Kyoto Brewing co-founder opens new brewery in Aomori

A brewer from overseas who has worked in Japanese craft beer has chosen Aomori Prefecture, at the northern tip of Honshu, as his new stage. Chris Heinge, a founding member of Kyoto Brewing Co., co-founded Tsugaru Brewing Company (Tsugaru Brewing GK) in July 2025 in Tsugaru, in western Aomori Prefecture. The company received a licence to produce happoshu in 2026. Happoshu is a category defined separately from beer under Japan’s liquor tax law. The first brew took place on 16 April, and shipments to restaurants and liquor shops began in June.

Back after 20 years, to brew beer once more

Heinge has more than 15 years of experience in the craft beer industry. About 20 years ago, he actually worked in Tsugaru as a coordinator for international relations at the local government. He once left the industry, but his wish to brew beer again in a place he loves grew stronger. Around then, through a mutual acquaintance, he met Ryota Shiokoshi, who was born into a family that farms and processes scallops in Hiranai, Aomori Prefecture. After many conversations over drinks, the two decided to found the company together. The funds to prepare the brewery were raised through a crowdfunding campaign in 2025, which gathered 8.32 million yen from 328 backers.

Beer of the land, brewed with rice, wheat and buckwheat

Ingredients matter most to Tsugaru Brewing. While many craft beers rely mainly on imported malt and hops, the company has set out a policy of actively using rice, wheat, buckwheat and other grains from Aomori Prefecture. It has also set numerical targets: by the fiscal year ending February 2030, local grains are to make up 30% of ingredients annually, and the number of business partners within the prefecture is to grow to 100. Sourcing ingredients nearby could also reduce the energy used in transport. In the future, it is considering contract farming and running a base that combines a taproom with accommodation.

What a regional brewery shows about the new face of Japanese beer

Heinge is aiming for a circular beer that puts the region first, brewed with this land’s grains and together with this land’s people. Shiokoshi, the deputy representative, says he wants to build a world in which people who make good things can earn a proper living.

In Europe, Japanese craft beer still mostly means exports from large companies and well-known brands. At the start of shipments, Tsugaru Brewing focused on domestic business customers and had not yet begun online sales to individuals. Even so, beers that use rice or buckwheat as adjuncts are a style worth watching for anyone wanting to understand the character of Japanese beer. If you come across Japanese craft beer, check the ingredients list. Some rice beers are light with a clean finish, and they are said to pair easily with seafood dishes.