Original Kirin Beer Label

This is the original label for Kirin Lager in 1888, the first German-style lager beer brewed in Japan. Note how the kirin animal image differs from later (and current) versions. Note also how much English is on the label and how it was first brewed in the Motomachi area of Yokohama. Also, Kirin was originally a brand and the company name was Japan Brewery Company, Ltd. and only later became Kirin Brewery Co., Ltd. And finally, Meidiya, which is still around of course, was originally was the sole distributor for Kirin. キリン

http://www.kirin.co.jp/

Photo is a web capture for explanatory purposes, copyright belongs to the company.