You’ve had Japanese beer with your sushi, I’m sure. But have you ever really thought about it? Much like electronics, Japanese beer is an innovation, not an invention. The Dutch introduced beer to Japan when they established beer halls for their sailors. Later, the Germans brought their version of beer, further cementing its popularity.
The Japanese began brewing their own version of beer shortly after the Meiji Era. Many Japanese people brew their own beer, but Japan is also home to three major breweries: Sapporo, Asahi, and Kirin. The main product of all three companies is lager beer.
Japanese Beer Variations
In addition to traditional beer, the Japanese have their own version of a wine cooler, called happoshu. This is a low-malt, sparkling alcoholic beverage. Due to its low malt content, happoshu avoids the high tax rates imposed on beer. This makes it more widely accessible, as it can be sold in places where regular beer may be restricted.
The three major breweries in Japan—Sapporo, Asahi, and Kirin—are nationally recognized. While many towns brew their own beer, most establishments are restricted to serving these well-known brands. To be recognized as a beer in Japan, a beverage must contain at least 67% malt.
Japan is also famous for its liberal laws regarding the sale of alcohol. Tourists often marvel at how easily beer can be found in kiosks and vending machines. What is often overlooked, however, are the stricter laws regarding conduct after alcohol consumption. Although you can buy beer from a vending machine in Japan, you definitely don’t want to drive—or even ride a bike—after drinking. The penalties for such offenses are severe.
There are also two new breweries gaining recognition in the Japanese market: Orion and Suntory. With the increasing global popularity of sushi and Japanese culture, Japanese beer is now more widely available worldwide. You can now find most brands of Japanese beer in stores that sell beer.
The available brands of Japanese beer include: Asahi Super Dry, Asahi Black, Asahi Hon-nama (happoshu), Kirin Lager Beer, Kirin Ichiban Shibori, Kirin Tanrei (happoshu), Sapporo Black Label, Sapporo Yebisu, Hokkaido Nama-shibori (happoshu), Suntory Malt’s, Suntory Super Magnum Dry (happoshu), Orion Draft Beer, and Orion Special. While it may be harder to find Orion and Suntory beers because they are newer, most restaurants in the United States offer Kirin or Asahi.
Just like in America, people in Japan enjoy salty snacks with their beer. The most popular snack is salted edamame beans. Edamame are soybeans that are now available in the United States. You might want to try them the next time you have Japanese beer. Most grocery stores carry them in the International food aisle.
Japan is a country of tradition, and beer is no exception. If you find yourself fortunate enough to enjoy a Japanese beer while visiting Japan, be sure to follow the customs. For example, it’s customary to pour some of your beer for a friend or colleague first. Another tradition is socializing in one of Japan’s many outdoor beer gardens, which are popular during the spring and summer months.
Japanese breweries also pride themselves on brewing seasonal beers. In the fall, for example, they brew heavier beers with higher alcohol content, often pairing them with one-pot meals. In the summer, the beers are lighter. The Japanese take great pride in pairing their beer with food.
One thing that’s great about Japanese beer is its light texture and excellent flavor. If you enjoy light beer, you might find some of the Japanese beers to be a good substitute for less flavorful American beers like Bud Light. Many of these beers even win taste tests against heavyweights like Amstel Light and Heineken.
No matter your preference in American beer, don’t overlook Japanese beer when you decide to try something new. You might be pleasantly surprised by the light, flavorful taste. Plus, you’ll be happy to know that many Japanese beers are less expensive than other imported beers.