Zunda is a paste made from green soybeans and is used as an ingredient and flavoring in the Tohoku area. This KitKat variety is zunda flavored and is only sold in the Tohoku area. ネスレ キットカット ずんだ風味 枝豆
http://d.nestle.jp/kitkat/omiyage/kk_mini_zunda.html
Photo is a web capture for explanatory purposes, copyright belongs to the company.
Jui Gurt is MegMilk Snow Brand's Dole branded seasonal fruit and lactic acid bacteria (LAB) drink. In the press release, the presence of LAB (killed) is noted for flavor enhancement, not health.
http://www.meg-snow.com/products/juice/
Photo is a web capture for explanatory purposes, copyright belongs to the company.
Earlier this year Morinaga held a contest to name the cow character on its condensed milk brand Morinaga Milk Rennnyu, which they cutely called モウそろそろ、名前がほしい which translates as something like "it is about time for a name", but also includes the Japanese equivalent of "moo". So the character representing this brand which was introduced in 1956, finally got a name after a winner was chosen from 6,625 entries. Mirurin ミルリン is the new name and is a contraction of milk ミルク and ring リンリン for the bell around the cow's neck.
http://rennyu-farm.jp/
Photo is a web capture for explanatory purposes, copyright belongs to the company.
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.
This is another collaboration with the Kyoto's Ito Kyuemon Tea Shop, and is a hojicha tea-chocolate KitKat that is only available in the Kansai region. Hijicha tea is called roasted green tea or roasted oolong tea in English. ネスレ キットカット 伊藤久右衛門ほうじ茶
http://d.nestle.jp/kitkat/omiyage/kk_itoh_houjitya.html
Photo is a web capture for explanatory purposes, copyright belongs to the company.
Pino has been Morninaga's chocolate covered, bite size ice cream brand since 1976. This month, they are introducing two variety packs: chocolate, almond & vanilla, and matcha, caramel & vanilla. 森永 ピノ
http://www.pinoice.com/pc/
Photo is a web capture for explanatory purposes, copyright belongs to the company.
Lipton chilled drinks go through Morinaga in Japan. This month, they are introducing a matcha chilled cup drink called The Matcha, which is a matcha flavored milk drink. In the press release, they note the growth of matcha as a flavor in the chilled cup market (3.0 to 3.9 percent from 2008 to 2011). This makes it the second largest category after coffee - larger than the regular or brown tea category. 森永乳業 リプトン 抹茶ミルク
http://www.morinagamilk.co.jp/corporate/release/2012/1115_1205.html
Photo is a web capture for explanatory purposes, copyright belongs to the company.
Kirin is advertising the use of Ichiban Shibori Stout as a frozen dessert. Looks very good, but also surprising in a way. In my experience, companies are very reluctant to suggest major transformations like freezing, because it is hard to guarantee the final quality of the product.
The recipe involves mixing in gum syrup (20 mg per 250 ml can), freezing for 4 hours, breaking apart with a spoon and pouring cream over the top. キリン スタウト デザート
http://www.kirin.co.jp/brands/ichibanstout/howto/drinking/frozen/
Photo is a web capture for explanatory purposes, copyright belongs to the company.
Okinawa and southern Kyushu are known for several varieties of sweet potato, one of which is Beniimo 紅いも (purple yam, Okinawa sweet potato). KitKat is selling a special beniimo-white chocolate KitKat only in Kyushu and Okinawa. ネスレ キットカット 紅いも
http://d.nestle.jp/kitkat/omiyage/kk_mini_beniimo.html
Photo is a web capture for explanatory purposes, copyright belongs to the company.
Went to Bikkuri Donkey restaurant with the family tonight. Very reasonable and the chopped beef is seasoned just right. Aside from the food, I was reminded how Bikkuri Donkey plays all Beatles, all the time. Just think back almost 50 years ago when parents in the West didn't like the long hair and loud music, and here in Japan rightists protested because the Beatles played the Budokan. Now Beatles music is the only choice for music that will offend no one, everyone knows and everyone likes - worldwide. And once again it is almost 50 years after the music was first released pretty amazing. びっくりドンキー
http://www.bikkuri-donkey.com/
Photo is a web capture for explanatory purposes, copyright belongs to the company.
