UK Among Markets for Frozen Beer
First Batch of Scottish Sake
Kirin Brewery Company, Limited is to take its popular frozen beer to the UK, according to a press release issued on 11 March. Ichiban Shibori Frozen Nama—which is covered with an ice-cold head of foam that keeps the drink cold for about 30 minutes—was launched in Japan last year. The brewer said the beer has been well received in tests in Hawaii, Shanghai and Singapore. A launch overseas, including in the UK, is planned for later this year. Ichiban Shibori Frozen Nama
Estate Kids Get Look into World of Finance Children from housing estates in the East End area of London have been given a behind-the-scenes look at a Japanese investment bank to show them what it might be like to work in finance, The Docklands & East London Advertiser reported on 20 March.
The 11 youngsters attended a workshop— organised by Tower Hamlets Homes through the East London Business Alliance—at Nomura bank. The housing body is planning more guidance sessions for youngsters to prepare them for the working world.
Tokyo Firm Orders Midlands-made Wind Turbines
Osaka Welcomes Top Tartan Chippy
A Loughborough manufacturer is to supply wind turbines to Tokyo-based Zephyr Corporation, This is Leicestershire reported on 8 March. Made by Evance Wind Turbines Ltd., the Zephyr 9000 is the only turbine manufactured outside the UK that has received certification in Japan. The firm, which exports 20% of its products, said Japan could be a strong market after the government introduced the highest feed-in tariff in the world to encourage renewable energy and reduce the use of nuclear power and fossil fuels.
An award-winning fish and chip shop from Stonehaven is to take part in the annual British fair at Hankyu Hanshin Department Store. The bid to introduce the traditional dish to the Japanese market was reported by the Montrose Review on 12 March. The Bay Fish and Chips won the No 1 UK Independent Takeaway prize at the National Fish and Chip Awards earlier this year. The Scottish takeaway was chosen following a visit to the shop by Japanese businessmen keen to introduce the fish and chip culture to their country. The department store’s British Fair, which has been held since 1970, focuses on a number of things British, including tea, fashion and landscapes.
A Scottish brewery is to start producing sake after its managing director became Scotland’s first certified sake professional, the Metro reported on 14 March. Arran Brewery’s fermented rice drink, called Arran No 1, will be made from local water and rice imported from Japan and the US. The first bottles of the drink will be produced by the end of the year. The brewery already produces awardwinning beer brands, including Arran Ale, Blond, Red Squirrel and Milestone.
David Bowie Café Had Two-week Stint in Ginza The David Bowie Café opened in Tokyo for two weeks to promote the English musician’s new album, Japan Today reported on 8 March. To mark the release of The Next Day— Bowie’s first album in 10 years—part of Ginza’s Sony Building was converted into a café from 9 to 24 March. The restaurant served a selection of Bowie-inspired food and drinks, and was decorated with photos, portraits, album covers and books celebrating the singer’s career.
Fashion Label to Open Debut Shop in Roppongi Issa London has chosen Tokyo to host its first shop, marking a new stage in the brand’s expansion, according to a press release issued on 22 March. The label had great success after opening a pop-up shop in Ginza’s Isetan Mitsukoshi department store last year. Its debut standalone shop will be in the Roppongi Hills shopping centre. Well-known fans of the brand include the Duchess of Cambridge.
Luxury Cygnet Car Heads for Japan Sports car maker Aston Martin has announced the launch of its Cygnet model in Japan, the Lutterworth Mail reported on 8 March. Initially available only in European markets since mid-2011, the bespoke luxury city car has ultra-compact packaging and lowemission engine technology.
Aston Martin’s luxury Cygnet city car is to be launched here.
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