Over the past decade, craft brewers in the US have exploded onto the beer market. Japan’s craft boom is just starting, but both have become big business. This event will explore the impact and opportunities created by this exciting industry. Grab a drink and network virtually with us after the panel discussion!
The Japan America Society of Greater Philadelphia in partnership with the Japan America Society of Pennsylvania will present this program in both Philadelphia and Pittsburgh.
Moderator: Jason Young from KPMG, and JASGP Business Program Committee.
Schedule from 7:00 PM – 8:30 PM
7:00 PM Program opens, Introductions
7:10 PM Panel Discussion
7:45 PM Panel Q&A
8:05 PM 5 Minute Break
8:10 PM Networking/Breakout rooms
8:30 PM Program Close
The Panelists:
MINDFUL BREWING COMPANY – Adam Kubala
Treasurer, District Pittsburgh MBAA
Brewer, Mindful Brewing Company
Mindful Brewing utilizes a state of the art 10 bbl 2-vessel steam-driven system. Our system is big enough to get you the beer you love while being small enough to try some really interesting one-off beers seasonal brews. At Mindful Brewing we take commitment seriously. Our commitment to our beers is that we will always use local ingredients whenever possible and that we will strive to make every batch of beer live up to not only your standards, but ours as well. We also have a commitment to our industry to stay independent and keep craft beer the way it should be.
HOKKAIDO BREWING – Andrew Wu
ABOUT THE BREWERY
One of the most frequent questions we receive is “where is Hokkaido?” At first glance, it’s a pretty simple question. Hokkaido is the second-largest and northernmost island of Japan, it’s the largest prefecture. Hokkaido is known for beautiful landscapes, mesmerizing snowfall, and (of course) its delicious assortment of freshly grown fruit. It’s where, in 1999, Takashi-san discovered that the “ugly” fruits from these harvests were being thrown away, despite maintaining their mouthwatering flavor. Upon this revelation, a concept was born: look beyond what meets the eye. This ideal would lead Takashi-san to become one of Japan’s great fruit beer pioneers.
While our brewmaster was scouting potential breweries, he made quite the fateful encounter. As Takashi-san stood behind a small fishing port, he was approached by a dark and brooding cat with piercing yellow eyes. Every time that Takashi-san returned, this outcast re-appeared as well. As time passed, something strange began to happen: with each visit, the cat came closer and closer, slowly revealing his true friendly nature. What first appeared as a solemn, ominous creature eventually became a symbol of Takashi-san’s passion: look beyond what meets the eye. Takashi-san soon took this cat as a “business partner” and made him the brewery’s official icon.
On second thought, “where is Hokkaido?” is a bit more complex. Hokkaido is where a brewmaster can take disregarded harvests and craft them into delectably refreshing, wonderfully flavorful fruit beers. It’s a place where a mysterious cat from a local fishing port can eventually become a lifelong business partner. It’s where a cool, crisp port breeze can lift the weight of the world off your shoulders and invite you to enjoy life’s simple pleasures. Hokkaido is where you can look past what meets the eye and see the amazing potential in everything that nature has to offer. Hokkaido is fresh. Authentic. Unforgettable.
Eli Raffeld
Founder, Highroad Spirits; Importer, COEDO
COEDO BREWERY – Saitama, Japan
COEDO is pronounced (Co-A-Doh), meaning Little Tokyo, is the premier craft brewery in Japan, founded in 1996. COEDO is the nickname for Kawagoe, a city in Saitama Prefecture Japan, located in the Greater Tokyo Area. Since before modern Tokyo, Kawagoe has been influencing Japanese culture through its fashion, art, and agriculture.
COEDO’s founders pioneered farm-to-table produce distribution in Tokyo. Their passion for sustainable farming, sourcing, and distribution is at the heart of the modern Coedo Brewery. COEDO’s award-winning premium craft beers have been honored all over the world for their balance, flavor, and craftsmanship. COEDO’s beers pair beautifully with all foods and deliver an exciting and refreshing experience, authentic to Japan.