The price of the Japanese low-malt beer happoshu has risen in many retailers this week as higher taxes on alcohol came into effect.


Happoshu prices increased ¥10 for to around ¥145 for a 350-millilitre can and ¥16 to around ¥201 for a 500-ml can. The tax hikes did not affect regular beer, narrowing the price gap the two products. Happoshu’s cheaper prices had been its big selling point.

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