Japanese Drank 83 Bottles of Beer Per Person in 2006

Asahi Breweries has been Japan's best beer for the past 6 years...with a market share of 37.8%.

Kirin Beer, however, is breathing down its neck with a share of 37.6%.

The five top breweries in Japan shipped 497.5 million 20 bottle cases in 2006, down for the second straight year but by just 0.7%.

That is enough for every man, woman and child to drink 83 bottles of beer…on the wall…83 bottles of beer. Take one down and…

Asahi's Super Dry was the best with 132.6 million case, or more than 20 bottles per person.

Kirin had the next three top sellers but still total sales did not reach Asahi's number one. Kirin's Lager brand was number five.

Sake? Beer? Sake? Beer? Liguor is the oil that keeps Japan's society lubicated, it is said. And it seems to be running quite smoothly.

what do you think?