Nothing is in focus in this photo, so I assume it represents someone who has already been partying enough to need a designated driver. In any case, Kirin Ichiban Shibori is Kirin's best selling true beer (not 2nd or 3rd category). The name of the beer comes from Kirin only using the first separation from the mash, or ichiban shibori, and not mixing it with the product of a second separation which is more common. キリンビール 一番搾り
http://www.kirin.co.jp
Photo is a web capture for explanatory purposes, copyright belongs to the company.
You don't have to consume alcohol to enjoy the cherry blossoms. Suntory offers its Orangina drink as an option. Outside North America, this brand is owned by Suntory.
http://www.suntory.com/
Photo is a web capture for explanatory purposes, copyright belongs to the company.
Sapporo recommends its new White Belgium 3rd category beer for refreshment during cherry blossom viewing. This new beer is designed to have the taste of Belgian white beer while at the same time avoiding Japan's high beer tax. The production method is said to be influenced by traditional Belgian brewing methods, and malt from Belgium is used. In addition to barley malt, some wheat malt is also used which is said to affect the bubble size. Finally, coriander and orange peel are also used for flavor. Haven't tried it yet, but it certainly sounds interesting. サッポロービール ホワイトベルグ
http://www.sapporobeer.jp/
Photo is a web capture for explanatory purposes, copyright belongs to the company.
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.
If wine doesn't suit you, Suntory would be just as happy for you to choose a Suntory Highball for your cherry blossom viewing. Nice Photo.
http://www.suntory.com/
Photo is a web capture for explanatory purposes, copyright belongs to the company.
Valckenberg German wines go through Suntory in Japan and Suntory suggests that people in the Tohoku region should celebrate the cherry blossoms with a little Madonna Rose. サントリー
http://www.suntory.com/
Photo is a web capture for explanatory purposes, copyright belongs to the company.
Kirin would like you to associate Kirin Lager with cherry blossom viewing. I am perfectly willing to follow their lead.
http://www.kirin.co.jp/
Photo is a web capture for explanatory purposes, copyright belongs to the company.
Cold Stone Creamery Maple Pecan Passion is being sold exclusively in 7-Eleven stores for 378 yen, which is a nice premium. メープルピーカンパッション コールドストーン セブンイレブン
http://www.sej.co.jp/
Photo is a web capture for explanatory purposes, copyright belongs to the company.
Through Tuesday, 7-Eleven is offering 100 yen onigiri, on all varieties which regularly go for up to 160 yen. This is a periodic special that is really a pretty good deal. I assume it gets people in the stores.
http://www.sej.co.jp/
Photo is a web capture for explanatory purposes, copyright belongs to the company.
In a somewhat bizarre move, the Morinaga home delivery service offered some makeup tips for female customers this week. This just shows that in many social trends, Japan is a decade or so behind the West. It is true that most of the home delivery decisions are made by women homemakers and they are targeted in marketing, but I think similar advice in the US or Europe would result in a good number of people being insulted. Marketing teams almost always consist of both men and women, so this was not just a case of men being tone deaf. 森永宅配
http://www.morinagamilk.co.jp/
Photo is a web capture for explanatory purposes, copyright belongs to the company.
