The major Japanese brewers, Suntory and Sapporo, have followed the lead of Kirin and market leader, Asahi, in announcing that they will raise their happoshu prices in May, effectively passing on the cost of the planned tax hike on the low-malt beer to customers.

Prices will rise by Y10 for a 350ml can and by Y16 for a 500ml can. Suntory and Sapporo also both announced that they planned to pass on the cost of tax increases on wine to consumers.

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