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Last Updated: May 5, 2025
Next Update Scheduled: May 19, 2025
- Japanese Craft Beer Industry News (Past Month)
- Japanese Craft Beer Events & Beer Festivals (Next 3 Months)
- Newly Opened & Closed Brewery Information in Japan
- Notable Japanese Beers
- Japanese Craft Beer Trend Analysis
- Untappd Japan Region Popular Brewery Rankings
- Beer Competition Information
- Terminology Guide
- Related Content
Japanese Craft Beer Industry News (Past Month)
Popular Overseas Dark Beer “Orion The Dark” Now Available in Japan
Okinawa Orion Beer has begun domestic sales of its dark beer previously only available overseas.
B’z and Asahi Super Dry Collaboration
Campaign launched offering invitation tickets to “B’z presents UNITE #02” event; new TV commercial now airing.
Kirin “Ichiban Shibori White Beer” New Release
Kirin Beer released a new product “Ichiban Shibori White Beer” on April 15.
Asahi “THE BITTER-IST” First New Brand in 7 Years
Asahi Beer has released “THE BITTER-IST,” its first new beer brand in 7 years.
Japanese Craft Beer Market Continues to Grow
The Japan Craft Beer Industry Association Council announced that 2022 shipment volume reached 43,745 kiloliters, a 24% increase from pre-pandemic levels.
Beer EXPO 2025 Held at Makuhari Messe
Japan’s first integrated beer event celebrating the 30th anniversary of craft beer, with 200 breweries from across the country.
Japanese Craft Beer Events & Beer Festivals (Next 3 Months)
Bar Hopping in TOKYO DOME CITY 2025GW
Bunkyo-ku, Tokyo – Tokyo Dome City
An event to enjoy craft beer while walking around Tokyo Dome City. Collect stamps for a chance to win prizes.
WCB / AQ Invitational AT Midtown Garden
Minato-ku, Tokyo – Tokyo Midtown
A free admission event where 16 domestic breweries gather, allowing visitors to enjoy beer picnic-style on the lawn.
BREWER’S CAMP 2025
Oarai Campsite, Ibaraki Prefecture
A camping event for beer lovers hosted by T.Y.HARBOR Brewery. Five popular breweries will offer more than 15 types of draft beer.
Keyaki Hiroba Spring Beer Festival 2025
Keyaki Hiroba, Saitama City, Saitama Prefecture
A large-scale event with 48 breweries participating from all over Japan. More than 300 types of craft beer, including limited brews and preview releases, can be enjoyed.
Japan Beer Festival
Tokyo, Osaka (Planned)
Japan’s largest and most historic beer event. Experience a diverse range of beer styles.
Newly Opened & Closed Brewery Information in Japan
Keika Brewing
Asamushi, Aomori City, Aomori Prefecture
A distinctive brewery where the head brewer also works as a fireworks craftsman. Located in a hot spring district, it aims to be a hub connecting travelers and locals.
Utsui Brewery
Naiichi, Shimonoseki City, Yamaguchi Prefecture
Established as part of an employment support program for people with disabilities. Produces beer using some self-grown Koshihikari rice and hops.
Oyoroko Brewery
Saitama City, Saitama Prefecture
A brewery influenced by Portland, USA. Offers beers with flavors that complement food balance.
One’s Brewery
Yokohama City, Kanagawa Prefecture
Established by a former salaryman and beer enthusiast who went independent. A small-scale brewery adopting an all-in-one tank system.
Notable Japanese Beers
| Brewery Name | Beer Name | Style | Award | Availability |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Spring Valley Brewery | Spring Valley Silk Ale | American Wheat Beer | 2025 World Beer Cup Bronze Medal (American Wheat Beer category) | Nationwide (supermarkets, convenience stores) |
| DevilCraft | The Devil in John’s Brown | American-Style Brown Ale | 2025 World Beer Cup Silver Medal (American-Style Brown Ale category) | Available at own outlets and online |
| Yokohama Bay Brewing | Bay Pilsner | Bohemian-Style Pilsner | 2025 World Beer Cup Gold Medal (Bohemian-Style Pilsener category) | Available at own outlets and select specialty stores |
| Minoh Beer | Minoh Beer Pilsner | Bohemian-Style Pilsner | 2025 World Beer Cup Bronze Medal (Bohemian-Style Pilsener category) | Available at own outlets and online |
| Daisen G Beer (Kumezakura Beer) | Daisen G Beer Stout | Brown Porter | 2025 World Beer Cup Bronze Medal (Brown Porter category) | Available at own outlets and online |
| Big Hand Bros Beer | Kias Light | English Mild | 2025 World Beer Cup Bronze Medal (English Mild or Bitter category) | Limited availability at own outlets only |
| Minoh Beer | Minoh Beer Stout | Classic Irish-Style Dry Stout | 2025 World Beer Cup Gold Medal (Classic Irish-Style Dry Stout category) | Available at own outlets and online |
| Heiwa Shuzo | Heiwa Craft A Study in Pink | Field Beer | 2025 World Beer Cup Silver Medal (Field Beer category) | Available at own outlets and select specialty stores |
| Yokohama Bay Brewing | Yuzu Weisse | Fruit Wheat Beer | 2025 World Beer Cup Silver Medal (Fruit Wheat Beer category) | Available at own outlets and select specialty stores |
| West Coast Brewing | The Gateway | Dessert Stout | 2025 World Beer Cup Gold Medal (Dessert Stout or Pastry Stout category) | Available at own outlets and select specialty stores |
| Open Air | Sansho Gose – Koji | Herb and Spice Beer | 2025 World Beer Cup Gold Medal (Herb and Spice Beer category) | Available at own outlets and online |
| Craft Beer Base | Lavender & Chamomile | Herb and Spice Beer | 2025 World Beer Cup Bronze Medal (Herb and Spice Beer category) | Limited availability at own outlets only |
| UCHU BREWING | UCHU Relax | Juicy or Hazy Pale Ale | 2025 World Beer Cup Gold Medal (Juicy or Hazy Pale Ale category) | Available at own outlets and online |
Japanese Craft Beer Trend Analysis
Continued Market Growth
The Japanese craft beer market reached a shipment volume of 43,745 kiloliters in fiscal year 2022, a 24% increase from pre-pandemic levels. The number of breweries has exceeded 800.
Rising Non-Alcoholic Demand
Due to increasing health consciousness, many companies are developing beer-flavored beverages with alcohol content of 0.5% or less.
Utilization of Regional Characteristics
Increasing production of beer using local agricultural products and water sources. Product development emphasizing connections with local regions.
Accelerated Overseas Expansion
More companies are addressing challenges such as export volume, pricing, and quality maintenance. Expansion primarily focused on Asian markets.
Focus on Sustainability
Development of “circular beers” utilizing ingredients that would otherwise be discarded, and an increase in breweries using renewable energy.
Untappd Japan Region Popular Brewery Rankings
| Rank | Brewery Name | Location | Average Rating | Number of Ratings |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | UCHU BREWING | Hokuto City, Yamanashi Prefecture | 4.02/5.0 | 64,584 |
| 2 | Inkhorn Brewing | Toshima Ward, Tokyo | 4.01/5.0 | 15,399 |
| 3 | Totopia Brewery | Nagakute City, Aichi Prefecture | 3.98/5.0 | 12,519 |
| 4 | West Coast Brewing | Shizuoka City, Shizuoka Prefecture | 3.97/5.0 | 88,457 |
| 5 | GRANDLINE BREWING | Yokosuka City, Kanagawa Prefecture | 3.92/5.0 | 1,018 |
| 6 | Amakusa Sonar Beer | Amakusa City, Kumamoto Prefecture | 3.92/5.0 | 5,825 |
| 7 | Break Edge Beer Works | Hiroshima City, Hiroshima Prefecture | 3.90/5.0 | 1,768 |
| 8 | TKBrewing | Kawasaki City, Kanagawa Prefecture | 3.86/5.0 | 5,018 |
| 9 | Son of The Smith Hard Cider | Omachi City, Nagano Prefecture | 3.85/5.0 | 1,825 |
| 10 | Open Air | Kobe City, Hyogo Prefecture | 3.84/5.0 | 8,692 |
Beer Competition Information
World Beer Cup 2025
According to the Brewers Association, the 2025 World Beer Cup (WBC) had participation from 1,761 breweries and cideries from 49 countries worldwide. This competition featured 8,375 entries, with 349 medals awarded by 265 judges from 37 countries. Japan showed a strong presence, winning a total of 13 medals.
Japan Great Beer Awards 2025
This competition hosted by the Japan Local Beer Association (Craft Beer Association) is one of the major beer competitions in Japan. The name “Great Beer” refers to beers that excel in “balance,” “aftertaste,” and “condition,” with “charm” that remains in the drinker’s heart.
Japan Brewers Cup 2025
Japan’s largest winter craft beer event that combines a beer competition and beer festival. The 2025 event featured participation from 37 Japanese craft beer makers, 1 from Korea, 3 from the United States, and 1 from Canada, for a total of 43 companies offering about 200 types of beer.
Terminology Guide
IBU and ABV beer terms, beer styles like Weizen and IPA are explained in detail in our site’s Beer Glossary.
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