THE perpetually frustrated AFLAC duck is heading to Japan – but in a kinder, quieter version.

The popular white duck (pictured right), whose squawking “AFLAC!” tagline is voiced here by comedian Gilbert Gottfried, will be dubbed in the toned-down Japanese version. It’s a cultural thing.

“The Japanese culture does not like to be yelled at,” says Laura Kane, a spokeswoman for the Georgia-based insurance company. “Gilbert might be a little over-the-top.”

In the Japanese version, which begins airing May 16, an actor will dub the duck’s voice. And, in another change, Japanese actors Akiko Yada and Yanagiba Toshiro will actually address the duck as they try to remember the AFLAC name.