[Blog/Nikomi Mist] "A-Ball" Awamori Soda Mixed with Alcohol at Naha's Long-Established Bar "Kozakura"

Table of Contents

A sign
Naha's long-established restaurant "Kozakura"
Checkout
1. Store Information

A sign

First, a little bit about the "A sign."

The "A Sign" is a business license for restaurants and adult entertainment establishments in Okinawa that is officially approved by the U.S. military. It began in 1953 and was awarded to businesses that met the hygiene standards set by the U.S. Military Discipline Enforcement Committee. The "A" stands for "Approved," and approved establishments display the "A" mark.

The purpose of the law was to protect the health and welfare of U.S. military personnel and their families by enforcing sanitation and building standards. Although restaurant sanitation standards improved significantly, concerns about sexually transmitted diseases and other issues led to the law being abolished in 1972.

Naha's long-established restaurant "Kozakura"

Now, there is a place called "Kozakura" is a long-established izakaya that was founded in 1955 and is currently run by the third generation.Goat Cuisine SakaeAlong with ", it is one of the most famous restaurants on Ryugu Street.

Awamori and carbonated drink "A Ball"

First, let's start with "A Ball," a drink made with awamori and soda.

The drink is a common awamori mixed with soda, but the name of the menu item is a play on the initial "A" of awamori and the "A" of the A sign, making it easy to remember and expressing respect and pride for Okinawa's food and drink culture. Hmm! It fits perfectly.

I want to make "A-ball" a standard

Furthermore, in order to spread the name "A Ball" throughout the country, Kozakura applied for a trademark registration "in reverse" so that other izakayas could freely use the name. This was a proactive move to prevent one awamori manufacturer from monopolizing "A Ball" by applying for it. This is the generosity of Kozakura, the head bar owner of Okinawa!

So, "A-Ball" is a copyright-free word that anyone can use. "Izakayas across the country! Please feel free to use "A-Ball" and spread the word!" exclaims the third-generation owner!

[The price of the product may have changed between the time the link was created and the present time.]

[Hometown Tax Donation] Ryukyu Awamori Nakijin Famous Sake Tasting Set (720ml x 6 Bottles) Aged Sake Souvenir
Price: 20,000 yen (tax included, free shipping) (As of April 7, 2024)

A few dishes

Of course, the food is also excellent.

Although I didn't order it this time, the "Beef Offal Stew" is also unique and delicious!

Checkout

Wow, I was really impressed by the grandeur of this long-established bar and the chef's love for Okinawa!

It seems like "A-ball" will catch on quickly. It reflects the traditional Okinawan spirit of enriching the community through cooperation rather than competition. Amazing! Kozakura!

Original Okiko Ramen 48 pieces (1 case) [Free Shipping] / Cup Ramen Okinawa Souvenir Local Mini Ramen
Price: 3,200 yen (tax included, free shipping) (As of April 7, 2024)

Store Information

Kozakura

Time: 18:00-23:00
Closed: Thursdays
Address: 3-12-21 Makishi, Naha City, Okinawa Prefecture, 900-0013

Blog/Stewed Mist] "A Ball" Awamori Soda Wari at Kozakura, a long-established bar in Naha.