Hirohiko Araki × Yebisu Beer
Hirohiko Araki × Yebisu Beer (荒木飛呂彦×ヱビスビール, Araki Hirohiko × Ebisu Bīru) is a collaboration between the Sapporo Breweries beer brand Yebisu and the manga artist of JoJo's Bizarre Adventure, Hirohiko Araki. In addition to limited edition beer cans featuring Araki's art that released on February 12, 2025, an exhibition displaying Araki's artwork for the collaboration is taking place from February 13 to May 31, 2025.
Summary
Yebisu Beer was first brewed with the help of a German brewmaster in 1890, with the goal of bringing a new authentic German beer to Japan.[1] It is made with 100% malt, Yebisu yeast, and plenty of Bavaria hops, undergoing an aging process that is 1.5 times longer than regular beer.[2] During that era, advertising posters featuring "bijin-ga" (portraits of beautiful women) were widely used. Yebisu Beer also adopted this approach over time.[3]
Sapporo Breweries collaborated with Hirohiko Araki to celebrate Yebisu Beer's 135th anniversary in 2025.[4] Araki participated by drawing three artworks for the brand, including two bijin-ga portraits and an illustration of Ebisu, the Japanese god of fishermen and luck, who the beer is also named after. Sapporo Breweries released their Yebisu Beer Hirohiko Araki Special Edition Design Cans (ヱビスビール荒木飛呂彦描き下ろしデザイン缶) in limited quantities nationwide in Japan on February 12, 2025. The cans are in 300mL and 500mL sizes.[3]
Araki was commissioned to draw women in kimono and it was his first time specifically drawing bijin-ga portraits, so he reflected on what beauty meant while drawing them. Since having a background would make the artwork feel cluttered when placed on beer cans, he decided to incorporate the landscape in the women's kimono instead. He also wanted to portray them as active, energetic women and made sure to incorporate symbols of good fortune. In addition, he incorporated his own creative liberties by adding in Western-style patterns which wouldn't normally be on kimono designs, making the art unique.[5]
Along with the launch of the collaboration, Sapporo Breweries is holding two campaigns to give away goods with Araki's artwork. In the Yebisu Beer Hirohiko Araki Special Edition Design Goods Campaign, if a purchased six-pack contains a "winner" message inside, customers can fill out the postcard within and mail it. The application period will be from February 12 to May 31, 2025, and there will be 5500 winners. 500 winners will receive an original design plate manufactured by Noritake, and 5000 winners will receive original design cans and tin coasters.
The second campaign was an X Follow & Repost Campaign, which could be entered by following Sapporo Beer's official X account and quoting the designated post with "#ヱビスと荒木飛呂彦" during the campaign period. The period was from February 12 to February 19, 2025. They selected 100 winners by lottery to receive a case of the specially designed can, consisting of 24 350ml cans.[3] The goods will be delivered in July 2025.[6]
Exploring Yebisu Through Bijin-ga
Exploring Yebisu Through Bijin-ga (美人画で巡るヱビス, Bijin-ga de Meguru Ebisu) is a special exhibition held at YEBISU BREWERY TOKYO from February 13, 2025 to May 31, 2025 in celebration of the collaboration. The exhibition traces the roots of the bijin-ga posters that were used in Yebisu's history, and displays Hirohiko Araki's modernized bijin-ga with 3-meter-tall portraits. His artwork of Ebisu is displayed as well, along with a video interview of Araki explaining his design process.[7]
Original goods with Araki's designs are sold in limited quantities at YEBISU BREWERY TOKYO and some online stores, including T-shirts, pouches, tote bags, stickers, postcards, clear files, tin coasters, sweatshirts, and an Ukiyo-e painting. The first set of goods included the art of Araki's women, which went on sale starting on February 13, 2025. The second part features his Ebisu artwork and goes on sale starting on April 3, 2025.
"The Successor" Beer
YEBISU BREWERY TOKYO also offers an original exclusive limited-brew beer inspired by the themes found in Araki's works, the concept of "an inherited will and the ties of blood." Hirohiko Araki personally chose to call the beer "The Successor" (受け継ぐ者, Uketsugu mono). For over a thousand years, Germany has been cultivating hops, continuously developing new varieties even today. This special beer is a tribute to that legacy.[6] "The Successor" was made with Hallertau Tradition, which is used in Yebisu Beer, Hallertau Mittelfrüh, one of Germany's oldest hop varieties and the ancestor of Hallertau Tradition, Perle, a signature German hop, and its successor, Akoya, the latest variety at the time.[8]
About "The Successor"
"The Successor" was developed in resonance with Hirohiko Araki's dedication to storytelling through manga. Through my experience with stories, I felt that one of the most important themes is inheritance. What is passed down through narratives is blood and will. I took on the challenge of expressing these concepts through beer. Hops, a key ingredient in beer, are a crop that has been cultivated by human hands for over a thousand years. Among them, some varieties are genetically linked, while others have been carefully bred as successors. The two pairs of hops used in this beer were selected specifically for their genetic and conceptual lineage.
With their refreshing aroma and the golden glow of a classic brew, I hope that this beer allows you to experience how both Araki's works and the craft of brewing beer are stories that have been continuously woven by human hands.「受け継ぐ者」は荒木飛呂彦氏の漫画という媒体で物語を紡ぎ続ける姿勢に共鳴して開発した商品です。 私は物語に触れる中で大切なテーマの一つが「受け継ぐ」ということだと感じました。物語を通して受け継がれるものは「血」、そして「意思」であり、これらをビールで表現することに挑戦しました。
ビールの原料であるホップは千年以上にわたり人の手により紡がれてきた作物です。そのホップの中には遺伝的なつながりのある品種や、意思をもって後継として育種された品種が存在します。今回採用した2組のホップはそれぞれ遺伝子、もしくは意思を受け継いで育種されている組み合わせとなっています。それらの‘ホップファミリー’による爽やかな香りと黄金色に輝く王道の味わいの一杯で、荒木飛呂彦氏の作品もビールづくりも人の手により連綿と紡がれてきた物語であることを感じていただきたいと思います。Exhibition Artwork Descriptions
For this illustration, Hirohiko Araki envisioned customers gazing at the bijin-ga on the can while drinking Yebisu Beer. He considered the seasonal atmosphere and the most relaxing settings in which people would enjoy Yebisu, allowing these elements to inform his artwork. Given the constraints of can size and printing limitations, rather than using a complex background, he chose to incorporate elements that evoke specific places and scenes within the patterns of the kimono itself. In contrast to the blue and white theme of the 500ml can, the 350ml can's "Western" design features a bold color palette dominated by reds and oranges, creating a striking visual impact.
The vivid orange kimono is decorated with motifs evoking the vast wilderness of the American West, including a cowboy on horseback, feathered ornaments, horseshoes, and the scorching sun. The woman is depicted reclining, her gaze directed into the distance as if lost in thought. Is she contemplating the oppressive heat suggested by her kimono's design? Or is she simply surrendering to the pleasant intoxication of her drink? This is a piece that sparks all sorts of imaginations.
今回の執筆にあたって荒木飛呂彦氏は、お客様が缶の美人画を眺めながらヱビスビールを飲むことを想像し、季節感や場面、どこでエビスを飲むと癒されるかを考えて描かれたそうです。サイズや印刷などの制限のある缶という媒体で季節感や場面を表現するにあたり、込み入った背景ではなく、和服の柄に場所やシーンを想像させる題材を取り入れる手法が採られています。ブルーや白を基調とした500ml缶とは対照的に、赤やオレンジなどを基調にし鮮烈な印象を与える350ml缶の「ウエスタン」。
ヴィヴィッドなオレンジ地の着物には馬を駆るカウボーイや羽飾り、蹄鉄、 そして厳しく照りつける太陽など西部の荒野をイメージさせるモチーフが散りばめられています。女性は寝そべっており、目線はどこか遠くを見ているのか、何かを思案しているようです。 着物の柄からイメージされるような厳しい夏の暑さを憂いているのか、それとも心地よい酔いに身を任せているのか。様々な想像を膨らませてくれる一枚になっています。
When Hirohiko Araki took on the task of illustrating a bijin-ga, he reflected on the question, "What is beauty?" Inspired by the strong and dynamic women who appear in his works, he approached this illustration with that image in mind. The title of the illustration featured on the 500ml can is "Beach Patrol." It depicts a woman with a confident gaze and an audacious smile, dressed in a kimono adorned with vivid tropical flowers and plants. Her obi-dome (kimono sash ornament) features a sun motif, while her hair accessory is designed in the shape of a dolphin.
The innovative design, which completely diverges from traditional kimono patterns, creates a distinctly tropical impression. The illustration evokes the warm air of a southern beach, making one almost feel the refreshing sensation of enjoying a cold Yebisu Beer in that very setting. Araki infused this artwork with the message, "Enjoy life and stay positive." The woman's expression, full of vitality, combined with the striking colors of her kimono, brings forth a completely new image of bijin-ga. It's one that conveys a sense of freedom and dynamism to those who view it.
美人画の執筆を引き受けるにあたり、「「美人」とは何か?」を考えたという荒木飛呂彦氏は、自身の作品に登場するような力強く活動的な女性像をイメージして、今回のイラストに取り組まれたそうです。500ml缶に使用されたイラストのタイトルは「ビーチバトロール」。 力強い目線に不敵な笑みを浮かべる女性が纏うのは鮮やかな南国の花や植物が描かれた着物。 帯留めには太陽、髪留めにはイルカがあしらわれています。
一般的な和服の柄とは全く異なる斬新な図柄は、全体にトロピカルな印象で、南国の浜辺のあたたかな空気を感じさせ、その場で飲む冷たいヱビスビールの心地良ささえ感じられるような一枚に仕上がっています。「人生を楽しく前向きに」というメッセージをイラストに込めたという荒木氏。そのメッセージを体現するような女性の表情と、鮮やかな色づかいの和服は、まったく新しい「美人画」のイメージとともに、見る人に解放感や躍動感を与えてくれます。
A member of the Seven Lucky Gods and the symbolic figure of Yebisu Beer, Lord Ebisu has been reimagined in this special illustration by Hirohiko Araki. Believing that "tradition is a design that connects to happiness," Araki portrayed Lord Ebisu in a composition that adheres to traditional depictions while incorporating bold and vivid colors that give the piece a fresh, modern feel. His eyes are slightly narrowed, and he wears a lighthearted smile. There is a touch of humor in his expression.
His right hand, holding a bamboo fishing rod, is positioned in such a way that it almost appears to be pointing at the viewer. The overall presence of Lord Ebisu radiates joy and abundance, imparting a sense of positivity to those who behold him.
Araki named the beer "The Successor," and the illustration of Lord Ebisu has been incorporated into its logo, which is displayed at YEBISU BREWERY TOKYO. Visitors can also enjoy freely using a stamp featuring this artwork. Yebisu is the birthplace of the beer's name, and with the reopening of YEBISU BREWERY TOKYO after 35 years, this location stands as a symbol of both tradition and innovation. As a memento of today's visit, we hope you will welcome Lord Ebisu into your hands and hearts.
七福神の一種であり、エビスビールの魚でもある恵比寿を荒木飛呂彦読がき下ろした作品。『「伝統」とは幸福につながるデザイン』と考えた荒木氏は、次を願い、だ写とを持ってぼっているお姿という恵比寿様を描く際の伝統的な様式にありながらも、鮮やかで大阪な色づかいによって斬新な印象に仕上げています。少し目に座った意出あ様は軽やかな笑みを浮かべており、服の表情もどこキユーモラス。
竹半をる右手の指は、イラストを見る人を指さしているようにも見えます。 恵比寿様のお姿全体から感じられる楽しさや豊かさは、見る人を前向きにさせてくれるようです。 荒木氏が命名し、YEBISU BREWERY TOKYOで提供されるビール「受け新ぐ者」のロゴには、この原比寿様のイラストが使用されており、自由に様していただけるスタンプもご準備いたしました。
エビスのお薬の地であり、近年35年ぶりに旅が再開されたここ「YEBISU BREWERY TOKYO」は、まさに伝統と革新の地でもあります。本日のご来場の記念に、ぜひのお手元に恵比寿様をお迎えいただけたら幸いです。Interview
Gallery
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Bijin-ga (Western) -
Bijin-ga (Beach Patrol) -
Lord Ebisu -
Exploring Yebisu Through Bijin-ga Exhibition Poster -
Beer Cans (350 mL and 500 mL) -
350 mL Packaging -
500 mL Packaging
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Bijin-ga (Western) Museum Label -
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Bijin-ga (Beach Patrol) Museum Label -
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Ebisu Museum Label -
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Bijin-ga Western T-Shirt -
Bijin-ga Beach Patrol T-Shirt -
Bijin-ga Western Pouch -
Bijin-ga Beach Patrol Pouch -
Bijin-ga Western Tote Bag -
Bijin-ga Beach Patrol Tote Bag -
Bijin-ga Western Sticker -
Bijin-ga Beach Patrol Sticker -
Bijin-ga Western Postcard -
Bijin-ga Beach Patrol Postcard -
Bijin-ga Western Clear File -
Bijin-ga Beach Patrol Clear File -
Bijin-ga Western Tin Coaster -
Bijin-ga Beach Patrol Tin Coaster -
Ukiyo-e Portrait -
Bijin-ga Western Sweatshirt -
Bijin-ga Beach Patrol Sweatshirt -
Ebisu T-Shirt -
Ebisu Sticker -
Ebisu Postcard -
Ebisu Clear File -
Ebisu Tin Coaster -
Ebisu Sweatshirt
Video
Trivia
- Several motifs and references to JoJo's Bizarre Adventure are scattered throughout Araki's Bijin-ga (Western) portrait, such as the Lucky Land Communications logo, Killer Queen, Giorno's ladybug brooch, and butterflies. It particularly references Steel Ball Run, with Gyro Zeppeli, horseshoes, a cow skull (Hey Ya! tells Pocoloco to remember it in SBR Chapter 9), and feathered ornaments resembling In a Silent Way's.
- The name "Beach Patrol" likely references a racehorse with the same name.
- The "Y" in "Yebisu" is silent, so the brand is pronounced "Ebisu."
References
- ↑ About Yebisu (English)
- ↑ About Yebisu (Japanese)
- ↑ Jump up to: 3.0 3.1 3.2 Vish (January 14, 2025), "Hirohiko Araki Designs Limited Edition Yebisu Beer Cans", JoJo's Bizarre Encyclopedia.
- ↑ Official Site
- ↑ Exploring Yebisu Through Bijin-ga (February 2025)
- ↑ Jump up to: 6.0 6.1 Collaboration Page
- ↑ Vish (February 13, 2025), "Hirohiko Araki's Artwork Displayed at "Exploring Yebisu Through Bijin-ga"", JoJo's Bizarre Encyclopedia.
- ↑ ヱビスビール135周年特別企画 漫画家 荒木飛呂彦が美人画を描き下ろし 「美人画で巡るヱビス」 2月13日(木)からYEBISU BREWERY TOKYOにて開催！- February 5, 2025
