Eighteen independent American craft breweries showcased a diverse group of craft beer brands and styles at the Great Japan Beer Festival in Yokohama, Japan from September 18-20, 2010 through the Brewers Association (BA) Export Development Program (EDP) marking the first occasion that American craft beer had a substantial presence at the festival.

The festival proved to be a highly successful venue to introduce U.S. craft beer to interested consumers. It also enabled the BA to educate media, distributors, and Japanese brewers about the innovation taking place within the industry. Through opportunities like the Great Japan Beer Festival, the EDP is boosting interest in U.S. craft beer brands that do not yet have representation in Japan, and it’s elevatiing the overall image of America as a world-class beer producing country, leading international importers to expand their portfolio to American craft beer.

Craft beer sales in Japan continue to grow, although awareness of American craft beer brands available in the market is still relatively low. The BA’s presence raised awareness of these brands among attendees and gave them the opportunity to learn about the brands through importers and BA representatives alike. Two of Japan’s largest importers of American craft beer, Nagano Trading Co and EZO Beer Co, were present at the BA booth throughout the festival.

The following American craft breweries were featured during the three-day festival, also noted is their Japanese importer if they have one:

• Ballast Point Brewing Co (imported by Nagano Trading Co)
• The Bruery
• Buckbean Brewing  Co
• Caldera Brewing Co (imported by EZO Beer Co)
• Deschutes Brewing Co
• Dogfish Head Craft Brewery
• Great Divide Brewing Co (imported by Nagano Trading Co)
• Green Flash Brewing Co (imported by Nagano Trading Co)
• Kona Brewing Co
• Lagunitas Brewing Co
• Maui Brewing Co (imported by Nagano Trading Co)
• Odell Brewing Co
• Oskar Blues Brewing Co
• Rogue Ales (imported by EZO Beer Co)
• Shipyard Brewing Co
• Sierra Nevada Brewing Co
• Stone Brewing Co (imported by Nagano Trading Co)
• Uncommon Brewers (imported by EZO Beer Co)