An ongoing evolution: 25 years of craft beer in Japan
In its first 25 years, Japanese craft beer has faced its share of challenges. Cultivating Craft wraps up with a look at how far the craft beer boom has come, but also what industry experts say needs to improve.
Coedo Brewery's beer is rooted in agriculture
A desire to use perfectly edible produce deemed "unsuitable" for sale led Coedo Brewery to innovate with local ingredients in beer, and now its brews are on shelves nationwide.
For Shonan Beer, quality and locality drive success
Investment in the local Kanazawa Prefecture market and a focus on the quality of the beer are the keys to success for Shonan Beer.
Homebrewing in Japan: Craft beer's creative foundation
Craft beer in Japan is experiencing a second renaissance. However, many of Japan's breweries are still trying to catch up to the innovation and skill level of their overseas counterparts. Could legalizing homebrewing help boost creativity?
For Locobeer, success starts close to home
With only one full-time employee, Chiba Prefecture-based Locobeer has kept its local focus for over 20 years, all the while brewing an award-winning and eclectic lineup of beer.
Perseverance pays off for SanktGallen Brewery
With its innovative craft beers and approach to marketing, SanktGallen Brewery has established itself in Japan's craft beer world not just once, but twice.
Harvestmoon: Craft beer brewed for every palate
As Japanese brewing regulations relaxed in the mid-1990s, it wasn't uncommon for large Japanese resort companies to open breweries. One such brewery, Harvestmoon, is owned and operated by Oriental Land Company (OLC), which runs the Disney theme parks in Urayasu, Chiba Prefecture. Harvestmoon's connection to ...
From one keg to 1,000, Baird Beer is still growing
For Baird Brewing, perseverance and the cultivation of a loyal fan base has made it a rarity in Japanese craft beer: a truly independent brewery. Lacking the shelter of a parent company, it has created a line of taprooms to spread its concept of ...
Fujizakura Heights Beer: Bending the rules of traditional German beer
At Fujizakura Heights Beer, Hiromichi Miyashita pushes the boundaries of Japanese brewing tradition by fusing German and modern American styles.
Ise Kadoya: Bringing craft beer into the mainstream
Compared to the typical American craft beer company, many craft beer companies in Japan belong to larger, sometimes much older, parent companies. One of the clearest examples of this is Ise Kadoya Microbrewery. Kadoya is the brewing arm of Nikenjayamochi Kadoya Honten, which dates back ...
Minoh Beer: A father's dream, a daughter's reality
A vibrant part of Japan's craft beer community since 1997, family-run Minoh Beer has been pushing the boundaries of brewing by harnessing local flavors — and they have the international awards to prove it.
Japan's craft beer scene: 25 years in the making
The secret is long since out: Japan's craft beer scene is a vibrant place, filled with innovative brewers creating new and interesting beers alongside masterful examples of traditional styles.
