Taguchi, right, with Oshita, center, of Minoh Beer, and Sato, left, of Shiga Kogen beer.

As many have sadly learned, Japan recently lost one of its most promising young brewers, Taguchi Shohei, to a sudden, unexpected medical condition.

Most remember Taguchi as a gentle giant who was passionate about craft beer. He had devoted much of his adult life to it, culminating with his launch of Botanical Beverage Works in Kagawa in early 2015. Prior to realizing this dream of opening his own brewery, he worked for roughly a decade at both Yo-Ho Brewing and Baird Brewing, two of Japan’s top craft breweries.

Taguchi claimed that his craft beer epiphany came in 1999 when he first sipped Anchor Steam. After reading founder Fritz Maytag’s book, he began homebrewing that following year, dreaming of one day becoming a brewer. Several years later, he landed a job with Yo-Ho on the lowest rung, boxing cans in the packaging room. He asked for, but was denied, the chance to brew several times before finally given the opportunity. His homebrewing experience gave him great insight to brewing and he eventually became Yo-Ho’s head brewer during a remarkable growth phase for the company.

Several years ago, he left Yo-Ho on amicable terms to join Baird Brewing at their new facility. His eyes were always on opening his own brewery, and he hoped to broaden his understanding of beer styles at Baird, known for its prolific production of seasonals. Commented Bryan Baird, “Taguchi was a real gentleman-brewer–always cordial and quietly well-mannered, but deeply passionate in his dedication to the brewers’ craft. He will be sorely missed in a Japanese craft beer industry that desperately needs more like him.”

Taguchi was laughing and talking after a festival when he collapsed and suffered a seizure. He was taken to a hospital but did not survive. He was, at least, surrounded by friends and doing what he loved at the end of his short, but successful life. Japanese craft beer culture was enriched by the contributions he made. People’s lives were enriched by his friendship. He will be sorely missed, indeed.