Exploring Japan

Our American-concept of Japanese cuisine consists primarily of sushi, hibachi, and sake liquor.  As it turns out, Japan actually has a unique and diverse cuisine culture, most of which we in the western world have never heard.  Particularly when it comes to beverages, Japan has a great deal to offer.  If you’re planning a visit, be on the lookout for some of these Japanese favorites.

Suntory is responsible for producing a number of well-known beverages seen at local supermarkets and restaurants.  With tea being such a common part of the Japanese culture, it’s no surprise that one of Suntory’s most popular products is its Oolong Tea.  Other popular Suntory drinks include Boss, a line of canned coffee, and Dakara, considered to be a health beverage.  Suntory also has several lines of alcoholic beverages.  The Premium Malt’s has gained international recognition and is definitely worth a try.  A line of low priced beers include Hop’s Draft, Magnum Dry and even Seven Hops RELAX, which is carb free.

The unique bottle design and marble of Ramune make it one of the most memorable of Japanese beverages.  This soft drink comes in a codd-neck bottle and is sealed with a marble which must be pushed into the bottle with a special device before it can be consumed.  This drink is especially popular among children who can remove and keep the marble after drinking the beverage.  Having been expanded from its original lemon lime flavor, there are now 26 flavors of Ramune, including, kiwi, octopus, and wasabi.

You may be thinking water is one thing that stays the same from continent to continent.  Well, think again.  Japanese beverage companies have taken some very unique approaches to bottled water production and marketing.  Though it is no longer manufactured, one company recently advertised “diet water” on shelves in Japan.  Your guess is as good as mine as to what exactly constitutes diet water.  Asahi, a Japanese beverage company has a Gyugyutto Shimikomu Collagen Water.  Yes, it contains collagen.  They also make a mineral water called Vanadium Tennen Mizu, which contains vanadium.  Other unique bottled water attributes include extra oxygen or a refreshing aroma.