We’ve never been too fond of product placement Hollywood-style, you know, what takes place in those scenes where some B-actor conspicuously uses a piece of technology whose brand is prominently displayed or consumes a food substance of dubious nutritional value and even more questionable safety, once again with the brand clearly identifiable. It’s unnatural and irritating, as is much of the movie industry’s formulaic and therefore predictable output. Enough editorializing for this week. Let’s get to the heart of the matter, shall we?
In some instances, product placement is indeed important and beneficial, not only for producers but for consumers, as well. Are you more likely to reach for those peanuts or Mexican jumping beans or whatever they may be on the basis of the say-so of a stranger, essentially a mercenary with a big conflict of interest, or will you go with what your senses tell you?
What better place can there possibly be for the placement of a carefully crafted alcoholic beverage with which the general public is unfamiliar than in an airport lounge, business or first class? We encountered this beauty in the JAL Business Class Lounge at Narita Airport. Aside from the sticky bottle, the entire—and we mean entire—drinking experience was exceptional. We are not, and I repeat, not implying that the manufacturer of this precious product paid to have it put there. We are just grateful that it was there.
Obviously, there will be more on this next week in Part 2. In the meantime, keep your hands off the jumping beans: they’re not edible.
Drinking Japan 