This afternoon, Leital and I were hitting up some souvenir shops when we spotted this building across the river. We were just as surprised when we found out what company it represents.

Any guesses?

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THE ANSWER:

Indeed, it is the Asahi Breweries HQ.

Our pal here says that the French architect actually planned 3 gold flames, all sticking straight up. But Tokyo nixed that plan — not earthquake safe. (Speaking of which, word has it we had a small one yesterday evening, though I didn’t feel it.) However, one flame blowing horizontally has been quite enough to make the building famous. Of course, it also has its share of not-so-nice nicknames… which I’ll let you imagine (or post!) yourself. No comment here, except that I give the beer a thumbs-up!

– Jenny Lawton