So, as stated earlier we have the great occasion to celebrate the birthdays of two members of our group. It so happens that today we celebrate the birthday of the youngest member of our group. So it was fitting that we took a trip to the Asahi factory. For those who do not know of Asahi, it is a part of the Osaka Beverage company whose market share in soft drinks and beer has made it the fourth largest such company in the world.
After the trip to Mt. Koya we have all become closer and it has dawned upon me that close to a 1/3 of the trip has past us by, and there are so many great memories that we have formed, some of which have been captured by photos and some in our minds. I am, as many of our NCTA delegates know, a more visual person. So here are some photos of the festivities, and I will be sure to give the proper attention to the celebrations that are to occur tonight.
I know that many of the photos below are comical, but at the end we are all here to also enjoy Japan and not just see and learn, but rather to experience. Everyday we travel using the JR train network and try to pick up on the nuances and various cultural aspects of Japan. One such moment was seeing the cleanliness of the Asahi factory, seeing that every corner was immaculately clean. Observing the pursuit of perfection in their craft and pride in their work was very apparent.
Background: Asahi is the largest and most popular beverage company in Japan, having partnerships all over the world including Miller and Molsen's in the United States and Bass in Europe. They also are trying to strive for a 100% recyclable goal, which means that the blue uniform the tour guide is wearing in picture four is made from recycled plastic bottles (approximately 10 bottles). As well as using left over barley for cow feed and using other various items for other purposes. It was great to see how a Japanese business operates.
P.S. Happy 4th of July?? The days have all blurred together here and it is sad to say, but many of us have let the 4th pass us by =(
Study Tour
