Beer in Japan

Many assume sake is Japan’s national drink, yet beer accounts for more two thirds of the alcohol consumed in Japan. In this engaging webinar, “Beer in Japan,” John Chesen—founding partner of Baird Brewing and a pioneer of Japan’s craft beer movement—traces beer’s remarkable journey from the opening of the first brewery in Yokohama in 1859, through its early role as a symbol of modernity and Western-style progress, to the present-day market dominated by four major producers and invigorated by two decades of craft innovation. Blending history, industry insight, and cultural analysis, Chesen brings a deep respect for Japan’s traditions of monozukuri (craftsmanship) and omotenashi (hospitality) to illuminate how beer became central to Japanese society—and where it is headed next.

To join use this link to register with Zoom

You will need the link and passcode provided in the confirmation email.

This event is a part of YCAPS' "Getting to Know Japan Series".

Speaker:

John Chesen’s first exposure to Japan was in 1988 as a research assistant to Tokyo University Professor of International Relations Watanabe Akio at the Woodrow Wilson International Center for Scholars in Washington, D.C. A 30+ year association with Japan ensued. It has included a year in the Japan Exchange and Teaching (JET) program, twelve years in the satellite telecommunications industry, and fifteen years (and counting) with Baird Brewing. John holds a master’s degree in International Relations from the Johns Hopkins University School of Advanced International Studies (SAIS) and an MBA from the University of Chicago’s Booth School of Business.

Format: This event will be recorded and published in our web archive. Questions are encouraged during the live event.

Registration: Required Link

Moderators: Amani Kidd and Jeffery Mazziotta

Webinar Cost: Free of charge