No. 8138 March 29
Kyoto's Kenninji Art Collection on Display

Selected works from Kenninji, an 800-year-old Zen shrine in Kyoto, will be on display at the Suntory Museum from June 4-July 7. Pieces will include a national treasure, a famous folding screen painted by Tawaraya Sotatsu, ink drawings, traditional ceramic ware and many other important cultural properties.

No. 8137 March 29
Whisky Aroma Proves Stress Reliever

At the 79th Japan Physiological Society Academic Conference to be held on March 29, Suntory will issue its research findings on the anti-stress effect of whisky aroma. Based on laboratory experiments tested on both men and mice, the report says that whisky aroma contains a stress relieving agent that creates the same calming result as forest bathing.

No. 8135 March 27
Suntory's "Tale of the Barrel" White Oak Furniture Line on Display at Salone Internaziole del Mobile in Milan
- Selected Pieces Recycled from Decades-Old Whisky Barrels -

OSAKA, March 27, 2002--Suntory Limited leading Distiller & Vintner of Japan announced today that their " Tale of the Barrel" , line of furniture will be displayed at the Salone Internaziole del Mobile (Milan International Furniture Fair), to be held April 10-15 in Milan, Italy. The company will feature some 30 selected pieces made from recycled wood from 50- to 70-year-old white oak whisky barrels.

No. 8133 March 27
Suntory Reports on Anti-cancer Effect of ROKKAKU REISHI

The Suntory Institute of Health and Science will issue its research findings on the anti-cancer effect of ROKKAKU REISHI, a premium-class mushroom, at an academic conference to be held by the Japan Society for Bioscience, Biotechnology, and Agrochemistry on March 24-27. Based on laboratory experiments using mice to compare the anti-cancer effect of ROKKAKU REISHI and AGARICUS, the report says that the former contains four times more s-glucan, an ingredient that boosts the immune system, than the latter, and could contribute to sustaining life.

No. 8132 March 26
Sesame Ingredient Lowers High Blood Pressure, Says Suntory Report

The Suntory Institute of Health and Science, together with a research group from the Osaka College of Pharmacy, plans to present a report on the subdual effect of "sesamen," a sesame ingredient that has proven helpful in reducing high blood pressure. The report, based on a laboratory experiment using mice, will be announced at an academic conference to be held March 26-28.

No. 8131 March 26
Ichiro Stars in New TV Commercial for DIET PEPSI

Beginning April 1, Suntory will start broadcasting a new nationwide TV commercial for DIET PEPSI, featuring MLB star player Ichiro Suzuki. Introduced to the Japanese market in 1998, DIET PEPSI achieved a 4% sales increase during the January-February period of this year. The new commercial highlights Ichiro in training, in the hopes of attracting not only diet-conscious consumers but drinkers of the regular beverage as well. Concurrently, the "PEPSI Taste CHALLENGE" promotional campaign aimed at demonstrating the difference in taste between PEPSI and other competing products will take place until June.

No. 8130 March 26
BOSS Coffee Line Expands

On April 16, Suntory will begin marketing BOSS FUKAIRI, a deep- roasted coffee that will be available in 190g cans retailing for 115 yen. Market demand for the deep-roasted brew introduced by Seattle-based coffee shops is on the rise, and the beverage remains a popular menu item at fast food and family restaurants. BOSS continues to be a top selling brand in the already mature canned coffee market thanks to Suntory's introduction of unique, trendy blends.

No. 8129 March 19
Suntory and Daiichi Pharmaceuticals to Collaborate in Fight Against Alzheimer's

The Suntory Foundation and Daiichi Pharmaceuticals Co., Ltd. concluded a contract to collaborate on the development and marketing of SUN Y7017, a clinical drug that is expected to restrain the advancement of Alzheimer's. According to the contract, the product currently available to people in the late stages of the disease will be modified for use by moderate sufferers. Suntory will conduct R&D efforts, while marketing operations will be lead by Daiichi Pharmaceuticals.

No. 8128 March 15
2001 Suntory Prize Winners Announced

The Suntory Foundation announced that its annual Suntory Prize, which fosters publication of Japanese literature overseas, has been awarded to 11 works, including six attempts to translate original Japanese text into Korean, Chinese, Persian and Mongolian, respectively. This year, the winners will share a subsidy of 5.25 million yen. Established in 1979 to commemorate the company's 80th anniversary, the Suntory Foundation is committed to helping develop cultural and educational programs worldwide.

No. 8125 March 13
First Keizo Saji Award Recipients Announced

The Suntory Music Foundation announced on March 13 that the first Keizo Saji Award, which recognizes well-planned and successful concerts, will be presented to concerts lead by harpist Ayako Shinozaki and conductor Kazushi Ono respectively. A 1 million yen cash prize will be awarded to each winner.

No. 8124 March 13
Pianist Receives 33rd Suntory Music Award

On March 13, the Suntory Music Foundation announced that its 33rd annual musical award, which includes a cash prize of 7 million yen, will be given to pianist Toshi Ichiyanagi. Established in 1969 to promote western classical music, the association is instrumental in commissioning new works and sponsoring concerts by local artists.

No. 8123 March 13
Beer Plant Tours to be Increased

To promote consumer awareness in its quality manufacturing processes, Suntory has announced that it will expand the number of tours at its three beer plants located in Musashino, west of Tokyo, Kyoto and Tonegawa in Gunma Prefecture. The factories have attracted a combined total of more than 200,000 visitors to date. In addition to increasing the tour number, new eco-brewery and parent-child programs will be included.

No. 8122 March 13
Whisky-Blending Workshops Scheduled for May

Suntory invites participants to join its spring whisky-blending workshops, which will be held May 11- June 30 at two distilleries in Yamazaki, Osaka Prefecture, and Hakushu, Yamanashi Prefecture. Started in 1999, the semi-annual workshops show participants how to blend their own bottles of whisky, which can be taken home tagged with an original label.

No. 8121 March 12
KAKUBIN Whisky Campaign Kicks off

From late March, Suntory will kick off a giveaway campaign for KAKUBIN Whisky, during which an original glass perfect for serving whisky on the rocks will come with each bottle. A regular-sized 700ml bottle of KAKUBIN retails for 1,420 yen.

No. 8120 March 12
DIET PEPSI in 350ml Bottle-Shaped Cans Goes on Sale

On April 16, Suntory will begin marketing DIET PEPSI in 350ml bottle-shaped cans priced at 120 yen. Regular PEPSI COLA in 500ml bottles that retail for 140 yen will also be introduced on the same day. Launched in 1998, DIET PEPSI has been steadily gaining in popularity among calorie- conscious consumers.

No. 8119 March 12
Suntory to Market Newly-Designed KYOGETSU GREEN

In late March, Suntory will start marketing its KYOGETSU GREEN line of Korean Shochu in earth-friendly 2.7-liter and 1.8-liter transparent bottles. Korean Shochu is gaining in popularity, particularly among Japanese commercial users. In 2001, KYOGESTU GREEN sales grew by 30% over the preceding year.

No. 8118 March 12
Suntory to Start Mail Order Marketing of Health Foods

Targeting health-conscious consumers, Suntory will launch mail order marketing of four different health foods on April 2. These will include ROKKAKU-REISHI, a mushroom-based product retailing for 18,000 yen; KOHNEN-BALANCE, a bean product priced at 2,500 yen; YOSHINO-NO-YAKIUME, a plum product for 1,600 yen; and vinegar-based MARUSHIGE-GENKISSU for 4,000 yen.

No. 8117 March 12
"THE GREAT COCKTAILS" to be Sold in Newly-Designed Bottles

On March 26, Suntory will start marketing "THE GREAT COCKTAILS," including CAMPARI, KAHLUA, BEEFEATER GIN, PARAISO, CINZANO and LEJAY-CASSIS, in a classy new design. The cocktails, with their authentic taste and novel packaging, have been enjoying popularity since introduction in May 2001.

The new bottles have been designed to further enhance brand image. Contents have also been increased from 200ml to 225ml, while the price remains unchanged at 230 yen.

No. 8114 March 8
Gardening Website Sports New Design

Effective March 8, Suntory has totally redesigned its gardening website (http://suntory.co.jp/flower/) to provide information about its flower products and gardening tips. Future plans call for a similar business website to be established for retailers.

No. 8112 March 5
SOREKARA to be Sold in 1.8-Liter Cartons

Distribution of SOREKARA in 1.8-liter cartons will start from March 19. Made from barely, the Shochu is particularly popular at Japanese restaurants. Launch of the newly packaged product is expected to meet the demand of many consumers who also enjoy drinking it at home. The 1.8-liter carton, containing 25% alcohol, will retail for 1,550 yen.

No. 8111 March 5
Campaign Promotes Home Cocktail Parties

A sales campaign targeting 12 imported liquors was launched in mid-March. By sending in the application postcard that comes with each bottle, some 100 lucky winners will receive a "cocktail party box," containing all the necessary items to make cocktails at home. Another 2,000 applicants will win an original cocktail recipe book. The application deadline is June 28.

No. 8110 March 5
Online Campaign Promotes Imported Wines

Suntory will hold an online campaign March 25-June 30 to promote 22 imported wines. The "World Wine Campaign" follows the launch of Chile's SANTA CAROLINA PREMIO wine on March 19 and import renewal of Portugal's MATEUS ROSE. By accessing the campaign web site at www.suntory-wwl.com and voting for a favorite wine, some 1,800 lucky winners will receive wine-related giveaways.

No. 8109 March 5
Two New Flavors Added to COCKTAIL BAR CB Line

Suntory will add BIG APPLE and GRAPE KISS to its COCKTAIL BAR CB line. The former is a blend of apple and vodka, while the latter is a grape and yogurt-flavored cocktail mixture. Packaged in chic, trendy bottles, the COCKTAIL BAR CB line has enjoyed large popularity particularly among younger consumers since its launch in 1993. A 250ml bottle containing 4% alcohol sells for 210 yen.

No. 8108 March 5
New Happoshu to be Marketed in April

From April 23, Suntory will begin marketing SUMIROKA-JUNNAMA, a new low-malt, beer-like beverage known as "happoshu." Bamboo charcoal is used to filter the drink, contributing to its light, easy-to-drink taste. "Blushed barley" also adds to the product's mildness. Containing 5.5% alcohol, the happoshu will come in 500ml and 350ml cans that retail for 195 yen and 145 yen, respectively.