Japanese beer (Asahi, Kirin, etc.) tastes much better when they're made and drunk in Japan.  I guess the quality of the water and other ingredients is different due to climate, soil, etc.  Most of the Japanese beer you get locally is brewed in California.  Whenever they ship in the real stuff made in Japan, you pay a higher price but get it a little stale.  But at least it's easier to tell because there's more Japanese writing on the label.