Scotch whisky celebrates taxing victory

摘要

In a drive to reverse the slump in sales and take advantage of the lower tax levels introduced this October, whisky producers are planning extensive marketing campaigns in Japan, and many are planning price cuts over and above those afforded by the lower duty levels. The revision of Japan's Liquor Tax Law will make whisky and other liquors cheaper and Japanese shochu - a clear liquor distilled traditionally from sweet potatoes, buckwheat and rice - more expensive. On average the tax cut on a bottle of whisky will be around Y300, while the levy on a 1.8 litre bottle of the domestically brewed shochu will rise by about Y80.