Japan Beer Fest: Focus on microbreweries 

For the first edition of Japan Beer Fest, we are showcasing three iconic Japanese microbreweries. Driven by values of sustainability, tradition, and innovation, these breweries embody the revival of Japanese craft beer. 

In a beer market experiencing a slight decline (-1%), craft, local, and flavored beers are emerging as the most dynamic segments. Traditional industrial beers are losing ground as consumers seek novelty, authenticity, and variety. 

Within this trend, three microbreweries perfectly illustrate these shifts: Coedo, the Japanese craft beer; Iki, an organic flavored beer inspired by Japanese flavors; and Hikari, a unique French beer brewed with rice. 

Coedo: Japanese excellence, between tradition and sustainability 

The Coedo brewery was founded in Saitama, near Tokyo. Since its beginning, it has been committed to producing high-quality craft beers, bucking the trend of large industrial brands. Today, Coedo is recognized both in Japan and internationally for its expertise, attention to detail, and commitment.  

It stands out in particular for its responsible approach. The parent company, Kyodo Shoji, which had been growing organic vegetables through short supply chains since the 1970s, came up with the idea of brewing beer using local sweet potatoes. This led to the creation of Beniaka, an amber beer — a bold choice that perfectly reflects its sustainable vision.

In our selection, we offer seven varieties, all designed for elegant food and beer pairings:  

• Beniaka, brewed with roasted Kintoki Sweet Potatoes from Saitama, Japan. This imperial Amber is rich and smooth bodied in style, perfectly balanced with earthy hop bitterness. With its caramel and sweet potato aromas, it complements vegetables or meats like tatsutaage (fried chicken) or gyoza dumplings.
   

• Yuzu, the new beer from Coedo! This Japan Pale Ale is brewed with rice and yuzu from Japan. It offers a delicate, citrusy aroma harmoniously blended with the fragrant aroma of hops. Its golden hue and white foam evoke elegance, while the Japanese rice imparts a dry, refreshing finish. Best enjoyed with fish-based dishes. 

• Shiro, an elegant and expressive white beer. Light on the palate yet rich in flavor, it reveals notes of banana, cloves, tropical fruits, and wheat. A refined beer with a soft hop finish, ideal with smoked dishes like skipjack tuna tataki.
   

• Ruri, a light and refreshing Japanese Pilsner with a well-balanced hop bitterness. Perfect as an aperitif to open the palate, it pairs wonderfully with all kinds of cuisine
   

• Kyara, a pristine light copper hue with a pleasant aroma of malt, hops, honey and citrus. Medium bodied, with excellent drinkability, it pairs beautifully with grilled foods like yakitori.
   

• Shikkoku  with its intense black color, offers a smoky espresso aroma with a medium bodied malt drinkability. It has a rich roasty but balanced flavour with a clean crisp hop finish. Perfect with meat dishes such as negima, grilled chicken and leek skewers.
   

• Marihana, which means “hop flower” in Japanese, unveils a delicate, citrusy hop aroma. With the contrast of its light golden hues and airy white head, this session IPA delivers the full aromatic intensity of an IPA but with a lower alcohol content for greater drinkability. It charms with its elegant fragrance, well-managed bitterness, and the subtle balance of its hops. An excellent match for citrus-accented dishes.
   

Coedo is the promise of a high-end product that is respectful and authentic. 

Iki: an organic, locally brewed beer infused with Japanese sencha green tea 

Iki Beer is the result of a meeting between two cultures: Japanese refinement and European expertise. Brewed in the Netherlands, this organic beer draws inspiration from Asian flavors to offer light, balanced, and resolutely modern recipes. 

The choice of ingredients such as Sencha green tea, ginger, and yuzu makes it a refreshing alternative to classic beers, ideal with gyoza, korokke, or tatsutaage. 

Iki appeals with its refined aesthetics and organic positioning. It is a simple and elegant way to introduce Japanese culture into places that focus on naturalness,environmental respect, or light pairings. 

Our range includes two recipes: 

• Iki Yuzu: Refreshing and slightly tangy, infused with fresh Sencha tea leaves and yuzu citrus. 

• Iki Ginger: Amber-hued and more vegetal, subtly spicy, brewed with fresh Sencha tea leaves and ginger. 

The perfect beers to accompany your Izakaya dishes to share.
 

Hikari: brewed in France with Shinju Maï japonica rice  

Hikari is a French craft brewery inspired by Japan, combining tradition, quality, and innovation. Using a process free of filtration and pasteurization, its beers are cold-matured for four weeks to develop refined flavors. Brewed with carefully selected ingredients — including Japonica rice (Shinju Maï), a noble ingredient in Asian tradition — the brewery is committed to clean, respectful production: no additives, no colorants, no preservatives. 

We offer three varieties: 

• Wheat Ale infused with Yuzu: A new beer from Hikari, refreshing and floral, with citrus notes. Perfect with skipjack tuna tataki
   

• Pale Ale: A floral, malty blonde ale infused with sake from the Takara Shuzo brewery. A collaborative creation designed for curious customers drawn to new, hybrid products. Ideal with mild and delicate dishes such as fish.
   

• IPA brewed with Japanese Sorachi Ace hops: A beer with tropical fruit notes and a pleasant herbal bitterness. Pairs beautifully with spicy dishes. 

With a light, smooth mouthfeel, aromatic smoothness brought by Shinju Maï rice, and a subtle fruity touch, Hikari fits perfectly into any Izakaya-style offering. 

It’s a perfect gateway for introducing beer to a wider audience — without compromising on quality or culture.

Why add these beers to your menu? 

In a market driven by the rise of craft beers, our microbreweries arrive at the perfect moment. Product innovation is essential to attract new consumers while engaging loyal ones.

Offering Japanese craft beers or Japanese-inspired beers is not just about enhancing your drinks menu. It’s about offering your customers a complete experience rooted in culture, craftsmanship, and innovation. Each beer reflects a story: that of a region, a skill, and a sincere commitment. 

These beers naturally fit into all types of restaurants, whether it’s a sushi bar, a modern bistro, a street food spot, or a fine dining restaurant. They add real perceived value, allow for original food and drink pairings, and meet the current expectations of consumers looking for authentic, well-designed, and meaningful products.

 

If you would like personalized advice or information about our products, please do not hesitate to contact us via the contact form! 

Product availability varies by country, so please contact us for more information.  

Alcohol abuse is dangerous for your health, please drink responsibly.