Japas Cervejaria Celebrates Ten Years in Business

São Paulo, Brazil (Sept. 18, 2024) -  Japas Cervejaria, a female-led Japanese-Brazilian brewery based in Brazil, is delighted to announce the celebration of ten years in business this October. To commemorate this significant milestone, Japas has kicked off a series of collaborations, ten in total, with breweries from around the world, and will also be releasing Kanpai, an anniversary ale, to more than ten U.S. markets starting October and through the early winter months.

Japas’ 10-year anniversary is also particularly special because the brewery has re-released Wasabiru, Japas’ first beer, which is available in select markets. Check the beer finder for more information.

Japas is founded by Maíra Kimura, Yumi Shimada, and Fernanda Ueno, all of whom have Japanese and Brazilian ancestry. Brazil is home to the largest Japanese population outside of Japan stemming from Japanese emigration to Brazil in 1908 when the Japanese ship Kasato-Maru arrived in the port of Santos, south of São Paulo. Harnessing this powerful history, Japas beer serves as a canvas that showcases the Japas co-founders’ mixed cultures which you can see translated across their ethos, branding and beer. 

“It doesn't feel like it's been that long, but looking back and recounting our story, I realize just how much we’ve experienced and worked to get here. Over these 10 years, we've navigated challenges, innovated with each new creation, and found our unique voice in the craft beer world,” says Kimura. “Celebrating this milestone is about honoring our journey and the diverse influences that have shaped us, from our Japanese-Brazilian roots to the vibrant beer culture we’re proud to be a part of. It’s a moment to appreciate how far we've come, recognize those who have supported us, and look forward to the next decade of possibilities and growth.”

At 8% ABV, Kanpai, which means “cheers” in Japanese, is a grape ale fermented with white grapes. This special beer is golden in color with fruity notes and combines the complexity of malt with the delicacy of the grapes, resulting in a refreshing profile reminiscent of champagne. Kanpai will be available in Brazil, as well as at participating retailers in New York, Pennsylvania, Michigan, South Carolina, Tennessee, Florida, California, Nebraska, Oregon, Virginia, Wisconsin and Washington D.C. starting October and through the winter.

Wasabiru, Japas’ first-ever creation, will also make its appearance to celebrate this significant milestone. This special beer brings one of the most famous and potent ingredients of Asian cuisine, wasabi, which was delicately added during maturation. Brewed with Cascade hops, this 5.5% ABV American Pale Ale is freshing with a balanced hop character.

Check the beer finder to find Kanpai, Wasabiru, and other Japas beer near you.

Kimura will be making the long trek to the east coast next month, the first time back in the U.S. in over two years, to attend Snallygaster on Oct. 12 in Washington D.C., as well as attend anniversary events lined up in New York City. 

Meet Maíra Kimura at the following events in NYC and Washington D.C.

• Oct. 7: The Bier & Cheese Collective (NYC) from 6-8 p.m. - Japas beer and cheese pairing 
• Oct. 8: Old Rabbit Club (NYC) from  7-9pm - Meet and Greet with Maíra
• Oct. 10: The Brew Shop in Arlington (D.C.) from 5 to 7 p.m.
• Oct. 10: High Side in Fairfax (D.C.) from 5 p.m to midnight (Maíra arrives at 8 p.m.)
• Oct. 11: Andy’s Pizza Shaw (D.C.) from 4 to 7 p.m. 
• Oct. 15: Beer Culture (NYC) Japas Tap Takeover from 7 p.m. to close.

To celebrate friendship and the spirit of camaraderie and shared passion within the craft beer community, Japas has embarked on ten beer collaborations for ten years with brewery friends from across the globe, such as Omnipollo from Sweden, Freigesit from Germany, Black Sheep from the UK and WeldWerks from Colorado. Stay tuned on social media to learn more details.

“Moving forward, we hope to continue innovating and expanding our reach while staying true to our roots and values. We are studying ways to strengthen the Japas brand, such as through the potential opening of themed bars, considering expansion into new segments, and exploring collaborations with a variety of brands, not necessarily limited to the beer industry. We are also actively working on opportunities for geographic expansion, particularly in the U.S. and other international markets, to broaden our presence and share our creations with a global audience,” says Kimura. “The future looks bright and exciting for Japas!”

Now more environmentally friendly! Japas cans now have a tear-off design to make recycling much easier.

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Note about the term Japas: Japas is slang for those of Japanese descent. While the term is permissible to some, Japas co-founders are clear that the term should only be used when given permission or in reference to the brewery. In harnessing the word and bringing it into the brand, the women of Japas are ressignifying and reappropriating “Japas” to showcase their pride in their origins and mixed cultures and translating that directly into their beer. 

About Japas Cervejaria

Japas Cervejaria is a woman-run, Japanese-Brazilian brewery based in Brazil. Founded in 2014 by Maíra Kimura, Yumi Shimada and Fernanda Ueno, each of their creations is the result of a dive into their ancestry. This amalgamation of beer and history is rich in aromas, flavors and culture, with recipes that celebrate the union between Brazil and Japan in a contemporary way, without clichés or pre-established ideas. Visit the website to learn more about Japas Cervejaria or find their beer here.