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Japanese Beer FAQs

Is beer popular in Japan? Yes, beer is now the most popular alcoholic drink in Japan. While distilling or fermenting whisky, sake, and shochu is considered a more Japanese pursuit, the influence of Western tastes since WWII has resulted in a dedicated, highly professional beer culture. The Japanese palate favors versatility, like easy-drinking lager or pilsner, and fruity flavored, inoffensive European styles such as Belgian Ale and Hefeweizen.

Which Japanese beer is the most popular? The most popular selling domestic Japanese beer company is Asahi Super Dry beer. Think of them as the Bud Light or Stella Artois of Japan. Other popular big brewers are Sapporo (who also own the premium Yebisu brand) Suntory and Kirin. The fifth highest-selling domestic beer, Orion, comes from Okinawa and is arguably the most interesting draft beer available internationally.

Is craft beer popular in Japan? The craft beer bar is growing in Japan but lags behind larger markets in North America, Australia, and mainland Europe. For the most part, Japanese craft beer goes for pale ale and mild strength Belgian Ales, however, they are starting to invest more in IPA beer, brown ale, and darker, stronger flavors found more often in imported beers. Smaller operators, such as traditional sake and shochu breweries, are putting money into craft beer options with typical Japanese fervor.