The Aflac duck has been around for a while in Japan. Since introducing a Japanese version of their duck mascot in commercials here, Aflac has become a major household name and one of the biggest providers of life insurance in Japan. According to this Business Week article, one in four Japanese people were holders of Aflack insurance, accounting for 70% of AFLAC’s operating earnings and 80% of its $38 billion in assets back in 2002. I wouldn’t be suprised if the percentage has gone up since then, especially considering the release of musical No. 1 Duck trinkets last year:

The No. 1 duck is the perfect accessory for handbags, cellphone straps, and even pencil cases [the girls at my Junior High School love them]. Here’s a few videos of them in action:

The No. 1 Duck, which plays the Aflac jingle that goes something like “Money is very important, please think about it carefully! AFLAC AFLAC,” was also featured in a bunch of commercials, such as this one starring Korean star Rain:

The official site of the No. 1 Duck has lots of great stuff for fans of the wonder product. Offerings include Wallpapers, a soundboard of the Aflac duck saying “Aflac” in different emotional states, and a picture album of happy customers and their No.1 duck trinkets. Aflac has also starting offer Orchestra Ducks, which play the Aflac jingle to the tune of one of five instruments. If you want a No. 1, go to Japan and hit up an Aflac shop [although you might be pressured into signing up for a life insurance plan before they hand one over to you!].

Any No. 1 Duck owners out there?