Earnest Mercer interview

Earnest Mercer has seen Japan from the 1950’s to 2006.

I have seen Japan change a lot in the twenty years I’ve lived here…so I can only imagine how many changes he’s seen.

Mr. Mercer was kind enough to do an interview with me.

…the economic recovery of Japan after WWII is one of the greatest achievements in modern history…

(Earnest Mercer)

"Kirin Beer" delivery truck, 1950s Japan (photo by Earnest Mercer).

Click here to read the interview.

Asahi Gold

Today we went to a neighborhood festival that we usually go to every year.

While we were there, I went to buy a beer…and I found a retro style can of beer by Asahi Beer, so I bought a can.

Asahi Gold 50 year anniversary re-issue

It’s a re-issue of their “Asahi Gold Beer” in a can that looks like it did when that beer was sold in Japan fifty years ago.

Asahi Beer is selling this beer for a limited time only in the special retro design cans to celebrate the 50th anniversary of Asahi Gold beer and also the 120th anniversary of Asahi breweries itself.

The original Asahi Gold beer that went on sale in 1958 in Japan was sold in cans without any tab on the top of the cans! A can opener was needed to punch two holes in the top of the can to drink the beer!

1950's can of Asahi Gold Beer with no tab on top.

This was also Asahi Beer‘s first beer sold in a can (rather than a glass bottle).

Of course, the cans of this beer being sold today have the easy-to-open tabs on top.

This is a good beer. I recommend buying some while they’re available.

I have a collection of unique beer bottles and cans…I’ve added this one to my collection!