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Suntory Corp this week held its annual "Whisky Lovers Awards" ceremony in which it honors celebrities who it feels have the sophisticated image they would like to associate with their brand. This year, singer Masahiko Kondo, composer Ryuichi Sakamoto, actress Ryoko Yonekura, actress Yuriko Yoshitaka, ballet dancer Tetsuya Kumakawa and F1 driver Kamui Kobayashi were honored.
The award was started last year to celebrate the success of the highball, a soda and whisky combination. Upon receiving his award, Sakamoto said, "I think I've got some maturing left to do before I deserve this award, but I'd like to become the kind of guy who appreciates a good whisky." Yoshitaka said, "I'm going to try relaxing with a whisky after a long day."
Due in part to the popularity of the highball, whisky sales increased 10% last year, marking the first upturn in 11 years. Sales are increasing across the alcohol industry in general with whisky distillers anticipating another 2% increase on last year.
© Japan Today
14 Comments
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yamanotemaster
Is this just product placement? Sorry I'm a bit slow on the uptake. Man am I sick of these awards...
lostrune2
Heheheh, I know many many more college students who are more deserving of the Whisky Lovers Awards, who drink whiskey everyday, sometimes several times!
IvanCoughalot
Hmmmm - that has to be a good sign. People drinking 10% more whisky - what possible downside could there be?
wanderlust
paulinusa - I think it will be the Best Bestist!
smithinjapan
Sigh.... another Japanese 'award'.
SumoBob
Japan,
Please, please stop using the term "highball" as if it's the name of a single drink. A high ball is a glass and a series of drinks that use said glass. What you wanted to say was "ウイスキーソーダ."
GW
Hey I always have 6-8 bottles of good single malt in my liquor cabinet & I drink a bit once in a while too, pick me I say at least I enjoy the stuff hahah this is too funny!
goddog
There should be an award for the people that invent these awards, if you know what I am talking about.
tokyokawasaki
How about something original. Why all the 'copycat' pathetic awards...
paulinusa
Is there an award for someone who wins the most awards?
majimeaussie
And it is always good to associate alcohol with car drivers isn't it!!
wanderlust
"Best Whiskyist!"
But the award stoops to lower levels than usual as most of them are NOT even whisky drinkers, it is for 'it honors celebrities who it feels have the sophisticated image they would like to associate with their brand.'
Bring back Bill Murray and Suntory Time!
akiraw86
what the...
Gurukun
Bwhahahahahaha! Another Award....ists? And who is Whiskey Ryoko Yonekura?