Wondering what the differences are between Japan’s major beer companies?
Asahi, Kirin, Sapporo, and Suntory — these four giants dominate Japan’s beer scene, each with its own brewing philosophy, flavor profile, and history. In this guide, we’ll take a deep dive into what makes each of them unique and introduce their flagship beers.
Asahi Breweries
Overview:
Founded in 1889, Asahi revolutionized Japan’s beer industry with the launch of Asahi Super Dry in 1987. It sparked the “Dry Beer War” and set a new trend with its crisp, clean, and dry taste.
Asahi beers are known for their sharpness, light body, and clean finish — perfect for pairing with Japanese cuisine.
Notable Beers:
Asahi Super Dry
Japan’s most iconic dry lager. Crisp and refreshing, it complements sushi, tempura, and other subtle-flavored dishes.
Asahi Nama Beer (Maruefu)
A mellow, creamy beer with a nostalgic taste. Originally released in the 1980s and revived in recent years.
Kirin Brewery
Overview:
Established in 1885 in Yokohama, Kirin is one of Japan’s oldest breweries. It’s well known for deep malt flavors and well-balanced bitterness. Kirin emphasizes a traditional brewing approach, with a modern twist.
Their signature “Ichiban Shibori method” (first press only) extracts only the first wort for a smoother and more refined flavor.
Notable Beers:
Kirin Ichiban Shibori
A smooth, rich beer brewed only from the first wort. Ideal for those who want malty depth without heaviness.
Kirin Lager
Japan’s oldest lager (since 1888). A bold and bitter beer with a loyal following.
Sapporo Breweries
Overview:
Founded in 1876 in Hokkaido, Sapporo holds the title of Japan’s oldest beer brand. Known for consistent quality and rich body, Sapporo has a strong domestic and international presence.
In addition to the widely available Black Label, they also brew the premium Yebisu Beer, which follows traditional German brewing methods.
Notable Beers:
Sapporo Kuro Label
Balanced bitterness, creamy foam, and a refined lager experience. Known as the “beer for grown-ups” in Japan.
Yebisu Beer
100% malt and long-aged. Yebisu offers a luxurious, full-bodied taste with a slightly sweet and toasty aroma.
Suntory Beer
Overview:
Suntory began as a whisky company but made a strong entrance into the beer world with its premium brand The Premium Malt’s in 2004. Known for aromatic hops, creamy foam, and refined flavor, Suntory beers lean toward the luxurious side.
They also experiment with craft-like styles and new brewing methods, pushing the boundaries of Japanese beer.
Notable Beers:
The Premium Malt’s
Elegant aroma and a deep, satisfying flavor. One of Japan’s most successful premium beers.
Suntory Nama Beer (Triple Nama)
Released in 2023, this innovative beer uses a three-stage brewing temperature process for a smooth, clean taste.
Comparison Chart
| Brewery | Key Characteristics | Popular Beers |
|---|---|---|
| Asahi | Crisp, dry, sharp | Super Dry, Maruefu |
| Kirin | Malty, traditional | Ichiban Shibori, Lager |
| Sapporo | Rich, balanced | Sapporo Kuro Label, Yebisu |
| Suntory | Aromatic, premium | The Premium Malt’s, Triple Nama |
Final Thoughts
Each of Japan’s big four beer companies has a distinct identity. Whether you prefer the clean finish of Asahi, the malty richness of Kirin, the smooth balance of Sapporo, or the aromatic complexity of Suntory, there’s a Japanese beer for every palate.
If you’re visiting Japan or shopping for imported beer abroad, try a tasting session — you’ll quickly learn how diverse Japanese beer really is.
