This was the second time I'd tried a product by Otsuka, the Takumi line of drinks. The previous one was Takumi Black, a sugar-free coffee drink.

This one was sweet (not overly so) and went down smooth. I drank it just after stretching and just before getting on the stationary bike last night. It didn't taste or feel heavy despite the powdered milk and cream. Maybe it really is only 10 calories.

I burned 347 calories during my 40-minute workout. Not close to a personal record at all, but my body was very stiff and sore after the workout the day before (which had followed three days of relative inactivity.) Did Takumi Okoto work?

It did work. WIthout it, I probably would've struggled when the tightness and soreness increased early in the bike ride. Even with the extra caffeine, it was more difficult than usual during the first 10-15 minutes. But it made a difference.

I'm not a big fan of sugar these days, so Takumi Okoto will not be part of my regular intake. But as a snack drink, it's really nice.

I still don't know exactly what the Japanese writing says on top of the can. Someone please explain. Is it like the Kikkoman shoyu bottles that read, "DO NOT FILL WITH OTHER THAN KIKKOMAN"?

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