Drink JAPAN is the largest trade show in the country devoted to the beverage (and liquid food) industry. That umbrella of course covers beer. This is additionally the largest industry show for Japan’s brewing industry–we’d hasten to add that it’s the only one, too.

While the U.S., Europe and China have had large-scale industry shows for years (some of which we’ve attended), Japan did not. It was discouraging in a way and made it feel as if Japan’s craft brewing industry wasn’t maturing. Even when Drink JAPAN launched, it wasn’t clear that the event would have any strong appeal to brewers. But the event is now in its 4th year and thankfully, more brewery equipment manufacturers and other beer-related vendors are exhibiting. It has reached a kind of critical mass.

This year’s event runs from November 27th to the 29th at Makuhari Messe, Japan. Who in the beer industry would it interest? Current brewery owners and brewery workers, for one. There will be manufacturers of spare parts, lab equipment, kegs, bottling and canning lines, raw materials and more. Breweries with an eye toward expansion will find complete systems and tanks on display as well. Obviously, any individuals or businesses that are considering and planning a brewery launch, including smaller brewpubs, would benefit from attending as well. Representatives from the manufacturers (and/or their importers) will be there to answer questions and perhaps even make a sale.

In addition to speaking directly with these representatives, attendees will be able to join lectures, seminars and other presentations. While most are concerned with non-alcoholic beverages, we do see that representatives from a couple of Japan’s industrial breweries will be presenting. Come to think of it, Drink JAPAN may be of interest to students and researchers as well.

The organizers expect 15,000 attendees over the three-day period. Will you be one of them? If you’re opening a brewery, perhaps you should be. And if you already own one and are planning to attend, maybe we’ll see you there. We’re excited to visit as well!

More information: www.drinkjapan.jp