Kirin Celebration Label Beers

Kirin offers "keishuku" 慶祝 or "congratulations" versions of its two big beer brands, Ichiban Shibori and Kirin Classic. The only difference here is the label with a bit "congratulations" on the label. I am pretty sure these go for a premium price and usually have to be specially ordered in advance for a party (usually at a restaurant). Since the Japanese idea of "congratulations" is a bit broader than the Western sense, I think "celebration" works better. Japanese congratulate people at New Year's for example, even though all you have done is survive to see another calendar year.

One important thing to note here, these are both real beers, are subject to higher tax and are relatively expensive, even before you go for the special label. Why not celebrate with cheaper 2nd or 3rd category beers? It is simply unthinkable to serve cheap beer when you are holding a party to celebrate the end of the year, a new year, a retirement, etc. キリン

http://www.kirin.co.jp/brands/keisyuku/keisyuku.html

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