On a weekend afternoon in Hokkaido, specifically in Kitahiroshima City, I found myself suddenly feeling drowsy while driving and decided to take a quick break at a familiar convenience store in the area. Located along Route 36, near the Komatsu training center, this convenience store is well-known to those who have taken forklift or rigging training courses. As a Hokkaido resident, I usually don't use Seicomart, but for some reason, when I'm out of town, I get oddly excited and find myself exclaiming, "Oh, Seicomart!" (laughs) I parked my car for a short rest to combat the drowsiness. I decided to buy a drink to wake myself up, and for fun, I chose a combination of Seicomart's PB Guarana & Health Blend Tea. The Guarana drink caught my attention as it is a carbonated beverage similar to cola. Guarana was developed in the 1950s by the National Association of Beverage Manufacturers of Japan in response to the fear of Coca-Cola's arrival from America. It is a plant grown in the Amazon region of Brazil and is commonly used as a beverage in Brazil. The taste and color of Guarana are similar to cola, and it became popular in Hokkaido before Coca-Cola due to the delay in Coca-Cola's arrival in the region. Today, Kirin Guarana and Co-op Guarana by Koara are the leading brands in Hokkaido. Koara, the oldest Guarana manufacturer, is a small company located in Nanae-cho in southern Hokkaido. I find it impressive that they have managed to survive in the competitive market. Although their products may not be widely recognized, they might be more familiar than we think. After trying Guarana again after a long time, I must say that I still prefer Coca-Cola. The unique sweetness of Guarana doesn't quite suit my taste buds. I first tried Guarana about ten years ago, so I am more accustomed to the taste of Coca-Cola. Overall, it was an interesting experience. Thank you for the meal. P.S. Co-op Guarana candy from Koara is delicious! It's not always easy to find, but it's worth trying.