A: I hope for increasing of the minor beer pubs like Popeye, like brewing and supplying all by themselves. It might be a nano brewery, not a micro brewery. Easy to brew and enjoy... I would like full of such pubs here and there.


■ It sounds like brewing takes root in Japanese culture.

A: In Japan, beers are under the control of the Regional Taxation Bureau, out of Ministry of Health, Labour and Welfare. They never recognize beer is a kind of foods and leave the safety alone. Then, weird beer bars have increased without any studying and we Popeye are at our wits end, ha-ha.


■ You mean they are lowering Japanese beer's mean value, right?

A: Exactly. For beer's development in Japan, we need a right move of jurisdiction at the first. Moreover, there is no leaders in Japanese microbrews. We have some experienced in this field and I would like them to study as a leader in order to train future generation. I'll be glad when it comes true.


■ Sir, is Japanese local beer taking the first steps yet today? Finally, tell me your answer, please.

A: Well, it has barely put on a basis, I guess. Japanese truly need the right system constructed in future. Above all, customers are recently on the increase. That would gradually change breweries and distributions in Japanese microbrews, it may sound paradoxical.


■ I've got it. Let me say thank you for this interview, sir. I was lucky to have a great time.

A: Not at all. I hope I will see you again.


Interview and Text by Misaka Youhei