An interesting outcome of the coronavirus pandemic has been continued strong demand for craft beer in the U.S. Although many breweries have faced the challenge of adjusting their business models, the overall beer market has been quite steady, with falling on-premise (bars, restaurants, taprooms, etc.) beer sales being replaced by off-premise (e.g., supermarkets, convenience store, direct to consumer) beer consumption. [...]
On June 19, based on approval from the Oregon state government, the city of Portland and neighboring cities in Multnomah County were able to move into Phase 1 re-opening in response to the coronavirus pandemic. The move into Phase 1 will impact a number of different impacts on social gatherings and business. Restaurants, bars, pubs, etc. will be able to [...]
This week, there was a bit of bright news among the COVID-19 developments -- for the first time in almost 3 months, the Portland Japanese Garden re-opened to the public. The garden will be following a number of health guidelines to ensure visitors' health & safety, including one-way paths, timed ticketing/visits, and required use of masks. On-line reservations are required [...]
The coronavirus pandemic has caused great harm in terms of lives lost, distancing of loved ones, and damaged business. At Hokusei North America, we are waiting along with everyone else for the end of this crisis, and look forward to the day when business operations return to normal on both sides of the Pacific. In the meantime, we are taking [...]
On May 7, Oregon Governor Kate Brown laid out her plan for a phased reopening of the Oregon economy in response to the coronavirus pandemic. The foundation of Oregon's approach to opening up economic and recreational actives is a 3-phased expansion of permissible business activities, applied at the county level. Counties may move from the current stay-at-home requirement to Phase [...]
During the current coronavirus pandemic, it can often be difficult to stay in touch with our friends and business connections that are located locally, let alone with those found far away. This can especially be true in the case of maintaining multi-cultural/national networks, where language, cultural, and time zone differences can sometime be a challenge, even during "normal" times. Luckily, [...]
Hokusei North America works with a number of suppliers and partners in the Portland area, all of which have no doubt been adversely impacted by the coronavirus pandemic. This has forced our partners to adapt in many ways, including limiting operations and making staff changes. That said, one of our trading partners, Allport Editions, is doing an excellent job of [...]
Earlier this month, we learned with great sadness that Portland Japanese Garden announced that it will be closed indefinitely, due to the corona virus outbreak. As Portlanders, we at Hokusei North America hold a special place in our hearts for the Japanese Garden -- it is a source of beauty, tranquility, and cultural learning that will be missed sorely. Just [...]
During the current health crisis, it's important to take time out to take notice the wonderful things around us. One of those such things is the beauty of cherry blossoms that return each Spring to Portland. One of the best places to view cherry blossoms is Tom McCall Park, on the west bank of the Willamette River that flows through [...]
Recently, the outbreak of the corona virus has raised concerns for the health & safety of populations on both side of the Pacific. Here at Hokusei North America, we are continuing our normal operations, while monitoring any potential guidance issued by governmental bodies in the U.S., Japan, and Oregon. Should there be any changes to our operations, we will [...]