Since ancient times, alcohol has been an important source of tax revenue for rulers.

And it still holds true in Japan, where over the last 10 years the Finance Ministry has met attempts by breweries to produce cheaper brews with tax increases.

To try and keep prices down, Sapporo Breweries Ltd. and Suntory Ltd. recently introduced new beer-like drinks that are not classified as beer or low-malt "happoshu" under the country's convoluted liquor tax system.