Our Philosophy
of Brewing

The story of craft beer in Japan dates back to 1994. That year, a revision to the Liquor Tax Act lowered the minimum annual production requirement for beer from 2,000 kiloliters to 60 kiloliters—approximately one-thirtieth of the previous threshold.
This deregulation triggered a wave of new entrants across the country, leading to a boom in what was then known as ji-beer (local craft beer). Although the boom subsided within a few years, the breweries that endured continued to refine their brewing techniques. Over time, they began producing high-quality beers that earned recognition on the global stage.
According to a 2024 survey, there are now more than 900 craft breweries in Japan*1. Despite this growth, the craft beer market still accounts for only 1.72%*2 of the total production volume of beer and happoshu (excluding new-genre beverages).

• *1From the National Brewery List by Kita Sangyo Co., Ltd.
• *2From the2023 (Reiwa 5) Craft Beer Market Survey Results by the Japan Craft Beer Organizations Council (Kura-bi-ren)

While there is no single, universally accepted definition of craft beer in Japan, we define it as beer with diverse flavors born from the innovative spirit of its brewers.
For us, craft beer is not defined by scale, production volume, or beer style. Rather, it is beer created by craft brewers—and by extension, craft breweries—who embrace innovation and creativity.
Each of our brewers is an individual craft brewer with a distinct personality. And as an organization, YOHO Brewing is committed to remaining a true craft brewery.

These two elements—Science and Art—are inseparable. One cannot exist fully without the other. Our ideal beer often carries a sense of progression, almost like a story: a vibrant hop aroma at the start, a structured and balanced mid-palate, and a lingering bitterness at the finish that invites another sip.
We do not rely solely on science, nor solely on creativity. Instead, we build upon the knowledge and brewing techniques gained through continuous exploration, allowing creativity—expressed through originality, playfulness, and inspiration—to expand on a solid scientific foundation.

Finally, there is Story.
Beyond pursuing flavor and aroma, we approach brewing with the belief that each beer can serve a greater purpose—whether by addressing a challenge, fostering collaboration with local communities and partners, or creating meaningful connections.
We ask ourselves: can this beer tell a story—to our customers, to fellow brewers, and to society? Can it have even the smallest positive impact on the world?
Our goal is for every product to embody such a story. Alongside our diverse range of flavors, we invite you to discover the diverse stories behind each of our beers.

We want everyone—from those who have never tried craft beer to devoted enthusiasts-to enjoy it! We want to share the richness and excitement of craft beer across Japan, and bring Japan-born craft beer to the world.
With these aspirations, YOHO Brewing continues its pursuit of brewing.
To make this vision a reality, we believe it is essential to build open, collaborative relationships with breweries across Japan. In the United States, the birthplace of the modern craft beer movement, an open-minded culture thrives—where brewers freely exchange ideas and engage in dialogue with one another.
We are confident that by fostering a similarly open and collaborative culture in Japan, and by working alongside partners who share our passion, we can create exciting, distinctive beers together—driving new levels of quality and innovation never seen before.
Above all, we dream of a future where the joy and passion of the brewers are conveyed to our customers through every glass of beer they create.