A guy in Tokyo writing about Japan-related news, local craft beer venues & his tasty beer outings.
Welcome to theTokyoBill!
This is a blog of sorts -- a hobby slash passion project. It's an excuse for me to explore the Tokyo area and engage with the craft beer bars that locals and visitors may or may not know about.
Here, I write about some of the places that impress me, and I write about things in the news that catch my interest. I am not a news professional...you'll find on this site just a few short articles uploaded every day or so, and posted in podcast form as well...subject matter on whatever I happen to find interesting. Simple as.
So, if you are out and about in Tokyo, visiting a brewpub, and you see a devilishly handsome sort chatting with a lovely lady, just stop yourself. Look around for the single guy working on a laptop sipping a pint. Then, come and say hi! And ask... Are you TokyoBill? ;)
Cheers!
News on Japan...
The most recent stories that caught my eye. Visit the News on Japan page for further articles!
Food company president arrested for undercooked beef product
A meat processing company in Oita Prefecture marketed a beef liver product as 'raw liver flavor,' but it was found to be inadequately heated, violating food safety laws. The product, resembling raw beef liver, was sold online and generated significant revenue. It was also offered as a return gift in a hometown tax donation program but has been suspended after allegations of insufficient heating. The company president and another individual were arrested for their involvement. Authorities are investigating, with Oita Prefecture planning to issue a production halt order once all facts are confirmed.
Women changing jobs, homemakers returning to workforce more frequently
In 2023, there was a significant increase in the number of women changing jobs in Japan, especially those in their 40s. The belief that job changes were limited to those under 35 is fading, as experience in housework and childcare is now valued by employers. Many women in their 40s are transitioning to administrative roles, IT engineers, and clerical positions. The shortage of human resources is driving this trend, with skills acquired in housework and childcare being seen as valuable assets in the job market. Recruit Agent recommends individuals reflect on their strengths and efforts to effectively promote themselves during job changes.
Philippines deports Japanese suspected of burglary spree
Tomohiro Koyama, a suspected leader of the JP Dragon gangster syndicate in the Philippines, was deported and arrested during his flight back to Japan for alleged theft in Tokyo. He is also believed to be connected to a group responsible for a string of burglaries in Japan. Koyama is accused of conspiring to steal 700,000 yen from a woman's bank account by accessing her cash card in 2019. He was initially arrested in the Philippines in connection to a local fraud case. Investigators also suspect Koyama communicated with Kiyoto Imamura, who allegedly organized the burglaries in Japan with the help of a lawyer.
New biofuel targets set for automakers
The Japanese government is urging automakers to make new vehicles compatible with biofuel by the early 2030s to reduce global warming gases. The Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry plans to work with the private sector to create an action plan by next summer. Biofuel, made from plants that absorb CO2, significantly reduces emissions. Current vehicles can handle up to 3% biofuel, but new standards are needed for 20%. Japan's main issue is securing a stable biofuel supply as it mainly imports it. The ministry aims for up to 10% biofuel by 2030 and 20% by 2040.
If you like to listen to short-form news, please do subscribe to theTokyoBill podcast!
Recent news stories are available in podcast form: my 3-5 minute news brief on stories in and around Japan.
Brush your teeth, get your coffee ready and learn what I've learned, three times weekly!
If you can't find theTokyoBill in your current podcast player, you can go directly to PodBean here:
More stories are coming, but that's enough news for now...
...there's beer to drink!
Unless you want more news... If you do, feel free to move on to the News on Japan page for Japan-related stories.
Otherwise, let's move on to the Japan craft beer scene!
Why beer? Well, for many years, if you wanted to down a freshly-poured lager, getting some cold Super Drys followed by jugs of Suntory Malts at the karaoke box were par for the course. If you wanted to enjoy Thai, Indian or Chinese cuisine, etc., then you'd likely wash your meal down with a couple of bottles of Singha, Kingfisher or Tsingtao. And if you craved an actual pint at the local Irish/British pubs, about all you would find was a certain Irish stout!
My point being that beer choices were pretty limited to the major, common brands. Japanese brands were pretty limited in style and fairly similar in taste, with only a few specialty beer bars--some Belgian or German places come to mind and of course, Billy Barew's Beer Bar.
However, as tax restrictions eased up, brewers were able to experiment more freely and imported beer was easier to manage. The craft beer boom really gained popularity around 2010, and since then we Tokyoites have found a great selection of beer pubs and a multitude of styles. And Yokohama is nothing to sneeze at, by the way!
So, are you looking for a new place to check out? Whether you live here or are planning a visit, I hope you find theTokyoBill offers you a bit of insight to the craft beer scene. I'll compile local venues, and write my opinions on some of the places I visit.
Oh, and once again, for those of you interested in Japan generally, visit the news page, where I'll present some Japan-related newsworthy items. You don't need to be a hop-head to enjoy theTokyoBill!
Are you new to craft beer?
If you drink beer advertised on TV, you might not be a craft beer sort of person. Not that I'm knocking your tastes, mind you, but beers you typically find around town are large-batch products made by large-scale producers. These products appeal to a broader customer base, have a lower price tag and are generally available year-round.
So what is a craft beer, anyway? Let me lift a description from the International Marketing Analysis Research and Consulting Group (IMARC):
"Craft beer refers to beer that is traditionally brewed by small, independent breweries, emphasizing quality, flavor, and brewing techniques. Craft beer is typically made in smaller batches, allowing brewers greater control over the brewing process and the opportunity for creativity and experimentation.
Craft beer is manufactured using traditional brewing methods, including mashing, boiling, fermenting, and conditioning, often with high-quality ingredients such as specialty malts, hops, yeast, and adjuncts like fruit, spices, or herbs. Its importance lies in its role as a cultural expression, offering consumers a diverse array of flavors and experiences while challenging conventional beer norms."
Another term you may come across is microbrewery, emphasizing the small-volume production capability of the craft beer maker when compared to the large-scale breweries, or macrobreweries. Ultimately you ought to drink what tastes good to you, though you'll find greater variety in flavor, aroma, mouthfeel, alcohol content et al amongst craft beers.
Care to help out?
I'm keen to visit more places and bring you more beer reviews. However, I'm only working part-time and on the lookout for more projects, and I could use a hand. This website is more of a loose hobby though I'd like to expand on it!
More income would definitely help, and if you're interested in any merch, I've put up some of my personal items, martial arts gear etc. for sale on the About/Contact/Merch page.
On the About/Contact/Merch page, you'll see samples and links to some online stores I've created. Print-on-demand T-shirts, sweaters, hoodies, coffee mugs. Also candles, vitamin supplements, iPhone cases and other merchandise...some of it related to beer!
Of course, I am open to straight-up donations via PayPal. Your help would Very much be appreciated!
And again, thanks So much for visiting my site, everyone -- hope you get to visit Japan sometime!