Nikka Whisky

This sign is also in sight of the Asahi headquarters in Asakusa (Asahi owns Nikka).

Asahi Super Dry

This sign is in the Asakusa district within sight of the Asahi headquarters.

Mos Chicken Sandwich

This poster advertises a chicken sandwich special which uses chicken sourced from Hokkaido. It also mentions that this is a regionally limited special.

Vending Machine

There are several interesting things about this vending machine. One, only cold drinks are offered. That will be switched out pretty soon. Most likely, more than half of the offerings will be hot by a month from now.

Two, this machine accepts Suica electronic money. That is becoming very common in Japan.

Three, although this is a Coca Cola machine coffees, teas and waters all equal or out number cola offerings. This one advertises a European blend for the Georgia canned coffee line.

Ramen Shop in Ueno

I have never eaten here, but have walked past it possibly hundreds to times. It is in such a crowded location that I usually just want to keep walking. Interesting though.

Tully's 13th Anniversary Special T's Shake

I took this photo on September 6th, so it was one day out of date. Tully's celebrated its 13th anniversary in Japan by offering special shakes called T's Shake - honey/espresso, creamy mango, and vanilla milk tea.

Excelsior Caffe's Premium Frozen Mango Passion and Yogurt

Excelsior Caffe (a Japanese Starbucks competitor) is currently featuring Premium Frozen as Mango Passion and Yogurt. There is a latte flavor Premium Frozen on the regular menu. The prices for the small, medium and large sizes are 380, 430 and 480 yen, which makes it one of the group of most expensive offerings.

Asahi in the Market for Asian Acquisitions

Asahi Breweries may buy food, alcohol companies in Asia-Pacific
http://search.japantimes.co.jp/cgi-bin/nb20100422n4.html

The Japan Times reports that Asahi will be shopping around Asia for companies to acquire.
The fact the three big alcohol companies are looking to expand outside Japan has been big news in the food industry for several years now.
Kirin has been the most aggressive and apparently the most profitable so far with major acquisitions in Australia and the Phillipines.

Dairy and Health - Positive Correlation

Lipids DOI 10.1007/s11745-010-3412-5 (pre-print)
The Consumption of Milk and Dairy Foods and the Incidence of Vascular Disease and Diabetes: An Overview of the Evidence
http://springerlink.com/content/k2475344067821um/?p=3556e9a1e78d4708919a3420b95f18df&pi=1

Here is an meta-analysis which hits at the heart of intermediate markers vs evidence based outcomes.
People avoid dairy because of high fat content and cholesterol, but the evidence actually points the other way.
High (full fat) dairy consumption is actually correlated with lower rates of all-cause deaths, ischaemic heart disease, stroke and for incident diabetes.

I am not a big fan of meta-analysis, but in cases like this it provides the best/only data.
Milk is such a complex substance that it is likely the beneficial effects of milk peptides, etc. might overwhelm any negative effects.

Strategies to Reduce Sodium Intake in the United States

The Institute of Medicine (IOM, National Academy of Sciences) released a report which has gotten a lot of news coverage.
Strategies to Reduce Sodium Intake in the United States
http://www.iom.edu/Reports/2010/Strategies-to-Reduce-Sodium-Intake-in-the-United-States.aspx

This report proposes intervention by the FDA.

Washington Post article
http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2010/04/19/AR2010041905049_pf.html
USA Today article
http://www.usatoday.com/news/health/2010-04-20-fda-salt-cutback_N.htm?

The FDA hurriedly replied that it has no plans to regulate salt at this time.
They are no doubt reluctant to take the lead.
http://www.fda.gov/NewsEvents/Newsroom/PressAnnouncements/ucm209155.htm

I don't know how it could be done fairly to all those concerned, but I feel strongly this would be the only way to reduce salt levels.
No food company wants to go at it alone, because customers will just buy an alternative.

There is a strong sentiment in the US against any "big brother" measures, so this will not be easy by any means.