Revival of Wakasa Beer, Fukui Prefecture's First Local Craft Beer, from Brink of Extinction: Nagahama Romantic Beer Launches Regional Revitalization Project

Nagahama Romantic Beer Co., Ltd. (Nagahama City, Shiga Prefecture), which has been crafting craft beer in Nagahama since its founding in 1996, announces the launch of a brewery restoration and revival project, inheriting the techniques and spirit of 'Wakasa Seaside Brewery,' a craft beer brewery located along Wakasa Bay in Fukui Prefecture.

Background of the Business Transfer

Keeping the Flame of 'Fukui's First Local Beer' Alive

'Wakasa Beer,' long cherished as Fukui Prefecture's first local beer, was once on the brink of brand extinction. This was due to the manufacturer, drive-in 'Chidoryuen,' receiving a court decision to commence bankruptcy proceedings in August 2025, following changes in transportation infrastructure and the severe impact of the COVID-19 pandemic.

However, after a tasting evaluation by the bankruptcy trustee, Wakasa Beer was judged to be a 'business worth preserving.' As a result, the Fukui District Court granted limited permission for business continuity. This allowed the continued sale of beer stored in tanks while a successor for the business was sought for the future.

Why Nagahama Romantic Beer Stepped Forward

To Cultivate a Craft Beer Culture Paired with Cuisine

The reason our company, which has brewed craft beer in Nagahama City, Shiga Prefecture, is now reaching across prefectural borders into Wakasa is not merely about acquiring equipment or reviving a beer brand.

Wakasa was once a flourishing 'Miketsukuni' (Imperial Food Province), supplying the imperial court with abundant shellfish, seafood, and ingredients, and still maintains a unique and rich food culture today. We are confident that by combining our company's accumulated brewing expertise with Wakasa's rich terroir and food culture, we can create a new 'craft beer culture that goes hand-in-hand with cuisine,' transcending the mere category of alcoholic beverages. It is with this vision that we have decided to take on this inheritance.

Future Outlook

Embarking on a Romantic Voyage from a Small Boat

Currently, restoration and maintenance work at the previously closed brewery has officially begun. However, due to years of inactivity, the machinery requires extensive repairs, and unexpected malfunctions have occurred one after another, presenting numerous challenges. Despite these obstacles, we are moving forward step by step, preparing to launch a small boat from the sea of Wakasa. We believe this endeavor will one day grow into a large ship carrying many people out into the world. We are diligently preparing to deliver our beer to you in the best possible condition and with assured quality.

SNS Accounts

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/wakasa_beer/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/wakasa.beer/

X: https://x.com/wakasabeer

【About Nagahama Romantic Beer】

Founded in Nagahama City, Shiga Prefecture in 1996, Nagahama Romantic Beer will celebrate its 30th anniversary in 2026. Nestled in the historic and picturesque streets of Nagahama, nurtured by the natural bounty fed by the snowmelt from Mount Ibuki, it operates a restaurant with an attached brewery. Since its founding, it has preserved the beloved taste of its staple beers, cherished by customers both within and outside the prefecture, while continuously challenging itself to brew new limited-edition beers every day.

【Company Overview】

Company Name: Nagahama Romantic Beer Co., Ltd.

Representative: Kei Ito, President & CEO

Address: 14-1 Asahi-machi, Nagahama City, Shiga Prefecture

Tel: 0749-63-4300

Fax: 0749-63-4301

HP: http://www.romanbeer.com/

【Inquiries Regarding This Matter】

Company Name: Nagahama Romantic Beer Co., Ltd.

Contact: Yoichi Imai

Address: 14-1 Asahi-machi, Nagahama City, Shiga Prefecture

Tel: 0749-63-4300

Fax: 0749-63-4301

E-mail: NRB@romanbeer.com