I thought that maybe some of you could find this article interesting.

http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/asia-pacific/4594782.stm

enjoy!
e.

P.S. An Izakaya is like a snack bar that Japanese people go to after the bars. Bars are only supposed to serve alcohol until a certain time, but even though Izakayas also serve alcohol, their connotation as a snack place make them different to bars, and make them therefore legal. Japanese people love to drink!