patience and wish you a pleasant autumn.
Sincerely,
Andrew Shiner
Nomenclaturist General
