The beer: the true Japanese king
When one mentions the world of Japanese alcohol, the first thing that appears in our mind is the elegant sake. But, surprise! The beer has made a deserved hole, becoming the most popular drink in the country of the rising sun. Can you imagine? A culture that, over the years, has made beer its greatest ally in celebrations and moments of relaxation.
Did you know that this was not so normal?
Japan is one of those places where alcohol has the approval of the majority. About 66% of their citizens see the consumption of alcoholic beverages as something totally acceptable. Comparatively, Czechs, Germans and British have lower percentages. It is a surprising figure, which could lead to think that in every corner there is a bar waiting to provide.
The figures that surprise
Each year, the production of beer in Japan amounts to the spectacular figure of 3.5 billion liters. In contrast, other drinks such as Shocu and Sake continue with a considerably lower number: approximately 500 million and 425 million liters, respectively. All this occurs despite a tax system that could drown any occasional consumer … but the passion for beer does not go out so easily!
A trip through beer history
The history of beer in Japan began with a nineteenth -century doctor who decided to experiment in his kitchen, using a Dutch manual. Although his attempt never reached the market, it was only the beginning of an exciting story. Already in the seventeenth century, Dutch merchants began to import beer, and thus began a love relationship that follows until today.
A respite in the nineteenth century
In the nineteenth century, beer production began to flourish thanks to the Meiji restoration. With the arrival of William Copeland, a Norwegian who dreamed of creating his own brewery, everything changed. Little by little, Japanese young people went to Germany to learn the secrets of elaboration, which catapulted legendary brands such as Asahi, Kirin and Sapporo.
The revolution of small producers
At the end of the 20th century, Japan experienced a new brewing wave after the reform of fiscal laws in 1994, which allowed small brewers to come to light. With the proliferation of low -content beers of Malta, Happoshu was born, a cheaper option that soon captured the public’s attention.
The resurrection of artisanal breweries
Echigo Beer was the pioneer in the artisanal beer scene. Inspired by German and American tendencies, they created beers that echoed throughout the country. Others, like Kiuchi, not only stayed in local production; They achieved international recognition that shows that quality and passion can cross borders.
Today’s artisanal market
Today, more than 200 craft breweries offer an impressive variety that goes from traditional beers to surprising innovations. Although they only represent 2% of the market, their influence grows, especially when they manage to connect with international communities. The collaboration between both local and foreign breweries, resulting in unique products, demonstrates that beer is much more than just a drink: it is a cultural connector.
To a sparkling future
The Japanese beer scene continues to evolve. With an focus on quality, innovation and respect for traditions, as well as that camaraderie spark born from the need to collaborate after natural disasters, the future of beer in Japan promises to be as exciting as its past. Without a doubt, the rising sun has a lot to tell in the world of beer!
