Kimuraya's "Scrap" Anpan Becomes Beer: First Craft Beer "Sakura Anpan Beer" to Launch August 1st, Media Preview Event Held July 31st

Ginza Kimuraya Co., Ltd. (Head Office: Chuo-ku, Tokyo / President: Mitsunori Kimura), the originator of anpan, will begin offering its first-ever craft beer, "Sakura Anpan Beer." (Price: 1,100 yen / Alcohol content: 4.0% / Beer style: White).

This beverage is an upcycled product made from the scrap dough generated during anpan production, inspired by the "sakudane" (fermented starter) that has been used to ferment anpan since the company's founding, and crafted to pair well with alcoholic beverages. The brewing is handled by Miura Peninsula Beer Co., Ltd. (Head Office: Yokosuka City, Kanagawa Prefecture / Representative: Shizuka Hirose), resulting in a light, food-friendly taste that offers a gentle aroma of bread with the first sip, followed by the subtle, Japanese fragrance reminiscent of the sakura (cherry blossom) salt-pickled ingredient, an icon of anpan.

Prior to its release on Saturday, August 1, 2026, a tasting event for media representatives will be held on Friday, July 31, 2026, from 5:00 PM to 6:30 PM at the Ginza Main Store's 4th-floor restaurant (Arbre Village), allowing them to sample the product early. Initially, it will be served on tap at the restaurant, with plans to consider retail sales in the future.

▼ To participate in the tasting event, please reply via the form below:

https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSf9xhDAkYmqDr2o4zyb99ngMu_G09tUvSJFWzc7icTpNBEJGg/viewform?usp=header

What's Amazing About Sakura Anpan Beer:

Kimuraya, a long-established shop and the birthplace of anpan since the Meiji era, has developed its first craft beer, "Sakura Anpan Beer."

Upcycles bread scraps (dough) from anpan production. Inspired by the "sakudane" fermented starter used since its founding, it pursues compatibility with alcoholic beverages.

Brewed by "Miura Peninsula Beer," a microbrewery staffed entirely by women. A collaboration between delicate bread-making and delicate brewing.

Taste: A light white beer with aromas of bread and sakura, suitable for meals.

Background of Sakura Anpan Beer Development:

Elevating Japanese Bread Culture to a New Stage

For a long time, two brands, "Ginza Kimuraya" and "Kimuraya Sohonten" (responsible for manufacturing and wholesale), have coexisted under the anpan umbrella. With three years left until its 160th anniversary, Mitsunori Kimura became president of both companies two years ago. Returning to the fundamental question of "What does Kimuraya mean to our customers?", the company unified its store name to "Kimuraya Sohonten" on April 4, 2026, "Anpan Day." Its stated purpose is "To enrich Japan's bread culture." As the second initiative following the "Steamed Cake Ice" (released April 24th, sold out in about a month), they are venturing into craft beer, a rare move for a bread maker.

Craft Beer Market Expands to Over 36 Billion Yen; Entry of Long-Established Companies and Other Industries Accelerates

According to a survey by the Japan Craft Beer Association Liaison Council (Kurabiren), the domestic craft beer market (excluding major breweries) reached approximately 36 billion yen in sales in fiscal year 2022. The number of breweries nationwide was 797 as of April 2024, and is projected to grow to 973 by 2026. Amidst this market expansion, story-driven craft beers rooted in regional and food cultures, as well as entries from long-established companies and other industries, are attracting new consumer interest.

(Source: Japan Craft Beer Association Liaison Council)

4.64 Million Tons of Food Loss: Upcycling Bread Scraps into Beer Spreads Awareness

Japan's food loss is estimated at approximately 4.64 million tons in fiscal year 2023 (of which 2.31 million tons are from businesses). As a long-established company with the purpose of "enriching Japan's bread culture," we believe we have a mission to earnestly address this issue and work towards improvement. We aim to give new value to materials that have not been fully utilized and deliver them to customers in a way that brings them joy.

(Source: Announcement of Estimated Food Loss Generation in Japan (Fiscal Year 2023) | Ministry of the Environment)

Sakura Anpan Beer Product Details:

Product Name:

Sakura Anpan Beer

Beer Style:

White / A light, food-pairing beer with aromas of bread and sakura.

Alcohol Content:

4.0%

Serving:

Poured from tap into a glass and served at the restaurant.

Price:

1,100 yen (330ml)

Main Ingredients:

Malt, hops, bread scraps (dough from anpan production), pickled sakura blossoms, etc.

Brewing:

Miura Peninsula Beer https://mp-beer.com/

Start of Service:

August 1, 2026, at the Ginza Main Store's 2nd-floor restaurant (Kissaten Kimuraya). Preparations are underway with future retail sales in mind.

Sakura Anpan Beer Manufacturing Process:

▼ Anpan scraps used as raw material.

▼ Mixing of ground malt and bread scraps.

Comments from Stakeholders:

[Comment from Shizuka Hirose, Representative of Miura Peninsula Beer Co., Ltd.]

When we first heard that we would be brewing beer with anpan dough, we were surprised. However, Kimuraya's bread carries the culture of fermentation with "sakudane," providing a foundation that resonates with alcohol. The challenge was to retain the anpan-like aroma while achieving a lightness that wouldn't interfere with food. Through repeated trials, we gradually balanced the flavors of bread, sakura, and saltiness. As a small brewery on the Miura Peninsula, we will continue to cherish our ingredients and deliver a drink that gently accompanies our customers.

[Comment from Mitsunori Kimura, President of Ginza Kimuraya Co., Ltd.]

It might surprise people to hear that anpan can become beer. However, Kimuraya's anpan has been associated with the culture of fermentation using "sakudane" since the Meiji era. We wanted to turn the inevitable scraps from baking bread into something delicious again, without waste. Our aim was not to be unconventional, but to create a drink that naturally complements our bread and cuisine. Please enjoy this light beer with its subtle anpan aroma.

Media Tasting Event Overview:

A tasting event for the media to sample "Sakura Anpan Beer" before its release.

Date and Time:

Friday, July 31, 2026, 5:00 PM - 6:30 PM (scheduled; reception from 4:30 PM)

Venue:

Arbre Village (Kimuraya Sohonten Ginza Main Store, 4F / 4-5-7 Ginza, Chuo-ku, Tokyo)

Format:

Standing buffet style (Served from beer taps; 3-4 dishes planned to pair with the beer)

Speakers:

Representative from Ginza Kimuraya Co., Ltd. Brewing representative from Miura Peninsula Beer Co., Ltd.

Participation Fee:

Free

Application Method:

Please reply via the attendance form. https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSf9xhDAkYmqDr2o4zyb99ngMu_G09tUvSJFWzc7icTpNBEJGg/viewform?usp=header

What You Can Obtain/Materials Provided for Coverage:

Pre-release tasting of "Sakura Anpan Beer."

Interviews and comments from representatives of Ginza Kimuraya Co., Ltd. and Miura Peninsula Beer Co., Ltd.

Photography: Product / Anpan x Beer pairings / Raw materials such as bread scraps and pickled sakura / Portraits of the creators, etc.

Media Support: On the day of the tasting event (July 31st) / Individual interviews on later dates can also be arranged (weekdays, consultation required).

Company Overview:

Ginza Kimuraya Co., Ltd. is the originator of anpan, founded in 1869. In 1874, they devised anpan fermented with "sakudane," and in 1875, they presented Sakura Anpan, using pickled sakura blossoms, to Emperor Meiji, receiving the honor of purveyor to the Imperial Household Agency.

Company Name: Ginza Kimuraya Co., Ltd.

Location: 4-5-7 Ginza, Chuo-ku, Tokyo

Representative: President Mitsunori Kimura

Founded: 1869

Business Activities: Manufacturing and sales of various breads, restaurant management.

Official Website: https://www.ginzakimuraya.jp/