Love of Beer, Love of Japan: Baird Brewing's 25-year Entrepreneurial Journey

Baird Brewing Company was founded in Numazu, Shizuoka Prefecture in July 2000 by Bryan Baird and his spouse, Sayuri. John Chesen, a graduate school colleague of Bryan Baird, was the company’s first investor and joined the business as a partner in 2010. When asked about the origin of the company, Mr. Chesen often explains that it is the product of two loves: a passionate love of beer in all its diversity and glory, and a deep love of and reverence for Japan, especially its rich manufacturing (“monozukuri”) and hospitality (“omotenashi”) traditions. In this talk, Mr. Chesen shares stories from the company’s 25-year business journey including successes, failures, and lessons learned and offers general observations on the craft beer industry in Japan.

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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 off-the-record.

Registration: Required Link

Moderators: Amani Kidd and Jeffery Mazziotta

Webinar Cost: Free of charge