Beer production volume in Japan FY 2011-2020

In fiscal year 2020, around 1.8 billion liters of beer were produced in Japan, a decrease from close to three million a decade ago. Beer and beer-like beverages (happoshu) are staple products within the alcoholic beverages market in Japan. Among emerging markets, craft beers of microbreweries are gaining in popularity, with over 500 businesses producing their own brews.

Who is the market leader?

The beer market in Japan is dominated by the four major holdings companies Asahi, Suntory, Kirin and Sapporo, with alcoholic beverages making up an integral part of their domestic operations. Beer accounted for over half of the sales revenue generated by Asahi Group Holdings’ alcoholic beverage segment, while beer-like beverages grew to become the second largest revenue source.

Beer and the Japanese drinking culture

Beer has become a major part of the Japanese drinking culture and was the most popular alcoholic beverage for drinking at home. The popularity of the brewed beverage has been boosting sales at drinking establishments in recent years, with revenues of Japanese bars (izakayas) and beer halls continuously exceeding one trillion Japanese yen.