Sake being drunk on the Coming of Age Day national holiday
(Picture: Getty Images)Alcohol sales are decreasing in Japan, and for the government, this presents a revenue issue.
According to The Japan Times newspaper, sales previously represented 5% of total tax revenue, down to 1.7% within the space of 40 years.
This has been attributed to younger people drinking less than older generations. To redress this, the government has launched the Sake Vive! Campaign. The competition is seeking ideas that will help popularise the national drink of rice wine and other alcoholic beverages.
Over the course of 25 years, the average volume being drunk per person has been cut by 25%. While from a national health point of view this would normally be seen as a good trend, evidently tax revenue is taking precedence.
On the plus side, it’s refreshing to see government officials asking its citizens to show the way on growing a drinking culture, as opposed to leading by example.
What do you think of the government encouraging young people to drink? Let us know in the comments below for the chance to be featured on the ES website.
Yesterday we asked for your views on Grant Shapps’ proposal to introduce a speed limit for cyclists.
Standard reader StevieDee described the idea as a “desperate bid to deflect from his own and his party’s failings” and says “there is clearly no justification for such proposals”.
