New Japan Soft Drink Contains Gold Leaf Made Using UNESCO-registered Technique
15:00 JST, December 17, 2023
KANAZAWA — A soda drink containing pieces of “entsuke” gold leaf — which is made using a technique registered on UNESCO’s Intangible Cultural Heritage list — has been put on sale by Hakuza Inc., a gold leaf manufacturer and retailer in Kanazawa.
Kinpaku Kotobuki Cider (“kinpaku” means gold leaf in Japanese) is intended to be consumed at banquets and purchased for use as a gift. It is suitable for everyone, ranging from kids to adults who do not drink alcohol.
The product, which comes in a 250-milliliter bottle and costs ¥594, is sold at the company’s stores, on e-commerce websites and at souvenir shops at JR Kanazawa Station.
In developing the drink, the company sought the cooperation of Suzuki Kosen, a long-established company that produces soft drinks and nonalcoholic beer in Kuwana, Mie Prefecture.
The soda looks especially good when poured into a glass as the shiny gold leaf pieces “dance” among the bubbles.
“I hope many people will enjoy the drink at festive occasions, including during toasts,” said a Hakuza employee official.
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