Today's Close-Up

Drinking to a Better Life: Non-Alcoholic Beverages Are Transforming Japan (2025x24)

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Non-alcoholic beverages are booming in Japan. The market has expanded six-fold over the past 15 years, and even medical professionals are starting to recognize their potential. One survey found they can cut alcohol intake by 30% among regular drinkers. Together with an expert and a booze-loving guest, we look at how non-alcoholic drinks are changing Japanese society, from a clinic that "prescribes" them to patients, to a major sportswear maker that has developed an alcohol-free beer for enjoying after exercise. Guests: YOU (Media personality) Yoshimoto Hisashi (Director, Research and Development Center for Lifestyle Innovation, University of Tsukuba)