Cheap drink helps keep Japan cheerful

Monday, 1 April, 2002, 11:46 GMT 12:46 UK

It has been a dismal winter of recession in Japan but the cherry blossom is out two weeks early this year and with it, a hope that the worst may be over.

The annual spring parties are being celebrated with customary enthusiasm, but look more closely and there are tell-tale signs of the times.

It looks like beer but many of the revellers are drinking happoshu - which means fizzy alcohol, a substitute much cheaper than the real thing.

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