2012-11-20

MegMilk Snow Brand Dole Jui Gurt

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.

Morinaga Condensed Milk Character Mirurin

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 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.

Kyoto Hojicha Tea KitKat

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.