a festival in Tokyo and Osaka featuring America’s best craft beer

The “craft beer revolution” is sweeping the world. Consumers in beer cultures from Europe and the Americas to Asia and the South Pacific are increasingly choosing small, local and flavorful over industrial. Japan is no exception.

Japan is celebrating twenty years since the birth of its craft beer industry and though craft beer only accounts for roughly 1% of Japan’s market share for beer, its vibrancy and economic success has garnered significant media attention.

American craft beer imports to Japan have played an important role in the industry’s development. Most of Japan’s craft breweries initially offered only a few basic German styles. Following increased familiarity with products from America–arguably the world’s most robust craft beer culture–a handful of Japanese brewers began to expand the range of styles and flavors in their beers. Many of these styles, like American pale ales and IPAs (with bold hop character), spread throughout Japan. Eventually, exchanges between American and Japanese craft brewers, especially on “collaboration brews,” led to further innovation.

This festival celebrates many of the great American craft breweries that have been available in Japan at least since craft beer exploded a few years ago. It is being hosted by importers of American craft beer in Japan as well as the Brewers Association (BA) of America. Importers will be serving dozens of craft beers they represent, including selections from Sierra Nevada, Rogue Ales, Heretic Brewing Company, Sound Brewery, Schooner Exact Brewing Company and Kona Beer. Additionally, the BA’s Export Development Program will be offering an array of beers not currently available in Japan. Brewers and brewery representatives from many of the breweries will be on hand to serve and mingle with attendees. American-style food, music and other fanfare will ensure this is a festival in the true spirit of American craft beer.

Participating importers:

AQ Bevolution, Beer Cats, Evergreen Imports, Ezo Beer, Nagano Trading, Yuwa Trading

Participating Breweries

Boulevard Brewing Co, Caldera Brewing Co, Epic Brewing Co, F.X. Matt Brewing Co, Figueroa Mountain Brewing Co, Fullsteam Brewery, Gigantic Brewing Co, Heretic Brewing Co, Hilliard’s Beer, Kona Brewing Co, Kulshan Brewing Co, Lagunitas Brewing Co, Lonerider Brewing Co, Maui Brewing Co, New Belgium Brewing Co, Odell Brewing Co, Oskar Blues Brewery, Red Brick Brewing Co, Rogue Ales, Schooner Exact Brewing Co, Sierra Nevada Brewing Co, Sound Brewery, Spencer Brewery, Stone Brewing Co, Tallgrass Brewing Co, Victory Brewing Co

Tokyo event:

Saturday, June 20th, 1pm to 8pm
Tokyo New Pier Hall
Free entry; pay per serving (¥500)

Osaka event:

Sunday, June 21st, 2pm to 6pm
Stella Hall
Free entry; pay per serving (¥500)

For the festival Facebook page, please visit: www.facebook.com/americancraftbeerexperience

If you are a member of the media interested in additional general information about craft beer, interviewing one of the importers or craft brewers, or attending a pre-event tasting (currently being planned), please contact the Japan Beer Times at: info@japanbeertimes.com (English & Japanese). For some inquiries, we may redirect you to either the Tokyo hosts or Osaka hosts.