Japanese Beer: From Traditional Favorites to Modern Brews

In many Japanese films and TV series, it's common to see characters, regardless of gender or age, ordering beer as soon as they sit down to eat, often followed by sake. This highlights the deep affection Japanese people have for beer. Interestingly, when you start learning Japanese, you quickly encounter two similar-sounding words: "ビル" (building) and "ビール" (beer), with the latter pronounced longer, symbolizing their enduring love for the beverage.

Major Japanese breweries like Asahi, Sapporo, Kirin, and Suntory are well-known even outside of Japan, offering a variety of beers that are staples in local izakayas, paired with tasty snacks. These brands are among the top beer producers in the country.

In Japan, beer is the most favored alcoholic beverage, more commonly consumed than even sake, the traditional drink of choice. Beer enjoys widespread popularity across homes and bars throughout the nation, and there's a vibrant craft beer movement growing, especially in major cities like Tokyo.

 

A Brief History of Beer in Japan

Beer brewing in Japan dates back to the Edo Period when the Dutch began making beer for themselves in Nagasaki. The first commercial brewery was established in 1869 by an international businessman in Yokohama, a bustling port town. This brewery eventually started producing Kirin-branded beer in 1888 after several ownership changes.

Around the same time, the Japanese government built a brewery in Sapporo in 1876, launching the Sapporo Beer brand as part of its initiative to develop Hokkaido. This has led to a friendly rivalry between Yokohama and Sapporo over which city can claim the title of "birthplace of Japanese beer."

With the opening of Japan to international trade during the Meiji Period, foreign brewers played a significant role in enhancing local beer production and training Japanese brewers. By the late 1800s, Japan saw the rise of major breweries like Kirin, Sapporo, and Asahi, which kickstarted mass beer production. Today, Japan also hosts numerous microbreweries that experiment with seasonal and limited-edition beers.

Beer's popularity surged in the latter half of the 20th century, surpassing sake as the preferred drink in Japan. In recent years, Japanese beer has also found a fanbase internationally.

What Sets Japanese Beer Apart?

Ever wondered what makes Japanese beer different from European or American brews? A key ingredient that sets Japanese beer apart is rice. While breweries in other parts of the world typically use barley malt, many Japanese breweries opt for rice, particularly in brewing their pilsner-style lagers. Although not all Japanese beers use rice, it's a frequent choice due to its status as a staple ingredient in Japan.

This addition of rice gives many Japanese beers, like those from Asahi, Kirin, and Sapporo, a lighter and cleaner taste. These beers often feature a lower malt content and typically have an alcohol content around 5%. This distinct brewing style contributes to the unique flavor profile of Japanese beer that has gained popularity both domestically and internationally.

 

Japanese Beer Varieties

Japanese beer packaging is designed to catch your eye with its vivid colors. But what exactly are you drinking when you open one of these cans?

There are three main types of beer-like beverages in Japan:

• Malt Beer: This is the traditional beer, made predominantly from malt.

• Happoshu: This is a low-malt beer with less than 50% malt content, resulting in a lighter flavor.

• Liqueur (リキュール): These are carbonated drinks that taste similar to beer but contain very little or no malt.

The reason for these categories stems from tax regulations. In the 1990s, the Japanese government taxed drinks with more than 67% malt content at a higher rate. To offer more affordable options, manufacturers began producing happoshu with lower malt percentages. As happoshu gained popularity and affected tax revenues, the threshold was reduced to 50% malt content.

Today, many happoshu brands contain even less than 25% malt, and some beverages are marketed with no malt content at all. Whether or not these should be called "beer" might depend on your perspective.

 

How to Enjoy Beer in Japan

In Japan, whether you’re at an izakaya, restaurant, or bar, you’ll find beer served two main ways: draft (nama-bīru) or bottled (bin-bīru). Draft beer typically comes in two sizes: a medium jug (chū-jockey), which holds about 500-700 ml, or a smaller glass, usually around 200-300 ml. Though less common, you can sometimes find large jugs (dai-jockey) that hold about one liter. Bottled beer usually comes in 500 ml bottles.

You can also buy beer outside of dining establishments. Convenience stores and train station kiosks mainly sell 350 and 500 ml cans. In supermarkets, some brands offer smaller cans, such as 250 ml or even 135 ml. While beer vending machines have become less common in public spaces, they’re still frequently found in business hotels.

 

The Flavors of Japanese Beers

Japanese beers are known for their distinctive taste, shaped by both the ingredients used in brewing and the cultural approach to beer making.

Many Japanese beers are light and refreshing, appealing to a broad audience. Lagers, often made with rice, have a gentle, understated taste with very little bitterness, making them a great choice to pair with meals. This characteristic lightness is a hallmark of Japanese brewing.

But the variety doesn't stop with light beers. Dark beers from Japan can offer deeper, more intricate flavors, reminiscent of coffee and chocolate. Additionally, IPAs, which have become more popular lately, bring a bold and bitter taste with a pronounced hoppy flavor.

The influence of local flavors and ingredients is also crucial in Japanese beers. Breweries frequently incorporate elements like citrus, green tea, and various herbs, infusing their beers with a taste that reflects local traditions and the natural environment.

The precision and care in Japanese beer brewing are noteworthy. Brewers pay close attention to every step of the process, from selecting quality ingredients to controlling fermentation, ensuring each batch of beer is consistent and flawlessly executed.

 

Top 10 Must-Try Japanese Beers

Japan is home to numerous breweries, each offering their own distinct flavors. Here's a list of the top 10 beers that are a must-try for anyone visiting the country.

Asahi Super Dry

Launched in 1987, Asahi Super Dry quickly rose to fame with its striking silver can, becoming one of the most popular beers in Japan. As the country's first dry draft beer, Asahi Super Dry is renowned for its crisp and invigorating taste. This beer is a favorite across the globe and is readily available on tap in numerous restaurants and bars throughout Japan.

 

Kirin Tanrei Green Label Beer

Kirin Brewing Company Introduced Kirin Tanrei Green Label Beer in 2002 and is easily recognizable with its striking green labe and white canl. It's a top seller in Japan, known for its affordability and excellent quality. This beer features a low malt content, providing a rich and sharp flavor that's perfectly balanced for an enjoyable drinking experience.

 

The Premium Malts Beer

Experience a taste of premium with Suntory's The Premium Malts Beer. Crafted using advanced brewing techniques, this beer delivers a rich, malty aroma and a smooth flavor. Its fine, high-quality foam enhances the enjoyment of this draft-style pilsner, making it a favorite among those who appreciate a top-notch beer experience.

 

Kirin Ichiban Beer

Kirin Ichiban Beer stands out as the flagship brew from Kirin Brewing Company. It's light in body yet full of aroma and flavor, making it an ideal companion for yakinku (Japanese barbecue). Made with only top-quality ingredients, it offers a smooth and rich taste that enhances the flavors of grilled meats.

 

Suntory Kinmugi Rich Malt Beer

Presented in a distinctive royal blue can, Suntory Kinmugi Rich Malt Beer is notable for its deep malt flavors and the use of both aromatic and bitter hops. This golden-colored beer strikes a pleasing balance with its soft foam and moderate carbonation, delivering a taste experience that is both rich and satisfying.

 

Premium Yebisu Beer

Since 1887, Sapporo Brewing has been crafting Yebisu Beer, a premium, award-winning beverage named after the Japanese god of fortune. Yebisu is perfect for longer drinking sessions with its balanced hop use, subtle foam, and deep malt flavors, providing a consistently satisfying beer experience.

 

Kirin Lager Beer

A staple in Japan for over 130 years, Kirin Lager Beer is renowned for its bold flavor. It features notably thick foam and is brewed at low temperatures to enhance its crispness while maintaining a gentle bitterness. This process makes Kirin Lager a timeless choice among traditional Japanese beers.

 

Sapporo Black Label Beer

Originating from Hokkaido and adorned with the iconic star, Sapporo Black Label Beer is a standout choice. This premium beer is crafted using special techniques and quality barley, ensuring a rich, lasting malt flavor. Its robust taste has won over beer enthusiasts both in Japan and internationally.

 

Kirin Nodogoshi Nama

Kirin's Nodogoshi Nama is a standout low gluten, happoshu-style beer, offering a genuine beer flavor at a lower cost. Happoshu, defined as a low-malt beverage, was developed by breweries to benefit from lower tax rates. Despite the reduced malt content, Nodogoshi Nama delivers a satisfying beer taste and is known for being one of the most affordable options in its category.

 

Orion Draft Beer

Orion Draft Beer is a beloved brew originating from the tropical islands of Okinawa. Known for its mild flavor and crisp finish, this lager thrives in Okinawa's warm climate, providing a full-bodied drinking experience. Ideal for enjoying on the sandy beaches of Japan or in a local bar, Orion Draft Beer offers a refreshing taste that captures the essence of its island home.

 

How to Order Beer in Japanese

Japan offers a vibrant beer scene with many options to try. The legal age for drinking is 20, and it's perfectly fine to enjoy a beer in public places. You can purchase beer at supermarkets, convenience stores, and even from some vending machines, with prices starting from a few hundred yen. Always carry a photo ID to verify your age when asked.

The Japanese word for beer is "biru," written in katakana as "ビール" because it's borrowed from English. When you enter a bar or restaurant, you'll be welcomed with "irrashaimasse." If you're looking for draft beer, you'll ask for "nama biru."

 

Here are some simple phrases to help you order beer in Japanese:

• "Nama biru kudasai" means "A draft beer, please."

• "Biru ippai kudasai" or "Biru hitotsu kudasai" translates to "Please, One beer."

• "Biru futatsu kudasai" or "Biru nihai kudasai" for "Please, two beers."

• "Biru mitsu kudasai" or "Biru sanbai kudasai" if you're ordering three beers.

• If you prefer a specific brand, just say the brand followed by "kudasai" (e.g., "Asahi kudasai" for an Asahi beer)

These phrases will help you navigate ordering at any local spot during your visit to Japan!