[Otaru Beer]

We recently visited the Otaru Beer Zenibako Brewery. During the brewery tour, one particular remark made by the staff member who guided us left a deep impression on us: "Abundance means having choices." Having shared information on various alcoholic beverages over the years, we recognize that quite a few people nowadays may not feel particularly interested in topics related to alcohol. Yet, even for those who do not drink at all, this statement holds profound significance when reflecting on what constitutes a truly rich and fulfilling life.

For a long time, the Japanese beer market offered only uniform taste options. Most beers produced by major breweries were Pilsners (light lagers) characterized by a crisp, smooth finish. The diverse spectrum of beer styles found across the globe—such as ales, Weissbiers, and stouts—was hardly accessible in the mainstream market back then. Against this backdrop, Otaru Beer was established in July 1995 by its founder, Akio Shoji, at "Otaru Warehouse No. 1," located within a cluster of historical warehouses along the Otaru Canal.

The mission of Otaru Beer was to plant the culture of good old-fashioned German beer firmly in Japan. To craft authentic German beer, they adopted traditional brewing methods using solely malt, hops, water, and yeast, adhering to the "Beer Purity Law" (Reinheitsgebot) promulgated in 1516 by Duke Wilhelm IV of Bavaria—to which yeast was added in the mid-16th century to form its present shape. The recipes utilized, including one passed down for over 200 years through the family line of Braumeister Johannes Braun, embody the very essence of German beer culture.

Their commitment to raw ingredients is thoroughly uncompromised; the grain used is completely custom-ordered, with cultivation methods specified to five individual farming households in southern Germany. Today, even within Germany, only a handful of breweries give direct instructions to farmers. By upholding organic farming that avoids synthetic pesticides and chemical fertilizers—even while accepting the risk of reduced yields—they draw out a robust, deep flavor from barley grown in near-wild conditions. Thoroughly pursuing genuine quality to create a culture of "freedom of choice" where none previously existed in Japan was an exceptionally progressive and daring endeavor.

This attitude of "providing options" extends beyond the beer itself. As a company operating restaurants, their conscious effort to maintain accessible, affordable prices—stemming from a constant desire to be "a beer for everyday use"—was also remarkable. No matter how magnificent and authentic a product may be, if it is reserved only for special occasions, it cannot take root as true abundance in people's daily lives. For those who drink alcohol, and for those who do not. The "abundance" we truly seek may not be simply accepting whatever is given to us, but being able to choose the "authentic" options that suit our own lives through our own volition—and having them within reach as a matter of course. Witnessing these numerous challenges undertaken to deliver authentic beer provided us with a profound opportunity to reflect on what kind of value we should continue delivering to our customers.

Located about a 5-minute walk from our Otaru Showroom, the Otaru Beer pub "Otaru Warehouse No. 1" allows visitors to directly experience this "richness of choice" created by Otaru Beer. In addition to three regular beers, Otaru Beer brews seasonal limited-edition beers. For July, it is "Schwarz," a traditional dark beer originating from former East Germany. First brewed around 1543 in eastern Germany, Schwarzbier was frequently consumed during harsh winters due to its high nutritional value. Characterized by espresso-like flavors and creamy foam, its slightly lighter palate compared to traditional variations makes it widely cherished as Otaru Beer's summer brew.

Selecting and savoring today's glass from a diverse range of beers that harmonize with your mood or the season. The freedom and richness of choice that once did not exist in Japan. Why not visit the site in person to experience the value of their sincere challenge to deliver this at prices accessible for everyday life?

Otaru Showroom
https://www.shokunin.com/en/showroom/otaru.html
Otaru Beer
https://otarubeer.com/jp/