Craft Beer 'Zonomai' Made from Rice Cooker Testing Rice to be Served at 'Zojirushi Shokudo'
Zojirushi Corporation launches craft beer 'Zonomai', brewed from leftover rice used in rice cooker development testing, at Zojirushi Shokudo restaurants starting May 28.
📋 Article Processing Timeline
- 📰 Published: May 18, 2026 at 19:00
- 🔍 Collected: May 18, 2026 at 10:31
- 🤖 AI Analyzed: May 20, 2026 at 06:13 (43h 41m after Collected)
Zojirushi Shokudo, the rice-focused restaurant operated by Zojirushi Corporation (Osaka, Tokyo, and Umeda branches), will begin serving 'Zonomai,' a craft beer brewed from leftover rice used in rice cooker testing, on May 28, 2026.
Designed with the concept of "providing surprises in daily life and feeling the story created by beer," Zonomai expresses the deliciousness of "rice soaring (ma-i)" while highlighting its origin as rice-based beer. It features a crisp, low-bitterness profile, making it a light-bodied drink that pairs perfectly with Japanese cuisine.
While currently available in cans for retail, the Zojirushi Shokudo will introduce a new bottled version. Enjoy it in the restaurant's relaxed atmosphere alongside their signature rice and side dishes.
To promote the "Rice Upcycling" initiative, Zojirushi plans to expand this effort to other restaurants and retailers that support this vision.
Product Overview:
- Product Name: Zonomai
- Participating Locations: Zojirushi Shokudo Osaka Main Store, Tokyo Store, Umeda Store
- Launch Date: May 28, 2026
- Volume: 330ml
- Price: Open Price
- Alcohol Content: 4.5%
- Beer Type: Golden Ale
- Shelf Life: 9 months
- Manufacturer: Echigo Beer Co., Ltd.
- Manufacturing Site: Nasu Factory
About Zojirushi's Upcycling Initiative: During the product development of its main product, rice cookers, the company repeatedly conducts cooking tests and tastings, resulting in leftover rice. To address this "waste," the company launched its "Rice Upcycling" activity to breathe new life into this rice. Since 2021, the company has sold products like sanitizing wet wipes and the craft beer 'Hare to Ho'.
Designed with the concept of "providing surprises in daily life and feeling the story created by beer," Zonomai expresses the deliciousness of "rice soaring (ma-i)" while highlighting its origin as rice-based beer. It features a crisp, low-bitterness profile, making it a light-bodied drink that pairs perfectly with Japanese cuisine.
While currently available in cans for retail, the Zojirushi Shokudo will introduce a new bottled version. Enjoy it in the restaurant's relaxed atmosphere alongside their signature rice and side dishes.
To promote the "Rice Upcycling" initiative, Zojirushi plans to expand this effort to other restaurants and retailers that support this vision.
Product Overview:
- Product Name: Zonomai
- Participating Locations: Zojirushi Shokudo Osaka Main Store, Tokyo Store, Umeda Store
- Launch Date: May 28, 2026
- Volume: 330ml
- Price: Open Price
- Alcohol Content: 4.5%
- Beer Type: Golden Ale
- Shelf Life: 9 months
- Manufacturer: Echigo Beer Co., Ltd.
- Manufacturing Site: Nasu Factory
About Zojirushi's Upcycling Initiative: During the product development of its main product, rice cookers, the company repeatedly conducts cooking tests and tastings, resulting in leftover rice. To address this "waste," the company launched its "Rice Upcycling" activity to breathe new life into this rice. Since 2021, the company has sold products like sanitizing wet wipes and the craft beer 'Hare to Ho'.
FAQ
Where can I drink 'Zonomai'?
It is available at Zojirushi Shokudo in Osaka, Tokyo, and Umeda.
What is the taste profile?
It features a light rice-derived flavor and a crisp, low-bitterness profile that pairs well with Japanese cuisine.
What is the alcohol content?
The alcohol content is 4.5%.